Young people from across the United States are in Miami this week to show why they are the nation’s best and brightest creatives. Students from large and small towns, renowned art schools, and home schools converged in Miami to perform during YoungArts week at the New World Center, exhibit visual art and present their writings.Tuesday nights production of Jazz and Theatre was akin to seeing a professional production. The 2017 winners in Jazz, Giveton Gelin, Morgan Guerin and Kofi Shepsu ( and yes, Kofi was born on a Friday) played with such finesse. At any moment they were ready to perform at the world’s finest jazz festivals.
Giveton Gelin, winner in Jazz at National YoungArts Week.Photo by Jason Koerner
Intermission brought 20 young actors to present a cohesive story weaved from different monologues and musical theater pieces. We laughed with Julia Cooper, who performed Shopping Around from Wish You Were Here by Harold Rome and gasped in horror at Yvonne Barnett portrayal of Salima from Ruined by Lynne Nottage. If this production is any indication of the future, we have a lot to look forward to.
Yvonne Barnett playing Salima from Lynn Nottage’s Ruined. Photo by Jason Koerner
If you go:
Tonight, National YoungArts Week exhibits work by young visual artists curated by the Perez Art Museum Miami Director Franklin Sirmans .The exhibit takes place at National YoungArts Foundation 2100 Biscayne Boulevard Miami, FL 33137. RSVP here.
