Legendary Cuban Bands Unite, Snarky Puppy Brings a U.S. Premiere, and Global Musicians to Light Up Stage in Miami Beach, Feb. 2-4

GroundUP Music Festival, named by The New York Times in its decade in review of the Arts as one of the “top 10 definitive moments of the decade” in music, and dubbed “the Art Basel of music” by Miami New Times, revealed the lineup for its eighth annual event, scheduled from February 2-4, 2024 at the Miami Beach Bandshell. With a track record of orchestrating artistically fearless music experiences, the festival promises a diverse line-up of legendary performances, hands-on workshops, and memorable collaborations across genres and generations.

“As we unveil the lineup for the 2024 GroundUP Music Festival, we’re thrilled to continue our tradition of bringing unprecedented musical collaborations and talent to the stunning shores of Miami Beach,” said Paul Lehr, CEO of GroundUP Music Festival and a Miami Beach native in a press release. The union of two historically significant Cuban bands, along with an array of international stars, underscores our commitment to fostering a global music community. We look forward to providing festival-goers with unique, unforgettable experiences.” 

Historic Cuban Performances 

In what is set to be an extraordinary and historical performance, two of the most esteemed and important Cuban groups with a rich shared history of over 70 years, the GRAMMY-Award winners Los Muñequitos de Matanzas (one of the most successful and critically acclaimed Rumba groups of all time), and Afrocuba de Matanzas (one of the top Folkloric groups in Cuba), will unite on stage. This performance, built on a spirited yet friendly rivalry, marks their first-ever collaborative stage appearance, bringing to life an album produced by Snarky Puppy bandleader and the festival’s co-founder Michael League last year in Matanzas.

“It is a dream to bring together these Cuban bands. Their joint performance will not only be a pinnacle for GroundUP but a moment etched into music history,” said League in a press release.

Special Performances from Snarky Puppy

Across an immersive three-day experience, attendees will be captivated by the groundbreaking and genre-defying performances brought to life by Snarky Puppy, the five-time GRAMMY Award-winning collective, who will not only deliver riveting full-length sets each night but will also perform for the first time in the U.S. a “Family Dinner” set with special guest vocalists, on Friday night, February 2, 2024. At the exclusive Family Dinner experience, attendees will have the unique opportunity to dine with Snarky Puppy members and other festival artists, all while enjoying a private performance.  There are very limited tickets available for this Friday night event. 

A Kaleidoscope of Global Talents

This edition of GroundUP will feature a diverse group of artists that shed light on music genres and styles that are unique and representative of their countries such as Gisela Joāo, a luminous star in Portuguese fado music, bringing her profound and emotive genre to the festival shores with her all-star band from Lisbon. Bassekou Kouyate, the Malian ngoni maestro (West African lute), will share his inventive take on the griot tradition alongside vocalist Ami Sacko and select global artists. The festival also hosts Canadian virtuoso Joy Lapps-Lewis, showcasing her Antiguan and Barbudan heritage through the resonant tones of the region’s most iconic instruments: steelpan, while Indian-American hybrid ensemble, led by Carnatic tradition master Varijashree Venugopal, offers a fusion of ancient tradition and modern aesthetics.

Celebrating Debuts

The festival welcomes the solo debut of multi-instrumentalist Nate Wood with his project fOUR, Polish bass marvel Kinga Głyk making her American debut, Miami native and influential jazz figure Marcus Strickland with his Twi-Life band, and Mexican bassist/composer/vocalist Fuensanta, marking her American concert debut, amongst others.

Interactive Workshops, Panels and Masterclasses

Beyond the performances, the festival continues its tradition of interactive workshops, panels, and masterclasses, fostering an environment of engagement and learning between the artists and attendees.

Tickets On Sale

Tickets are on sale now for the 2024 GroundUP Music Festival with early bird pricing available through Thanksgiving. For updates, more information and tickets, visit www.groundupmusicfestival.com. Follow the GroundUP Music Festival on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.  Listen to the official 2024 GroundUP Music Festival Spotify playlist here.

FULL LINEUP FOR 2024 GROUNDUP MUSIC FESTIVAL: 

• SNARKY PUPPY (FULL LENGTH SETS EVERY NIGHT)

FAMILY DINNER SET W/GUEST VOCALISTS (FIRST TIME EVER)

Joining them on stage across the three days:

• LOS MUÑEQUITOS DE MATANZAS
• GRUPO AFROCUBA DE MATANZAS
• LOS MUÑEQUITOS & AFROCUBA ALL STARS
• BASSEKOU KOUYATE FEAT. WEEDIE BRAIMAH & THE HANDS OF TIME ACOUSTIC
• VARIJASHREE VENUGOPAL
• GISELA JOĀO
• KINGA GLYK FEAT. ROBERT “SPUT” SEARIGHT, CASEY BENJAMIN, BRETT WILLIAMS & DOMINIC XAVIER TAPLIN 
• NATE WOOD – FOUR
• THE JOY LAPPS PROJECT FEAT. LARNELL LEWIS
• FUENSANTA
• MARCUS STRICKLAND AND TWI-LIFE
• ETIENNE CHARLES & CREOLE SOUL
• ARTIST-AT-LARGE-TO BE ANNOUNCED

This is a Hy-Lo News Staff Report.

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