(BPRW) THE BLACK ARCHIVES FOUNDATION PRESENTS THE CROWN OF OVERTOWN 110TH ANNIVERSARY KICK-OFF CELEBRATION SOIREE ON NOVEMBER 18TH

Celebrated Artists Keke Wyatt, Raheem Devaughn and the Melton Mustafa Orchestra Offer a Soulful Evening and Experience; Purchase your tickets today!

(Black PR Wire) MIAMI, FL – The Historic Lyric Theater will come alive with a night of diamonds, pearls, sequins, bow ties and bling as part of the 110th Anniversary of the Crown of Overtown Kick-Off Celebration Soiree, featuring award-winning artists, including: Keke Wyatt, Raheem DeVaughn, and the Melton Mustafa Orchestra, featuring Melton Mustafa, Jr.

The epic event takes place on Saturday, November 18, 2023, from 6 to 10 p.m., at the Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater, located at 819 NW Second Avenue in Miami, Florida. Guests will enjoy good soul food and a soulful experience where they can put on their dancing shoes to celebrate the Great Gatsby themed Supper Club evening filled with fanfare, excitement, and more!

“I am humbled and excited to present The Crown of Overtown 110th Anniversary Kick-Off Celebration Soiree,” said Kamila Pritchett, Executive Director of the Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater. “I give honor to legend Dr. Dorothy Fields and thank the board for entrusting me with this new role.  We invite the community to step back into the 30s and 50s era and experience the supper club glory days of The Crown of Overtown.”

Here is some background information on our talented line-up:

Keke Wyatt – A multitalented singer and mother of 12 who will sing your socks off. Keke’s first breakthrough came after a highly successful collaboration with R&B singer Avant on his platinum album “My Thoughts.” Her first album debuted in 2001 and was called Soul Sista, and earned Certified Gold status. Keke’s second duet with Avant, “Nothing in This World,” became a huge smash single. Keke is a woman of many talents and is from a musical family. She is blessed to be able to perform several genres of music that include gospel, R&B, pop, country and opera.

Raheem DeVaughn – He’s a three-time Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter who is the son of renowned jazz musician Abdul Wadud. Raheem’s first three albums included “The Love Experience” (2005), “Love Behind the Melody” (2008) which reached number one on the Top 10 R&B Hip-Hop Albums Chart and earned him two Grammy nominations (Best Male R&B Vocal Performance “Woman” and Best R&B Song: “Customer”), one BET Award, two BET J Virtual Awards for “Male Artist of the Year” and “Album of the Year.” A noted humanitarian, Raheem has taken a philanthropic stance by creating the LoveLife Foundation in 2014, with the mission to improve lives through social development, education, and health and wellness by collaborating with community organizations and foundations to raise awareness and tackle issues that affect our communities.

Melton Mustafa Orchestra – Melton Mustafa, Jr. is a three-time Grammy nominated saxophonist, arranger/composer, producer and educator. He is known for his charisma, flare for fashion and soulful saxophone playing. His knowledge of all genres of music gives him a unique edge when it comes to entertaining people of all backgrounds.

The Crown of Overtown 110th Anniversary Kick-Off Celebration Soiree is designed to continue to preserve and protect our community’s historic spaces. Sponsorship opportunities are currently available. Businesses, individuals, and organizations wishing to become integral partners in honoring the legacy of The Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater can get in contact with Kamila Pritchett at kpritchett@bahlt.org.

Get ready for the countdown and the celebration of the Crown of Overtown. Mark your calendars for the Historic Lyric Theater’s crowning achievement on November 18th and enjoy a grand affair with red-carpet treatment.  Get your tickets to reserve your theater seats at Lyric110.eventbrite.com. Also, be sure to check out The Crown of Overtown’s crowning red-carpet displays at hot spots in Overtown and follow the BAHLT on Facebook @BlackArchivesMIA; or Instagram @bahltsoflo or Twitter @BlackArchives. For more information and to reserve your tables and VIP seating, contact the Event’s Organizer, Dionne Anderson, by calling 786-708-4610 x117 or logging on to BAHLT.ORG.

This event has been made possible with support from committed partners, including Miami-Dade County, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Keon Hardemon, the City of Miami Commissioner Christina King, and the Southeast Overtown Park West Community Redevelopment Agency.

About the Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater

The Historic Lyric Theater, considered the crown of Overtown for over a century, is an impressive theater which was built in 1913. It has since served as a symbol of Black economic influence, as well as a social gathering place-free of discrimination- and a source of pride and culture within Overtown. The Lyric Theater was acquired by the Black Archives History and Research Foundation of South Florida, Inc. in 1988. By 1989, the Theater, the lone surviving building in “Little Broadway,” was listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Renamed the Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater Cultural Arts Complex (BAHLT), it is the oldest legitimate theater in Miami. Adjacent to the central downtown business district of Miami, it is an anchor site of the Historic Overtown Folklife Village. This year, the Historic Lyric Theater is celebrating its 110th year anniversary, marking a year-long celebration which kicks off in November.  With unique programming and plans for future expansion, the Historic Lyric Theater will continue to stand out as a premiere venue.  Future expansion of BAHLT includes construction of expanded archival wing including a genealogy lab, research facilities, gallery and exhibition space, additional administrative office space, convention and meeting space, catering facilities, and more.  Be sure to join in the celebration of the Historic Lyric Theater’s 110th year anniversary. It will forever be “The Crown of Overtown.”

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