Entertainment Leaders Discuss the State of the Industry During CACAF Star-Studded Virtual Event

Melanie Amaro

Dre Island

Pressure Busspipe

 Solace State of Entertainment, Sat. June 13th, 3pm

The Caribbean American Cultural Arts Foundation (CACAF) hosts a star-studded virtual event with international leaders and performers in the entertainment industry. The program is part of the free virtual series and outreach campaign called, Solace. Solace, which means comfort and consolation during a time of distress or sadness connects the community to resources from professionals in mental health, financial management, tourism, government, and education. The program includes practical information and artistic content to keep artists, personalities and professionals empowered and engaged.  The virtual series, which is in partnership with the Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, is taking place over a seven-week period and coincides with outreach events for frontline workers in Atlanta. The virtual content which began on May 16^th, will be presented every Saturday at 3p.m. and culminates on June 27^th toward the end of Caribbean American Heritage Month.

This week’s panel discussion is set to focus on the state of entertainment and will feature internationally recognized leaders in the industry. Telemundo Atlanta, General Manager, Ivan Shammas, will moderate the discussion that includes panelists; Sharon Burke, President of The Solid Agency, Chaka Zulu, Head of Artist & Talent Relations, Spotify, Karyn Kotler, Senior Director of Sales & Special Events, Live Nation, Carla Parris, Entertainment & Sports Attorney and Cardellia Hunter, Co-Director of Operations & Productions, Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Film & Entertainment.

The entertainment concert series will include performances from reggae music Headliner, Pressure Busspipe, a special guest performance from season one X-Factor USA Winner, Melanie Amaro, plus the premiere of brand new music from reggae hit maker and Jamaican Artist, Dre Island. Viewers will also experience an electric strings performance by Wadadli Strings, and a special tribute to legendary reggae music Producer, Bobby Digital by Mix Master DJ DSA. Famed hip-hop producer DJ Khaled will present a special message and Atlanta-based Haitian-American filmmaker, Jah Jean-Noel, of Dream Imagination Studios to present a film short called the, Corona Chronicles.

The virtual series also coincides with an outreach campaign that prepared and donated warm authentic Caribbean meals to Grady Hospital and Emory University Hospital Midtown in Atlanta. Doctors and nurses enjoyed delicious meals from Caribbean eatery Tassa Roti in Marietta, GA, which met all CDC guidelines for food preparation. CACAF also donated handmade lanterns made by students from Michael R. Hollis Innovation Academy in Atlanta who wanted to thank healthcare workers for their sacrifice and hard work.

Caribbean American Cultural Arts Foundation, Chairman, Michael Thomas said, “We are excited to support our frontline workers, the arts and artists as we work our way through a global pandemic. It is important for us to provide a platform that offers solace to all who need it by celebrating the Caribbean American culture.”

The virtual series and outreach are part of CACAF’s long-term COVID-19 plan to provide support, engagement, and information to the community. The organization, which is known for cultural awareness, educational mentorship and aiding disaster relief efforts following hurricanes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters, is now focused on helping during the COVID-19 pandemic. To learn more about the Solace initiative and to reserve your spot, please visit www.culturaltickets.com.