In celebration of National Caribbean American Month in June, The LOOP Fort Lauderdale Beach will host a weekend of festivities, June 2-4. Since 2006, June has been designated as Caribbean American Heritage Month by Presidential Proclamation. The month-long observance promotes the rich culture and heritage of the Caribbean-American people and their contribution to the United States of America.
The inaugural Caribbean American Heritage Month Cultural Celebration Weekend at Las Olas Oceanside Park will showcase food, art, music and entertainment which are a rich and thriving part of the Caribbean culture in South Florida. The free event is open for the entire family to enjoy.
As music and dance are an essential part of Caribbean culture, the tropical beats of the islands will keep the party going all weekend long with sounds including Calypso, Reggae, and Soca to Salsa, Merengue, and Dancehall.
Each day will feature a musical tribute to a Caribbean country. The full musical performance lineup includes:
Friday, June 2, 7 – 9:30 p.m. –Spotlight Jamaica
Friday Night’s kick-off concert featuring Jamaican Hall of Fame Inductees, “The Bad Boys of Reggae,” Inner Circle, will be hosted by Lifetime Achievement Award winner of the International Reggae and World Music Awards, Tanto Irie.
A limited number of VIP Tables are available ($60 – $120); in addition to an exclusive meet and greet after-party with Inner Circle on the Pool Deck of the Courtyard by Marriott, Fort Lauderdale Beach available for $25.
Friday Schedule
- 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.: Hot 105 DJ Charles
- 8:30 – 10 p.m.: Inner Circle – “The Bad Boys of Reggae”; Jamaican Music Hall of Fame Inductees; Two-time Grammy Nominee
- 10:30 p.m.: VIP meet and greet with Inner Circle; Courtyard Pool Deck – limited to 100 ppl.
After Party Meet & Greet with Inner Circle; limited to 100 guests; not included in reserved table price: $25 pp; includes (1) drink ticket.
For more information, please visit https://bit.ly/cahmcelebration
Saturday, June 3, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Spotlight Cuba
On Saturday and Sunday, guests will have the opportunity to purchase a variety of authentic Caribbean food and drinks, and watch cooking demonstrations sponsored by Grace Foods featuring “Taste The Islands” Chef Irie. The LOOP will also feature a special marketplace showcasing makers and artists of Caribbean descent.
Saturday Schedule
- 10 – 11:30 a.m.: Oriente, Afro-Cuban Jazz Trio
- 11:30 – 1 p.m.: Tomasito Cruz Quartet; Four-time Grammy Winner
- 2 pm – 3:30 p.m.: Diva All Stars Cuban Quintet
Sunday, June 4, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Spotlight Bahamas, Trinidad/Tobago
On Sunday, Julien Believe, the “Music Ambassador of The Bahamas,” will host the daylong entertainment lineup and sounds in recognition of the 50th anniversary of The Bahamas’ independence.
Sunday Schedule
- 10 – 11:30 a.m.: DJ Gangalee
- 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. :Pan Paradise Steel Pan Band
- 2:30 – 4 p.m.: DJ, Julien Believe
- Junkanoo Band – during breaks
More Information
The Caribbean American Heritage Month Weekend Celebration is presented by the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Beach Business Improvement District (BID) and sponsored by Grace Foods and Courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Beach.
Parking
The most convenient place to park is the Las Olas Beach Parking Garage, where the PayByPhone payment option can be used, and parking can be extended from anywhere using the mobile PayByPhone App.
For more information, please visit https://bit.ly/cahmcelebration
