Join us for a special concert and live podcast recording at Books & Books in Coral Gables.
Saturday, December 7, 12 – 4 PM
The Miami Gardens Youth Music Festival is almost here! Save the date! Sat. March 2, 2024. Enjoy an afternoon filled with lively music and incredible music performed by local, talented high school students!
Let’s celebrate music and our lively community by coming together during this event!
Working collaboratively with local schools and the broader community, Guitars Over Guns provides students a wealth of experiences in the arts. All students in the music program learn to read and write contemporary music, play instruments and perform on stage and/or in a recording studio. Performances and gallery displays are also integral to our arts-based mentorship programs.
We are happy to be serving the following schools and community partners:
Carol City Middle School*
Lake Stevens Middle School*
Miami Carol City Senior High School*
Myrtle Grove K-8 Center*
North County K-8 Center*
Linda Lentin K-8 Center
North Miami Middle School
North Miami Senior High School
Papa Keith Music & Media Studio
@ Gwen Cherry Park
Oak Grove Park
North Dade Middle School
Citrus Grove K-8 Center
Brownsville Middle School
Georgia Jones-Ayers Middle School
Coconut Palm K-8 Academy*
Cutler Bay Middle School
Homestead Middle School
Homestead Senior High School
Leisure City K-8 Center*
Mandarin Lakes K-8 Academy*
Miami Southridge Senior High School
Redland Middle School
Richmond Heights Middle School
South Dade Middle School
West Homestead K-8 Center*
Demps Park
GATE Program @ Jackson Health
GOGO Studio Homestead @ Live Like Bella Park#
North Dade Ambassador Band
Oak Grove Park
Overtown Youth Center
Papa Keith Music & Media Studio
@ Gwen Cherry Park
South Dade Ambassador Band –
The Atomic Lollipops
Genesis Hopeful Haven @ Live Like Bella Park
Miami-Dade County Parks Music Camp
@ Live Like Bella Park
Music Camp
@ Little Havana Leadership Learning Center
Music Camp @ North Miami Middle School
Music Camp @ Overtown Youth Center
Music Camp @ Oak Grove
Music Camp @ Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center
Music and Art Camp @ Lake Stevens Middle School
Papa Keith Music & Media Studio
@ Gwen Cherry Park
Our mentors come from different walks of life and artistic paths, all connected by their love for the arts and a passion to pay it forward.
They are Guitars Over Guns’ heart and soul, implementing and customizing our comprehensive curriculum that uses arts-based mentoring as a powerful intervention tool for young people.
2916 N Miami Ave.
Floor 6, Office #602
Miami, FL 33127
Students from over a dozen of our school and community sites all over Miami-Dade County came together to share the spotlight and show off how far they’ve come over this past year of hard work, teamwork and music-making!
“I’m proudest of seeing our kids fulfill a mentorship role themselves. And to see them be able to lead and take charge has been something to be very proud of.”
Being in a position to help Guitars Over Guns give the same opportunity that I have had to others is all I can ever ask for. I love the direction the program is headed and want to be a part of it every step of the way.
Vocals
Efrem Alexander was born and raised in Miami, Florida. In his early raising, he was surrounded by instruments gifted by his mother from pianos to guitars. Efrem has taken classes within music throughout his entire school life taking choir classes and band classes. Efrem being writing songs in the 7th grade. His love for being able to articulate his feelings through song inspired and motivated his passion for music and so he decided to take it on as a career.
Drums, Bass, Vocals
Kelly Blake is a musician and comedic performer based in Miami, FL. Born and raised in Orlando, educated at The Florida State University in Tallahassee, and now residing in Miami, she is a tried and true Florida Girl. After leaving a career in politics, Kelly discovered she could combine her passions for teaching and music by offering lessons to friends and family members. Kelly joined GOGO in March 2023, teaching bass and guitar in South Dade schools. Through GOGO, Kelly enjoys encouraging and mentoring young musicians as they start exploring their musical talents. In addition to her work with GOGO, Kelly is a company member at The Villain Theater in Little Haiti and can be seen performing comedy throughout South Florida.
Music Production
My name is Kevin Bodniza. I’m a producer and audio engineer who lives and breathes music. I believe we all have a desire to express ourselves and music is a sacred vehicle to do so. I find great joy in cultivating peoples creativity and helping them realize it. My goal is to help the youth fall in love with expressing themselves through music and to obtain the knowledge to refine their craft.
Guitar
Bryce Bottomly is a guitarist and music educator based in Miami. Inspired in his teenage years by the music of such luminaries as Pat Metheny, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and Keith Jarrett, Bryce relocated from Connecticut to Miami to attend the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami to study jazz guitar, where he completed a Bachelor’s in Music degree. During his tenure at UM, Bryce received several Downbeat awards for jazz ensemble work and studied with renowned artists such as John Hart, Martin Bejerano, Chuck Bergeron, and Dr. Kate Reid. Initially intending to focus all of his efforts on performing, Bryce found that the most impactful thing about his college experience was the change his teachers had elicited in him. This sparked a passion for teaching and led to his involvement with Guitars Over Guns, where he works with youth in the pursuit of life enrichment through music. Bryce still regularly performs in the Miami area, and maintains a private lessons studio offering instruction in guitar, composition, and music theory.
Bertrand Boyd is a creative writer, poet, and actor from Miami, FL. He began writing as an adolescent, though it wasn’t until age 17 that he took the stage as a spoken word artist. After hearing a live performance from notable poet and soon-to-be mentor, Will “Da Real One” Bell, Boyd entered the literary world, where he performed under the stage name “Da Youngsta.”
He shared the stage with comedic greats, including Sheryl Underwood, as part of the Laugh Out Loud Comedy Tour in 2005. In 2006, he graced the infamous Apollo Theater stage in NY, leaving a 2-time winner. He dominated his local literary scene and has since performed nationally and abroad.
Boyd is a literary renaissance man, and since the untimely death of his mentor Will “Da Real One” in 2011, he is devoted to keeping the vision alive. He teaches high school English and is founder of Scrap Paper Inc., teaching literary skills to local students through poetry. He began acting in 2011 and has appeared in over a dozen films, including Avaricious (2016), winning “Best at Fest” at the Cannes Film Festival in France, and he was featured in Kodak Black’s music video Tunnel Vision (2017) & Sir The Baptist featuring Brandy music video. He later appeared in the hit Fall films Murder Gardens (November 2019) and Queen and Slim (November 2019).
He has several developmental projects wherein he will both write and direct. His poetry and screenwriting is an ongoing endeavor and he’s expanded to incorporate live music. As both student to his craft and mentor to his community, Bertrand Boyd is determined to break barriers and defy odds through the power of his creative prowess.
Gerald Campbell, known by his stage names G Nova and Nova Sound, is a multifaceted music professional from Queens, New York, whose Jamaican heritage and diverse experiences have shaped his career in unique ways. As a seasoned music producer, audio engineer, and entrepreneur, Gerald has built an impressive career at the intersection of music, technology, and mentorship.
In 2014, Gerald founded Nova Sound, a company that merges music production with financial technology, serving nonprofit organizations and venues across South Florida. Through Nova Sound, Gerald has developed a vast catalog of over 5,000 digital products, including virtual instruments, drum kits, and 50+ stage and studio technologies. The company has become a valuable resource for aspiring and established artists alike.
With more than a decade of experience in the music industry, Gerald has worked as an Audio Engineer with over 12 Grammy Award-winning artists, major brands such as the NBA and NFL, and even the President of the United States, establishing himself as a trusted figure in the industry.
Beyond his production work, Gerald has also made a significant impact through his mentorship and speaking engagements. For over ten years, he has guided hundreds of youth and aspiring professionals, imparting his knowledge in studio sessions and community programs. His influence extends into media, with appearances on platforms like TV Donner l’goût (Télé-Québec) and NPR Radio as a musician and mentor.
Gerald’s musical journey began early—at just 16 years old, he signed his first record deal with the production team behind “Never Scared” by Bone Crusher and “Kryptonite” by Purple Ribbon All-Stars. His debut compilation album in 2011 marked a pivotal moment in his career, followed by his first published work—a poem that was featured in print the same year. Since then, Gerald has released numerous projects, including cinematic and meditation instrumental albums, all under his NovaSound.Music imprint.
In addition to his work as a producer and mentor, Gerald has become an educator. He currently serves as a professor and speaker, sharing his expertise in music, audio-visual technology, and financial literacy. In August 2024, he published his first book, I/O: Investing in Opportunities, the first installment in a series aimed at simplifying finance for musicians, engineers, and others within the entertainment industry.
Driven by a desire to inspire and teach, Gerald reflects, “When I can inspire a young person and teach them all the things I wish I knew, I know I am in the right place.” Through his music, mentorship, and entrepreneurial endeavors, Gerald continues to shape the future of both the entertainment industry and the communities he serves.
Guitar
Ruben Espinosa is a Colombian born multi-instrumentalist that has been performing and pursuing a career in music for 15 + years. After studying jazz guitar and bass in New York, Ruben moved to Florida use his talents for his passion projects and getting involved with the South Florida community. He is currently pursuing a degree at MDC in Music Business and intents to use his knowledge to promote and expand his brand and business. Ruben loves playing all types of music ranging from rock and roll to jazz and is always excited of sharing the gift of music with others.
Keys
Juner Etienne is a 25-year-old sound engineer. His love for music started at a young age at his local church, where he learned to play the piano. From then on, he became invested in all things music, from mixing and mastering to recording and composing.
Juner’s love for music intensified when he started his college career in Miami, at the School of Audio Engineering where he learned to master his skills.
After graduating from college in 2014, he went on to open his own recording studio in partnership with Jean Berrouete. There, he has helped artists with a passion for music to hone their skills. He continued his work in music when he opened a production company, Fast Track Music.
Now a member of the Guitars Over Guns mentorship team, Juner invests in his community to prevent heightened hardship and to create a place where the youngest members of our community can have a voice.
Vocals
Karen Feldner is an instrumentalist and singer-songwriter. She released 4 seasonal albums, The Collection: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, in 2019 and will be releasing Barn’s Burnt Down Spring of 2023.
Karen founded a nonprofit homeschooling group with 2 other women, H.O.M.E. (Homeschoolers of Miami Enrichment) from 2006-2012, which oversaw and developed up to 20 classes for homeschoolers every semester.
Karen is currently a committee member of the North Beach Bandshell, the hub of the Rhythm Foundation, secretary of Gigs Up, Inc., and is a member of Ballad of America, a nonprofit whose mission is to preserve and celebrate America’s diverse cultural history.
Last year, Karen began creating her comfort brand Hugabop, as well as Jammie Jeanz, urban flannel pajama jeans and flannel pillow hugs, which are currently in production.
Karen holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of Miami.
Vocals
Born and raised in Miami, FL, Jada Forbes is a multidisciplinary talent. Taking inspiration from all of her life experience, she’s decided to pursue music, performing, writing, and wellness. As a child, she loved to sing, but was too shy to sing in front of people. She overcame stage fright at the age of 8, during her first talent show. Since then, she’s rarely turned down to opportunity to share her vocal gift with the world. She came to acknowledge her gift in creative writing at the age of 18, which inspired her to earn a Bachelor’s degree in English from Florida International University. As she mentors, she also runs a wellness business, The Serenity Spot, teaching other Miami natives about yoga and mindfulness as a Certified Yoga Teacher.
Jessica Freites is a healing arts facilitator and educator based in Miami, FL. Her practice is focused around utilizing tools and techniques which serve to cultivate self-empowerment, joy & resilience with the intention of being able to tap into that oftentimes quiet but exceptionally powerful voice within. This includes embodiment based practices such as mindfulness, meditation, breath-work, sound therapy, energy healing and movement.
Jessica is also a multi-disciplinary artist and educator with a focus in performance art, and considers creative expression and play as integral to one’s personal healing process. After all we are our greatest work of art! She has been able to serve in this capacity working with children & adults through various community & arts non-profit organizations and initiatives such as The Adrienne Arsht Center, Arts for Learning, Guitars Over Guns and the Institute of Contemporary Art as well as her healing arts platform, 12th Haus.
Music Production
Music was everything growing up. Growing up in church surrounded by a musical family, Alan Garcia quickly fell in love. Starting in church, He played Piano and Drums. From there, he taught himself the ins and outs of production and audio engineering. Hoping to pursue a career in the arts, Alan studies Music Business at FIU. The reason he decided to pursue music is to encourage a return to its purest art form– in short, change the world.
Guitar
Emmanuel Gorrin is a multidisciplinary artist and multi-instrumentalist based in Miami. He is inspired by science, magic, and human connection.
Among South Florida’s legion of live music loyalists and millennial party-rockers, J. HOWARD is already low-key famous. The multi-instrumentalist / singer / songwriter collects new fans faster than his trusty Boss Audio Loop Pedal collects a new crowd-pleasing improvisation. It’s one of the reasons promoters have summoned J. HOWARD as far north as AFROPUNK FEST Brooklyn, and partly explains how an Ohio native could ultimately be tapped to curate the popular MIAMI IN ATLANTA music showcase (Parts 1 & 2). It’s not often that a generation produces an artist whose cosmic sense of style, showmanship and innate musicality transcends culture, genre, and locale; thankfully, J. HOWARD’S time has come.
As the son of Eddie Howard Jr. (Commissioned), one of the busiest multi-instrumentalists in Detroit, J. HOWARD was privileged to watch his father work with artists like Anita Baker, Fred Hammond, and The Williams Brothers. Now, as a veteran live performer in his own right, J. HOWARD wields drumsticks, guitars, loop pedals, keys and vocal runs with the artful precision of a Samurai wielding his sword. He’s won over audiences with electrifying sets on many of Miami’s most notable stages: Faena, Bardot, The Stage Miami, The Stage Wynwood, Wynwood Yard, Piano Bar, Little Haiti Cultural Complex, African Cultural Arts, E11even, and Sidebar are just a few. A consummate collaborator, J. HOWARD’S humble beginnings included playing as part of the house band for events like the Vagabond and SpeakFriday’s, and a stint at Churchills from 2014-2016 where he performed in a band called Black Rock Kills. Since then, J. HOWARD has performed with Latin, gospel, R&B and hip-hop artists, including Tye Tribbett, The Clark Sisters, Domino Saints, EA Musica, Marger, Encore, Entourage, Louis Miguel, and Los Wizards. Recently, J. HOWARD was invited to take up a Saturday night residency at the Hardrock Hotel and Casino playing drums alongside DJ Cardi (Miami Heat). He’s also performed with DJ Vertigo (Miami Dolphins), DJ Peewee and DJ Waytrae. Last year, J. HOWARD was invited to perform at the Wynwood’s Finest Music Festival, and the Okeechobee Music x Arts Festival, where he joined legends Chaka Khan, The Roots, Travis Scott and Snoop Dogg. Most recently, J. Howard opened for neo-soul originator Erykah Badu at the Three Points Music Festival.
HOWARD is as dedicated to the studio as he is to the stage. Original tracks like “Know It” (feat. Ill-logicz, prod. Sean Wright), “Push,” “Without You” and “Out of Space” showcase his heart-melting, four-octave vocal range and songwriting abilities. J. HOWARD’S take on the art of seduction shines through on the vampy “Out of Space,” where he asks “Let me see into your eyes / And see what has compiled / I see some things that I can change for you /….I know exactly what you need / how you think how you breathe / I’m going to be the one that don’t fall through.”
“I been grinding for a long time / People told me give up and I almost lost my mind / Too many times, but I know and God knows / There’s something bigger than me…” J. HOWARD explains on “Know It.”
As a lifestyle brand, J. HOWARD’S influence is undeniable. When he’s not moonlighting as an event planner and host, the artist is busy coming up with new scents for his fragrance line, or new slogans for his J. HOWARD t-shirt line. Bearing his name in swanky script, or signature J. HOWARD expressions like “You Too Sleep,” the J. HOWARD brand has already graced stages he has yet to touch himself. LIVE with Kelly and Ryan, the Late Late Show with James Corden, concert tours with Rita Ora and Baby Cham—all have featured fellow musician friends (and family) rocking the J. HOWARD brand.
“I want to give the Word, love, hope, positivity and perspective with my music and brand,” says the artist soon-to-be-recognized as “The Godson of Soul.” “I’m letting everyone know that they are great. You just got to wake it up in yourself and realize.”
Current J. HOWARD projects include The Freedom Tapes alongside activists The Dream Defenders, an EP, Low Key Famous set to release in the first half of 2019, and Perspective, his first album slated for release in the latter half of the year. A strong advocate of “Each one, teach one,” J. HOWARD also lends his talents to the mentoring program Guitars over Guns, where he instructs middle school students in drums and production.
Bass, Drums, Vocals
Introducing Kaley Howard, a musical powerhouse originally from Youngstown, Ohio, now making waves in the vibrant Miami, Florida scene. Coming from a childhood immersed in the world of instruments. Kaley’s journey into music was written in the stars. Her father, the Grammy Award-winning producer Eddie Howard Jr., contributed his magical touch to Anita Baker’s “Giving You the Best That I Got,” as well as the renowned gospel groups “Commissioned” and The Clark Sisters. Kaley’s musical prowess graces a diverse range of stages. As the Site Coordinator with GOGO, she collaborates closely with principals, staff, and students. She’s also a global performer, sharing her talents with artists like Trina, Kent Jones, Damien Marley, Wayne Wonder and currently serving as the music director for reggae, dancehall sensations Baby Cham . Yet, Kaley’s true passion comes to life when she’s guiding young minds. Her performances aren’t just about music – they’re about pushing boundaries, exceeding expectations, and instilling the belief that “Anything is possible.” This mantra reverberates in her personal and professional life, inspiring a new generation to reach for their dreams.
Bass & Guitar
Louis Ibarrra aka Cricket Lou is a Bass guitarist who’s also part of local band ‘OVERMANIA!’ and has performed around the 305 at places such as Gramps, The Sandbox and Naomi’s Garden.
Spoken Word Poetry
JUST JOHN is a rapper and spoken word artist from Miramar, FL in Broward County. With a performance resume that includes Art Basel, AfroPunk MIAMI launch party, and People Matter Fest, John has captured the hearts of audiences of over 1,000+ fans throughout South Florida. Known for his ability to deliver “real lyrics” straight from the heart, John’s creative content inspires listeners to take action – whether that means voting, buying their mother a new house, or starting their own business. But Just John’s talent isn’t limited to music and poetry. With his undeniable charisma and fierce determination, he’s the kind of artist who can beat a grizzly bear with his bare hands – figuratively speaking, of course.
Guitar
Jefferson Joseph is a multi-genre bassist based in Miami, Florida. While formally being trained on lower brass instruments during grade school, he is self-taught on bass guitar and acoustic guitar. Jefferson began his career as a frequent performer within the South Florida open mic circuit. Working as either a session musician with existing groups or formulating small ensembles as a bandleader, he has tackled a wide variety of live performances and recording projects. Jefferson also curates music showcases, open jam sessions, and songwriting sessions as Miami MoJo Entertainment.
Music Production
Annie Jules was born in Miami, FL. on May 18, 1988 as an American with family of Haitian descent as Haitian-American. At an early age, Annie Jules started listening to many types of music like Gospel, jazz, classical, hip-hop, R&B, and Caribbean music. Music has captured Annie’s heart and soul by the age of 10 when she began playing her first instrument the Piano, by ear and then taking formal lessons from Haitian Classical Musician Jonas Jules. From then on while growing up, she ventured on to other instruments like the xylophone and the Steel Pan. Annie’s experiences and exposures began in High School and was more of the progress that excelled and benefited her Music Education. Annie Jules Participated in the Marching Band and Jazz Band performing at Colleges, Festival events, and Evaluation Competitions from under the Direction of her former mentor and Jazz Saxophonist Melton Mustafa Jr. and where she was apart of a straight Superior rated band from 2004-2005. In 2007 Annie won first place locally in Miami for Musical Contemporary/Instrumental and Second Place for Musical Classical/Instrumental for the NAACP ACT-SO Competition. In that same year, she graduated from North Miami Beach Sr. High in 2007.
From then on Annie Jules continued forwarding her education graduating from Florida Memorial University with a Bachelor’s of Arts in in Music Production. During her times attending college Annie has participated with the Music Department in many events traveling to numerous of places like Brazil, Orlando with the Steel Pan Band Orchestra in 2009 and to Tampa, Fl for Music conferences with the Jazz Band in 2008. In 2011 Ms. Jules began expanding her horizons when she began playing with many other great South Florida upcoming Artist in Top 40 Bands. She worked with singers, songwriters, and Recording Artist Mentor and Jazz Musician Melton Mustafa Sr., Singer and Live Performer Valerie Tyson, Marcia Mitchell, George Tandy Jr., Jody Hill, Eric Stinnett, Dangerflow, Baby Cham, Damian Marley, Camilla Cabello, and in Gospel Music, Kierra Sheard, Pastor Avery Jones, Sherl Burke, and Jonathan Laurence. Annie Jules desires is to become a wonderful inspiration to all who love music and to those that have a passion to reaching their goals in life.
Keys
Vania Junco is a Miami native and recent University of Miami grad with a Bachelor’s of Music degree in Media Scoring and Production. In her studies she emphasized in composing and performing jazz; in 2018, she won the Downbeat Student Music Award for Outstanding Performance in Jazz Voice. Her introduction to collaborative music was in the Miami Children’s Chorus, and she has since performed in groups led by Dr. Amanda Quist, Amanda Taylor, Avi Kaplan, and Pentatonix founder & producer Ben Bram, in venues such as Carnegie Hall in New York and the New World Center in Miami. Vania is a prolific composer and arranger and lends her talents to various performance and education-based ensembles around Miami. She joined Guitars Over Guns in 2021 and believes the most important part of educating young musicians is helping them self-surprise – to discover they can do something they didn’t yet realize they could.
Born and raised in Miami, FL, Dave Karmiol began playing guitar at 13. He later studied jazz at Miami’s New World School of the Arts and the University of Miami.
As a freelance guitarist, Dave has had the privilege of traveling worldwide and recording or performing with renowned artists such as Bootsy Collins, Lauryn Hill, Queen Latifah, Gloria Gaynor, Ky-Mani Marley, Inner Circle, Dennis Chambers, Lil’ Wayne, Rick Ross, Jerome Bigfoot Brailey, Jim Jonsin, Cool and Dre, The Runners, Yelawolf, and many others.
Currently, Dave regularly performs with Libido, one of South Florida’s most in-demand private events bands. Libido is a high-energy, 11-piece party band featuring some of the best musicians around.
Dave is especially known for his use of the Digitech Talker, which allows him to make his guitar “speak” in a manner reminiscent of Roger Troutman’s Talkbox effect.
In addition to his music career, Dave has worked for various technology companies since 2010. He has held roles such as customer success department manager, software implementation consultant, and project manager. He is also certified as a Scrum Master and a Practical Project Manager (PPM).
Dave is deeply passionate about music and has been thrilled to bring his unique skills to Guitars Over Guns since 2024, contributing to its mission of shaping future leaders through the power of music.
Keys & Drums
Meet Slim, one of our Miami keyboard mentors! T This amazing multi-instrumentalist is a former member of the legendary “Marching 100” from Florida A&M University, where he played the quads/quints. Slim also rocked the 2022 Louis Vuitton Fashion Show, performing in front of stars like Kendrick Lamar and Justin Timberlake. Becoming a #GOGO mentor in January, he’s now dedicated to understanding students’ learning styles and sharing his musical wisdom. “Being a mentor has helped me better understand how the students operate in a learning environment,” he says.
Guitar
Timothy LaRoque is a singer-songwriter born and raised in Hollywood, Florida. Frontman for South Florida favorites “The Summit” and “The Def Cats”, Timothy’s latest project is “Stuck In The Past.” The debut EP features the likes of veteran musicians Shawn Fichter (Tim McGraw, Faith Hill), Will Lee (Late Show with David Letterman), and Rob Arthur (Peter Frampton).
From a young age, music has been a crucial part of his life. As a mentor, his goal is to encourage and empower his students with lessons that will last a lifetime.
Peruvian musician, born in the summer of 1987s, Alejandra Pizarro began to learn to play the trumpet at her school in Lima. By the age of 14, she became the lead trumpet at the “Orquesta Interescolar Jazz en Lima”, and in 2004 she became part of the trumpet section of the “Orquesta Juvenil de Música Nueva” later touring with them to Europe.
In 2008, Alejandra began to study at the Music Conservatory of Perú where she received her Music degree in 2015. She also recorded the first “Colectivo Circo Band” album called “PAWAWN” and toured through almost every region of Peru with the band. A few years later she became the music teacher at “Sinfonía por el Perú”, youth Symphonic Orchestra of the peruvian tenor, Juan Diego Flores. For six years Alejandra was apart of the Preludio Asociación cultural’s Orchestra, playing in Broadway musicals for 6 years. Also, she was a musician for the National Symphonic Orchestra and Operas and Zarzuelas at the most recognized theatre in Lima and attended to “Chosen Vale Trumpet Seminar”, in 2015. In 2018 she got a Full scholarship to get a master’s degree at New Jersey City University. She also shared the stage with some recognized musicians as: Wynton Marsalis, Bobby Shew, Mariah Schneider, John Benitez, Lakecia Benjamin, Ariacne Trujillo, Eva Ayllón, Susana Baca, Juan Diego Flores, Tito Nieves, Diego Torres, Gianmarco, Christian Meier, Maricarmen Marín and many others. In March 2019 she released her first solo music album called: “Soy Libre” in every digital platform.
At the present Alejandra is attending MDC Kendall for an Associate degree in Music Business, she holds a Master of Music from New Jersey City University, being student of Bobby Shew, John Benitez, Nathan Eklund, Tim Horner, Ariacne Trujillo and Garry Dial.
Visual Arts
My name is Nilka Maisonet, a native artist of Florida. Born and raised in the city of Miami, a city that feels like the Caribbean in all its sunny nature. Art to me, is music, painting, writing, singing, dancing, acting and everything that demands a creative thought to be executed; in order for that very thing to exist. Drawing in pen/ink is my go to in the visual arts. Years ago, I decided to draw in mediums like pen and marker; to exercise the art of mistakes and the opportunity to transform them in real time as the art is happening. But life has taught me that it is not enough to make the art or be talented; It has to be shared, gifted, received, experienced and exchanged like a healing currency. Which brings me to the art of mentorship, an umbrella that gives space for all art forms to be the foundation for the youth & for us all.
Leo “DaVincci” Mayorga is a HipHop producer and song writer hailing from West Kendall Florida. A well seasoned underground MC with a wide range of production including HipHop, RnB-Soul, Trap and Reggae as his medium. Credits of production include DJ EFN, Dead Prez, David Banner, N.O.R.E., Sizzla, Bernz, MC Eiht, Ras Kass and Killer Mike. Leo also has been working as a rap mentor for Guitars
Over Guns Org. Since 2015 working in Dade County at Georgie Jones Ayers Middle, Citrus Middle and Brownsville Middle in Liberty City.
Visual Arts
Johann C. Muñoz is a visual artist, curator, and educator from Bogotá, Colombia. He is a transdisciplinary practitioner whose work spans drawing, photography, sculpture, aural installations (esp., Noise), intersectional ethnomusicology, and pedagogy as social practice. Muñoz holds a BFA in painting from New World School of the Arts in Miami, FL, and critical theory programs at Saas-Fee Summer Institute of Art (SFSIA), Sonsbeek (sonsbeek20→24), Universidad de Antioquia (U. de A.) in Medellín, COL, and the University of Michigan’s School for Music, Theater, and Dance (SMTD), Department of Dance and Theatre Studies.
Muñoz aims to promote healing from historical trauma by articulating Historical Memory. Muñoz’s work delves into how individuals and communities reconstruct their identities in the aftermath of mass-level traumatic events, mainly focusing on the Global South. Muñoz recognizes that Historical Memory is crucial to comprehending present-day sociopolitical landscapes and that mainstreaming these Memories can transmute the narrative of those who have experienced systemic subjugation and displacement. Muñoz especially harnesses the potentiality of Noise for its disruptive, unsettling, and disorienting nature to evoke “unforgetting.”
Muñoz has founded several community-oriented projects, including p.d.a. (public displays of affection with COLECTIVO.diy), a series of public amenity interventions in Miami-Dade County (2021); Concerto on the River, a crowdsourced and grant-funded performance at Kingman and Heritage Islands in Washington, D.C. (2019); and Forest (2011), in partnership with the Miami-Dade Public Library System. Muñoz has also curated various exhibitions, including a_part (2020), an international collective, DOMESTIC (2019), and Unfolding: Series I (2016), a co-curated exhibit hosted by Miami Biennale. Muñoz has exhibited during Mexico City Art Week (2023) and at the 23rd International Biennial in Gabrovo, BRG (2017). Public art collections include the Miami-Dade Public Library System and the Museum House of Humour & Satire, Gabrovo, BRG. Muñoz is the recipient of several awards for public projects, including The Ellies Creator Award from Oolite Arts and The Miami Foundation, the Broward County Cultural Division, National Endowment for the Arts, the City of Miami Beach Art in Public Places Committee (AiPP), and the City of Miami Beach Cultural Arts Council. Recent international art residencies include Centro de las Artes de San Agustín in Oaxaca, MEX (2019); Fågelbo Residency, USA/SWN (2020); Scope BLN in Berlin, DEU (2023); and Art Residency Centre in Gaborone, BWA (2023).
Music Production
Julian Munro is a record producer, mix/recording engineer, multi multi-instrumentalist.
Born and raised in Miami, he has over 10 years of experience working in the music industry. He started teaching music production mid 2022 and has a passion for teaching and inspiring the youth.
Keys & Drums
Jean Petit-Homme and is a piano mentor at GOGO who started his journey with us playing in our Alumni Band. He loves working with kids and believes it’s a privilege to be able to have such an impact on young people to help them grow and learn more about the art of music.
Spoken Word Poetry
Salam The Poet is a Spoken Word artist from the southeast side of Chicago. Writing for over over a decade a piece. Salam uses his craft to spread dope energy through creativity, affirmation, and interaction. Salam’s talent has taken him to stages as big as Bantu Fest, 24/7 Hip Hop’s ‘Check Da Mic’, Columbia College Chicago’s ‘Manifest’, and The Broward Center for Performing Arts, to spaces as small as High School classrooms, family gatherings, and various community events. Since then, his endeavors have lead him to becoming the host of his own open mic called ‘Spit Yo Peace’ as well as 1/6 of the artistic conglomerate ‘The Goat Pen Society’ where he continues to use art, affirmation, energy, and interaction to reach people while simultaneously creating a community safe space.
Drums
Lula Rios is an internationally-known and grammy nominated vocalist/songwriter based in Miami Florida. Born in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Lula immigrated to the U.S. with her parents in 1990. She is the creative voice and co-founding member of Recording Artist “Elastic Bond” her group has had a significant impact in the Latin Alternative music scene.
Rios studied music business with an emphasis on creative vocal performance and graduated with honors from Miami Dade College as well as receiving vocal instruction from the University of Miami. Her studies influenced her cultural and educational contributions to the community and have been recognized by media around the world. In 2014 Rios received on behalf of her project “Elastic Bond” a Proclamation Award by the City of Miami for creative vision, sensibility in elevating the quality of lives in the community and maintaining the aesthetic and intellectual well-being of the city.
In 2018 “Elastic Bond” received an American Grammy Nomination for Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album through her songwriting and vocal collaboration with Latin Grammy winning group Los Amigos Invisibles. Rios performs live with her band at festivals and venues around the world and her work has been recognized by The LA Times, The Miami Herald, Latina Magazine, Billboard Magazine, PRI the World and aired on NPR, The BBC, PBS, ESPN, CNN, Discovery Channel, Nickelodeon, MTV, Concert Channel, CW Networks, ABC and Netflix. Her latest releases and collaborations include Elastic Bond’s album Honey Bun 2017, a songwriting collaboration in Los Amigos Invisibles single release “Something” 2020, and “The Rain May Be Pouring” an artist compilation released in April of 2021.
Besides her work as a recording artist and live performer as a singer, she also DJ’s and mentors at risk youth in her community through music programs and workshops with local organizations and charities such as Guitars Over Guns & Roots in the School. Lula’s passion is inspiring people to reach their highest potential and comforting those in need through her music.
Her upcoming solo project honors her story and journey as an immigrant womxn and is painted with heartfelt melodies. This project is set to be released in 2025.
DJ
As a native New Yorker now residing in Miami, Spinelli has found her calling. Her natural talent for bringing people together from all walks of life is evident in her work as a DJ. With her exceptional ear for music, she has the ability to entertain diverse audiences and adapt to any crowd. It’s no wonder that she has become one of the most versatile DJs in the industry.
Spinelli’s music is a fusion of her cultural upbringing and surrounding influences, creating a unique and infectious sound. She hosts two parties that embody this fusion, an R&B party named “Groove Theory” and an Afro-inspired dance party called “Motion.” Spinelli is also a resident DJ for Apple Inc. and recently opened for Lil Nas X.
Spinelli is an 8-year, skilled DJ who has performed in various cities and even nine countries, including at world-wide events such as Everyday People. She has collaborated with non-profit youth programs and even plays in a live band. Her expertise in the art of DJing can elevate any event with a world-class musical experience.
I was born and raised in the brownsub area of Miami. My first stint in music came during my time at Miami Northwestern high school. Gaining a following, I opted to attend college for music business to explore music as a career. A few run-ins with the law led me to use my time serving gun probation to focus on my education. I received my associate in arts in music business and started an internship with Murda Inc.’s producer Arizona Slim. From that, I built a solid relationship with Benzino at his compound studios, being able to work with a lot of mega talent as a freshman in the game, landing my first placement as a music producer and engineer for the song “All Over” By French Montana ft Chinx. The song gave me access to the hottest artists in the game and a name in Miami as a Producer/Engineer. I donated some production to the Arts-based Nonprofit, The Motivational Edge, which started my journey in the Arts-based youth development sector. I founded my company Icehouse Company LLC– a music production company that provides therapy through music services with The Motivational Edge, Produced/engineered for artists such as Young Thug, Lil Kim, Bobby Shmurda, Don Q, NFL star Antonio Brown, Quincy and a plethora of local talent.
Vocals
Meet V, a Baltimore born, Miami-based singer/songwriter, and model. Her journey in the world of art began as an art enthusiast, Fueled by her love for art, words, and a fervent belief in equality, V’s music resonates with a powerful message of hope and change. With each song she creates, she is on a mission to make a difference in the world, one melody at a time. From the moment she started speaking, she found her voice in singing, but it’s only recently that she embraced music as a powerful medium to connect with the outside world.
In the words of Thomas Merton, “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time,” and V is determined to use her artistry to touch hearts and souls, leaving a profound impact on those who resonate with her music.
MUSIC PRODUCTION
Delano Williams (P3ACE) began his musical journey at age 10 when his mom bought him a keyboard, which led him to learn piano by ear. In middle school, he joined the chorus, traveling and competing across states. By 18, he formed a music group called Retro Phresh and took their talents to Atlanta. With over 10 years in the music industry, Delano secured his first major placement with August Alsina in 2018. Now back in Miami, he’s ready to share the knowledge and experience he’s gained throughout his career.
