The Juneteenth Experience
June 18-19, 2025
At the Colony Theatre
Who will tell our stories when we are gone? The 2025 Juneteenth Experience stands as a celebration and a testimony—a deliberate exploration of Black South Florida history that refuses to be forgotten. This annual commemoration of our country’s national holiday brings together artists who understand that remembering is itself a revolutionary act. Through an intimate concert theater experience, we blend soulful melodies, gospel rhythms, and classical arrangements with spoken word and dance—creating a space where liberation and freedom are not just commemorated, but deeply felt. Hued Songs’ Executive Artistic Director Kunya Rowley has assembled a collaborative team of thoughtful creators including Musical Director King Friday leading vocalists and musicians, choreographer Gentry George, writer and creative producer Arsimmer McCoy, and visual artist Russell Watson, whose digital projections help bring these stories to life.
The evening opens with selected short films exploring themes of Black liberation, followed by a performance that weaves together music, movement, words, and imagery. In the absence of truth, we become the archive. Join us.
Miami New Drama has been a formidable theatrical presence since its debut 2017/2018 season when it performed a critically-acclaimed multilingual version of Thornton Wilder’s classic Our Town.
Founded by playwright-cum-director Michel Hausmann and National Medal of the Arts winner Moises Kaufman, the award-winning non-profit theater company stages groundbreaking work that is unique to our multi-ethnic diverse region. Miami New Drama performs at the historic Colony Theatre on Lincoln Road, where it is the resident theatre group.
The company’s programming is comprised of world-class theater productions, collaborative productions with top national and international organizations, and educational programs. Among its past productions are:
- The American premiere of Ferdinand von Schirach’s Terror directed by Tony Award winner Gregory Mosher,
- Confessions of a Cocaine Cowboy by Billy Corbin and Aurin Squire,
- One Night in Miami by Kemp Powers and Viva la Parranda! by Betsayda Machado and Parranda El Clavo.
The company has received its share of awards and recognition that include the Knight Arts Challenge Award, Knight New Works Miami Award, and Miami New Times Best Theater for Drama.
The company was a recent standout at the 2022 Carbonell Awards with 24 nominations for participating theaters. From 20 competitive categories, Miami New Drama was the winner in seven (three for Papá Cuatro, and two each for A Wonderful World and The Cuban Vote).
Who tells our stories? We do.
In an era where Black history faces erasure, we ask: Who will tell our stories when we are gone? The 2025 Juneteenth Experience stands as a celebration and a testimony—an exploration of Black South Florida history that refuses to be forgotten.
Now in its 5th year as South Florida’s premiere Juneteenth celebration, this immersive concert theater experience blends soulful melodies, gospel rhythms, and classical arrangements with spoken word and dance. Under the leadership of Hued Songs’ Executive Artistic Director Kunya Rowley, our exceptional team includes Musical Director King Friday, choreographer Gentry George, writer Arsimmer McCoy, and visual artist Russell Watson.
Your evening begins with powerful short films centering Black history, liberation, and perseverance. Then, experience a spectacular 75-minute interdisciplinary performance honoring Black Miami-Dade and Broward through soul-stirring music, dynamic dance, powerful spoken word, and stunning multimedia—all celebrating the spirit of Juneteenth.
Join us in June:
- Saturday, June 14 – Parker Playhouse, Ft. Lauderdale (7:30PM)
- Wednesday, June 18 – Colony Theatre, Miami Beach (7:30PM)
- Thursday, June 19 – Colony Theatre, Miami Beach (7:30PM)
Special feature: Vibrant marketplace of Black artisans and vendors at our Ft. Lauderdale performance only!
In the absence of truth, we become the archive.
