On Saturday, March 15, 2025, Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) Board Member Luisa Santos (District 9) and Arts Access Miami made history with the launch of the inaugural South Dade Youth Music Festival at Losner Park in Homestead. The event was held in tandem with Santos’ signature celebration, the “A Night in D9” Awards Ceremony, a vibrant annual tradition honoring student and teacher excellence in South Dade.
As a passionate advocate for equitable access to education and the arts, Luisa Santos helped create a platform that brought together over 1,000 student musicians, representing 16 schools and more than 30 ensembles. Over 3,000 community members attended the free, family-friendly festival, which featured live music, interactive games, local food, and a robust resource fair with more than 80 nonprofit organizations.
“This festival is about more than music,” said Santos. “It’s about showing our students they belong, that their voices matter, and that our community is here to lift them up. It’s about giving every child access to the arts, to opportunity, and to a stage where they can shine.”
The event garnered strong support from a wide range of community leaders and public officials, underscoring its importance to the cultural, educational, and civic development of South Dade. Miami-Dade County leaders in attendance included Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, County Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins, and Janie Olvera, Deputy Chief of Staff to County Commission Vice Chair Kionee McGhee. From the City of Homestead, Mayor Steven D. Losner, Councilwoman Jenifer N. Bailey, and Councilman Larry Roth showed their support. Leaders from Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) were also present, including Superintendent Dr. Jose L. Dotres and School Board Member Mary Blanco. State and federal representatives were represented by Florida State Representative Omar Blanco; Tiffany Robinson, Delegation Vice Chair to State Representative Kevin Chambliss; and Alex Ferro, Chief of Staff to U.S. Congressman Carlos Gimenez.
Municipal leaders from across the region also participated, including Village of Palmetto Bay Mayor Karyn Cunningham; Village of Pinecrest Vice Mayor Jerry Greenberg and Councilmember Ariel Meyer; City of Florida City Commissioners James Gold and Walter Thompson; Village of Palmetto Bay Councilmembers Patrick Fiore and Steve Cody; and Village of Cutler Bay Councilmembers Suzy Lord and Richard Ramirez. Additionally, CEOs of prominent music and education nonprofits, along with various city, government, and M-DCPS representatives, attended the event. All in attendance praised the initiative for its meaningful impact on community development, cultural enrichment, and educational advancement throughout South Dade.
The festival spotlighted the transformative power of arts education, with partners like Young Musicians Unite, Guitars Over Guns, Miami Music Project, and The Miami Foundation offering mentorship and performance opportunities for young talent. With strong backing from local government and community partners, A Night in D9 x South Dade Youth Music Festival highlighted the region’s rich cultural diversity and educational promise.