Music Scene

Miami is known for being a world-class nightlife destination fueled by superstar DJs and hip-hop acts. Everyone from David Guetta to Steve Aoki and Drake to Lil Wayne has headlined Miami’s legendary mega-clubs. But Miami’s music scene goes beyond electronic dance music and hip-hop to include jazz, Latin, classical, and indie musicians. And while the Ultra Music Festival at Bayfront Park in March has drawn thousands of EDM fans to Miami for over 20 years, there are plenty of other music festivals and events to enjoy throughout the year spanning all musical genres.

Subtropical Classical

South Beach is home to the New World Symphony, America’s Orchestral Academy led by legendary conductor Michael Tilson Thomas, hosts concerts throughout the year. Designed by Frank Gehry, the state-of-the-art music hall is situated on Soundscape Park, where symphony concerts are projected on the building’s 7,000-square-foot exterior wall for all to enjoy for free beneath the stars and swaying palm trees. Miami is also home to the Grammy-nominated Seraphic Fire, a choral orchestral chamber ensemble that performs a special Christmas concert annually and shows throughout the year. In addition, the Miami Design District produces free concerts by the Miami Symphony Orchestra and other groups at its historic Moore Building and al fresco Palm Court.

All that Jazz

Miami is also a jazz town with the South Beach Jazz Festival in January and Jazz in the Gardens at Hard Rock Stadium in March, encompassing soul, reggae, and R&B with headliners like Erykah Badu, Sean Paul, and Jodeci. You’ll also find jazz ensembles performing at intimate venues around town, like the convivial midtown wine bar Lagniappe House, downtown Italian restaurant Soya e Pomodoro, and Little Haiti’s Magic 13 Brewing Co., as well as Miami Beach hotel lobby bars like The Betsy or Greystone.

Indie Darlings

One of the relative newcomers to Miami’s music scene is the two-day III Points music festival in Wynwood in October, whose acts range from up-andcoming indie artists to cult favorites, spanning pop, alternative, rap, techno, and Latin music. Last year’s headliners included Rosalía and LCD Soundsystem, with diverse musicians like DJ Harvey, Busta Rhymes, and the Jacuzzi Boys on the lineup. The North Beach Bandshell hosts a similarly eclectic range of concerts year-round at its oceanfront amphitheater under the stars. And for an intimate “listening room” experience, seek out Dante’s HiFi in Wynwood.

Latin Flair

Miami pulses to the rhythm of Latin music, from Cuban conga and Brazilian samba at Mango’s Tropical Café on Ocean Drive to CubaOcho and the reimagined historic Ball & Chain in Little Havana, where you can enjoy salsa dancing set to live musicians. You’ll find plenty of reasons to get on your feet in Miami.