If you walk by the Straz Center on certain Fridays, you might get to see a special performance right on the Tampa Riverwalk. The Arts Legacy REMIX performances are starting up again and promise months of exciting shows on the Straz’s Riverwalk Stage. These events only happen once a month, so be sure to walk, bike, or boat over to the stage to catch a show.
What is Arts Legacy REMIX?
Arts Legacy REMIX is in its sixth season at The Straz Center. According to Alice Santana, Straz Center vice president of education and community engagement. It began as a way to highlight the different cultures and artists here in the Tampa Bay Area. The performances are curated by local Tampa Bay artists and organizations.
“We have an Arts Legacy dream team of advisors that are from different organizations. And artists themselves that help us curate every single one of these performances,” Santana explains.
Each month highlights a different theme. In October, the focus will be on Hispanic Heritage. June will focus on the legacy and importance of Juneteenth. In March, there will even be a performance that focuses on the cultural and artistic diversity of the Tampa Bay Area.
Alice added that the April performance will, “Highlight all the things that make Tampa Bay special.”
And she knows a thing or two about how Tampa has changes in the past few years. Alice moved to the area from Philadelphia eight years ago and has watched the Riverwalk corridor become the exciting place it is today. She loves being able to work on the Riverwalk and being a part of the scene.
And that’s one reason behind Arts Legacy REMIX and the outdoor stage on the Riverwalk.
“That was the intent behind adding our Riverwalk stage.” Alice explains. “How can we be a part of this growth and really continue to encourage it?”
Arts Legacy REMIX performances occur once a month until June, excluding December and May. Performances take place on a Friday from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The Riverwalk stage
And anyone can attend these events for free. Right on the Riverwalk
“There are times that you will see that we stop traffic on the Riverwalk itself. And you’ll even have people on their boats pulling up just to enjoy the different performances on the stage,” Alice laughs.
And that was one of the reasons The Straz Center started this program. They wanted the foot traffic. The inquisitive people walking by. Their vision behind building this outdoor stage space was to let people interact and spend time on The Straz campus.
If you do decide to stop and enjoy the shows, The Riverwalk Stage seats about 130 people and also has food and beverages available at Maestros on the River.
“You’ll see everyone positive, singing at the same time. It’s just a truly cool experience.”
Arts Legacy REMIX for the 2023-2024 season
Here’s more information about the exciting performances on the Riverwalk stage:
Third Annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration — October 6
Arts Legacy REMIX will kick off by celebrating Hispanic culture in Tampa Bay. From Latin America to the Caribbean Islands, the artistry that enriches Hispanic culture will be celebrated in many forms, including visual arts, vibrant music, and dance.
A Journey Across India — November 17
This event will be a colorful evening of music, dance, ritual, and pageantry honoring the cultural diversity of India. Visual art will be an important part of the evening’s presentation. A variety of craft vendors will be on hand as well.
Sixth Annual MLK Jr. Commemoration — January 12
The Straz Center will remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in a celebration that amplifies of their commitment to manifest his dream. Join in for an evening of gospel music, the powerful writings of Dr. King, and young voices sharing their hopes and vision for 2024.
Mabuhay Fiesta — A Celebration of Filipino Culture — February 23
This evening will be a celebration of the vibrant visual art, fashion, music, and cherished foods that make up the Filipino culture. The audience will experience the richness and range of emotions that emanated from the culture’s ability to story tell through many artistic forms.
Tampa Bay Artistic Tapestry — March 22
Authentic self-expression and experience will be celebrated. In this commemoration of the Stonewall Riots, local talented artists across the Tampa Bay area that embody the global impact of the LGBTQIA+ community will be featured.
Celebrate MENA — April 12
This insightful event will feature the culture and artistry of the Middle East and North Africa with stunning visual arts, expressive dance and moving music.
Fourth Annual Juneteenth Commemoration — June 17
The importance of Juneteenth – June 19, 1865 – will be recognized. This was the date when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned they had been set free, two years after the country’s official abolishment of slavery. This commemoration will be comprised of spoken remembrances, writings of historical importance, and an original performance of music, poetry and dance created especially for this event.
All performances will be held on Friday from 7:30 to 9 p.m.