Hued Songs Presents a Historic Celebration of Juneteenth: The JuneteenthExperience At Parker Playhouse in Fort Lauderdale on June 14th & The Colony On Miami Beach on June 18 & 19th

Hued Songs Presents a Historic Celebration of Juneteenth: The JuneteenthExperience At Parker Playhouse in Fort Lauderdale on June 14th & The Colony On Miami Beach on June 18 & 19th

The Juneteenth Experience brings together Culture, Art, Business, and Black History Education to honor and explore the richness of Black culture across South Florida.

Miami, FL – May 22, 2024 – Hued Songs is excited to announce The Juneteenth Experience 2024, the 4th annual presentation of this groundbreaking celebration of Black liberation through artistic expression. This immersive event promises to captivate audiences across Miami-Dade and Broward, taking place at two iconic venues: the historic Parker Playhouse in Fort Lauderdale on June 14th (707 NE 8th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304) and The Colony Theatre in Miami Beach on June 18 & 19-(1040 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139) Tickets can be purchased by visiting Huedsongs.org.

Curated and produced by Hued Songs’ Executive Artistic Director, Kunya Rowley, 2024’s The Juneteenth Experience will showcase diverse art forms and musical genres reimagined to honor this significant holiday. From soulful melodies to gospel rhythms and classical arrangements, the performances will weave together a powerful tapestry of song, spoken word, and dance, paying homage to Juneteenth’s spirit of liberation and freedom. The cast and creative team include an array of local and international talents, including leading vocalists and an incredible band under the direction of Musical Director King Friday; dance from Zest Dance Collective under the direction of Gentry George; original text and poetry by Arsimmer McCoy and creative producer Miriam King; and set projections and digital scenes rendered by Barbadian artist and creative Russell Watson.

This event celebrates freedom and belonging, as well as the rich cultural heritage and vibrant community of Black South Florida. As Juneteenth gains national recognition, initiatives like The Juneteenth Experience play a vital role in preserving and sharing Black History and culture. By highlighting Black creativity, innovation, and resilience, this event fosters unity and elevates the positive narrative of Black history.

Through creative force, reflection, education, and acknowledgment, the Juneteenth Experience empowers individuals and strengthens collective identity, making it a cornerstone of the Juneteenth calendar.

“We’re thrilled to expand The Juneteenth Experience to Broward and to create more opportunities for South Florida to unite and honor our deep-rooted Black history, woven into the very essence of our nation. Growing this annual tradition is a point of pride for us, as it allows us to uplift one another, foster creativity, and celebrate Black excellence,” remarked Kunya Rowley, Founder of Hued Songs and Director of The Juneteenth Experience. “At a time when we are fighting to preserve Black history and African-American studies, we aim to educate, inspire, and empower individuals everywhere. By spotlighting Black history from the past, present, and future, we’re creating a safe haven for all of our community, reshaping the narrative, and catalyzing change with long-lasting impacts nationally and globally.”

The Juneteenth Experience celebrates Black creativity, ingenuity, and innovation, advancing a positive and contemporary narrative of Black history.

When Founder Kunya Rowley established Hued Songs, a performance collective and nonprofit based in Miami, he sought a sense of belonging, disenchanted by the absence of acknowledgment and representation across the arts ecosystem. Today, Hued Songs is committed to amplifying the voices and compensating Black and Brown artists. Their endeavors foster a sense of community within South Florida and broader spheres. Their flagship initiative, The Juneteenth Experience, encompasses a multifaceted performance featuring dance, song, and poetry, a project initiated in 2020.

“Supporting The Juneteenth Experience event highlights unity, creativity, and belonging while honoring our nation’s history. Let’s continue to uplift and celebrate the diverse cultural tapestry that enriches our city and strengthens our shared sense of community.” – Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner.

The pre-show festivities will feature a vibrant pop-up market spotlighting the works of local Black artisans and vendors. The evening begins with the screening of 4 short films by talented local filmmakers delving into themes of Black Belonging. The main event will be a riveting interdisciplinary performance seamlessly melding spoken word, dance, music, and multimedia elements, promising an unforgettable 60-minute journey.

Juneteenth, from June 19, 1865, symbolizes the day when the last enslaved people in the United States were informed of their emancipation, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. The resonance of Juneteenth remains profound in South Florida, offering a poignant opportunity for individuals of all backgrounds to unite in learning about African American history and advocating for unity, equality, and justice.

2024 Sponsors: The Juneteenth Experience is made possible by the generous support of The National Endowment for the Arts, The Green Family Foundation, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Arts for Action: Black Voices, The City of Miami Beach, The Jorge M. Pérez Family Foundation, The Miami Foundation, The Our Fund Foundation, Broward Cultural Division, The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, The Business Healer, The African Heritage Cultural Arts Center, and with the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council and the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners.”

About Hued Songs:

Hued Songs is dedicated to producing transformative experiences that amplify Black joy, creativity, and belonging through song, spoken word, dance, and heartfelt expression. Rooted in three guiding principles:

  1. To provide a platform for black and brown artists to be seen, heard, & paid.
  2. The arts are a right and not a privilege; thus, we work to remove cost, geography, and perception barriers to every performance;
  3. Every performance is an opportunity to build belonging, empathy, and community.