Jazz to Junkanoo

Bahamian parade traditions and Miami’s cultural history come together in an afternoon of music, food and family activities in Liberty City. Organized by FIU Public Humanities Lab, Jazz to Junkanoo takes place Saturday, November 14 at the Marshall L. Davis, Sr. African Heritage Cultural Arts Center. Admission is free.

The program features musical demonstrations, a pop-up exhibition about Junkanoo and live Junkanoo rushes, processions that combine music and dance. The Bahamian tradition is known for elaborate handmade costumes and rhythms carried by drums, cowbells and horns. The afternoon concludes a three-day program exploring connections between The Bahamas and Miami through music, migration and cultural memory.

A culture fair brings together museums and heritage organizations from South Florida and beyond, including the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress, The Bethel House Bahamian-American Museum, The Black Archives, Digital Library of the Caribbean, Profiles in Black Miami and Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Museum of Miami also participates through its In-Community program, offering families hands-on art activities and opportunities to explore objects from its education teaching collection.