This article originally appeared in PureHoney Magazine. Check them out here.
The region’s geographic middle child, Broward County is “the natural place for all the counties to connect,” says Kelcie McQuaid, who will test this theory of prime location when the inaugural Sundaze Music & Arts Festival kicks off at Revelry nightclub and lounge in Pompano Beach — a city at almost the exact midpoint between Miami and West Palm Beach.
McQuaid, founder of the arts-minded ShangriLa Collective, is a central figure in her own right: Her group has collaborated with more than 500 artists across the region, fostering a close-knit network of creatives that prides tangible relationships and organic support. Picking Revelry to host wasn’t just about geography: Owners Brando Garcia and Zena Tarantino are longtime friends of McQuaid.
“They’re awesome people and artists in their own right as well,” McQuaid says. “They’ve poured a lot of love into this space, and it shows. It feels comfy and delightful, exciting, and still very chill. They bring old friends and new ones together in a very thoughtful way.”
Sundaze will feature local punk rock favorites The Shakers and shoegaze-y power popsters the Nervous Monks with sets by DJ Nat Smallish. Artists Liv Cook, Cary Daly, CHNK Fondue and Nicole Galluccio will show their work. “Liv Cook is a fresh face with talent of epic proportion,” notes McQuaid. “And Cary Daly’s art is technically some of the most proficient you can find, but there’s wit and humor to it.”
The festival will also feature a pop-up market organized by Pop$wap, led by Kristin Seese. The evening will conclude with a screening of “My Blue Heaven,” a nod to Seese’s favorite film, curated by Dead Media Society.
“My hope is for everyone to get together and contribute what they’re good at, that’s always been the goal, meet in the middle,” said McQuaid. “Collaborate. Power in numbers, kumbaya, and such. I guess all it takes is for people to do their parts and show up.”
Sundaze Music & Arts Festival, presented by the ShangriLa Collective, Pop$wap, Connect Record Shop, Dead Media Society and PureHoney, 5pm Sunday, March 23 at Revelry in Pompano Beach. GET TICKETS
