South Florida’s Premier Reggae Band and Jamaican-born Ceramic Artist Take Center Stage
Submitted by Kay Renz
Whatever Phil the groundhog has to say about our weather, keep warm and happy at Old Town Untapped on February 3, 2023! The Resolvers, South Florida’s biggest and most high-energy reggae band, are bringing their powerful energy and positive vibes to heat up the night. Stop by Bailey Contemporary Arts Center (BaCA) to meet this month’s featured artist in residence, whimsical and creative ceramic artist Kim Ferguson. Indulge in some craft beer, delicious food, and explore artist vendors selling unique and artistic merchandise. Old Town Untapped takes place on the first Friday of the month from 6 – 10 pm and is free for all ages to attend. The popular street festival happens in the heart of Downtown Pompano, near Bailey Contemporary Arts Center (BaCA). Learn more at www.pompanobeacharts.org.
Live Music: The Resolvers
The Resolvers define “Big Band Reggae” by combining classic Jamaican roots and lively New Orleans stylings. Siblings Ojay and Sahara Smith (son and daughter of international reggae artist Ernie Smith) exchange lead vocal roles with Israeli-born bandleader and guitarist Ron Eisner, while their rock-solid rhythm and bombastic horn sections set the pace. Their show has been described as “explosive” and “a must see,” and the band has gained the reputation as a premier live reggae act. The Resolvers have shared the stage with The Wailers, Julian Marley, Stephen Marley, Damian Marley, Kymani Marley, Inner Circle, English Beat, Yellowman, Matisyahu, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry and Mishka, along with many other world-renowned acts in major international festivals including Marley Fest, Jamaican Jazz & Blues Fest, Sun Fest, Hulaween, AURA Music & Arts Fest, Dub Fest and more.
BaCA AiR Featured Artist: Kim Ferguson
Kim Ferguson creates sculptural and functional ceramic pieces that reflect her philosophy of eternal optimism in the face of chaos. Her work has been described as whimsical, vibrant, and feminine, and is informed by her life as a child in Jamaica and her immigration experience in South Florida. For her residency project, Ferguson will continue to create work that encourages viewers to examine their perspective on “negative” or “chaotic” circumstances. In addition to her typical studio techniques, she plans to employ molds and glasswork techniques and further explore her sculpted figures (called Divines), and the Plant Mama (sculpted plant pot) series. One piece in particular, Shark Week will be fully realized during the residency and serve as the main high art piece of the collected work.
Exhibition at BaCA: Men Painting Women
Bailey Contemporary Arts Center (BaCA) is proud to present a group exhibition that explores how male painters portray women in their artwork. This exhibition is curated by artist Robert Shirk and features his own pieces along with other award-winning artists including Herbie Martin, Leonardo Montoya, Wilson Romero, and Weldon Ryan.
About the City of Pompano Beach Cultural Affairs Department
The mission of the Cultural Affairs Department is to provide cultural programming that includes visual arts, digital media, music, film, theater, dance and public art for the enjoyment and enrichment of residents and visitors to Pompano Beach, Broward County, and the greater South Florida area. The department programs and manages the City’s premiere cultural arts venues including the Pompano Beach Cultural Center, Ali Cultural Arts Center, Bailey Contemporary Arts Center, and the Blanche Ely House Museum. The department also oversees the City’s Public Art Program and the prestigious National Endowment for the Arts’ Our Town grant awarded to the Pompano Beach Crossroads place-making arts initiative.