16th Annual Miami Takeover Weekend Unites DC and Miami Beach

As summer winds down, the 16th Annual Miami Takeover (MTO) Weekend was the perfect backdrop delivering an unforgettable three-day experience that fused the vibrant cultures of Washington, DC, and Miami. Rooted in community service, arts, and culture, the 2024 Miami Takeover brought together professionals and tastemakers of color to celebrate the unique legacy of Go-Go music and spoken word alongside meaningful community engagement.

The weekend’s festivities began with the annual Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures dental screenings at Flamingo Park in partnership with the Miami Beach PAL and Colgate. The event, which provided dental screenings for 150 children, was enhanced by the presence of Culture Curator and Artist Demont “Peekaso” Pinder, who inspired the young attendees through art activities.

MTO officially kicked their weekend off with the Trap Poetry Miami & All White Party at the Muhammad Ali Gym. The evening featured live music and spoken word performances hosted by Matt Capone and EPIC, blending the energy of the DMV with Miami’s vibrant poetry scene.

Wylie Kynard, Co-founder of The WK&F Group and General Partner of The Miami Takeover LLC, reflected on the event’s growth, stating, “The Miami Takeover has evolved into more than just a weekend getaway; it’s a celebration of DC culture and Miami’s hospitality. We’re proud of the experiences we’ve created and look forward to many more.”

The weekend’s highlight was undoubtedly “The Art of Go-Go Culture Fest,” held at the Miami Beach Bandshell. This lively celebration of Go-Go music, a funk subgenre native to Washington, DC, featured interactive art installations curated by Demont “Peekaso” Pinder. Attendees enjoyed performances by soulful songstress Janae Music, Backyard Band, Sirius Company, and Black Passion, with DJ Quicksilva keeping the energy high.

Connie W. Kinnard, SVP of Multicultural Tourism & Development for the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, expressed her excitement about the event, saying, “The Miami Takeover continues to deliver unforgettable experiences, showcasing the vibrant spirit of Miami Beach while honoring DC’s Go-Go culture. We’re thrilled to have supported this celebration, which aligns perfectly with our Art of Black Miamiprogram.”

The weekend concluded with the annual beach sweep. Volunteers gathered at the 17th Street beach entrance for a cleanup, demonstrating the event’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

The 2024 Miami Takeover Weekend was made possible by the support of sponsors, including the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority, Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, Art of Black Miami, Miami Beach Black Affairs Advisory Committee, and MiamiBeach Bandshell.

For more highlights and updates, follow @themiamitakeover on Instagram.

16th Annual Miami Takeover Weekend Unites DC and Miami Beach

Tags: Miami

Who is BIG CED?

Before there was social media, you had Big Ced, a gatherer of people. He is more than a promoter or socialite. He hand picked people he liked or felt had some value and invited them to local bars, restaurants, night clubs, sporting events and various other places they probably had never been.
His ability to bring ground breaking thinkers, music artists, athletes, directors, models and moguls together is quite unique. Even in 2016, he continues to collect a eclectic group of movers and shakers.
I imagine he believes in you, before you believe in yourself.
He is a pioneering writer on the internet, before the word blogger and continues to use the platform to make social change.

Ralph McDanielsPresidentUncle Ralph Music and Film & Video Music BoxNew York, NY