Once a month, as daylight fades, the ambiance just beyond Straz Center walls transforms – Arts Legacy REMIX is underway. The concrete plaza along the Riverwalk comes alive with local artisans selling crafts and culinary delights. Passersby find themselves drawn into the sights, sounds and smells as the Riverwalk Stage ignites with the talents and traditions of musicians, dancers and storytellers. As the celebration unfolds, a diverse crowd of all ages and backgrounds gather in this shared experience.
Arts Legacy REMIX is thoughtfully crafted to showcase the diversity of Tampa Bay. Straz Center artist-in-residence Fred Johnson, who helps curate each program, explains, “We engage with our community by creating art that preserves musical genres and showcases diverse art forms.”
Each month spotlights a different theme. Using art as the foundation, attendees travel through other cultures, experiencing their food, traditions, music and dance. “We get a deeper dive into parts of the world that many of us have never gone to,” says Fred, “The more we learn about each other, the more we can appreciate each other.”
The first installment of 2024 kicked off in January with “Let Freedom Ring – Sixth Annual MLK JR. Commemoration,” honoring the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. through gospel, dance and spoken word.“ There may be a couple of generations that know that Dr. King worked with civil rights but may not really understand the depth of his journey,” Fred notes. “We learn together and celebrate at the same time.”
Arts Legacy REMIX has circled the globe with programs highlighting Celtic, Caribbean, Hispanic and Indian cultures, to name a few. Each month, audiences are treated to a new discovery.
Straz presents Arts Legacy REMIX through donations we receive from our community. Our aim is to remove the barrier of cost, making it possible for everyone to experience the thrill of live performance. Each year, The Straz is reaching more than 7,500 people with this immersive and inspiring program.