In honor of Black Music Month and Caribbean American Heritage month, The Winter Park Playhouse has teamed up with Barbara Chandler Productions to present Rhythms of the Caribbean, an evening celebrating Caribbean music. This unique one-night-only event showcasing Caribbean steel pan and poetry, Caribbean folk songs, and Caribbean Gospel singers will take place at The Winter Park Playhouse in their beautiful lobby bar/cabaret space on Thursday, June 13 at 7:30pm.
Barbara Chandler Productions has created Rhythms of the Caribbean as a follow-up to last year's popular Sounds of Soul event at the Playhouse. As a tribute to Black Music Month and Caribbean American Heritage month, Rhythms of the Caribbean will feature "The Pannist and The Poet," steel pan player Anthony Lewis and poet Winston Andrews, from the Islands of Trinidad and Tobago. The evening will also present Caribbean Gospel singer Stacey "Elevated" Wilson, as well as Jamaican storyteller and folklorist Violet Lawrence.
Barbara Chandler was born in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, and is a long-time Central Florida resident. She has worked for the last decade as the manager and cultural arts educator for The Hannibal Square Heritage Center where she educates visitors on the African-American community's contributions and impact on the City of Winter Park. She is an organizer of many educational events and cultural celebrations and oversees all of the center's operations.
Additionally, Barbara is a well respected leader in the community (the first African-American mayoral candidate in 2019) and is an advocate for inclusion, cultural experiences and creative expression. She has over 20 years of non-profit experience and a personality that lights up a room. Her most recent endeavour, Barbara Chandler Productions, creates performances of unique artists in cultural celebration.
"I am very excited to be working in collaboration once again with The Winter Park Playhouse! As we present Rhythms of the Caribbean, we pay tribute to Caribbean heritage and traditions and present a unique blend of talent that reflects this diverse community."
—Barbara Chandler
Tickets to Rhythms of the Caribbean are $20 plus a one drink minimum. Purchasing your tickets in advance is strongly recommended as space is limited. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for a 7:30 p.m. show.