The Broward Center for the Performing Arts kicks off the New Year with the Fourth Annual Rhythm by the River: A Festival Celebrating Black Voices featuring music and activities for the entire family to enjoy on Sunday, January 26 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Esplanade Park overlooking the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Admission is free.
Presented by Baptist Health and JM Family Enterprises, Inc. with support from TD Charitable Foundation, Rhythm by the River brings to the Esplanade stage many of the talented performers in the community
To get things started on the main stage, Dillard High School ’s nationally renowned Dillard Center for the Arts Jazz Ensemble puts the afternoon in full swing. Next up, inspirational soul songstress La Vie will serenade audiences with smooth sophisticated sounds evocative of her Haitian heritage. Jamaican Roots Reggae trio The Fantells will blend sweet melodies with Caribbean beats. Vincentian Soca singer Kevin Lyttle, best known for his 2003 Billboard single “Turn Me On,” closes out the afternoon, bringing everyone to their feet with his red-hot dance hits.
In addition to the live musical performances, the audience can participate in three free community workshops throughout the afternoon in the Broward Center’s Mary N. Porter Riverview Ballroom featuring the Moving Music Museum with Michael Gil and African Dance with Anita MacBeth. In the park, the day’s festivities also feature free activities in the Baptist Health Activity Zone including arts and crafts, face painting, a community mural and interactive games for the whole family. Guests can savor the flavors of J&J Soul Food, Tropical Soul Food, Reggae Beets and cupcakes from Sweet Sensations by Charlene. Community partners will also have booths set up along the perimeter of the park.
Co-presented by Baptist Health and JM Family Enterprises, Inc. with support from TD Charitable Foundation, Rhythm by the River is part of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts’ Arts for Action: Black Voices initiative which focuses on how the arts and artists can be a force for change in addressing critical issues of social justice and racial equity. To learn more about Arts for Action: Black Voices upcoming events or to get involved, visit BrowardCenter.org or email artsforaction@browardcenter.
Rhythm by the River is proudly supported by radio media sponsor Cox Media Group and will be hosted live by Rodney Baltimore, mornings on Hot 105 and K Foxx of 99 JAMZ.
The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located at 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. For more information visit BrowardCenter.org, like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/BrowardCenter and Facebook.com/
The Broward Center 2024/2025 season is supported by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation. AutoNation, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau and Spirit.
About The Broward Center for the Performing Arts
One of America’s premier performing arts venues, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts presents more than 850 performances each year to more than 600,000 patrons, displaying a wide range of exciting cultural programming and events. Guest experiences at the Broward Center include the all-inclusive Spirit Club Level, the Nicklaus Children’s Health System Intermezzo Lounge, special events in the Huizenga Pavilion, waterfront dining at Marti’s New River Bistro and innovative classes and workshops for all ages at the Rose Miniaci Arts Education Center. With one of the largest arts-in-education programs in the United States, the Broward Center serves more than 100,000 students annually. The Broward Center also manages The Parker, an iconic Fort Lauderdale venue, the Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center on the campus of Nova Southeastern University, and the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center in Miami-Dade County, The Broward Performing Arts Foundation, Inc. receives and maintains funds to sustain, develop and secure the future of the Broward Center. The Broward Center is located at 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale, FL. For more information, visit BrowardCenter.org.
