Coca-Cola marks its 36th year at “El Festival de la Calle Ocho” (Calle Ocho) with a musical blend of Bachata, Salsa and Latin Jazz. As a token to loyal festival goers the Company will offer exclusive opportunities to meet and greet a variety of famous musicians. Calle Ocho will take place onSunday, March 9 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
“At Calle Ocho we bring together music fans with their favorite Coca-Cola brands and top artists to experience the “ahhh” moments in life,” said Melanie Jones, Vice President of Sales, South Florida Market Unit, Coca-Cola Refreshments. “These refreshing moments are made possible through our longstanding partnership with Festival organizers, Kiwanis Club of Little Havana, and our mutual commitment to support the Miami community.”
The Company plans to connect consumers to an all-star cast of Latin musicians at The Coca-Cola Music Stage located at 8th Street and 22nd Avenue in Miami. Award-nominees Leslie Grace and Frankie Negron will headline this year’s festival. Other performers include DLG, David Correy, Celia Cruz All-Stars, Alfredo de la Fe, El Valiente-T, Jay D’Amante and Gambino & Castro.
“Music is the thread that can unite generations,” said Leslie Grace, singer-songwriter and GRAMMY® award-nominee. “It brings me great joy to join Coca-Cola in an event like Calle Ocho that connects people to share happiness and music while honoring legends and celebrating our diverse culture.”
The Company will pay homage to the past with a performance from Celia Cruz All-Stars. The group will honor the 10th anniversary of Celia Cruz’s death with a tribute to the great Salsa legend. Following, 29-year-old Brazilian/American singer David Correy will give the crowd a nod to the future. As the voice of Coca-Cola’s song for the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ campaign, Correy will perform his hit song “The World is Ours” at the Coca-Cola Calle Ocho Stage.
Customer Programs
To excite people about the Festival Coca-Cola is partnering with several South Florida retailers to bring Calle Ocho-themed programs to their stores. Exclusive promotions include opportunities to text and win VIP passes to the Coca-Cola Music Stage and a meet and greet with one of the many Calle Ocho performers. Media partners include Univision Radio, which will promote the in-store programs with live radio remotes and on-air advertising on WRTO-98.3 FM and WAMR-107.5 FM.
DASANI is bringing its “Drop Into DASANI” tour back to Calle Ocho. The “Drop Into DASANI” tour features a confetti filled bounce-house that captures digital photos of attendees having fun inside. The photos can be instantly shared with family and friends via email or uploaded to social media platforms. In addition, people will learn about DASANI’s sustainability efforts through their recycling game. As part of the game, people can launch empty DASANI bottles at a recycling-themed façade in exchange for prizes. DASANI will be located at 8th Street and 20th Avenue.
“Drop Into DASANI” is a 24-week tour that will visit college campuses, music festivals and theme parks throughout the country promoting the benefits of DASANI and recycling. At each tour stop, people also will have the chance to taste DASANI DROPS™ water flavor enhancers.
Supporting Carnaval Miami
For 36 years, Coca-Cola has been a valued partner of the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana; the organizer of Carnaval Miami. Carnaval Miami is a month-long celebration that features culinary competitions, an art and jazz festival, 5K and 10K run/walk, soccer tournament, and Calle Ocho.
In addition to Coca-Cola’s role in Calle Ocho, Cola Zero™ will be the presenting sponsor of Miss Carnaval Miami. This event celebrates South Florida’s most talented, brightest and beautiful young Hispanic women who will compete for a $2,500 college scholarship.
“Since the 1978, Coca-Cola continues to be one of Calle Ocho’s longest and strongest supporters. Their commitment to the local community is what makes Coca-Cola a household name very much appreciated by all of us,” said Antonio “Tony” Lorenzo, President of the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana.
El Festival de la Calle Ocho – Kiwanis Club of Little Havana
Calle Ocho is a production of The Kiwanis Club of Little Havana, a non-profit service organization formed in 1975, with the mission of changing the life of one child and one community at a time. Funds raised from Calle Ocho and the events of Carnaval Miami, allow the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana to sponsor projects and programs of great impact to the youth of South Florida; programs that begin at infancy and continue until college graduation.
