Entertainment

Miami Set To Radiate With A Blend of Culture, Caribbean Pride and Pageantry At The 2016 Miami Broward Carnival

Published

10 years ago

September 28, 2016

Miami, FL – (FNN NEWS) – Miami Broward Carnival (MBC) lends a cultural authenticity to Miami’s Caribbean vibe that is undeniable. This staple event has become another feather in Miami’s rich cultural diversity cap. Produced by the Miami Broward One Carnival Host Committee (MBOHC), this annual landmark event in South Florida is not just multicultural, but international as well. Recognized once again by the Miami New Times as one of the Top 100 Events in South Florida, MBC is highly anticipated by South Florida locals and the tens of thousands of visitors who breathe and live the Carnival culture; who travel annually every Columbus Day weekend to Miami to celebrate. MBOCHC is proud to partner with Barbados Tourism Marketing, Inc., to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Barbados Independence. Carnival celebrations culminate on Sunday, October 9, 2016 at the Miami-Dade County Fairgrounds (10901 SW 24 St, Miami, FL 33165). MBC will start at 11a.m. and end at 11p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance and can be purchased at www.miamibrowardcarnival.com or select retail outlets.

“The Miami Broward Carnival continues to be one of our most highly anticipated annual events, attracting residents and visitors from around the globe for this multi-day celebration,” says William D. Talbert III, CDME, President & CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB). “It is one of the top events to highlight the great diversity and rich Caribbean culture woven throughout the Greater Miami area. Each year the pageantry is more spectacular as the Caribbean community proudly displays its traditions of elaborate costumes, vibrant art, music, dance and spicy flavorful foods – a proven formula for continued growth and popularity. ”

Miami Broward Carnival kicks off their Carnival season with their Junior Carnival on Saturday, October 1, 2016, at Central Broward Regional Park, Lauderhill, Greater Fort Lauderdale. This event allows for the young people to parade, compete, learn and celebrate Caribbean heritage.

Panorama continues to be a music lover favorite, bringing both old and young Caribbean-American pan-lovers together for a day of melodic, rhythmic and peaceful music. MBOCHC is committed to preserving this rich Caribbean tradition within the blueprint of #MiamiBrowardCarnival as they prepare to bring Desperadoes Steel Orchestra, the 2016 Panorama Champions from Trinidad and Tobago, for a special performance at Miami Broward Carnival Panorama, the official Miami Broward Carnival J’Ouvert and main-stage on Carnival Day. Pantastik Steel Orchestra looks to hold on to their coveted title of Miami Broward Carnival Panorama Champions.

With over 15,000 masqueraders who parade and are judged on creativity, craftsmanship and presentation, the buzz this year is that the vibrantly colored costumes are even bigger, more colorful and bolder.

“Miami Broward Carnival is an expression of the Caribbean American culture, experience and voice through the artistry of Mas making, musical versatility of steelbands and the vibrancy of our music. This annual cultural celebration is an anchor to our tourism economy on Columbus Day weekend and a lifeline to thousands of residents and visitors seeking to reconnect to their culture.” says Marlon A. Hill, partner, Hamilton, Miller & Birthisel, LLP and general counsel to Miami Broward One Carnival Host Committee, Inc.

“The GMCVB’s focus is to celebrate, market and promote all of the cultural diversity Miami offers to potential visitors. The Miami-Broward Carnival is a prime event that encompasses the Caribbean cultural heritage which is also a part of the Miami fabric. We will continue to support and cross promote the Carnival as one of our premier multicultural treasures”, says Connie Kinnard, VP, Multicultural Tourism & Development, Greater Miami CVB.

To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Barbados Independence, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc, will sponsor and curate the concert mainstage with some of the island’s biggest names in Soca music who include: Alison Hinds, Edwin Yearwood and Lead Pipe & Saddis.

Fusing a unique blend of calypso, rock and reggae, Trinidad and Tobago natives Kes the Band are set to headline the main-stage at this year’s Miami Broward Carnival concert. Other heavy-weight artists and bands include: Fusion Band, King Vers, Karma Band, The Original Burning Flames, Julien Believe and more. Special appearance by R.City, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands duo, also known as Rock City, of the hit song “Locked Away” ft. Adam Levine.
MBOCHC has made travel to the Carnival festival at the Miami DADE fairgrounds easy and convenient. Shuttle buses will be provided from the Miami Dade Transit Golden Glades bus depot (in North Miami-Dade) and Tropical Park (in S.W. Miami Dade on 40th Street/Bird Road) . Patrons will be able to park and ride for free to the Miami -Dade County Fairgrounds. The shuttle service party buses will run all day. Schedules of the shuttle services will be posted on www.miamibrowardcarnival.com and social media.

The Miami Broward Carnival Signature Event Lineup:

Saturday, October 1, 2016
Event: Miami Broward Junior Carnival – Presented by TD Bank
Details: Over 350 Children Masqueraders compete for prizes. Kids zone. Video Arcade RV
Location: Central Broward Regional Park – 3700 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill, FL 33311
Time: 11AM. – 9PM.
Admission: $10.00. Kids 10 and Under FREE with a Paid Adult Admission

For online tickets and more information please visit www.miamibrowardcarnival.com

Friday, October 7, 2016
Event: Fantastic Friday Duck Work Lunch Time Bacchanal & Food Truck Invasion
Details: Over 7 Food Trucks and vendors, Over 10 national and international DJ’s
Location: Central Broward Regional Park – 3700 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill, FL 33311
Time: Noon – 4PM
Admission: $15.00 (All Day. Includes All 3 MBC Events on Friday)
Kids 10 and Under FREE with a Paid Adult Admission
Event: Miami Broward Carnival Kings/Queens/Individuals Costume Competition
Location: Central Broward Regional Park – 3700 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill, FL 33311
Time: 4PM – 7PM

Event: Panorama Competition
Details: Steel bands compete for coveted title of Miami Broward Carnival Panorama Champion
Location: Central Broward Regional Park – 3700 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill, FL 33311
Time: 7PM-11PM

Saturday, October 8, 2016
Event: Miami Broward Carnival Official J’Ouvert
Details: Party before Carnival, mud, paint, powder, water
Location: Central Broward Regional Park – 3700 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill, FL 33311
Time: 7AM – 3PM
Admission: $25 in advance

Sunday, October 9, 2016
Event: Miami Broward Carnival Day
Details: Parade starts at Noon with over 15,000 masqueraders in 17+ Mas Bands. Concert Starts at 4PM. Arts & Craft Vendors. Corporate Village with Exhibitor Booths. Food Court.
Location: 10901 SW 24 St, Miami, FL 33165. Miami – Dade County Fairgrounds
Time: 11AM – 11PM
Admission: $30 in advance. Kids 10 and Under FREE with a Paid Adult Admission

For online ticket deals and more information please visit www.miamibrowardcarnival.com

Entertainment

160+ Bands, 5 Stages: Welcome To Rockville Returns to Daytona International Speedway May 7–10 with Expanded Fan Experience

Published

2 weeks ago

April 15, 2026

Willie David

160+ Bands, 5 Stages: Welcome To Rockville Returns to Daytona International Speedway May 7–10 with Expanded Fan Experience

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (FNN) — Music set times have been released for the 15th anniversary of Welcome To Rockville, Florida’s largest rock, metal and punk festival, set for May 7–10, 2026 at Daytona International Speedway.

Produced by Danny Wimmer Presents, the four-day event will feature more than 160 bands performing across five stages, marking the festival’s largest lineup to date.

HEADLINERS AND DAILY LINEUP

This year’s festival will be headlined by Foo Fighters, My Chemical Romance, Guns N’ Roses and Bring Me The Horizon.

Thursday, May 7: Guns N’ Roses, Five Finger Death Punch, Godsmack, Staind
Friday, May 8: Foo Fighters, Turnstile, The Offspring, Parkway Drive
Saturday, May 9: Bring Me The Horizon, Breaking Benjamin, Motionless in White, Lamb of God
Sunday, May 10: My Chemical Romance, A Day To Remember, Rise Against, Yellowcard

FESTIVAL EXPANSION AND NEW FEATURES

Organizers announced several enhancements for 2026 aimed at improving the fan experience. A new “Pit Stop” fan zone near the Apex Stage will feature artist interviews, special performances and interactive experiences.

In addition, the Garage Stage will be fully tented for the first time, offering expanded shade coverage and upgraded production for attendees.

SPECIAL EVENTS AND EXPERIENCES

Festivalgoers can kick off the week with a pre-party on May 6 featuring performances by Fuel, Local H and others.

A new crossover event, “Blood4Blood,” will also take place at the Ocean Center, combining live music with bare-knuckle fighting, including a headline bout featuring Alex Terrible of Slaughter to Prevail.

TICKETS, ACCESS AND ATTENDANCE

Festival gates will open daily at 11:30 a.m. Organizers are offering a range of ticket options, including single-day, weekend, VIP and camping packages. A new Camp to Coast shuttle will provide transportation between the speedway and nearby beaches.

With expanded attractions, including rides, themed bars and interactive zones, Welcome To Rockville 2026 is expected to draw tens of thousands of fans to Daytona Beach, reinforcing its role as a major driver of Florida’s tourism and live entertainment economy.

Entertainment

Orlando International Fashion Week Partners with Orlando Fringe Festival for 35th Anniversary Avant-Garde Showcase

Published

2 weeks ago

April 12, 2026

FNN NEWS

Orlando International Fashion Week

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Orlando International Fashion Week (OIFW) has announced a new creative partnership with the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival as the festival celebrates its 35th anniversary this May.

As part of the collaboration, OIFW will present a special avant-garde fashion showcase on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., during the two-week festival. The curated runway will feature bold, experimental designs that reflect Fringe’s spirit of artistic freedom, individuality and innovation.

PARTNERSHIP CELEBRATES CREATIVE COLLABORATION

Organizers say the partnership reflects a natural alignment between two nonprofit organizations committed to supporting artists and expanding access to creative spaces.

“Fringe and OIFW share a commitment to creating platforms where artists can take risks and express themselves freely,” said Rob Henlon, executive director and co-founder of OIFW. “This collaboration allows fashion to exist within a broader artistic conversation.”

John Payne-Rios, an OIFW advisory board member, added that the partnership strengthens Orlando’s creative ecosystem by bringing together fashion, theater and community engagement.

Festival organizers echoed that sentiment, noting the addition of fashion enhances the Outdoor Stage experience and introduces new artistic energy to the event.

DESIGNER CALL AND MODEL CASTING UNDERWAY

In conjunction with the partnership, OIFW has opened its designer registration call for creatives interested in participating in the Fringe showcase.

Designers are encouraged to submit collections that emphasize:

Avant-garde concepts
Artistic storytelling
Bold, experimental design

Models can also audition for both the Fringe showcase and upcoming OIFW runway shows. Casting calls are scheduled for April 12 and April 19 at CityArts Gallery in downtown Orlando from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The casting is open to ages 4 and up, with no prior experience required.

FRINGE FESTIVAL MARKS 35 YEARS OF ARTISTIC FREEDOM

For 35 years, the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival has provided an inclusive platform for artists to present original work in an unjuried and uncensored environment. The festival is the longest-running Fringe festival in the United States and returns 100% of ticket sales directly to artists.

Each May, the festival transforms Orlando into a hub of live performances, visual art, music and interactive experiences that celebrate diverse voices and creative expression.

What’s Next for OIFW?

The Fringe collaboration serves as a lead-in to OIFW’s signature summer event, Orlando International Fashion Week Presents: 626 Euphoria, scheduled for June 6, 2026, at the Winter Park Events Center.

Organizers say the upcoming season will continue to focus on:

Expanding fashion as a cultural platform
Strengthening cross-industry partnerships
Elevating emerging and diverse designers

Entertainment

Trick Daddy Threatens Tiffany Moore Russell Mayoral Race After AKA Show Shut Down

Published

3 weeks ago

April 9, 2026

Willie David

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — A performance by Miami street legend rapper Trick Daddy ended abruptly Friday night during the 73rd South Atlantic Regional Conference of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated after event organizers said the artist ignored agreed-upon performance guidelines.

The incident, which occurred after the conference’s Step and Stroll competition, has sparked debate online about event vetting, audience expectations, and artistic responsibility.

The event was overseen by South Atlantic Regional Director Tiffany Moore Russell, who also serves as the elected Clerk of Courts for Orange County, Florida and is currently a candidate for Orange County mayor.

Conference Performance Ends Early

Conference attendees from across the South Atlantic region gathered in Orlando for the sorority’s five-day leadership and networking event.

Friday evening’s program featured step teams and strolling performances before transitioning to live entertainment. Organizers booked Trick Daddy, the Miami rapper known for hits including “Nann” and “Thug Matrimony,” to perform a curated list of songs.

However, the performance ended mid-set after organizers said the rapper used language and lyrics that violated previously discussed guidelines.

Russell addressed the incident in a statement distributed to conference attendees.

“We met several times with him and his team to detail our requirements, including attire, language, and specific songs,” Russell said. “Unfortunately, our requirements were ignored. The language, lyrics, and comments made by the artist were not acceptable. I ended the performance because of the disrespect for our organization and our brand.”

Trick Daddy’s performance during an Alpha Kappa Alpha conference was shut down early due to “disrespect for our organization and our brand” pic.twitter.com/AX8xsELyP4
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) April 4, 2026

Viral Video Fuels Online Debate

Videos posted on social media showed audience members reacting with surprise and discomfort during the performance.

In one clip, attendees could be seen leaving the room as the rapper used explicit language and interacted with the crowd in a manner some attendees described as inappropriate for the event.

The video quickly spread online, fueling debate over whether the performer or the event organizers were responsible for the mismatch between the artist and the audience.

Some critics argued the booking itself raised questions about vetting.

Questions About Booking and Vetting

The controversy has prompted broader discussion about event planning and audience expectations.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated is one of the nation’s oldest historically Black sororities, known for its emphasis on scholarship, leadership, and community service.

Critics on social media questioned why an artist known for explicit hip-hop lyrics was booked for a conference audience largely composed of professional women and long-time sorority members.

Supporters of the organizers say the issue was not the booking itself but whether the performer honored the agreed-upon content guidelines.

Russell emphasized that the step teams and conference participants represented “creativity, discipline, and excellence,” adding that she regretted the performance overshadowed their work.

Trick Daddy Responds: “They Booked Me, Trick Daddy Dollars” [VIDEO]

Following the incident, Trick Daddy posted a video response denying that he violated the agreement and accusing organizers of damaging his reputation.

Trick Daddy video responding to AKA Director statement telling her not to give him a playlist, this isn’t her wedding and not to defame his characte, according to the video.

the video further that he states that anybody in there that was saddity and sanctified should not have been in there once I grabbed the MF’in mic.

He also referenced Russell’s political ambitions, saying: “I heard you’re running for some type of office or something. I’ll get on you every day until you don’t win. Don’t play with me.”

The comments intensified the controversy as the incident shifted from a performance dispute to a potential political crisis for Russell’s Orange County mayoral campaign.

What Happens Next? Reputation, Politics and Public Reaction

For Trick Daddy, the dispute raises questions about how the controversy could affect his public image and performance bookings.

For Tiffany Moore Russell, the issue arrives as she prepares for a campaign for mayor in Orange County, Florida, potentially drawing political scrutiny to the situation.

Whether the rapper follows through on his pledge to publicly attrack Russell’s mayoral campaign remains unclear.

For now, the moment stands as a cautionary tale about entertainment programming at professional events—where audience expectations, artist identity, and brand reputation must align.