with half-price tickets for local first responders and teachers and a portion of proceeds going to the United Teachers of Dade.

The four-day urban entertainment festival, which runs Friday, July 24, through Sunday, July 27, opens with the Art of Laughter/Comedy Vybez show, 4-10 p.m., at 7275 Collins Ave. Doors open at 4 p.m. with Dee Jay Casper on the decks, and live music starts at 6 p.m.

The comedy lineup features nationally touring stand-ups Joe Clair, Tony Woods, Esau McGraw, Ronnie Jordan, Ashima Franklin, Eddie Bryant, Lawrence Killabrew, Antoine Scott, Maria Sanchez and Howie Bell. Hosts for the evening are Ingrid B and comedian Spunky Robinson.

On the music side, Quinn of the R&B group Blackstreet, billed by organizers as a Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter, performs with The Jukebox Band. Washington-based Antfar Music and R&B vocalist Latasha Bla'q, performing a Toni Braxton tribute, round out the bill.

"We want everyone to come out and enjoy a full night of belly-aching comedy, live R&B musical performances, community and connection," co-founder Wylie Kynard said in a July 18 event announcement. "This special show will be dedicated to first responders and teachers since they do so much to protect and uplift the community."

General admission tickets are $55.20 on Eventbrite. First responders and teachers can use promo code "FirstResponders" at checkout to pay $22.60. Friday's ticket sales benefit United Teachers of Dade, the Miami-Dade County teachers union. All events are 21 and older.

The festival is produced in partnership with the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority and the City of Miami Beach Tourism and Culture Department. Founded in 2007 by three HBCU graduates from the Washington area — Kynard, Antwoine McCoy and Vincent Peden — the Miami Takeover has previously hosted Dave Chappelle, Katt Williams and Doug E. Fresh. Discounted hotel packages are available through the Marseille Beachside Hotel at themiamitakeover.com/travel.

Upcoming community events

Friday, July 24, to Sunday, July 27: 18th annual Miami Takeover festival, multiple events across Miami Beach. Tickets at Eventbrite.

Thursday, July 31, 5-7 p.m.: Patio Jazz with The G.G. Quartet (Izzi Guzman, Michael Gaspari, Diego Clavixus, Alex Maciulewicz) at the Art Deco Welcome Center patio on Ocean Drive. Free with RSVP. Free admission to the Art Deco Museum during extended hours. Presented by Power Access and the Miami Design Preservation League.