HomeMy WebLinkAboutWeb-pageCoconut Grove Cornrrmodore Block Party
Saturday May 15, 2004 • Commodore Plaza
storic
Commodore Plaza rs in the heart of Coconut Grove's for Commodore Ralph Munroe one of district. It is named of the
Grove's early pioneers. Commodore Munroe was a boat
designer, wrecker, boat salvager and founder of the Biscayne
Bay Yacht Club. He moved to Coconut Grove in 1 886 from
New York City. The Barnacle, a Grove landmark, was his
family home. Built in 1891; it is now Dade County's oldest
home still on its original site.
This settlement of Coconut Grove grew and gained a reputation
•
for its laid back charm that attracted artists, writers, musicians
and a community of mavericks and free thinkers. The Ct
a
Grove Commodore Block Party celebrates diversity, practice
that is engrained in the character of the Grove. On this night
the block literally opens up to the world, showcasing a
vibrant pageant of world music and dance. This is the sixth
anniversary of the Block Party, which has grown to become a
signature event for the community - a night to. look forward to,
filled with fiery rhythms, music, dance, dining and fun. We
are glad you are with us to enjoy the party!
Bahamian Street Parade with
Mocka Jumbi Stilt Dancers and
Sunshine Junkanoo Superstars
6:45 pm Commodore Plaza
. su^rshinc Junkanoo was the first such group to emerge in the
Miami area, formed in 1957. The style is a Bahamian parade
tradition, which echoes Coconut Grove's Bahamian roots.
Along with the Mocka Ju'rnbi Stilt Dances, Miami's tallest
dance ensemble, made.a.p.of.young people, they strut through
Commodore Plaza to island rhythms played on fire -heated
goat -skinned drums, cow bells, trumpets and tubas.
The Sunshine Junkanog Superstars has 14 members.
1r,stampas de Colombia
Grupo Vallenato dk Che
7:15 pm Grove Garden Stage
This dame -ensermble opens rip the stages at the festival. They
are a large ensemble of dancers who perform the traditional
steps of Colombia. This includes popular rhythms like curnbia,
vallenato, gaita and salsa. The group has performed at many
major cultural events in South Florida. As a special treatfor
Pakkone Band
7:45 pm Heineken Commodore inn Stage
.. ii
; y,y .: ,; �Ly' �.;►. Visiting Miami, from Mace
Brazil, Pakkone is 12 teer
who play classic samba,
and pagode - rhythms fror
Brazi's Northeast. The gro
all self-taught musicians,
from Vegel do Lego, a poc
favela in Maceio, the capi.
of Alagoas state. The grou
members saved up to afford instruments, practice time an
uniforms, They are looking to provide great music, and a
positive message for young people. They will next perfon
May 21 at Club Tropigala in Miami Beach.
www.pakkone,com
Ayizan Kreyol
8;30 pin Grove
and at,North
Garden Strage
This ensemble, which Contains up
10 members, performs traditional
folkloric dance and rhythms of Hai
Although it is a new group, the
members have known each other
worked together for many years.
Ayizan Kreyol is formed by Manna
Merisier, the choreographer and
Jacques Medard, the manager. In
addition to performances, they tea
Haitipn dance at PAN in North Mia
Miami Senior High.
Con;unto Progreso
9:.00 pm Heineken Commodore inn Stage
This group of young musicians carve together in 1999 to
help revive the sound of classic Cuban son for new Miam
audiences. This is the music of the Cuban countryside fro
the 1940s and 50s, and the songs of composers of the ander
Other styles the group enjoys playing include guaj'
ra rumba, which also started as simple rural rhythms before
moving onto dancefloors around the world. The group p1
Cuban instruments like.clave, tres, congas and bongos.
They are often joined by esteemed special guests like
members of the Cuban Allstars in their frequent
performances in Miami and on US tours..
httpJlconjunto_progreso:tripod.corn
Faananr-a-rarna Middle Eastern Dance
3:45 pm Grove Garden Stage
Drawing from an extensive
background in acting, writing,
contemporary and ethnic
dance coupled, Hanan is
one of the most unique and
compelling Middle Eastern
dancers in America today.
The genre is baladi, a style
born on the Egyptian country-
side and perfected on the
stage and screen during
Egypt's "Golden Age" of cinema in the 1940's. Hanan's
2001 production of Hanan with other friendly gods and goddesses
was included in the Miami Herald's Top 10 Shows of the Year.
Hanan is also an accomplished teacher. She allows her
teaching and performance to address issues of social con-
sciousness, activism and positive change. Hanan-arama
features dancers Hanan and Aireen, accompanied by
percussionist Fathi.
www,hanan4 peace.com
Fushu Daiko Japanese Taiko Drums
10:15 pm Heineken. Commodore Inn Stage
Fushu Daiko is an ensemble that plays taiko, the enormous
Japanese drums. Traditionally used'to ignite fervor in
samurai warriors or to warn villagers of tsunami or fire, these
thunderous drums are now featured in cultural celebrations.
Fushu (meaning Florida) Daiko (meaning drum) is made up
of people of many nationalities, and enjoy using the taiko
drums in innovative contexts. For example, they have accom-
panied Brazilian singer Fernanda Porto, allowing the drums to
take the place of carnival samba drums. They will perform
June 26 and 27 at Morikami Theater in Delray Beach.
www.fushudaiko,com
On the street throughout the evening:
Miami Museum of Science Wildlife Exhibit
Jingles the Clown, balloon art
Face Painting
Coconut Grove Playhouse Season Highlights
and more!
Special Thanks to:
Monty Trainer, Elena Carpenter, Sachi Wagner, Laura and
James Quinlan, Gene de Souza, Gabriela Siquiera, Sylvan°
Rignon, Janet Murray, Seth Gordon and Jan Lowe.
The Coconut Grove Commodore Block Party is produced
by the Rhythm Foundation for the Coconut Grove Chamber
of Commerce.
Visit the Rhythm Foundation online at
www.rhythmfoundation.com for a complete schedule.
Primary funding for the Block Party comes from:
Coconut Grove Special Events and Marketing Committee
Miami Dade Department of Cultural Affairs
Miami Parking Authority
Mlami.Dado County paparlmanl d Coho,& Again
The East Stage is sponsored by Grove Garden
G R O v E ,,�' G A fr D E N
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The West Stage by Heineken USA and the Commodore Inn
sustaining sponsors
Commodore Inn, 3162 Commodore Plaza
'Dharma Studio, 3170 Commodore Plaza
Greenstreet Cafe, 3468 Main Highway
Heineken USA
Mass Media, 2980 McFarlane Road
Midori Gallery, 3168 Commodore Plaza
Mr, Moe's, 3131 Commodore Plaza
and a special thanks to Louise and Alien Stanford
Darma Stuaio
Contemporary art
REEN S1JREET
CAFE
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BRICIIt POST
COCONUT GROH TIMES
SOIL MIAMI TIMES
NMIDORI GALLERY
ANTIQUE FM EASTERN ART
Patron Sponsors
Anokha Fine Indian Cuisine, 3195 Commodore Plaza
Coconut Grove Bank, 2701 S. Bayshore Drive
Don Quixote Spanish Restaurant, 3162 Commodore Plaza
Frameworks, 3196 Commodore Plaza
Mambo Cafe/Cuba Nostalgia, 3105 Commodore Plaza
Starbucks, 3008 Grand Avenue
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Fine Indian Cuisine
COCONUT GROVE SANK
- tfr rani:cAnrid
DON QVIXOTE
R E S 1 A 11 A A N T
SOGAT ERA
Fine Cuban Cuisine
Where Fra
305-443-4581
May 21, 22, 23, 2004
Coconut Grove Cony. Center
Neighbors and Sponsors
Academy of Arts & Minds, 3138 Commodore Plaza
Bank of America, 3211 Grand Avenue
Beach Scooter, 3180 Commodore Plaza
Coconut Grove Animal Clinic, 3200 Grand Avenue
Coconut Grove Flower Shop, 3112 Commodore Plaza
Coconut Grove Playhouse, 3500 Main• Highway
Dolce Mare Swimwear, 3141 Commodore Plaza
The Little .Big Store, 3190 Commodore. Plaza -
Miami Museum of Science; 3260 South Miami Avenue
This 'n That Shop/Plymouth Congregational Church
3155 Commodore Plaza
Raf Kaz, 3199 Commodore Plaza
Red Lantern, 3176 Commodore Plaza
Somoto, 3190 Comodore Plaza
The UPS Store, 3109 Grand Avenue
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Bank of America.
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