Community Arts and Culture is launching a new program in the Upper Keys to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.
On Saturday, Oct. 14, Cortadito — Miami’s answer to the Buena Vista Social Club — and DJ Le Spam with his VW Bus will wrap the month-long celebration with an evening of live and selected music at Florida Keys Brewing Company’s beer garden, located at 81611 Old Highway in Islamorada. All ages are welcome — no cover — with the music beginning at 6 p.m.
“We are excited to add this new program to our roster of events in Islamorada,” said Jose Elias, CAC founder and executive director. “We appreciate the support of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council and the Florida Keys Brewing Company, without whom this celebration would not be possible.” Elias is also Cortadito’s co-founder, vocalist, tres player and bandleader.
Since forming more than 11 years ago, Cortadito has focused on traditional folk and acoustic performances of the Cuban country music style known as Son (pronounced sOwn). Through their many interpretations of traditional and original songs, this ensemble leads audiences through an audio experience referred to as the “Guajiro Triangle,” which alludes to the three cities of Miami, Havana and Santiago, representing the group’s origins and revealing its musical influences. The band is recording its first full-length release, due out in May 2024.
DJ Le Spam, founder of the Spam Allstars, is known for his eclectic vinyl collection. Born in Montreal and raised in London and Bogota, he was exposed to a variety of music and cultures from an early age. He specializes in rare and hard-to-find music, and his expansive collection includes Latin, funk, Miami bass, Haitian, jazz and more. He began digging for records as he toured the world while playing guitar in Capitol recording artist Nil Lara’s band, and continued adding when he formed and toured extensively with his own band. Spam will roll up in a VW bus customized for a self-contained DJ experience.
FKBC is the Upper Keys’ first microbrewery, located in the Morada Way Arts and Cultural District. There is always a selection of locally brewed beers, as well as a rotating list of seasonal and barrel aged beers on draft. The tasting room is decorated with thousands of bottle caps from breweries all over North America and Europe, as well as art by locals. The brewery is just down the street on Morada Way. The beer garden features live musical events. More details are at floridakeysbrewingco.com.
This event is made possible with the support of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council and FKBC. More information is at CACMiami.org.
