This year’s Rhythm Foundation’s Transatlantic Music festival takes place on April 8^th and 9^th, exposing local audiences to an array of music from Miami-based artists such as Psychic Mirrors and Kazoots as well as more established global acts like Beirut and Troker.

The Festival’s opening night at Miami Beach’s North Beach Bandshell kicks off with Kazoots, Troker, and Beirut on Friday, April 8^th. Beirut, Zack Condon’s solo project turned full fledged traveling ensemble, offers sounds of Balkan music and showcases some of his earlier influences of Jazz and Mariachi music while he attended Santa Fe High School in New Mexico. When asked about the chosen name for the band, Condon explains: “One of the reasons I named the band after that city was the fact that it’s seen a lot of conflict. It’s not a political position. I worried about that from the beginning. But it was such a catchy name…It’s still a good analogy for my music. I haven’t been to Beirut, but I imagine it as this chic urban city surrounded by the ancient Muslim world. The place where things collide.”  The Sextet instrumental Troker comes to Miami from our neighboring country, Mexico. They have described their biggest strength as “artist flexibility” and adapting to “Festivals of Jazz, Rock and World Music.” Haitian Miami natives Kazoots’ musical content “addresses social justice and pays homage to their roots and culture.”

On Saturday, April 9^th, the festival proceeds with Sunset Raga, Chantil Dukart, Psychic Mirrors, and Emefe. Emefe’s musical uniqueness resembles “a cross between Fela Kuti and Prince, with vocals reminiscent of the Talking Heads’ candor and the Beach Boys’ lushness.” Lookout for “Miami boogie funk” soulful sensations Psychic Mirrors to bring us a masterful live performance.

For more info please visit rhythmfoundation.com/series/transatlantic-festival

Author: Santi Sanz