Art, Funk & Sole After Dark: Dance On The Greens Under The Stars in Dania Beach This Weekend

This unique event highlights the unique qualities of its host city, Dania Beach. The Nighttime Festival is held in the current City Hall Compound and organized by the Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency. This CRA event is setting the stage for a proposed arts and entertainment area in the heart of Downtown Dania Beach which should foster business development and the enhancement of existing businesses in the area. Dania After Dark is held on the second Saturday of each month showcasing all forms of art and craft, music, food and culture. The next event is scheduled for Saturday, August 13th, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Some favorite features of the event are the kids’ corner which usually features do-it-yourself art projects and games. For art aficionados a live art piece is produced on site by a South Florida artist at each installment. Nonstop music throughout the event (5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.) is a main attraction as patrons relax on the greens and enjoy Dania Beach’s Hospitality.

Live Performances - Mary Washington Brooks & Deep Fried Funk
Mary Washington Brooks is a Singer/Songwriter from Fort Lauderdale and was a Nursing Administrator for over 20 years. She has been turning heads for a long time as a former model and singing the blues for more than thirty years. She was seen performing in a club by the President of Emerald Records Cliff Aires and was flown out to Nashville, Tennessee to record her first Album “Best Seller.”

Mary has recorded three independent CD’s since then, she wrote all the songs on her last CD ”Blues without Walls” which can be heard on Pandora Music Radio and it’s being played world wide. Mavis Staples opened for her at Sunfest 2009. She also performed for Florida Congressman Alcee Hastings’ Re-Election Party in 2016. Chancy Mabe of the Sun Sentinel once called her “a hidden treasure.” The Fort Lauderdale Showtime called her “The Boss of the Blues.”

Mary performs Blues, R&B, Soul and some Jazz standards in a sophisticated style that leaves you wanting more and more. In the nineties Mary performed on Las Olas Boulevard in such top rated clubs as Galleria Givoni, O’haras, Mario’s East, Banyans and the French Quarters. Mary and her band have more recently performed in Blue Jean Blues in (Fort Lauderdale), Kelly Brothers Irish Pub in (Fort Lauderdale), The Blue Turtle in (Fort Myers), The Barrel Room in (Fort Myers), The Center Bar in (Fort Myers), The Krafy Keg in (Stuart) and The Hives Bar in (Lantana). The Funky Biscuit in (Boca Raton) and Boston’s on the Beach in (Delray). She’s performed in such Festivals recently as “The National Women in Blues Show in (Memphis, Tennessee), The Fort Lauderdale Downtowner Crawfish Festival in (Fort Lauderdale), The Fort Lauderdale Seafood Festival, The Summer Festival at Holiday Park, The Irene Liberman Jazz In The Park and Five time performer in the Riverwalk Blues Festival.

Deep Fried Funk
High energy, powerful, vitality, proficiency are words that simply grab the soul of South Florida’s most musical production and versatile "LIVE BAND." Deep Fried Funk has risen to be the demand choice for many celebrities and private events and this month they are a part of Dania After Dark. The band offers a combination of music for the young at heart and mature audiences. Their performances are characterized by a professional sound, extensive repertoire and unstoppable grooves.

One of the most prolific Drummers of this Generation deftly playing any genre of music; David “Jody” Hill possesses infinite talent that maintains his status in today’s music industry. After performing as the drummer for Gloria Gaynor, Martha Wash, The Village People, The Trammps, Sister Sledge, Aretha Franklin and Reggae hit makers such as Mickey Spice, Leroy Sibbles, Inner Circle and Kymani Marley opened many additional opportunities for this incredible musician. Jody earned himself 3 Grammy Nominations with Joss Stone for the Album “Mind Body and Soul” his television appearances include: The Craig Kilborn Show, PBS Disco Special, The Today Show and Ellen DeGeneres to name a few.

Jody Hill has performed all over the world with many incredible Celebrity Acts, however nothing has made him more proud than creating the Deep Fried Funk Band. Don’t let the name fool you, this band delivers incredible stage presence with every performance, their musical genre consists of Hip Hop, Neo-Soul, Jazz, Funk, Disco, R&B, Pop, Reggae, Latin, Rock, Gospel and Country. Formed in 2009 after performing with a completely live orchestra with Gloria Gaynor and then in 2012 they got the call to perform for the First Lady of the United States of America; Mrs. Michelle Obama. Now the Deep Fried Funk Band enjoys performing non-stop for Social and Corporate Events on an international stage.

Catch Deep Fried Funk On Saturday, August 13th, 2022 from 8:00 p.m. - 10 p.m. on the big stage at Dania After Dark, you will not be disappointed.

Live Performance Art
Dania After Dark features live performance Art, and patrons are treated to local artists creating various forms and genres of art. Upcoming young artists appreciate the opportunity to showcase their talent and Dania After Dark gives the community the opportunity to experience art & culture through programming that is unique to this event.

Unique Art Pop-Ups
Dania After Dark features a variety of artists who exhibit throughout the event, making it possible for our residents & guests to learn about new artists and see new work by some of their favorite local creators.

Over 40 Artisans and Makers turn up to create a mall around the City Hall Fountain providing new designs and one-of-a-kind brands. You can find ethnic and vintage clothing, accessories, bric-à-brac, home goods, jewelry and other charming pieces. DAD provides that opportunity to find something unique. Come out and support these highly skilled independent entrepreneurs.

Ready for dinner and dessert! They have something for every appetite, savory, sweet and in between. Over 20 food vendors, trucks and tented caterers are at Dania After Dark to satisfy you. Quench your thirst with beverages for all ages. It’s all at Dania After Dark, Saturday night August 13th, 2022!