“(IN)VISIBLE: NEPANTLA”: Black women and women of color are placed in the forefront of the viewer’s gaze, so they can be fully recognized, in the “(in)visible: Nepantla” exhibit now on display through March 15 at the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum 170 NW 5th Ave., Delray Beach. Tayina Deravile, a first-generation Haitian-American cultural art practitioner and arts professional, curated approximately 30 original works created by Fort Lauderdale-based artist Kandi G Lopez, circa 2013. Lopez specializes in collage work and uses a mix of materials to create a space for Black women and women of color to be represented. The show includes mixed media, stained glass, printmaking works on paper, ink on repurposed doors, and fiber art pieces, showcasing the diverse range of Lopez’s work. Visit spadymuseum.com

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GROUNDUP MUSIC FESTIVAL 2024: Immerse yourself in the healing power of music with an unparalleled lineup featuring award-winning artists and historic Afro/Cuban performance at the eighth annual event, Feb. 2-4 at the iconic Miami Beach Bandshell, 7275 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. Headlining Acts: West African Bliss, Antiguan And Barbudan Rhythms, Snarky Puppy, Trinidadian Grooves, Dynamic Duo, Afro/Cuban Fusion. Visit groundupmusicfestival.com.

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BLACK HISTORY MONTH CONCERT: The Lauderhill MLK Old School Music Concert is where R&B, Funk, and Reggae vibes meet, Saturday, Feb. 3, Lauderhill Performing Arts Center, featuringTony! Toni! Toné! (with D’Wayne Wiggins), Shirley Murdock, and special guests Hal Anthony, The Old Skool Gang and Lenora Jaye. Tickets at lpacfl.com.

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“SISTER ACT”: Slow Burn Theatre Company presents the divine feel-good musical comedy smash hit, Saturday, Feb. 3 through Sunday, Feb. 18, in the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Based on the hit 1992 film, the musical follows Disco Diva Deloris Van Cartier, who witnesses a murder and is placed in protective custody in the one place the cops think she’ll never be found – a convent. It seems like she’s made a deal with the devil until she begins to make friends with the sisters and starts to shake things up. Tickets online at BrowardCenter.org or Ticketmaster.com, by phone at 954-462-0222, or at the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office.

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“I DREAM A WORLD”: New World Symphony’s third annual festival returns to Miami, Feb. 4 – 25, with a series of programs that honor the life and work of the “first lady of jazz,” legendary pianist and composer Mary Lou Williams. The festival, titled “Mary Lou’s Harlem,” features a roster of acclaimed artists uniting to celebrate the lasting legacy of one of the most influential, yet least known jazz artists of all time. Festival highlights include:

• The world premiere of Mary Lou Williams’ “History: A Wind Symphony.” Recently discovered in the archives at Duke University, the unfinished work will be re-orchestrated by composer and Duke University professor Dr. Anthony Kelley.

• A spectacular screening of “Mary Lou Williams: The Lady Who Swings the Band” (2015) on the soaring, 7,000-square-foot projection wall of the Frank Gehry-designed New World Center, home to NWS.

• A cabaret-style performance of Williams’ piano-centric music featuring Grammy Award-nominated pianist Aaron Diehl and his jazz trio that invokes the energy and activity of Williams’ apartment, which became the meeting place for the generation of musicians and intellectuals that birthed the modern jazz movement.

• A chamber music concert at The Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater in Overtown, featuring the music of Thelonius Monk, Valerie Coleman, David Baker and more.

• A performance by New World Symphony with the Aaron Diehl Jazz Trio, Grammy Award-nominated vocalist Carmen Lundy, the Ambassador Chorale of Florida Memorial University and the Jazz Vocal Ensemble of Florida International University, led by guest conductor Andrew Grams, in a program of selections from Williams’ “Zodiac Suite”, selections from Williams’ “Mass,” and the aforementioned world premiere of “History: A Wind Symphony.” During this concert, Mary Lou Williams’ recorded voice and video footage will be woven into the performance to narrate her own personal story. (Diehl was nominated for a 2023 Grammy for his recording of Williams’ “Zodiac Suite.”)

• A collection of Mary Lou Williams artifacts at New World Center. Tickets to New World Symphony concerts start at $10 can be purchased online, or by calling 305-673-3331 or visiting the box office. Visit nws.edu/harlem for other information and to purchase tickets.

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BLACK HISTORY CELEBRATION IN THE PARK: This community-centric celebration, Saturday, Feb. 10, 6 – 10 p.m., at Losner Park, 104 N. Krome Ave., Homestead, is open and free to the public, welcoming all residents and visitors to join in commemorating rich heritage. Attendees can expect an evening filled with vibrant activities and entertainment, live music and a DJ to keep the atmosphere lively and celebratory, including:

• Culinary Delights: Indulge in a variety of culinary experiences with a selection of local food trucks offering diverse flavors.

• Fun and Games: Engage in entertaining games, trivia, and karaoke for a night of

laughter and enjoyment.

• Family-Friendly Zone: Children can partake in specially curated kids’ activities, ensuring a memorable experience for the whole family.

• Gaming Area: Embrace friendly competition at the gaming area, providing a space for both enthusiasts and casual players.

• Vendor Showcase: Explore a range of vendors offering unique products and services.

• Signature Drinks: Refresh with specially crafted signature drinks, adding a touch of uniqueness to the celebration. Visit Eventbrite.com.

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"BEST OF FEST 2023": The Deering Estate in partnership with the Miami short Film Festival presents on Sunday, Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. Enjoy the screening of some of the winning short films from the 22nd edition of the festival. The screening will be indoors at the Deering Estate Theater. Pack a picnic and enjoy a day by the bay at the MiamiDade County Heritage Park, is a great place to witness the grace and beauty of manatees. From the Deering Estate’s boat basin, you can see these gentle giants in the waters of Biscayne Bay, making it a truly memorable experience for all. Other details and tickets online at deeringestate.org/event/short-film-festival.

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“BLUE WHALES: RETURN OF THE GIANTS”: The first giant-screen film on the subject continues at the AutoNation IMAX Theater at the Museum of Discovery and Science, 401 SW 2nd St. in Fort Lauderdale, included in the MODS Discovery Pass, an all-in-one ticket that includes museum exhibitions, live science demonstrations and one IMAX documentary film. Visit mods.org/tickets or mods.org/showtimes.

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TEEN BROADWAY: The lights of Broadway are coming to Fort Lauderdale’s L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center. For the sixth straight year, youths 5-15 will have the opportunity to experience what it takes to put on a full-scale performance through the YMCA of South Florida’s “Teen Broadway” program. Performances are set for 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10 and Sunday, Feb. 11 at the Victory Black Box Theatre. The name pays homage to the former Victory Theatre, which stood less than a mile from the Y, and operated as early as 1945 when it was the only theatre in Fort Lauderdale where Black patrons were allowed during segregation. Tickets are $10 for advance purchases and $15 the day of, available by visiting ymcasouthflorida.org/teenbroadway or ymcasouthflorida.org/victorybbt/

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HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGE IMPROV COMEDY SHOW: The Intelligent Fools improv comedy troupe presents their sketch comedy show dedicated to the Black college experience, Sunday Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. at the Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Ave. in Delray Beach. The groundbreaking performance will celebrate Black History through improv, step, dance, and music. Improv members include founder Ernest Mitchell, Ben Dexter, Ryan Julias, Tiffany Piters, and DJ Marion Reid. The evening will also include performances by the SOS Marching Band and the All of Nothing Dance Company. Tickets $30, call 561-450-6357 or visit artsgarage.org.

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