CALEB AROUND TOWN PRESENTS: BIRTH OF THE BLUES CONCERT HONORING W.C. HANDY, THE FATHER OF THE BLUES at Joseph Caleb Auditorium

PRESS ALERT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Joseph Caleb Auditorium Theodore Harrell, Jr. Theater Director theodore.harrell@miamidade.gov 305-636-2484

CALEB AROUND TOWN PRESENTS: BIRTH OF THE BLUES CONCERT HONORING W.C. HANDY, THE FATHER OF THE BLUES

Featuring Mojo Ike & Val Woods With Special Guest Rebecca “Phoenix” Vaughns Saturday, November 14, 2026 • 7:00 PM Sandrell Rivers Theater, Miami, FL

Miami, FL — The Joseph Caleb Auditorium’s Caleb Around Town, presented in recognition of America250 as part of the “Black Birth of Music Series,” proudly announces the Birth of the Blues Concert, a tribute to W.C. Handy, the legendary composer celebrated worldwide as the Father of the Blues. This special evening honors Handy’s pivotal contributions to American music, including his recording of Memphis Blues and his 1908 publication I Got the Blues, works that helped shape blues into one of the country’s foundational genres.

Held on Handy’s birthday, November 14, the concert pays homage to his lasting influence—his music continues to resonate across generations and remains essential to America’s cultural fabric.

This celebration will showcase Mojo Ike & Val Woods, Miami’s Grammy-nominated blues duo known for their electrifying stage presence, international touring, and acclaimed musicianship. Mojo Ike’s masterful guitar work and extensive studio experience, combined with Val Woods’ powerhouse vocals and creative artistry, have earned them celebrated albums such as Movin’ Up and top honors including first place at the Monterey Blues Festival’s Battle of the Bands.

The evening also features a riveting spoken word performance by Rebecca “Phoenix” Vaughns, an internationally acclaimed artist known for her mesmerizing freestyle delivery. Vaughns has published multiple awardwinning works—including three books, 14 spoken word albums, and nine stage productions—and was honored with Rebecca Phoenix Vaughns Day in MiamiDade County on February 28, 2026. Her voice has uplifted audiences locally and globally, performing for notable figures such as Keke Palmer, Fantasia, Angela Davis, Maxwell, Laila Ali, and Nikki Giovanni.

“As we gather for our Caleb Around Town concert to honor W.C. Handy, the Father of the Blues, we celebrate not only his musical genius but the enduring legacy he created—one that continues to shape our culture, our artistry, and our understanding of American music. It is a privilege to uplift his contributions and remind our community of the timeless power of the blues,” said Theodore “Teddy” Harrell, Jr. Theater Director, Joseph Caleb Auditorium

If You Go:

Celebrating the Birth of the Blues – Honoring W.C. Handy Saturday, November 14, 2026 • 7:00 PM Sandrell Rivers Theater 6103 NW 7th Avenue Miami, FL 33127

Tickets: Available online: https://miamidadearts.org/facilities/joseph-caleb-auditorium Sandrell Rivers Theater Box Office: 3052848872 Sandrell Rivers Theater Box Office Email: boxoffice@ftfshows.com

It is the policy of Fantasy Theatre Factory at the Sandrell Rivers Theater to comply with all of the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request materials in accessible format, and/or any accommodation to attend any Fantasy Theatre Factory at the Sandrell Rivers Theater event, please contact Evelyn Sullivan, 305-284-8800, evelyn@ftfshows.com, at least five (5) days in advance to initiate your request, TTY users may also call 711 (Florida Relay Service).

ABOUT CALEB AROUND TOWN Caleb Around Town is a community outreach performance series created by the Joseph Caleb Auditorium during its renovation. As part of MiamiDade County’s Black Birth of Music Series, it brings jazz, gospel, hip-hop, blues, and other culturally significant genres to alternative venues across the county, highlighting the artists who will take the stage when the auditorium reopens and celebrating the rich legacy of Black American music.

The Joseph Caleb Auditorium is managed by the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, with support from the Office of the Miami-Dade County Mayor and the Board of County Commissioners.