Vanessa James Media Productions is thrilled to announce the triumphant return of Food, Wine, and Fete, Miami’s premium all-inclusive Soca experience, set to take place on Saturday, May 18th, 2024 at 3 pm at the Historic Virginia Key Beach Park’s Grand Pavilion. The eagerly anticipated second annual event celebrates the vibrant culture of the Caribbean, showcasing the region’s most brilliant chefs, mixologists, tastemakers, culinary creatives, and some of the region's most buzzed-about wine brands, Caribbean spirits, as well as Soca artistes, and South Florida’s vibrant Caribbean community.

This year’s lineup includes renowned chefs such as:

● Chef Irie, recipient of the prestigious James Beard award and serving as the festival's
official culinary ambassador is a Jamaican culinary trailblazer, whose journey from
architecture to the kitchen is as bold and flavorful as his Caribbean-inspired dishes.
● Myriam “Chef Mimi” Charles, the award-winning pastry chef from Haiti and Miami
native known for her triumph on Cooking Channel’s “Cake Hunters' and as the
founder of Lux Cakery.
● Chef Alain Lemaire, the host chef of the "Luda Can't Cook" series on Discovery+,
brings his Haitian culinary heritage to life with his renowned dish "Ou Manje Deja",
showcasing his unique flair and flavor.
● Celebrity Chef Paul Griffith, a Barbados-born culinary prodigy, serves us some of
the best meals to music and Hollywood celebrities in Miami, including NFL teams.
● Jamaican Chef Troy Tingling of SoulFly Kitchen will be serving up his signature jerk
fried chicken sando sandwich and doing a tasting on Foodie Avenue Chef Troy began
mixing Caribbean flavors to create fusion recipes that he uses with clients today. During
his time in Jamaica, he was honored to cook for then Prime Minister, Bruce Golding.

No Soca fete experience would be complete without the electrifying Soca music that
all-inclusive experiences around the Caribbean are known for. Food, Wine, and Fete delivers a
jam-packed lineup of the most buzzed-about DJs and Soca Artistes, Teddyson John of St.
Lucia and King Bubba of Barbados, who are set not only to perform at this year’s experience
but to try their hands in the kitchen too!

“My passion for the Caribbean runs deep. Our people, world-renowned food, infectious energy,
and eclectic culture are all a part of what keeps me grounded in my roots and goals to show theworld the beauty of the region beyond sun, sand, and sea.” says co-founder Vanessa James.
“After many years of travel and storytelling about the beloved Caribbean, I realized there was a
huge void in the market to celebrate the special entrepreneurs who feed us from the moment we land on the islands. With Food, Wine, and Fete, I hope to spark a new generation of cultural
events and experiences that elevate Caribbean creatives from all genres. Food, Wine & Fete is
our love letter to the culture that we hold so dearly and appreciate so deeply. This is more than a fete — our goal is to transport your senses to the islands until you can take the journey yourself. Guests can expect an interactive array of experiences from the moment they arrive and most importantly, get ready to FETE Caribbean style” says James.

Tickets are available for purchase on Eventbrite for $135. The festival has partnered with Hilton Garden Inn Miami Brickell South to provide reduced group rates for those visiting from out of town or South Florida who want to make a weekend out of the experience.

Participating sponsors include: Vanessa James Media, La Fete Rosé, The Buccaneer Hotel - St.
Croix, Virgin Island Food Tours, Best Dressed Plate, Ron Barcelo, Real Sangria, The Pale
Rosé, LunaLiteDroneShow, Proximo Spirits Cristalino Tequila, Carib Beer, WIPS (West Indian
Pepper Sauce), LifeNetforFamilies and LunaLiteDrone Show.

Food, Wine, and Fete offers a unique opportunity for brands to tap into an affluent, well-traveled, and highly motivated diverse community and showcase their offerings. Partnership and press opportunities allow brands to stand out amid a sea of motivated patrons. For more information about partnership opportunities, sampling opportunities, and press inquiries, visit
www.foodwineandfete.com.Follow the Food, Wine, and Fete fun on Instagram and Facebook.

For more information, visit
https://www.vanessajamesmedia.com/ or follow Vanessa James Media on Instagram at
@vanessajamesmedia, X formerly Twitter, @msvanessajames, and LinkedIn.

About Food Wine & Fete:

Founded by Vanessa James and Marcos Rodriguez, Food, Wine, and Fete is a premium all-inclusive Soca fete experience celebrating the Caribbean’s vibrant culture - our chefs, artists, and community. Conceptualized with a deep-seated passion for celebrating Caribbean roots and amplifying the creativity of the vibrant and talented diaspora. Born out of a love for travel, carnival, Soca music, and the delicious culinary scene of the Caribbean, Food, Wine, and Fete was born.

The first-of-its-kind all-inclusive Food, Wine, and Fete is an annual event that debuted in 2019 to a sold-out crowd of 500 foodies and Soca aficionados with a similar passion for celebrating Caribbean culture. In its second year, returning to Historic Virginia Key Beach Park, Food Wine & Fete will also highlight Caribbean brands, and feature curated pop-up experiences, giveaways, and a few fun surprises.

As proud children of the Caribbean, this legacy project is Vanessa and Marcos’ unique way of highlighting the diverse Caribbean diaspora and its many touch points including travel, music, food, and live culinary experiences. Although the Caribbean is known as the birthplace of rum, wine enthusiasts are now able to explore the many pairings of their delicious island food with their favorite wine too. For more information about partnership opportunities, vendor sampling
opportunities, and press inquiries, visit www.foodwineandfete.com.
Follow the Food, Wine, andFete fun on Instagram and Facebook.

About Vanessa James Media:
Vanessa James Media is a multimedia company that champions authenticity, diversity, and creativity. Specializing in voiceover, on-camera and event hosting, and content creation, the company has been a beacon for creative collaboration, spirited storytelling, and innovative brand synergies in the media landscape.

Founded by Vanessa James, known as "the voice you hear everywhere,” a sought-after, seasoned multicultural voice-over actress, who has lent her voice and talents to some of the world's most iconic brands, Vanessa’s captivating voice can be heard on television and radio stations nationwide, and in the bustling yellow cabs of New York City on the iconic 103.5 KTU, as well as over 30 radio stations. Vanessa has voiced campaigns for PGA Tour, The CW Network, Netflix, Amazon, IHeartMedia, and Macy's. In 2023, she was tapped by Reach TV
Network, to host their Business Traveler show, highlighting the best hotels, destinations, and inspiring travel content. Vanessa is also the voice behind the CW Network's "All American Homecoming,” Infiniti Motors' campaign, and WAZE GPS voice for their global Women's History Month celebration and most recently, new promo voiceover artist for the nationally syndicated “Tamron Hall” daytime talk show. She is currently represented by Atlas Talent Agency NYC. Vanessa is also a champion for diversity and inclusion, entrepreneurship, and creative
collaboration through her three signature annual events. VJMedia Mixology, a signature event for connection among brands, influencers, trailblazers, and innovators. The Women of Impact Series, an intimate yearly gathering celebrating female entrepreneurs and multicultural creatives and Food, Wine, and Fete, a first-of-its-kind all-inclusive Soca experience in Miami, celebrating Caribbean culture and amplifying Caribbean chefs and cuisine. 

In this Women's Month edition, we shine a spotlight on Valencia Gunder, a tireless advocate for social justice, community empowerment, and women's rights. Known for her unwavering commitment to uplifting marginalized voices, Gunder has dedicated her life to creating positive change.

Hailing from Miami, Florida, Gunder's journey as a community organizer began in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, where she mobilized resources and support for those most affected. Since then, she has been a driving force behind numerous grassroots initiatives, focusing on issues such as racial equity, affordable housing, and environmental justice.

Gunder's impact extends far beyond her local community, with her work inspiring countless individuals across the nation. As the Founder and Co-Director of Smile Trust, an organization dedicated to spreading joy and support to homeless individuals, Gunder has made a lasting impact, celebrating its 10-year anniversary of service in Miami and Atlanta this year.

Her leadership extends to the arts as well. As a cast member of "Razing Liberty Square," a documentary directed by Katja Esson and released in 2023, Gunder sheds light on the challenges faced by marginalized communities in Miami and the importance of community resilience in the face of adversity.

Gunder's dedication to amplifying the voices of women, particularly women of color, is evident in her advocacy efforts. As the Co-founder of The Black Collective, an organization dedicated to promoting the economic and social advancement of Black communities, Gunder has been instrumental in creating spaces for collaboration, empowerment, and advocacy.

Her leadership serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for women everywhere, reminding us that each of us has the power to effect change, no matter how daunting the challenges may seem.

This Women's Month, let us honor Valencia Gunder and her unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and empowerment. Together, let us continue to strive for a world where all women can thrive.

CEO and President of Shop Buju Banton (Reggae artists and philanthropist, Buju Banton’s clothing line), Santresa McCarthy announces the brand's debut Fashion Show and Brunch on April 10, 2022, at Lemon Grove (7610 NE 4th Court, Miami FL 33138) from 2 pm-9 pm. The Fashion Show entitled “Blessed Brunch: Rip The Runway- Red, Gold and Green Edition” includes the release of the brand's “What Drives You’ collection as well as “Crypto Rude Boys” and focuses on giving attendees a taste of the brand's new direction moving forward. The internationally known brand was founded on July 15, 2017, and consists of women’s, kids', and menswear. The entire collection focuses on creative designs collaborating directly with Buju Banton himself. Originally the brand launched artwork that focused highly on Buju Banton’s image and legacy albums, however, it has transitioned into a lifestyle brand and in true Buju Banton fashion, the brand is keen on motivating, educating, and encouraging its supporters. Buju Banton’s clothing line aims to help spread a message of love and peace. Paying homage to Africa, freedom, and liberation, as well as conscious and inspirational themes with matching reference graphics.

“When we launched Shop Buju Banton, formerly known as Everything BB, my focus was to capture who the world knows as Buju Banton's personality, creativity, and energy and express it through fashion. The music inspired everything we did. We’re excited that the company has grown and expanded to become more of a lifestyle brand. This way his fans and supporters can truly express themselves from clothing to home décor and more” says CEO and President, Santresa McCarthy.

"Santresa, has the vision, drive, and dedication needed to continue to build this brand to the next level. The Fashion Show is designed in a way that will express the core of the Buju Banton brand. Over the years, my supporters have been a driving force and we want to give them something special they will remember. Each piece was designed with the intent to motivate and move the people forward. Now is the time to come together and do something powerful through fashion” says Mark Myrie (Buju Banton).

Attendees can expect a non-traditional fashion show that infuses culture, music, food, and of course fashion. Hosted by Correy K and featuring music by Karim Hype, Rory Stone Love, Steelie Bashment, and DJ Country The Truth and sponsored by Buju Banton, “Blessed Brunch: Rip the Runway- Red, Gold and Green Edition” will give audiences a taste of what’s to come. Special guests will be making appearances throughout the night and there will also be opportunities to purchase exclusively at the event before the lines are released to the rest of the world.

Jazz in the Gardens (JITG) has announced the 2022 lineup for the 15th anniversary of the incredibly popular jazz and R&B music festival including Mary J. Blige, H.E.R, Rick Ross, The Isley Brothers, SWV, The Roots with special guest T-Pain, Stokely, Johnathan McReynolds, Mike Phillips and Mark Allen Felton, with local performers still to be announced. Syndicated radio host and comedian Rickey Smiley will return as the host for the 2022 JITG.

In 2020, in the wake of the global pandemic, Jazz in the Gardens was forced to cancel just two days before the doors were slated to open. Now, almost two years later, the 2022 festival represents an impressive comeback as the City of Miami Gardens’ signature event and is anticipated to be an even better experience for the thousands of loyal and eager ticket buyers who hail from all over the world. Entrants will be required to show a valid COVID-19 vaccination card or a negative COVID-19 test. Social distancing protocols will be observed and face masks will be strongly encouraged.

“We are happy to announce the return of Jazz in the Gardens in the City of Miami Gardens. In an abundance of caution, the festival did not happen for the past two years due to COVID-19. It’s coming back in 2022, and we will do so in a safe way following all the CDC protocols. We are also excited about bringing talented, award-winning artists to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the festival that showcases music and the culture and diversity of Miami Gardens. We look forward to celebrating with our residents and people from all over the world on March 12th and 13th,” said Mayor Rodney Harris, City of Miami Gardens.

“As a manager, my clients have played this festival several times over the past decade” said Shawn Gee, President of Live Nation Urban, “so when presented with the opportunity to work alongside the city to produce the event this year, I was super excited. Jazz in the Gardens is one of the most important live events in the culture of Jazz & R&B music, globally. Our goal is not only to produce a stellar event, but to let the world know about the hidden gem that City of Miami Gardens has with this event”.

‘We are honored to partners with Mayor Harris and the City of Miami Gardens on the 15th Anniversary of Jazz in the Gardens”, said Brittany Flores, President of Live Nation Florida. “The event is staple here in South Florida and we are beyond excited to help continue the tradition and usher in the next chapter of this amazing event”.

The 15th Annual Jazz in the Gardens also showcases an eclectic mix of goods and great buys in the Merchandise Village and delicious, exotic cuisine in the Food Village

Tickets on-sale now at www.jazzinthegardens.com - Follow @jazzinthegardens

ABFF Ventures LLC announced today that the 2021 American Black Film Festival (ABFF) will open its milestone 25th year with Warner Bros. Pictures’ eagerly anticipated film King Richard. The expanded 2021 festival will be available as a worldwide digital experience November 3-28 via its online platform ABFF PLAY. King Richard will be available by special invitation to a limited audience.


King Richard stars two-time Oscar nominee Will Smith, who also is the film’s producer, as Richard Williams, the determined father of Venus and Serena Williams.  The story follows the journey of their family, whose unwavering resolve and unconditional belief ultimately creates two of the world’s greatest sports legends. Also starring are Aunjanue Ellis as the girls’ mom, Oracene Wlliams, Saniyya Sidney as Venus Williams and Demi Singleton as Serena Williams, with Tony Goldwyn and Jon Bernthal as coaches Paul Cohen and Rick Macci. Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green (Monsters and Men) from a script written by Zach Baylin, King Richard will be released in U.S. theaters and stream exclusively on HBO Max, November 19. 

“It is with pride and excitement that we mark our 25th year opening with Warner Bros.’ King Richard, a film that is a touchstone of ABFF’s legacy of showcasing extraordinary Black talent and inspiring storytelling reflecting the brilliance of diversity in Hollywood,” said Nicole Friday, president and general manager, ABFF Ventures LLC. “We’re especially gratified to have the film’s director, Reinaldo Marcus Green, a previous finalist in HBO’s prestigious Short Film Competition, return to ABFF as feature film director — demonstrating the importance of the HBO pipeline in advancing the careers of Black artists. This event is simply a grand slam on every level."

“Having King Richard at ABFF this year is truly a full circle moment,” stated Reinaldo Marcus Green. “Back in 2013, my short film Stone Cars, that I made while studying at NYU screened in competition and was distributed on HBO -- so opening up the festival for ABFF’s 25th anniversary means a lot to me. It's an absolute honor to return this year with our film. Thank you to Warner Bros. and the whole filmmaking team, the family we built on set, the Williams family for allowing us to tell their groundbreaking story and, of course, our wonderful crew and cast led by none other than Mr. Will Smith.”

ABFF 2021 worldwide virtual experience will include over 100 independent films from 35 countries, spotlight screenings, talks and networking events featuring creators, artists and industry executives. Access to the festival is free. To register, visit https://abff.com.

ABFF sponsors to date include WarnerMedia and HBO® (Founding); Cadillac, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau and Amazon Studios (Presenting); Comcast NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures Entertainment, American Airlines, AT&T, Facebook, and IMDb (Premier); ALLBLK, HBOMax, City of Miami Beach, Netflix, Prudential Financial, TBS, Warner Bros., Variety and Yahoo! (Official); Accenture, AspireTV, Motion Picture Association (MPA) and Morgan Stanley (Supporting). Media partners include BIN: Black Information Network, TheGrio and Rolling Out. 
 
For festival information visit and follow @ABFF on Twitter and @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook. Join in on the conversation by using #ABFF. 


ABOUT KING RICHARD
Armed with a clear vision and a brazen 78-page plan, Richard Williams is determined to write his daughters, Venus and Serena, into history. Training on the abandoned tennis courts of Compton, California, rain or shine, the girls are shaped by their father’s unyielding commitment and their mother’s balanced perspective and keen intuition, defying the seemingly insurmountable odds and prevailing expectations laid before them.
The film is produced by Tim White and Trevor White’s Star Thrower Entertainment and Will Smith’s own banner, Westbrook. Isha Price, Serena Williams, Venus Williams, James Lassiter, Jada Pinkett Smith, Adam Merims, Lynn Harris, Allan Mandelbaum, Jon Mone and Peter Dodd are the executive producers.
​
King Richard is a Warner Bros. Pictures Presentation, A Star Thrower Entertainment Production, A Westbrook Production and A Keepin’ It Reel Production and will be released in U.S. theaters and on HBO Max via the Ad-Free plan on November 19, 2021; it will be available on HBO Max for 31 days from theatrical release.​

ABOUT ABFF
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is an annual event dedicated to recognizing Black talent and showcasing quality film and television content by and about people of African descent. Dedicated to the belief that diverse artists deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts, ABFF founder Jeff Friday conceived the festival in 1997 as a vehicle to strengthen the Black entertainment community by fostering resource sharing, education and artistic collaboration. Now in its 25th year, the festival has become a cornerstone of diversity in Hollywood, providing a platform for emerging Black artists – many of whom have become today’s most successful actors, producers, writers, directors and stand-up comedians. The ABFF is a property of ABFF Ventures LLC, a division of Jeff Friday Media (JFM).
 

Journalist Jemele Hill (The Atlantic, Unbothered) interviews Mary J. Blige, the 2020 ABFF Ambassador, about her career in music and successful transition to film and television.

Panelists discuss the history of race and representation in media across the last 100 years and their role in the industry as well as offer advice for the next generation.

Romany Falco, Night School
Carlos Watson, Host of “The Carlos Watson Show”
Lamorne Morris, Actor, Woke, New Girl
Moderator: Ramcess Jean-Louis, Global Head, Diversity & Inclusion, Verizon Media

A discussion with actor and producer/director, Salli Richardson-Whitfield about her long-standing career and approach towards financial planning.

Moderator: Delvin Joyce, Managing Director of the South Florida Financial Group, Prudential Financial

Join the cast and creators to discuss the newest chapter in the POWER universe.

Panelists:

Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson – Executive Producer
Michael Rainey Jr. – Actor/ portrays Tariq St. Patrick
Naturi Naughton – Actor/ portrays Tasha St. Patrick
Mary J. Blige – Actor/ portrays Monet Stewart Tejada
Cliff “Method Man” Smith – Actor/ portrays Davis MacLean
Moderator: Yohana Desta, Editor, Vanity Fair

Bravo Media presents an intimate conversation in which our panelists discuss their personal experiences and perspectives around diversity both in front of and behind the camera. To further the dialogue regarding unscripted television, they will exchange thoughts on the importance of Black producers ensuring that our stories aren’t overlooked and we are represented equally in today’s diverse culture landscape.

Panelists:

Garcelle Beauvais from “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills”
Gizelle Bryant from “The Real Housewives of Potomac”
Kandi Burruss from “The Real Housewives of Atlanta”
Dr. Simone Whitmore from “Married to Medicine Atlanta”
Salena Rochester, Director, Current Production, Bravo
Moderator: Alicia Quarles, Senior News correspondent for DailyMailTV

The culminating event of the festival where the competitive film award winners are announced.

Presenters:

Best Director – Telva Mcgruder, Cadillac; Lee Daniels, Director (The United States vs. Billie Holliday)
Best U.S. Narrative – Salene Hitchcock-Gear, Prudential Financial and La La Anthony, Actor (The Chi)
Best Screenplay – Sinqua Walls, Actor (BET’s American Soul)
John Singleton Award for Best First Feature – Spike Lee, Director (Da 5 Bloods) and Jeff & Nicole Friday (ABFF)
Best International Narrative – Keith La Goy, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Boris Kodjoe & Nicole Ari Parker
HBO Short Film Award – Bevy Smith, Television Personality (Bevelations sirusXM)
Best Web Series – Keesha Boyd, Comcast and Logan Browning, Actor (Dear White People)
Best Documentary – Latasha Gillespie Amazon Studios and Laz Alonso, Actor (The Boys)

ART + COMMUNITY with Neil Hall & Malene Barnett
Join Art Africa Founder, Neil Hall and Malene Barnett, Founder, Black Artists + Designers Guild as they present thought-provoking discussions on the role of art and culture in communities and in the revitalization of our heritage neighborhoods. Complimentary happy hour bites. Open Bar by Ciroc.

C.R.U. & JETLIFE GROUP 420 presents:
2019 ART BASEL WEEK SPARK UP
ART * REGGAE * FOOD * CULTURE
LIVE PERFORMANCES FROM:

• KABAKA PYRAMID
• JESSE ROYAL
• PERFECT GIDDIMANI (#1 Billboard Reggae artist)
• JAHDAN BLAKKAMOORE (Grammy Nominated)
• TEFLON
• YOUNG SHANTY (2X Billboard artist)
• KAPITAL STONE
• DUBNDOPE
• KING CHARLZ
• GOLDY
• RAS KOKAY and The TRUTH
• DRE-Z
• JAH HI TOWA
• +guests

Sound by: CORNERSTONE SOUNDS, WRD SOUND PWR
BURNHARD SPLIFFINGTON Rolling Papers, Vinyl and Tee Limited Edition Release
ART INSTALLATION featuring RAS ELIJAH TAFARI
LIVE ART by: ARISE RAWK (Portland,OR)
FOOD BY: TROPICAL OASIS, HOPE GARDENS KITCHEN, +more tba
+Miami's TOP VENDORS
SHOW RUNS 6PM-12AM Late Night until 1AM

​The Art of Conversation is all about the collaboration of art and communication while creating a professional fusion between Generation X and Millennial Influencers. A place where professionals, creatives, and thought-leaders come unwind, mix and mingle all while being entertained with live entertainment, immersed in the arts and inspired by film.
Live Performances by: Kindred The Family Soul, Case, Mayila and LaVie!

"Storyteller Robert Young will be activating his signature portrait series YOUNG WORLD FACES (as seen at the Pan American Games and El Clasíco Miami) and celebrating the 10-year anniversary of Freetown Reborn, the documentary film and photographs captured in Sierra Leone West Africa."
Headliner Market Group & City of Miami Commissioner Keon Hardemon’s Soul of Basel: The Art Of Conversation at the Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater sets the perfect stage for the celebration of these storytelling visual works and Robert Young’s continued mission to bring the world closer together, one nation at a time. As 2019 represents the 400 year anniversary of the first slave ships departing from the west coast of Africa, it is only fitting that images from the region are set to be displayed in Overtown during Art Basel Miami Art Week.
​
Brought to you by: Headliner Market Group, City of Miami Commissioner Keon Hardemon, Southeast Overtown Park West CRA, and The Black Archive Historic Lyric Theater, Remy Martin, Vibe Magazine, Printers Cove