Music is the universal language, and The Rhythm Foundation holds true to this statement as a foremost presenter of international music in the United States. With a goal of increasing international awareness through live music, The Rhythm Foundation focuses on cultures connecting to South Florida audiences through music from Latin America, Brazil, the Caribbean, Africa, and Europe.
The Rhythm Foundation has hosted some of today’s most cherished musical groups, including The Wood Brothers, George Porter Jr., Galactic, Turkuaz, The Heavy Pets, Electric Kif, Chicano Batman, and more. The 2020 music schedule looks to be the strongest in the organization’s 32 years of diversifying entertainment throughout the United States, hosting its annual Hollywood ArtsPark Experience. This free series of family-friendly events celebrate the vibrant cultures of South Florida through music, food, and culture at the Hollywood, FL’s Hollywood ArtsPark Amphitheater.
Kicking off this year’s Hollywood ArtsPark Experience is Brooklyn’s own Afropop-funk big band Antibalas on Friday, January 24th. This 12-piece ensemble ranges through the genres of funk, African-Cuban music, with splashes of looping rhythms of Ethiogroove, Caribbean dance, punk rock, and cosmic jazz. Being credited with introducing Afrobeat to a global audience, this high-energized group will make a stop at the Hollywood, FL venue in support of their new release, 2020’s Fu Chronicals. Fans can find more information and RSVP for free admission here.
Just a little over a month later, The Rhythm Foundation welcomes seasoned indie-pop pianist Marco Benevento on Saturday, March 7th. Benevento’s recent release, 2019’s Let It Slide, introduces gritty and soulful edge to his high-octane keyboard wizardry for a piano funk dance party. Marco will hit South Florida with his exciting live band, featuring bass player Karina Rykman. Miami-based power quartet Electric Kif will serve as support for the evening’s music endeavors. Fans can find more information and RSVP for free admission here.
A short three weeks later, New Orleans’ own Dumpstaphunk will bring the ultimate funk party on Saturday, March 28th. Born on the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival stage, the quintet claims funk, soul, blues, gospel, and good old rock n’ roll as part of their musical influences thanks to their Neville family bloodlines featuring cousins Ivan Neville and Ian Neville, Tony Hall, Nick Daniels III, and Devin Trusclair Clearwater, FL’s bluesy funk group The Ries Brothers will serve as support for the evening’s music endeavors. Find more information and RSVP for free admission here.
Lawrence will be rounding out the Hollywood ArtsPark Experience on Sunday, April 19th. As an eight-piece R&B/funk feel-good pop group fronted by Clyde Lawrence, 26, and Gracie Lawrence, 22, the young siblings grew up in New York City in a house filled with music, and formed the band with musician friends from childhood and college. The band quickly gained a large and devoted following for its high-energy, keyboard-driven sound, which features tight, energetic horns, explosive lead vocals, and lush arrangements.
Lawrence first rose to prominence in 2016 when they released their debut LP Breakfast (2016), which received attention and praise from a variety of sources ranging from NPR’s All Things Considered to Stephen Curry’s social media. Produced by Grammy Award winner Eric Krasno (Lettuce/Tedeschi Trucks/Soulive), Breakfast includes guest performances by NYC soul/funk mainstays Adam Deitch (Lettuce), Cory Henry (Cory Henry & the Funk Apostles, Snarky Puppy), and Maurice “Mobetta” Brown (Anderson .Paak, Tedeschi Trucks Band). Fans can find more information and RSVP for free admission here.
For more information on The Rhythm Foundation and a full list of upcoming events, head to the organization’s website.