The historic district of Overtown returns with their 6th annual staging of The Overtown Music and Arts Festival on Saturday, July 23 from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Collaborating with the likes of Overtown community redevelopment community and Commissioner Keon Hardemon, the festival promises community upliftment on a wide scale which will in turn produce economic development, livelihood and enrichment to this legendary town.
Why is this town so historic?...
Overtown is one of Miami’s earliest historically black communities situated northeast of downtown. The area’s first settlers were black workmen who followed the FEC railroad south as it was extended from Palm Beach to Miami. Through the late 19th through mid-20th century the town we now know as Overtown was called Colored Town and was designated by Henry Flagler and Julia Tuttle as the location for black laborers and their families to live. The main labor force for building the great city of Miami was black men. This history of Overtown is intrinsically linked to the story of Miami, “The Magic City”.
The Overtown Music Festival is totally free to the public and over the years has garnered over 5,000 festival goers, producing performances from some of the top industry artist such as Raheem Devaughn, Keke Wyatt among many others. This year’s acts include Eric Bennet, Estelle, Jeremiah, Amerie, John B, Carl Thomas, Tito Puente Jr. and the powerhouse Miss Kelly Price. While grown and sexy crowd flock the main stage, the youngsters will enjoy the Youth Zone, powered by the non-profit “Teens Exercising Extraordinary Success” (T.E.E.S.).
We’ve got performers for you too, kids! On the Youth Zone stage, kids can enjoy lit performances from Young Lyric better known from the hit TV show ‘The Rap Game’, Dj Chipman, Motivational Edge, Miss Khadijah and the Miami Girls’ Choir. Along with the performances, kids can indulge in fun activities such as face painting, karaoke, bounce houses, and arts and craft.
Along with stellar performances by some of the best in the entertainment industry, the festival also offers an array of vendors showcasing authentic cuisine, unique crafts, jewelry and artwork. You don’t want to miss out on this festival!