KCC Productions and the Van Dyke Cafe present Michael Campagna
Thursday, December 1, at 9 PM
The Van Dyke
846 Lincoln Road
South Beach

For more information, call 305-534-3600 or visit thevandykecafe.com.

Michael Campagna has been acclaimed as one of the most original and exciting new talents in jazz today. He has performed on stages and in recording studios across the globe. His debut recording as a leader – Passionate Nature – garnered high critical acclaim. “He is a great player with a great sound and a lot of melody in his heart and he makes me happy when I hear him play” says saxophone giant George Garzone. “Once and a while you meet musicians who have what we call an ‘old soul’, an immensely talented musician and composer, he’s serious, but not so serious that you can’t find the fun in his music” according to Loren Schoenberg, Executive Director of the Jazz Museum in Harlem.

A graduate of the University of Miami as a Studio Music and Jazz major, he earned a Master’s degree in Composition, while focusing extensively on woodwind doubling, in addition to improvisation and composition: he can be heard regularly performing on tenor, soprano saxophones and flute. Campagna has spent several years teaching aspiring musicians, notably at the University of Miami and at the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York City, and most recently at the “Niccolo’ Paganini” Conservatory of Music in Genoa, Italy. Michael’s versatility as a musician and composer has led him to engagements with the Florida Philharmonic, the New World Symphony and the Naples Philharmonic.

He was a commissioned arranger for the Greensboro, North Carolina Pops Symphony. Campagna has shared the stage with a wide range of musicians, from jazz legends such as Charlie Haden, Maria Schneider, Dave Liebman, George Garzone, Randy Brecker, Jimmy Heath, Donald Byrd, Junior Mance, Bobby Short, John Faddis, Ben Riley, Claire Fisher, The Toshiko Akiyoshi Big Band and The Duke Ellington Orchestra, to Warner Bros. recording artists Lea DeLaria and BWB, to Motown legends The Temptations as well as performing on the Latin American hit TV program Sabado Gigante.

A frequent collaborator with musicians from all over the globe, Campagna has most recently been touring with internattional recording artist, Josè James as part of his highly acclaimed Facing East: The Music of John Coltrane project as well as a high powered quintet collaboration with American trumpeter Andy Gravish entitled 5AM.

Excision
Fillmore Miami Beach
At The Jackie Gleason Theatre
Thursday, March 8th, 9PM

Tickets On Sale Mon., Nov. 28th / 10am!

The multimedia extravaganza of Excision comes to the intimate Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theatre on Thursday, March 8th, 2012 at 9PM. Tickets go on sale Monday, November 28th at 10AM. This is part of the Cruzan Concert Series.

Following up the massive SUBSONIC Tour of 2011, which featured show after show of ear-crushing bass, and after hundreds of packed headline shows all over the world, Excision now prepares to hit the road once more. This time, Excision will be joined by a massive arsenal of PK Production, including PK’s new next level 18″ subwoofers that have been designed exclusively for Dubstep in a system that peaks at 100,000 Watts of soul-shattering bass. In addition, the tour will be boasting an army of intelligent lights, as well as the highly anticipated, state-of-the-art “X Vision” intelligent video mapping system, a revolutionary visual experience that will absolutely blow your mind. This will be the largest and most intense tour in bass music history, featuring top of the line production and one of the most enigmatic and sought-after bass artists of all time. Prepare yourselves for an epic journey that will surely be remembered for the rest of your days!

General Admission tickets are $23.00 in advance and $25.00 Day of Show. They go on sale Monday, November 28th / 10AM at LiveNation.com or charge by phone 800-745-3000 and at the Fillmore Box Office during normal business hours (Mon. – Fri., 11AM – 6PM and during show days).

All dates, acts and ticket prices are subject to change without notice. All tickets are subject to applicable taxes, parking and service and handling charges.

For more information go to www.fillmoremb.com.

The Betsy Hotel Presents Its December 2011 Wednesday and Thursday Night Live Jazz Line-Up
Jazz performances begin at 8 p.m. in the Lobby Bar
The Betsy South Beach
1440 Ocean Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33139.

Enjoy the smooth sounds of touted vocalists including:

Big Brooklyn Red, performing Thursdays in December 2011 (1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th), has a sound described as “A deeply spiritual and transcendent experience – an expression of the freedom and the power letting the creative spirit flow.” www.myspace.com/bigbrooklynred

Enjoy the cool sounds of PoppaE, playing old school blues every Wednesday in December 2011 (7th, 14th, 21st, 28th). http://poppae.com

The wildly popular jazz series continues Wednesday and Thursday evenings at The Betsy through December with the smooth vocals of Big Brooklyn Red and old school blues by PoppaE. Performances take place in the hotel’s bustling Lobby Bar, which offers the perfect gathering spot for experiencing these stellar entertainers. Attendees can enjoy delicious signature cocktails and a bar menu provided by BLT Steak, the Betsy’s acclaimed in-house dining destination.

Excision
Thursday, March 8th, 2012
Fillmore Miami Beach
At The Jackie Gleason Theatre
www.fillmoremb.com

Tickets On Sale Mon., Nov. 28th / 10am!

Excision comes to the intimate Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theatre. This is part of the Cruzan Concert Series.

Following up the massive SUBSONIC Tour of 2011, which featured show after show of ear-crushing bass, and after hundreds of packed headline shows all over the world, Excision now prepares to hit the road once more. This time, Excision will be joined by a massive arsenal of PK Production, including PK’s new next level 18″ subwoofers that have been designed exclusively for Dubstep in a system that peaks at 100,000 Watts of soul-shattering bass. In addition, the tour will be boasting an army of intelligent lights, as well as the highly anticipated, state-of-the-art “X Vision” intelligent video mapping system, a revolutionary visual experience that will absolutely blow your mind. This will be the largest and most intense tour in bass music history, featuring top of the line production and one of the most enigmatic and sought-after bass artists of all time. Prepare yourselves for an epic journey that will surely be remembered for the rest of your days!

General Admission tickets are $23.00 in advance and $25.00 Day of Show. They go on sale Monday, November 28th / 10AM at LiveNation.com or charge by phone 800-745-3000 and at the Fillmore Box Office during normal business hours (Mon. – Fri., 11AM – 6PM and during show days).

All dates, acts and ticket prices are subject to change without notice. All tickets are subject to applicable taxes, parking and service and handling charges.

KCC Productions and the Van Dyke Cafe present Big Poppa E and the E Band
Thursday, November 24, at 9 PM
The Van Dyke
846 Lincoln Road
South Beach

Featured are Big Poppa E, harp and guitar, Darrell Raines, lead guitar, George Caldwell, bass, and Robert Slade Lemont, drums.

For more information, call 305-534-3600 or visit thevandykecafe.com.

Composer, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Big Poppa E is a prominent and influential figure in the late 20th century blues and roots music. Though his career began more than four decades ago with American jazz, he has broadened his artistic scope over the years to include music representing many varied genres. Born Mutasim Ra’id Faisal in New York in 1948, his father was a jazz pianist, composer and arranger of Caribbean descent, and his mother was a gospel singing schoolteacher from Louisiana. Early in his childhood, the young musician learned to play the tenor and alto sax, trombone and harmonica, and he loved to sing. He discovered his father’s guitar and became serious about it in his early teens when a guitarist from Mississippi moved in next door and taught him the various styles of Muddy Waters, Lightnin’ Hopkins, John Lee Hooker and Jimmy Reed and other titans of Delta and Chicago blues.

Musi, as he was affectionately called, studied economics at Syracuse University in the late 1960s and later law at the University of Chicago. Inspired by a dream, he adopted the musical alias of E and later was crowned “Big Poppa E” by one of Miami’s top promoters, DJ Oski. After graduating, he headed west in to Los Angeles, where he worked as a studio musician for the next 15 years. Around this same time, Poppa E also mingled with various blues legends, including Koko Taylor, Muddy Waters, Junior Wells, and Sleepy John Estes. This diversity of musical experience served as the bedrock for Poppa E’s first three recordings: Southern Style: Blues Sessions (2006), Mississippi Reminiscence (2007) and Five Long Years, A Tribute to Carey Bell (2008). Drawing on all the sounds and styles he’d absorbed as a child and a young adult, these early albums showed signs of the musical exploration that would be Poppa E’s hallmark over the next few years.

In 2008, Poppa E carved out a unique musical niche with a string of adventurous recordings, including “Blues A Healer”, “Crossroads” and “Anthology du Blues”. In 2008, Poppa E’s version of “Terraplane Blues” was nominated by the International Academy of Independent Artist for Best Blues Song of the Year and his album, “Blues A Healer” was nominated for Best Blues Album of the Year by Cash Box Magazine. Poppa E’s recorded output slowed somewhat during 2010 as he toured relentlessly and immersed himself in the music and culture of his new home in Miami. Still, 2010 saw the well-received release of “Big Poppa E Live” in 2010, as well as his celebrated children’s album, “Children’s Classics” on the Black Owl Music label.

Poppa E is headed back into the studio in early 2011 to work on a new projected aptly entitled, “Bootleggers Blues”. As the title suggests, this twelve-track set marks the fortieth anniversary of Poppa E’s rich and varied recording career by mixing original material, chestnuts borrowed from classic sources, and songs written by a cadre of highly talented guest artists from around the globe. “The one thing I’ve always demanded of the records I’ve made is that they be listenable and danceable,” he says. “If the record is danceable, it’s listenable, it has lots of different rhythms, it’s accessible, it’s all right in front of you. It’s a lot of fun, and it represents where I am at this particular moment in my life. This record is just the beginning of another chapter, one that’s going to be open to more music and more ideas. Even at the end of forty years, in many ways my music is just getting started.”

Soulful Songstress Nicole Henry Kicks Off the Holidays!
December 1st
Miami Beach Stage Door
500 71st Street
Miami Beach

U.S. Launch of “Set For The Season” CD. Sophisticated, soulful and fun, Nicole Henry will debut songs from her Holiday CD Set For The Season: Live in Japan.

Nicole has won praise from both critics and audiences worldwide for her powerful ability to truly touch and inspire people with her beautiful voice and stunning presence. She has released four international Top 10 jazz CDs and has toured more than 14 countries.

Now, just months after the release of her critically-acclaimed CD Embraceable, Nicole keeps the momentum rolling with a joyous jazz collection of holiday-themed classics recorded live at the Cotton Club in Tokyo.

“Singing holiday music has always brought me so much joy, and being able to spread this joy is a rare privilege,” said the Miami-based Henry. “It truly is the season for sharing and giving joy generously from the heart, thus the perfect occasion to create a live musical holiday.”

Backed by Pete Wallace (piano), James McCoy (bass) and David Chiverton (drums, percussion), Nicole puts her own soulful and spirited spin on the festive tunes. From The Sound of Music, “My Favorite Things” is presented as an intricately arranged groovy waltz. Starting out playfully, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” evolves from a children’s standard into a toe-tapping, finger-popping swinger. She delivers a sterling rendition of “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)” and belts out “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” in the form of a New Orleans-seasoned march,

Sponsors for the event are KCC Productions, Miami Beach Arts Trust and MiamiArtZine.com. Nicole’s wardrobe is graciously provided by Nicole Miller.

The theatre’s lobby will be adorned with artwork by Lou-Lou Davila Hagopian, whose work reflects her Afro-Puerto Rican roots and her deep love for music. Tickets are $50, with VIP seating priced at $100, which includes a reception with Nicole at a private home following the performance and a signed copy of the CD.

Further information about Nicole Henry, along with a sample of her music, is available at www.nicolehenry.com.

KCC Productions and the Van Dyke Cafe present Artist of the Month Carlos Diaz, formerly of Vocal Sampling
Thursday, November 17, at 9 PM
The Van Dyke
846 Lincoln Road
South Beach
For more information, call 305-534-3600 or visit thevandykecafe.com.

Carlos Diaz Laportilla graduated from the National School of Arts in Havana, Cuba in the Percussion and Choir programs. For over 20 years he has participated in a wide range of musical performances around the globe including Japan, Canada; European countries such as France, Italy, Belgium, Spain, Switzerland and Holland and in the South American countries of Argentina, Colombia, Brazil and others.

From 1989 to 1997 he was heavily involved in the vocal industry and was one of the creators of the Vocal Sampling Group, nominated for a Latin Grammy in 1995. Vocal Sampling is an all-male a cappella musical group from Cuba. They are distinctive for their rich a cappella adaptations of traditional Cuban salsa music, son, and Rumba, vocally imitating the piano, cowbell, conga, bass, and trumpet, used originally in such songs. Since coming to Miami, he founded his own vocal group, the Dlaportilla Sampler Show, in 1997, and has also worked with countless international artists and performers such as Oscar De Leon, Ruben Blades, Quincy Jones, Celia Cruz and others.

Rebelution Revolution Live 1/22/12
Rebelution With The Grouch & Pep Love Of Hyroglyphics
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Revolution Live
100 Sw Third Ave.
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl
(954) 727-0950, (954) 449-1025 (Box Office)

Tickets On Sale Fri., Nov. 11th / 10am!
At The Revolution Live Box Office (No Fees at Revolution Box Office), www.livenation.com And All Ticketmaster Outlets Or Charge By Phone: 800-745-3000

Originally formed in Santa Barbara, California, members Eric Rachmany (vocals / guitar,) Rory Carey (keyboards,) Wesley Finley (drums,) and Marley D. Williams (bass) met in college, while residing in Isla Vista, a popular beachside community. It was there that the seeds to Rebelution’s future would be planted– and would instill their kick back, “worry free” vibes, catchy refrain, and optimistic, inspiring, and engaging music that would leave their listeners with the sense that they have the power to make this world a better place. Rebelution released their first full-length album Courage to Grow in 2007 and the group quickly became known for sticking strongly to the roots of vintage reggae sound, all while appealing not only to reggae listeners, but also to music fans of all genres.

The album hit an all time high when it was selected as iTunes Editor’s Choice for Best Reggae Album of 2007. In addition, Courage to Grow has been in the top 10 iTunes Reggae album sales and remained in the Billboard Top Reggae Album Chart since its release four years ago. In January 2012 Rebelution will release their 3rd studio album, Peace Of Mind. “It’s been two and a half years since our last album and we are very excited to release new material. The triple-album is definitely a progression musically and genre wise from our past albums, while still grounded in reggae,” says the band.

The Betsy Hotel Presents Its November 2011 Wednesday And Thursday Night Live Jazz Line-Up
The Betsy South Beach
1440 Ocean Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33139.

For more information call 305-760-8288 or visit online www.thebetsyhotel.com. Schedule changes monthly and there is no cover or minimum.

The wildly popular jazz series continues Thursday evenings at The Betsy through November with the smooth vocals of Big Brooklyn Red accompanied by Max Farber on piano. Performances take place in the hotel’s bustling Lobby Bar, which offers the perfect gathering spot for experiencing this stellar entertainer. There will also be live music on Wednesday evenings. Attendees can enjoy delicious signature cocktails and a bar menu provided by BLT Steak, the Betsy’s acclaimed in-house dining destination.

Jazz performances begin at 9 p.m. in the Lobby Bar every Wednesday and Thursday evenings; enjoy the smooth sounds of touted vocalists including:
Big Brooklyn Red, performing Thursdays in November 2011 (3rd, 10th & 17th), has a sound described as “A deeply spiritual and transcendent experience – an expression of the freedom and the power letting the creative spirit flow.” www.myspace.com/bigbrooklynred
Big Brooklyn Presents: The iconic entertainer hosts different artists who specialize in global music every Wednesday in November 2011 (2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th).

Van Dyke’s most celebrated performers are back this month: Bobby Stringer, Oriente, Conjunto Progresso and IKO IKO. The artist of the month is EUGENIA MENDEZ
Pianist/ Singer, who explores fusing elements from Jazz, Latin and traditional music.

11/5 ~ Rhythm & Blues Series ~ Ike & Val ~ Soul & Blues Revue
11/6 ~ Jazz Night Series ~ Linda Noyes ~ From Brazilian Jazz, Rock, And R&B/Soul
11/7 ~ La Nueva Onda Latina Series ~ Hosted By Adrian Guerra ~ Showcasing The Finest In Latin Rock And Pop
11/8 ~ The Felipe Lamoglia Ensemble ~ Grammy-Winning Saxophonist Plays New Directions In Afro-Cuban Beats.
11/9 ~ Clarence Palmer ~ B3/Piano/Vocals Recorded/Performed With Grant Green, George Benson, Sunny Stitt, Stanley Turrentine
11/10 ~ Kcc Productions Jazz Night Series ~ Phoenix Rivera ~ New-York Based Phoenix Rivera Is One Of A Handful Of Drummers In The World Who Can Play True Jazz And True Latin With Authority And Swing
11/11 ~ Chellie Garcia ~ From The Sexy Soulful Sounds, Genuine Hip-Hop Vibe, Reggae Dancehall Rhythms
11/12 ~ Bobby Stringer ~ Extraordinary Soul & R&B
11/13 ~ Latin Jazz Series ~ Oriente ~ Afro-Cuban Fusion
11/14 ~ Pete Wallace ~ An Eclectic Mix Of Classic And Modern Jazz Featuring Compositions From His New Cd “Roots”
11/15 ~ Rockst*R & Da Fundamentals Present ~ A Night Of Rhythm, Funk & Soul (Brought To You By Godsrockstar Music)
11/16 ~ Artist Of The Month ~ Eugenia Mendez ~ Pianist/ Singer, Explores Fusing Elements From Jazz, Latin And Traditional Music
11/17 ~ Artist Of The Month ~ Kcc Productions Jazz Night Series ~ Carlos Diaz Ensemble ~ Grammy Nominee For His Work With Vocal Sampling: A Capella Latin Jazz Vocals
11/18 ~ Iko Iko ~ Double Grammy Nominees With Legendary Percussionist
11/19 ~ Hot Havana Nights Jazz Night Series ~ Tony Succar Y El Grupo Mixtura Latin ~ Funky Salsa And Merengue Party
11/20 ~ Cuban Music Series ~ Conjunto Progreso ~ Grammy Nominated Cuban Son & Descargas Cubanas
11/21 ~ Freddy Cleo ~ The Quintessential Piano Man & Vocalist Entertainer Who Knows Your Favorite Songs By Heart.
11/22 ~ Randy Singer’s “Airplay” ~ New Visions In Jazz & Pop
11/23 ~ The Agent-K Quartet ~ Avant-Garde Meets Free Jazz And Psychedelic. Miles Davis Meets The Doors
11/24 ~ Kcc Productions Jazz Night Series ~ Big Poppa E And The E Band ~ Best Of The Blues
11/25 ~ Lanzallamas! ~ Afro-Latin-America World Beat Mescal
11/26 ~ Jose Val ~ Fusion Of Latin Pop With Some Afro-Peruvian Style
11/27 ~ Songwriter Nights Series//Songwriters In The Round ~ Hosted By Randy Singer Featuring The Best Acoustic Singers & Songwriters In South Florida Where The Concert Turns Into A Party!
11/28 ~ Adrenaline Jazz ~ Keepin’ The Groove Alive With Drummer Reuben Hoch, B3 Guru Ken Burkhart And Guitarist Tom Lippincott
11/29 ~ Sj & Stedman Acoustic Duo ~ A Blend Of Acoustic Rock With Soulful Elements From Two Of Miami’s Nationally Touring And Ac Charting Artists
11/30 ~ Emmet Cohen ~ Pianist, Interpreting The Past While Paving The Way For The Future

KCC Productions and the Van Dyke Cafe present The Phoenix Rivera Ensemble
Thursday, November 10, at 9 PM.
The Van Dyke
846 Lincoln Road
South Beach

For more information, call 305-534-3600 or visit thevandykecafe.com.

Phoenix will be on drums, Abel Pabon on piano, Felipe Lamoglia on sax, Nicky Orta on bass, and Papacho Savon on percussion.

Phoenix Rivera, the son of international legend Mario Rivera, was born in New York City in 1965. Guided by his father’s musical insight, Mr. Rivera taught himself the technical aspects of the drums. He has played with musicians such as Hilton Ruiz, Dave Valentin, Bobby Bell, Eurythmics, Robert Palmer, Chico O’Farrill and Tito Puente. His most recent recording credits include albums such as At the Point, Vol.1 and Vol. 2 with Papo Vazquez, El Commandante recorded with his father, and Por Fin with Tito Puente and Eddie Palmieri. In March 2002, Mr. Rivera participated in Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Jazz in the Schools Tour with Arturo O’Farrill, which reached over 5,000 New York City students, teachers, and parents.

“Phoenix Rivera is one of a handful of drummers in the world who can play true jazz and true Latin with authority and swing. He has what we call in the business “spangalang” and “timba.’’ You might recognize it as that ineffable quality when you taste smokin’ barbecue. It’s intangible and goes beyond the individual ingredients, but you know it’s there ‘cause you gotta have more. It’s called fatback, manteca, moxie and a million other things. Phoenix has it in spades.” (Zoho records)

Saturday, November 5th from 8PM to 10PM
The Rhythm Foundation
Collins Park
22nd Street Beach
and features some highlights from our monthly production Big Night in Little Haiti.

Sleepless Night, the all night cultural extravaganza that fills the entire City of Miami Beach with FREE concerts, art, performance and fun is this Saturday, November 5th. For the complete schedule and details, visit SleeplessNight.org.

8 PM – 9 PM: Ayabonmbe, a Haitian roots music and dance ensemble
9 PM – 10 PM: Magnum Band, the legendary kings of kompa have been bringing the party to Little Haiti and the world for 30 years. The band continues to be anchored by brothers Dadou (guitar) and Tico (drums) Pasquet, some of Haiti’s finest instrumentalists. Here is a taste of Magnum Band, live in Martinique last year:

SoBe Arts I’ll Be Bach on Sleepless Night MB
Saturday, November 5 · 9:00pm – 11:00pm
SoBe Institute of the Arts (SoBe Arts)
2100 Washington Avenue
Miami Beach, FL

“I’LL BE BACH”
SoBe Arts Chamber Ensemble
Your host; A. Schwarzenegger
for Sleepless Night, Miami Beach 2011
Performed on the 21st St. Band Shell on the SoBe Arts Campus
Free & Open to the General Public

Explore the daring and subversive side of Johann Sebastian Bach with our notoriously buff host, A. Schwarzenegger, as the SoBe Arts Chamber Ensemble performs high-energy Brandenburg Concertos.

In 1721, Bach presented the Margrave of Brandenburg with a bound manuscript containing six pumped-up compositions for chamber orchestra. The Margrave never thanked Bach for his work or paid him, but the Brandenburg Concertos still blow away the competition almost three centuries later! Unlike our host, Bach’s poundage still packs power!

• The program lifts off with concerto #3, familiar to us from its use in Clockwork Orange and Die Hard.

• The harpsichord cadenza in the first movement of concerto #5 sounds like some crazy improvisation from a rock band. This part, first performed by Bach himself, was heard on The American President, episodes of The X-Files and still dazzles audiences with its virtuosity and precision.

• Lastly you will hear Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, Cantata No. 140, also known as SLEEPERS AWAKE! This Cantata, used in Mr Holland’s Opus, arranged for strings and harpsichord contains such joy and sheer beauty it must be heard to be believed.

The City of Miami Beach Cultural Affairs Council presents The Felipe Lamoglia Ensemble at Sleepless Night
November 6 at 2:30 AM
Classical South Florida Stage
Ocean Drive at 8th Street
South Beach

courtesy of KCC Productions. For more information, visit sleeplessnight.org.

Felipe Lamoglia is a Grammy-winning saxophonist, composer and arranger. Born and educated in Cuba, he is a graduate of the prestigious Superior Institute of Art (ISA).

In 1999 Lamoglia relocated to the U.S. where he immediately began performing with the late Celia Cruz. In 2001 he began playing with Grammy winner Arturo Sandoval, performing all over the world and recording on Trumpet Evolution, as well as two DVD releases: Live at the Blue Note NYC and Live at the Ann Arbor Summer Festival. In 2004 he joined Grammy winner Gonzalo Rubalcaba, recording on his Grammy-nominated album, Paseo (Blue Note).

In 2006 Lamoglia arranged and played on Ignacio Berroa’s debut album Codes, also released on Blue Note and nominated for a Grammy. In 2007 Felipe contributed as arranger, performer, and composer for Arturo Sandoval’s Grammy-winning album, Rumba Palace.

Throughout the years he has continued to develop his solo work and in 2007 released his first solo CD, Dimensions, recorded in Brazil. This album incorporated Felipe’s Afro-Cuban roots with a blend of Brazilian music and straight-ahead jazz. He is currently promoting his quintet, Afro-Cuban Beats.

Felipe has shared the stage with musical giants such as Herbie Hancock, Michael Brecker, Wynton Marsalis, Eldar, Dafnis Prieto, Ignacio Berroa and many others, participating in Major Jazz Festivals in the U.S. and abroad including JVC, Playboy, Newport, Henieken Jazz, Red Sea and in venues such as Blue Note, Iridium, Jazz Standard, Yoshi’s, Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola and many more.

Felipe’s latest project, “Iresounds”, is a mix of his Afro-Cuban roots, Latin jazz, and contemporary jazz. They have a superb brass section and a rhythm section of exceptional young Cuban musicians. Their music and arrangements are entirely Felipe’s, done with the flavor of the tunes he wrote for Rumba Palace.

The City of Miami Beach Cultural Affairs Council presents Batuke Samba Funk at Sleepless Night
November 5 at 11:30 PM
Euclid Circle Stage
Lincoln Road
South Beach

courtesy of KCC Productions. For more information, visit sleeplessnight.org.

Batuke is the act of drumming on any surface, or with any object, that makes a sound. Recycled cans, plastic buckets and pieces of scrap metal have all been transformed into percussive instruments that enhance the musical atmosphere of this group established by Diogo Oliveira in 2008.

The core of Batuke Samba Funk comprises four musicians based in Miami, Florida. The group offers a fusion of Brazilian rhythms including samba and samba rock with classic American funk. While the core group consists of bass, drums, keyboard and voice, the ensemble is joined by trombone, female vocals and Brazilian percussion when performing with their full 7-piece configuration.

Bassist, composer and musical producer Diogo Oliveira is the creator of Batuke Samba Funk. He is one of the most recognized and accomplished Brazilian musicians working in South Florida. One of his recent musical productions, Braziian Voices Funky Jazz Show, was awarded “Best Show of the Year” by the Brazilian Press Awards in 2010.

Batuke’s keyboard and woodwinds are performed by Brian Wolfe, an American originally from Alabama. Wolfe is multi-talented…songwriter, composer and musical producer with particular focus on horn and string arrangements.

Goran Rista provides the dynamic drumming style that is a signature of Batuke. Originally from Serbia, Rista brings a drumming style defined by clean execution, mutli-layered range and intense power that evoke an instantaneous interplay between music and emotion.

The featured vocalist of Batuke is Robson Coccaro, an accomplished singer, music producer and event designer. He is one of the most distinctive vocal talents in the US, offering a sublime synthesis of groove and melodic character that have helped establish Batuke as one of the most sought after bands in Miami.

The City of Miami Beach Cultural Affairs Council presents The Paulo Gualano Brazilian Drummers and Dancers at Sleepless Night
November 5 at 11 PM
Euclid Circle Stage
Lincoln Road
South Beach

courtesy of KCC Productions. For more information, visit sleeplessnight.org.

Paulo Gualano and his Brazilian & Latin orchestras and shows have performed for many prestigious companies and important people, such as:

Mr. Bill Clinton at the Summit of the Americas (James L. Knight Center, Miami), Mr. Fernando Collor de Mello (Former Brazilian President), Compaq Computers (Cancun, Mexico), Microsoft (Miami Beach Convention Center), Presidente Hotel (El Salvador), Hyatt Regency Guatemala (Guatemala City), Radisson Hotel (Aruba), Rotary Club (Grand Cayman Islands), Viva Chicago Fest (Chicago), Federal Express (Marriott World Center – Orlando), Epcot Center (Orlando), Apple Computers (Broward Convention Center), Nike (Japan & South Korea), Wet & Wild Water Park (Orlando), TV Guide (Universal Studios), Acer Computers (Mirage Casino – Las Vegas), Opryland Hotel (Nashville), Budweiser, United Way, Brazilian Carnival Ball in Toronto, Brazilian Carnival Ball in Cleveland, and Brazilian Carnival Ball in Chicago, just to name a few.

The company offers Brazilian and Latin shows such as Samba, Capoeira, Lambada, Salsa, Flamenco, Tango, and more!

The City of Miami Beach Cultural Affairs Council presents The Shuffle Demons at Sleepless Night
November 5 at 10 PM
Euclid Circle Stage
Lincoln Road
South Beach

courtesy of KCC Productions. For more information, visit sleeplessnight.org.

The City of Miami Beach presents the sensational Canadian jazz-rock-fusion band The Shuffle Demons at Sleepless Night, Saturday, November 5, at 10 PM, at the Euclid Circle Stage, Lincoln Road, South Beach. The Shuffle Demons first broke onto the Canadian music scene in 1984 with an electrifying musical fusion that drew in equal measure from Sun Ra, Charles Mingus, Run DMC and the Beastie Boys. The band was one of the first indie acts to break out on MuchMusic. This band was genre-bending, highly visually entertaining, funny, and best of all, could really PLAY. All their eye-catching, crowd-pleasing stunts were backed up by incredibly solid musicianship and real ground-breaking playing.

Over a twenty-six year span The Shuffle Demons have released six CDs, two hit videos, won several music awards, done numerous TV and radio appearances and toured nationally and internationally, including 25 cross-Canada tours, five US tours, 16 European tours, a tour of India, a tour of China, a tour of Thailand, a tour of South Korea and a tour of Cuba, playing on big festival stages, theatres and clubs.

Expect the same exciting, no-holds-barred performances that feature wild romps in the crowd, free jazz moments, danceable funk, poetry, killer solos and more. Tonight the band will be joined by a Special Guest, in from New York: tenor saxophonist and composer Seamus Blake, who is recognized as one of the finest exponents of contemporary jazz. His music is known for its sophistication, bold improvisations and “sheer swagger”.

The Shuffle Demons appear courtesy of KCC Productions.

KCC Productions and the Van Dyke Cafe present The John Benitez Ensemble
Thursday, November 3, at 9 PM
The Van Dyke
846 Lincoln Road
South Beach.

featuring John on bass, Manuel Valera, piano, Felip Lamoglia, sax, and Francis Benitez, drums
For more information, call 305-534-3600 or visit thevandykecafe.com.

Born in Puerto Rico, bassist John Benitez began playing gospel music in church at age 13. Soon he was performing with musicians such as Chick Corea, Batacumbele and Cuco Pena. He toured Colombia, playing with top musicians there before moving to New York City in 1993, where he attended the City College of New York, and studied with Ron Carter and Anthony Jackson.

In 1997 he recorded Habana with Roy Hargrove, earning a Grammy for Best Latin Performance. In 2001 he released his first album as leader, Descarga in New York. Benitez has performed with many well-known American and Latin artists including Lucecita Benitez, Batacumbele, Justo Betancourt, Joe Madrid, Wynton Marsalis, Cuco Pena, Tito Puente, Lalo Rodriguez, Hilton Ruiz, Dave Samuels, Chucho Valdez and Bobby Watson. Benitez has also recorded with numerous performers such as David Sanchez, Eddie Palmieri and Roy Hargrove’s Grammy award-winning Crisol Band.

He has participated in two instructional videos with master percussionist Giovanni Hildalgo and Cuban drummer Ignacio Berroa. He can also be seen on the national TV shows Good Morning America, The Today Show and Bet On Jazz.

Benitez has performed as sideman and featured special artist in all of the major jazz festivals and venues, and has recently released a second CD, Purpose. A prolific composer, arranger and producer, he’s also the man Eddie Palmieri dubbed “the greatest bass player in the world”.

The City of Miami Beach Cultural Affairs Council presents The Will Calhoun Trio, with John Benitez and David Gilmore, at Sleepless Night
November 5 at 9 PM
ExoStage at Soundscape
500 17th Street
South Beach

Courtesy of KCC Productions. For more information, visit sleeplessnight.org.

Not many artists have the vision and artistic energy to be Grammy winners and contribute to so many genres: jazz, rock, hip-hop, ambient, et al, while concurrently producing, touring, creating new projects, working on films, and continually pushing the envelope. Will Calhoun has this creative vision, and he is doing an extraordinary job keeping music a spiritual and motivating force in his life.

Will’s unique blend of improvisational and hard rock drumming can be found on each of Living Colour’s four Epic releases. As a member of Living Colour, Will received a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance by a group and another Grammy for
Best Hard Rock Performance.

In addition to his work with Living Colour, Will has recorded and/or toured and performed with diverse artists including B.B. King, Mick Jagger, Jaco Pastorious, Harry Belafonte, Pharoah Sanders, Jack Dejohnette, Paul Simon, Lou Reed, Marcus Miller, Dr. John, Carly Simon, Herb Alpert, Oumou Sangare, Rolling Stones guitarist Ron Wood, Wayne Shorter (on the Grammy-winning CD, High Life), Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, The Allman Brothers. As a producer, player, and songwriter, Will has worked on Herb Alpert’s
Grammy-nominated CD, Colors, and Mos Def’s The New Danger CD.

After releasing several solo drum/electronic albums and (with Doug Wimbish and Vinx) forming the groundbreaking band JUNGLE FUNK in the late 90’s, Will released his first solo jazz CD, which was Grammy-nominated in 2000: The Will Calhoun Quintet: Live at the Blue Note.

Will’s latest creation Native Lands is his follow-up release on Half Note Records. The album can be described as Jazz meets World, coupled with trance-inducing urban music. This dual disc (CD/DVD) combines Calhoun’s experiences as he marries his far reaching interests in a genre-bending collection that taps key expressionists from various backgrounds. Among those contributing are Pharaoh Sanders, Mos Def, Buster Williams, Stanley Jordan, Kevin Eubanks, Marcus Miller and Wallace Roney, as well as Nana Vasconcelos from Brazil and Cheick Tidiane Seck from Mali.

The City of Miami Beach Cultural Affairs Council presents Nicole Henry at Sleepless Night
November 5 at 6 PM
ExoStage at Soundscape
500 17th Street
South Beach

Courtesy of KCC Productions. For more information, visit sleeplessnight.org.

Although she’s already firmly established as one of the jazz world’s most acclaimed and respected young vocalists, Nicole Henry’s vibrant new album Embraceable makes it clear that she can’t be categorized so simply. “I consider myself a singer who loves singing jazz,” notes the versatile Miami Beach-based artist. “However, no matter the style or story, I’m always striving to be myself.”

Nicole Henry’s powerfully expressive, emotionally resonant voice has already earned her three international top 10 albums, the most recent being her 2008 release The Very Thought of You. She’s also won an international reputation as a beguiling live performer, enchanting audiences on multiple continents. The aptly titled Embraceable showcases the uplifting energy, sophisticated soulfulness and lyrical sensitivity that have endeared Henry to listeners around the world. However, the new album is a substantial departure from her prior releases, which established her as a peerless interpreter of jazz and pop standards. In contrast, Embraceable finds Henry applying her sublime vocal skills to a captivating set of songs drawn from a diverse array of sources, encompassing impressive new originals, covers of some ’60s and ’70s classics, and a trio of vintage jazz numbers. The material is delivered in a variety of musical settings that range from expansive orchestral arrangements to spare acoustic performances. The album matches Henry’s distinctive voice and abundant charisma with a stellar musical cast that includes saxophonist Kirk Whalum, pianist Gerald Clayton, harmonica virtuoso Gregoire Maret, and Grammy-winning arranger Gil Goldstein, and was helmed by Grammy-nominated producer Matt Pierson (Kirk Whalum, Jane Monheit, Joshua Redman).

Embraceable’s 12 songs cover a remarkable range of musical and emotional ground, from Henry’s open-hearted reading of the Barry Mann/Cynthia Weil chestnut “Just a Little Lovin'” (originally made famous by Dusty Springfield) to her exotic take on the Brazilian favorite “A Day in the Life of a Fool” to her sultry reworking of Bob Marley’s “Waiting in Vain” to her intimate voice-and-piano version of Christina Aguilera’s “Save Me from Myself.” Henry also dips back into pop-standard mode to deliver memorable renditions of the 1920s blues standard “Trouble in Mind,” Johnny Burke and Jimmy Van Heusen’s “Like Someone in Love” and of course “Embraceable You,” with Goldstein’s striking arrangement fusing the Gershwin classic with the Jaco Pastorius composition “Las Olas.”

Henry also shines on contemporary material, such as her torchy, gospel-flavored original “A Little Time Alone,” with it’s raise-the-roof tag and Whalum’s soaring tenor saxophone, and two new compositions written by and featuring gospel-soul artist John Stoddart: the reflective “Anything for You” and the vividly romantic “Even While You’re Gone.” Another notable new song is “Hush Now,” written by rising British singer-songwriter-pianist Oli Rockberger, with Henry moving the listener with the stirring story about comforting a hospitalized loved one. Henry viewed Embraceable’s eclectic approach as an opportunity to expand her repertoire, and to stretch beyond the piano-trio format that she had utilized on previous projects. To this end, she and Pierson invested considerable energy in searching for material and strategizing to find the best way to implement this broader musical vision while retaining her grounding in jazz. “I’ve always sung pop, R&B, and inspirational music,” she noted. “Even as I’ve focused on jazz over the past several years, I’ve still continued performing non-jazz material. It often seemed like I was living two musical lives, so I wanted to record an album that incorporated more of my overall musical personality.”

The process of choosing songs for Embraceable, she said, was both challenging and liberating. “I was looking for ways to shake things up and challenge myself. While I love jazz standards, I really wanted to continue to reach a deeper, more personal side of myself. There were literally hundreds of songs to choose from. What’s been interesting about this process is that it’s brought me to a place where I feel more connected on a much deeper emotional level with
everything I sing, revealing a more personal side of myself.”

The level of emotional commitment that Henry brings to Embraceable is consistent with the manner in which she’s always approached her creative life. Growing up in a musical family in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, she immersed herself in the arts early on, singing in school and church, and studying cello and ballet. She balanced this with a deep love for the popular music that surrounded her, finding inspiration in the artistry of such performers as Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. Another source of inspiration was Nicole’s aunt, Debbie Henry, who sang in the soul/disco outfit Silk. A graduate of the University of Miami with a degree in Communications and Theatre, Henry got her first recording experience with dance music DJ/producer Noel Sanger. After “Miracle,” a Sanger track featuring Henry, reached the Top 10 on Billboard’s dance chart, she toured the U.S. with Sanger, which was followed by a stint with RCA recording artist Robert Bradley’s Blackwater Surprise. Then, in 2001, Henry’s magnetic personality and theatrical background helped her to launch a successful acting career, appearing in film and television roles as well as a series of commercials and voiceover assignments. But she continued to maintain focus on her budding singing career, winning a large regional following around South Florida with her live performances and being named 2002’s Best Local Solo Musician by Miami New Times. The same year, Henry had the opportunity to sing with a jazz trio for the first time, and immediately recognized the musical freedom and storytelling potential that jazz offered. Henry’s enthusiastic embrace of jazz accelerated her creative development, leading to the 2004 release of her debut CD, The Nearness of You, on her own Banister label. That album won considerable attention from audiences and critics both in the U.S. and in Japan, with HMV Japan naming Henry the Best New Jazz Artist of 2004. The album climbed to #2 on HMV Japan’s jazz chart and remained in the top 10 for three months. Back home, Henry won rave reviews and received significant airplay on jazz radio, and was the subject of features in Billboard, JazzTimes and Downbeat. Her second album, Teach Me Tonight, on
which she was backed by the Eddie Higgins Trio, reached #1 in Japan and was named HMV Japan’s Best Vocal Jazz Album of 2005. Henry’s 2008 album, The Very Thought of You, found her continuing to explore the Great American Songbook while broadening her repertoire to include original material and contemporary songs. The album substantially expanded her American audience, reaching #7 on Billboard’s jazz chart. Its international popularity spurred her to step up her performance schedule with successful tours of Japan (where she’s toured nine times), Europe and Russia. Henry also remained a favorite in New York City where she’s made high-profile appearances at such prestigious venues as Lincoln Center’s Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola and Feinstein’s at the Regency. Throughout 2009 and 2010, her monthly performances in front of sold-out crowds at Chelsea’s Metropolitan Room led to winning the 2010 BISTRO Award for Outstanding Jazz Vocalist.

Henry’s prior achievements set the stage for the creative triumph of Embraceable, on which her successful stylistic departures mark her as an artist whose appeal transcends genre boundaries. “I’m happiest when I’m in front of an audience,” she stated, “connecting with people emotionally through music, and making Embraceable brought me closer to that feeling. I was able to reach deeper within to tell more personal stories; to embrace and express who I truly am”.