{"id":348725,"date":"2026-07-22T16:12:13","date_gmt":"2026-07-22T16:12:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/348725\/"},"modified":"2026-07-22T16:12:13","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T16:12:13","slug":"4-day-miami-takeover-opens-with-comedy-vybez-showcase-arts-culture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/348725\/","title":{"rendered":"4-day Miami Takeover opens with \u2018Comedy Vybez\u2019 showcase | Arts Culture"},"content":{"rendered":"

This story was originally published<\/a> by Artburst Miami, South Florida’s nonprofit source for arts journalism.<\/p>\n

Stand-up comedy is often overlooked as an art form, according to Wylie Kynard.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have music as an art form . . . \u00a0You have visual art as an art form. Sometimes people when they talk about the arts, they leave out that part of it, and they don\u2019t see comedy as an art,\u201d says Kynard, the co-founder and partner of The Miami Takeover (MTO).<\/p>\n

And like other mediums, Kynard notes that comedians seek to elicit reactions from a captive audience.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you get on the stage and you create a comedy show, you have to be creative and innovative to make the people laugh, and that\u2019s an art.\u201d<\/p>\n

This year, the annual MTO, one of the largest Black cultural festivals, is exploring that comedy dynamic with \u201cComedy Vybez Festival,\u201d the kick-off to the four-day festival on Friday, July 24 at the Miami Beach Bandshell. Events are scheduled through Monday, July 27.<\/p>\n

\"Ingrid<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Miami spoken-word poet and cultural curator Ingrid B hosts \u201cComedy Vybez,\u201d the comedy kickoff to the 18th annual Miami Takeover.<\/p>\n

(Courtesy of the artist and The Miami Takeover)<\/p>\n

Miami-spoken word poet, Ingrid \u201cIngrid B<\/a>\u201d Bazin, who has actively curated and produced local events for the last 25 years, is serving as host and looking forward to bringing talent in from other parts of the country.<\/p>\n

Founded by three HBCU graduates and event curators from the Washington, D.C. area\u2014 Kynard, Antwoine McCoy and Vincent Peden \u2013 Bazin says there\u2019s a D.C.-Miami connection that makes the event special.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a part of an annual event that happens in South Florida every year, and that D.C. energy is a beautiful space to be in. And for those that are coming into town, they get to experience South Florida and experience Miami beyond what people think Miami is.\u201d<\/p>\n

The scenery for visitors adds to the allure.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Bandshell is a dope location. You\u2019re right by the water, so people that are not from South Florida will get to experience that. And the people that are from South Florida, but who never go to the beach, they\u2019ll get to experience it as well,\u201d says Bazin.<\/p>\n

\"Eddie<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Eddie Bryant, a Washington, D.C.-based comedian who\u2019s been featured on BET, Magic Johnson\u2019s Aspire, TVOne and Starz television network, is one of the featured comedians.<\/p>\n

(Courtesy of the artist and The Miami Takeover)<\/p>\n

Eddie Bryant<\/a>, a Washington, D.C.-based comedian who\u2019s been featured on BET, Magic Johnson\u2019s Aspire, TVOne, and Starz television network, calls the MTO event \u201ca comedy lovers buffet of comedy from comedians from across the country.\u201d<\/p>\n

Along with Bryant, Joe Clair<\/a>, Esau McGraw<\/a>, Lawrence Killabrew,<\/a> Antoine Scott<\/a>, Maria Sanchez<\/a>, Ashima Franklin, Tony Woods, Ronnie Jordan and Howie Bell<\/a> will also perform.<\/p>\n

Bryant believes that the combined talent is sure to bring the house down.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou takeAshima<\/a>.<\/a> She just did Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal and then Netflix Is a Joke Festival. Ronnie Jordan\u2019<\/a>s touring all over. He does 250 shows a year minimum. Joe Clair has been in the game for decades. Rap City, MADD Sports, stuff like that. Very funny stand up. Tony Woods<\/a> is a mentor to Dave Chappelle. A phenomenal comedian. In Dave Chappelle\u2019s acceptance speech at the Mark Twain (Prize for American Humor), aside from speaking of his mother and father, he made it a point to highlight Tony Woods. He\u2019s a champion when it comes to stand-up. He\u2019s a purist.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Esau<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Comedian Esau McGraw is among the performers appearing at \u201cComedy Vybez Festival,\u201d the comedy kickoff to the 18th annual Miami Takeover at the Miami Beach Bandshell on Friday, July 24.<\/p>\n

(Courtesy of the artist and The Miami Takeover)<\/p>\n

And no topic is off limits.<\/p>\n

In a climate where comedians have expressed concern about cancel culture, Bryant holds true to a no-holds-bar approach, regardless of the consequences.<\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes you have to throw caution to the wind and just say it, and let the chips fall where they may,\u201d he asserts.<\/p>\n

Bryant says that stand-up helps push the envelope to push conversations forward.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe cross boundaries so that we can get to the other side. Whether we\u2019re talking about race, whether we\u2019re talking about family life, whether we\u2019re talking about personal dysfunctions, all of those things are made light of to help the audience get through what they\u2019re going through.\u201d<\/p>\n

And comedy gives its audience a break from what\u2019s going on in their lives, says Bryant.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, when you go to a comedy show. You\u2019re taking a mental vacation for that hour and a half or two hours to feel good. Laughter heals.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Rodney<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Miami visual artist Rodney Royal will present a solo art exhibit highlighting iconic Black comedians at \u201cComedy Vybez Festival.\u201d<\/p>\n

(Courtesy of the artist and The Miami Takeover)<\/p>\n

In addition to the Friday night standup comedian headliners, attendees at the 18th annual MTO will have the option of six events including a yacht party and a community service beach cleanup. Live music will be on hand with three R&B band performances along with a tribute to Toni Braxton performed by R&B singer Latasha Bla\u2019q! Miami visual artist Rodney Royal<\/a>, who is known for displaying themes of culture and community, will present a solo art exhibit highlighting iconic Black comedians.<\/p>\n

IF YOU GO<\/p>\n

WHAT: The Miami Takeover\u2019s \u201cComedy Vybez Festival\u201d<\/p>\n

WHERE: Miami Beach Bandshell, 7275 Collins Ave., Miami Beach.<\/p>\n

WHEN:\u00a0 4 p.m. Friday, July 24.<\/p>\n

COST: \u00a0$55.20 includes fees. Other events through Monday, July 24, cost varies depending on event. Free for community beach cleanup. Individual tickets and weekend party passes available.<\/p>\n

INFO: themiamitakeover.com.<\/a><\/p>\n

ArtburstMiami.com<\/a> is a nonprofit media source for the arts featuring fresh and original stories by writers dedicated to theater, dance, visual arts, film, music and more. Don\u2019t miss a story at www.artburstmiami.com<\/a><\/p>\n