As the international art world descends upon Miami's for Art Basel this weekend, one of the week’s most anticipated events will unfold not in a conventional gallery, but at a curated brunch where music, cuisine, and performance art converge. FAMU’s world-renowned Marching 100 is set to perform this today at “UNC’s Backyard Brunch,” an exclusive gathering hosted by UNC’s Arte Haus Studios in collaboration with McDonald’s.
The event, scheduled for 11 a.m - 4 pm., brings together an unlikely yet high-profile mix of culinary talent, hip-hop royalty, and academic musical excellence. In addition to the Marching 100's signature precision and showmanship, the brunch will feature performances by rapper Jeezy and R&B singer Justine Sykes. James Beard Award-winning chef Kwame Onwuachi, known for his innovative take on Afro-Caribbean and African American cuisine, will oversee the culinary offerings.
The partnership represents a deliberate effort to bridge cultural spheres—fine art, music, food, and brand influence—within the vibrant chaos of Art Basel, which draws collectors, celebrities, and creatives from around the globe. For McDonald’s, the collaboration offers an opportunity to align with both artistic prestige and Black cultural excellence.
The inclusion of the Marching 100—a historically significant ensemble with a decades-long legacy of musical innovation and halftime theatrics—adds an additional a layer of artistry, culture, and rhythmic brilliance to the otherwise celebrity-driven affair. Their appearance reinforces how historically Black college and university (HBCU) bands have transcended their traditional athletic associations to become sought-after performers at premium cultural events.
“It’s a testament to the band’s artistry that they’re performing alongside award-winning chefs and major recording artists at one of the art world’s most influential gatherings,” said Stacey Close, professor of African American history and associate provost at Eastern Connecticut State University. “HBCU bands are not just auxiliary entertainment—they’re cultural institutions.”
The event is by RSVPi-only, underscoring its exclusivity within a week already defined by high-profile parties and closed-door previews. Yet for those inside, the synthesis of Onwuachi’s dishes, Jeezy’s hits, and the Marching 100’s explosive sound offers a singular, multisensory Art Basel experience—one where the lines between performance, art, and brand collaboration are intentionally, and provocatively, blurred.