Afro Roots Fest brings multicultural rhythms to Islamorada

Audiences can enjoy three days of multicultural music with an all-star South Florida lineup of Afro Roots artists Friday through Sunday, April 26-28, during Afro Roots Fest in Islamorada.

All performances are set to take place on the outdoor beer garden stage at Florida Keys Brewing Company, 81611 Old Highway near Mile Marker 81. All are free to attend and open to music lovers of all ages.

The annual celebration of Pan-African and Caribbean cultures and music opens Friday at 6 p.m. with Jean P. Jam’s special blend of world beat music called Deep Roots, combining African, soca, Caribbean and reggae influences into a unique amalgamation.

The Saturday show begins at 6 p.m. with vibrant Venezuelan music by Venozonix, accompanied by Venezuelan dance group San Juan USA. Then Miami-based Cortadito will take the stage, performing a signature “son montuno” brand of Cuban music reminiscent of the famed Buena Vista Social Club.

Beginning at 2 p.m. Sunday, Manny Swagg delivers his unique blend of Latin jazz, Afro-Latin beat, Caribbean folk and traditional Cuban music, followed by Stella Fusion’s smooth cumbia salsa funk from Colombia.

Florida Keys Brewing Company’s locally brewed and island-inspired beers will be available for purchase, along with food truck fare.

The Islamorada performances conclude Afro Roots Fest’s 26th annual season of music events throughout South Florida.

The festival is staged by Community Arts and Culture. The non-profit organization is dedicated to increasing understanding through the cultivation, preservation and presentation of diverse cultural music and arts offerings.

For festival information, visit http://www.afrorootsfest.com.