SAT 2/5
The dreadlocks and free-spirited good looks of Daniel Bernard Roumain (a.k.a. DBR) perfectly reflect his multifaceted composition of hip-hop, rock, jazz, classical, and soul music. DBR says he listens to a lot of different artists (Björk, Korn, and Peter Nero are currently in his iPod), and he captures the essence of his influences and "sews them together in a musical quilt." Plugging Björk as the "greatest composer of our time," DBR says she "typifies the kind of artist I want to be. She's a very curious and brave person, and her music reflects that."
Born and raised in South Florida, and a graduate of Dillard High School for the Performing Arts in Sunrise, DBR, age 32, praises his parents for his success. "It's really about gratitude and appreciation," DBR says from his New York City apartment. "I'm grateful for my parents, who are Haitian immigrants who both defy and define the American dream." Continuing his education at Vanderbilt and earning a doctorate in music from the University of Michigan, DBR is proficient on more than twenty instruments. He's been known to sample interviews with his landlady (speaking about her history with Josephine Baker and Duke Ellington) over string quartets, and is credited with being the first artist to shake Carnegie Hall with hip-hop grooves. Performing tonight with The Mission (a string quartet, DJ Scientific on turntables and laptop, Wynne Bennett on keyboards, and Kenny Grohowski on drums), DBR describes the set as "a group of musicians coming together and creating ... a new sonic vision." Experience DBR and The Mission's "Rockestra" tonight at 8:00 at the Joseph Caleb Auditorium, 5400 NW 22nd Ave., Miami. Tickets cost $5 to $15. Call 305-237-3010, or visit www.culture.mdc.edu. -- Lyssa Oberkreser
Presto! Boss
THU 2/3
There is theatrical magic, there is magical theater. Few masters of legerdemain have so successfully combined the two approaches as well as David Copperfield, whose oversize illusions are presented with the pomp of Broadway, making for a show that would be entertaining even if the star didn't make thirteen randomly selected audience members vanish (yes, into thin air) and then reappear in surprising places within the Jackie Gleason Theater (1700 Washington Ave., Miami Beach). This show is called An Intimate Evening of Grand Illusion, and Copperfield says the theme is "wish fulfillment." He intends to "make the audience's dreams come true" tonight and Friday at 6:00 and 9:00. Tickets cost $30.75 to $52.75. Call 305-358-5885. -- Greg Baker
Griot Expectations
SAT 2/5
Let the lively performance of storyteller Madafo Lloyd Wilson provide a cultural lesson as he presents the history of the African and African-American experiences through folktales, poems, and songs. Children of all ages will be captivated by Madafo's tradition of the "griot," the African storyteller and musician who's responsible for keeping the vibrant history and values of his village and family alive. In the spirit of Black History Month, The Deering Estate (16701 SW 72nd Ave., Palmetto Bay) is providing the lush landscape for Madafo's fascinating tales this afternoon at 1:00. The event is free with park admission (five dollars for children; seven dollars for adults). Call 305-235-1668 ext. 233, or visit www.deeringestate.org. -- Lyssa Oberkreser
Hide, No Seek
FRI 2/4
The Miami Light Project is awesome. Since 1989 this non-profit group has been bringing fresh, unique live performances to local stages, expanding minds while simultaneously entertaining culture lovers. The Project has put on world-class shows of every variety, from break dancers to avant-garde performance artists. The latest show is as interesting and artistically edifying as they come. Tonight the Japanese Rinko-Gun Theatre Company will present Yaneura, a play that explores the phenomenon known as hikikomori, where young people cloister themselves from society. Be there at 8:00, when Japanese theater takes over the Byron Carlyle Theater, 500 71st St., Miami Beach. Tickets cost $25. Call 305-576-4350, or visit www.miamilightproject.com. -- Patrice Elizabeth Grell Yursik
