Miami musician mentors band together with a little help from the superintendent
Many of South Florida’s independent musicians mentor students in the Miami-Dade County Public Schools system — even during a pandemic, albeit virtually.
So that’s how these local musicians are going to help their own community to continue mentoring the kids: a virtual concert you can livestream Friday night. They will get a little help from Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, who is putting in a special appearance.
No word yet on whether he’s going to croon a tune.
“Don’t miss this special event, as we support local artists who are always there for our students ... before, during and after #covid19,” Carvalho tweeted.
The #305ForGood Benefit Concert will feature performances by musicians from Guitars Over Guns, a South Florida nonprofit that helps disadvantaged youth, and Miami Music Project’s teaching artists.
Also performing are Miami music locals Matthew Sabatella, Jackie Mendez, Michelangelo Mejia, Desiree Bannister, Alejandro Elizondo, Ari Nemser, Alvaro & Misty Bermudez, Monique Abbadie, Daniela Padron, Henry Linarez, Cindy & Ryan Ellis, Robbie Elias and Luis Enrique.
The event will be streamed live from Neme Gastro Bar in Miami but the venue won’t be open to the public due to social distancing rules in Miami. The city gave organizers the OK when they agreed to play by the rules, said a spokeswoman for the event.
“As long as we have 10 or less people, adhering to six-feet distancing, done before curfew and wearing masks we are OK,” she said. “Everyone except singers when performing will be in masks. Performers will wait outside or in their vehicles while they wait to hit the stage.”
Proceeds from the concert will go to benefit the artists who have lost performance engagements due to the coronavirus crisis, but who continue to mentor students through their music.
How to see the concert and donate
The concert will be streamed live on the Facebook pages of Miami Music Project, Guitars Over Guns, and Neme Gastro Bar. Donations are encouraged at https://bit.ly/305forgood.
This story was originally published May 8, 2020 at 9:56 AM.
