MIAMI — As the countdown began for the 3rd Annual Overtown Rhythm and Arts Festival the festival’s Official Painting was revealed to members of the community during the recent Festival Launch Party.
The painting features talented jazz vocalist Nicole Henry, singing in the main street of Overtown, depicting exactly what will happen during the 3rd Annual Overtown Rhythm and Arts Festival, on Saturday, June 22.
The painting was created by local artist Katey Penner, who participated as an exhibitor at the 2012 festival and says she has always been interested in depicting scenes of music, Miami and Overtown.
“Growing up in South Florida has influenced my artistic style,” Penner said. “The exciting collision of culture, color, and customs has converged in my art to create canvases which express these diverse elements. Using a palette knife and a wide array of acrylic paint colors, I create pieces that resonate with passion and life. It is my desire to bring a unique sense of color, imagination, and perspective to each waiting canvas.”
During the Festival Launch Party at Blackbird Ordinary, saxophone player Earnest Walker Jr. gave a preview of his upcoming performance at the festival.
For two years, Overtown has welcomed more than 1,000 people during the festival to experience its cultural roots. The third annual festival will again take place along Northwest Third Avenue between Ninth and 11th Streets. Admission is free.
This year’s festival will feature Henry, Walker and his IGBO band, the Booker T. Washington Band, Jody Hill of Deep Fried Funk, and Jimmy Jenkins and the Connections, among others.
Families can bring their little ones for a day of face painting and children’s activities and treat themselves to southern cooking and Caribbean flavors. Art will also be on display showcasing the work of local talent.
The event is organized and implemented by volunteers from Overtown Rhythm and Arts Festival, Inc., a fiscal sponsor of The Miami Foundation, and local leaders of the Overtown community, with the purpose of celebrating the rich history of one of Miami’s earliest settlements.
This year’s public-private partnership has the support of the SEOPW Miami Community Redevelopment Agency and the Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust, as well as the Knight Foundation, Mr. 305 Productions, the University of Miami and the Miami Dolphins Foundation. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.
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