The food, the music, and the warmth that surrounds the Latin American culture will come alive on May 4th in St. Augustine during an all day festival, Unidos En La Musica. One of the festival founders, Michael Weitz was kind enough to take the time to let us know what to expect and also gave us two tickets to giveaway. Learn more about the giveaway below.
Is this the first Unidos En La Musica Festival in St. Augustine?
Yes, in fact we were surprised to find out from the city that this is the first Latin American Festival ever in St. Augustine. There have been Spanish Festivals and General Hispanic Festivals but none that have specifically focused in on Latin America. We are very proud to be able to share these cultures and traditions with our St. Augustine community!
What inspired you to start this festival?
Two things really, my wife Erika and her friends Raul & Cesar started a Latin Fusion Band here about four years ago, Baba Caiman. They were seeing some initial success in Jacksonville but we were really struggling to break in to the St. Augustine Market. They were often hearing from venues that Latin Music isn’t a big draw downtown and others said it didn’t fit with their current demographic. A few years later Colonial Oak Music Park gave them a chance and they have not looked back since, 300-400 people from all different walks of life routinely show up for their shows (the next one on April 20th) including 500+ for New Years Eve.
Secondly, Erika and I had our first baby this year, Ayden. We would always discuss what type of world we wished for our baby if we were to have one and here is our chance to create a legacy, where one day a year he can see his community share in our passion of Latin America.
Erika, Cesar, Raul, Mabel (Raul's Wife) and myself sat down and discussed our dreams and put every ounce of them in to this festival for our community to share.
What can people expect to see and do at the festival?
We have World Champion dance groups Salsa Kings / Mario Che & Jeannette are coming to teach four workshops to teach different dance styles throughout the day. Performances from Spirit of Samba and CBP Capoeira. Games for adults and children sourced from across Latin America including a free soccer clinic. Cultural Exhibitions from Viva Panama USA, Danzas Peru Jax and Folklorico Azteca. Food from local Latin American food vendors. Latin American product market place will be featuring an Art Mural Competition. Musical perfomances by Taller Balance, LPT Salsa, Baba Caiman and two-time Latin Grammy Nominee Celso Pina.
What types of things are you doing at the festival to involve the local community in the event?
We are integrating aspects of what makes St. Augustine an incredible place to live. Art, Food, Culture, Music & Dance will be showcased in an immersive environment. We are utilizing as many local resources as possible to highlight the Latin Community in our beautiful city.
What type of kid friendly events will you have?
We will start the day with a Zumba Party, games from across Latin America, Soccer Clinic and drills, Baseball drills with the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp with a special appearance from their Mascot Scampi.
Do you want to give a shout out to some of your local sponsors?
Thank you iHeart Radio Stations Rumba and KissFM for believing in this project from the start, Romanza, Arlington Toyota, La Cocina International, Florida Blue, Wanda Solla from Watson Realty, First Coast Soccer Academy, Advance Auto, Si Senor Cowen & Pacetti, Dream Vacations, Feldman Auto & My Dream Salon
Where can people get tickets for the May 4th festival?
Eventbrite or on the day of the event.
Follow Unidos en la Musica on Instragram | Facebook
and their Website
Enter the giveaway for a chance to win Two FREE Tickets to the festival:
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Winner will be announced on May 1st.
St Augustine Spotlight. The name says it all. All the wonderful events and local businesses have a spotlight shinning on them. The Latin American Festival on May 4th, sounds wonderful we are definitely going. Kim Devlin does an outstanding job highlighting all the wonderful this amazing city. I suggest everyone subscribe to St Augustine SPOTLIGHT and become aware of all this gem of a city has to offer