Broward Center to Host Second Annual Rhythm by the River: A Festival Celebrating Black Voices

The annual Rhythm by the River event presented by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts will feature some of the most exciting and innovative Black voices in Broward County as they take center stage from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 19 at Esplanade Park, 32 E. Las Olas Blvd. in downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Rhythm by the River features live music, dance, drama, spoken word poetry performances, and interactive events for the entire family.

On the main stage, The Smoogies kick off the afternoon’s music lineup with a blend of jazz, funk, and R&B sounds and influences. Miami-born Gia Wyre, also known as “Songbird,” will perform soul-stirring gospel and R&B. Singer, saxophonist and pianist Timothy Dukes will also perform the powerful sounds of gospel. Singer, songwriter and producer Sizwe Collins, a staple in the Caribbean community across South Florida, will offer a mix of sounds from steelpan and African drums. R&B and hip-hop artist/producer Jean Carlos Casely closes the festival’s performances on a high note.

Free community workshops offered at the Broward Center’s Mary N. Porter Riverview Ballroom include spoken word with Art Prevails Project founder Darius V. Daughtry, drumming with Troupe Fall West African Drum and Dance and hip-hop/dance with Developing Dream Foundation’s executive director Pablo Malco. The afternoon also features arts and crafts and food trucks from J&J Soul Food, Wontons on Wheels, The Caribe Vegan and cupcakes from Sweet Sensations by Charlene.

To learn more, visit BrowardCenter.org or email artsforaction@browardcenter.org.

You May Also Like
From Bustles to Bikinis: The Great Beachwear Strip-Down

Fort Lauderdale’s beach scene wasn’t always sun-kissed skin and skimpy suits.

Read More
Chefs Face Off at Boca Raton’s Inaugural Seafood Festival

The sea-sational event takes place at Mizner Park on Saturday, March 22 and includes live music, fun activities and plenty of delicious seafood.

Read More
City of Boca Raton Names Tiffany Beasi Winner of Inaugural Seafood Festival Art Contest

Beasi’s design stood out for its creative interpretation of the festival’s theme and tribute to the city’s Mizner architecture

Read More
Jack Alexander’s Magician Exposed Residency Premieres in South Florida

Seen on TMZ and celebrated worldwide, Jack invites audiences to step into his world of magic, where the impossible becomes an intimate, exhilarating experience.

Read More
Other Posts
A Taste of Everything Under the Sun

The city’s most delicious week returns—
served with style, sunshine, and serious flavor.

Read More
Two smiling women in colorful dresses stand arm in arm under a decorated archway that reads “Visit Lauderdale.” Enjoying the festival under the sun, they’re surrounded by palm trees, white fences, and Taste of Everything signage in the background. Lifestyle
Basel Like a Local

Art Basel returns with satellite fairs, immersive installations, and must-see exhibitions.

Read More
People walk and skateboard outside a modern building in Basel with a large pink and white mural on the walls and ground. The entrance canopy casts shadows, creating a lively and colorful scene that feels like a local hangout. Lifestyle
A Haunted Road Trip

Florida’s Ghostly Landmarks Worth the Drive.

Read More
Foodies, Mark Your Calendars

Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival Returns January 2026.

Read More