MANAGEMENT REPORT 2014 - 2019
TABLE OF CONTENTS HISTORY NEW MANAGEMENT GOVERNANCE AND CAPACITY EVENTS PARTNERS CULTURAL AND ECONOMIC IMPACT CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS COMPLETED THE CANOPY: A timeline NEXT STEPS WHO WE ARE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Above, Sinkane at TransAtlantic Festival 2017, photo by Luis Olazabal Front cover: Nu Deco Ensemble at the Bandshell, photo by Alex Markow Photography Back cover: Ibeyi debut Florida concert at the Bandshell, presented by Rhythm Foundation May 2016, photo by Jason Koerner
HISTORY The North Beach Bandshell, designed by Norman Giller in 1961, is an iconic example of MiMo (mid-century Miami Modern) architecture, in the heart of what is now the MiMo Historic District. Giller was a “quiet innovator” who designed buildings all over the United States and Latin America, most notably South Florida. He invented one of the most widely replicated building types to be found anywhere, and his work is now featured on the National Register of Historic Places. By the late 1950’s, his firm was the tenth largest architecture firm in the United States.
Historians Randall Robinson and Eric Nash described the Bandshell as ”a futurist take on a Roman Amphitheater.” Unique architectural features include three double height gate structures that function as “ceremonial pillars” and two side gates that support large, disk shaped canopies.
In the 1960s and 1970s, many events took place at the Bandshell, including filming of special winter editions of Mike Douglas’s televised talk show, and weekly social dances.
Mike Douglas Show, filming at the North Beach Bandshell, year unknown.
During the 1980s and 1990s, the venue fell into disrepair, as use of facility declined. This beautiful oceanfront ballroom became a rental facility used by various promoters - including the Rhythm Foundation. We first presented an event at the Bandshell in 1999, and launched a summer series two years later.
The City of Miami Beach’s Planning and Parks Departments undertook a series of facility renovations in 2009, which included the involvement of the Mayor’s North Beach Blue Ribbon Panel. Improvements included an extended stage, upgraded electric systems, a new backstage area, refurbishment of the concrete structure and new bathrooms. Studies by an audio consultant led to the 2015 installation of a customized audio system, to maintain more controllable levels of sound and mitigate noise issues. The Panel also recommended that the City seek a professional management company, and install a canopy.
Oscar and Grammy-winning singer songwriter Jorge Drexler, soundcheck at unrenovated Bandshell, 2007
NEW MANAGEMENT Following an ITN process, the City awarded a five-year Bandshell management contract to Rhythm Foundation in 2014, and handed the keys over in March 2015. The first goals we set were to gain community trust as an established cultural venue, create a consistent set of communications, and bring in a range of quality partners. To this end we took the following actions: • We established the Bandshell Committee, which meets monthly and includes North Beach residents, business owners, neighboring condo representatives, event producers, City staff and others; • We created and maintain a constant platform of schedule and information - website, social media, LED marquee, and a monthly calendar distributed to City staff and neighbors; and • We file a quarterly report to City Manager, and share with the Bandshell committee. Next, we created turn-key processes to facilitate the use of the venue with professional conditions. We developed a criteria package and process for use of facility; established an operations team and list of responsible partner vendors; and established City licensure status for the venue’s first-ever certificate of use. Then, we launched a calendar of events! Our goal is to present a well-rounded series of concerts throughout the year – free community and civic events, cultural programs, popular music and large productions - that welcome the entire South Florida community to the Bandshell.
2017 GroundUP Festival Beach, courtesy of GroundUP Music
GOVERNANCE AND CAPACITY To effectively manage the North Beach Bandshell, Rhythm Foundation continues to grow our staff administrative capacity through participating in initiatives like: Miami Beach Leadership Academy, a 12 week curriculum that the City offers to residents and partners as an education on City functions.
Creation of an emergency readiness plan to fully secure the venue in extreme weather, developed with the City Parks Department. This is updated annually based on improvements to the facility and new ordinances. We also enrolled in ArtsReady.org, an initiative of South Arts, that provides cultural organizations with customized business continuity plans for post-crisis sustainability. Membership in several national consortia, through which we share best venue management practices, and program touring artists with other leading public facilities across the US.
Arts and Business Council’s Miami Arts Marketing Project seminars, as well as BizHack Digital Marketing Training Academy, an accelerated learning experience for businesses and professionals in which our team member was given the "BizHacker Award", the highest award of the class.
American Red Cross CPR/AED Certification Sponsored by the Health & Wellness Council of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce to be better prepared for patron safety.
Miami Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs ADA Silver Anniversary Summit, focused on accessibility and inclusion in the arts. Staff followed up on this session with an on-site meeting with the City of Miami Beach’s ADA Coordinator within the Property Management department, to ensure the Bandshell goes above and beyond ADA compliance.
The North Beach Bandshell is proud to be a founding member of the Plastic Free MB Initiative. Since Day One, we have had oversight of our operations by sustainably-focused community partners. We have worked closely with Surfrider and Volunteer Beach CleanUp to create best practices for all of our production needs and concessions services.
Upon the launch of the management contract in 2015, we contracted the New Tropic’s research arm WhereByUs to create a baseline impact report and North Beach community study. Now, at the close of the five year contract, we have recommissioned them to update this report, the findings of which are included in this document.
This summer, with Knight Foundation funding, we are engaging Spark Impact to develop a ten-year strategic plan for Rhythm Foundation, with input from a range of stakeholders. Spark Impact is a national consultant who works with organizations to improve their work through actionable and realistic insights.
“...Local purveyor of swinging international music Rhythm Foundation took over management of this beachside gem of an outdoor amphitheater. Since then, the North Beach Bandshell has lured a wide swath of musicians from around the globe... But the Bandshell has also made sure to color the bills with the best music the 305 has to offer.” - New Times Best of Miami 2016 (Clockwise from top: Le Cardamomo at Italian HIT Week; Iranian tar virtuoso Sahba Motallebi (Florida debut); Symbi Roots at TransAtlantic Festival (US debut); Cuban pianist Ivan Melon Lewis’ Cuban Swing Express (US debut), by Luis Olazabal)
TRANSATLANTIC FESTIVAL, AXIS OF LOVE, GLOBAL CUBA FEST, SEASIDE SESSIONS, AFROROOTS MUSIC FEST, and year-round concerts have brought the world to the Bandshell. Rhythm Foundation has presented major and emerging world music, indie, Latin and rock artists, including many Florida debuts. (Photos from top: Brooklyn-based indie group Wild Belle; Malian kora virtuoso Ballake Sissoko and French cellist Vincent Segal; Bogota-based swing hipsters Monsieur Perine; all by Luis Olazabal)
COMMUNITY EVENTS at the Bandshell include monthly Food Trucks & Music Fest, annual concerts by the award winning Nautilus Middle School Jazz Band, Beach High Rock Ensemble, toy drives, turkey giveaways, zumba dances, and special City of Miami Beach celebrations for Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month and so many more that bring families to our venue.
THE MIAMI BEACH YOUTH MUSIC FESTIVAL, benefitting youth music education in Miami Beach and celebrating the talent of the city’s young artists, is now in its third year. This special event held in March is produced by the City of Miami Beach and the Rhythm Foundation. Top, above center and below left photos by MagicalPhotos.com/Mitchell Zachs . All others courtesy of City of Miami Beach.
2015 EVENTS
Miami Beach Centennial Casa de Jesus Tomas Diaz in concert TransAtlantic Festival W/ Wild Belle, Ana Tijoux Shaun T Insanity Noche de San Juan Bein Sports Copa America Final Zumbathon Miami Beach Beer Festval Death to the Sun* Carnival Daybreak North Beach Salsa & Latin Music Fest* Mooncakes Festival* Italian HIT Week: Kalascima Roll-or-Dance Night Brazilian Girls in concert City of Miami Beach Turkey Drive* Satellite Art Fair: Short Film Series UM Frost School of Music Aterciopelados in concert Miami Symphony Orchestra Miami Gay Men's Chorus Holiday Toy Drive*
2016 EVENTS
Miami Beach Baila Seaside Sessions: Marco Benevento Seaside Sessions: Christian Scott and Hailu Mergia Seaside Sessions: DRKWAV Nu Deco Ensemble
CMB Black History Month Celebration* Descemer Bueno in concert Virginia Key Grassroots Fest Yngwie Malmsteen's Guitar Gods Miami Children's Chorus* Orchestra Miami* TransAtlantic Festival W/ Beirut, Troker Third World in concert O Rappa in concert Nautilus Middle School Jazz Band* Denzel Curry Bachaco's Miami Reggae Fest Ibeyi in Concert Miami Lyric Opera* Miami Beach Kundalini Yoga Festival Summer Folk Dance Intensive Brazil in Concert Presents: Skank Zumbathon Legiao Urbana in concert Swim Miami Beach* Afroroots World Music Festival Ivan Melon Lewis Cuban Swing Express Kassav' in concert Floating Points in concert Italian HIT Week: Max GazzĂŠ Rhye in Concert House of Creatives festivals featuring Flaming Lips, Crystal Castles Mayor's Turkey Drive*
2017 EVENTS
Magnum Band 40th Anniversary Kurt Vile in concert GroundUP Music Festival featuring Snarky Puppy, Esperanza Spalding Nu Deco Ensemble with Monsieur Perine Devendra Banhart in concert Ballake Sissoko & Vincent Segal Axis of Love: Riyaaz Qawaali Dance Now!* Miami Beach Youth Music Festival* Tortoise in concert Tarek Abdallah & Adel Shams El-Din Nouvelle Vague in concert O, Miami Poetry Festival* Florida Grand Opera 15th TransAtlantic Festival featuring A.C.H.E., Sinkane, Vieux Farka Toure Spam Allstars Florida Opera Prima: Zarzuela Capoeira Nago Miami Batizado Bikes on the Beach* Noche de San Juan
Tiago Iorc in concert Summer Flamenco Intensive Los Parodistas Zingaros Miami Beach Fitness Festival 2017 Ile in concert Italian HIT Week: Kalascima, Ermal Meta Jarabe de Palo in concert
2018 EVENTS
Cut Copy in concert Nu Deco Ensemble featuring Danay Suarez and Stephen Marley Sahba Motallebi GroundUP Music Festival featuring Snarky Puppy Bela Fleck, Robert Glasper and Wood Brothers Amir El Safir Three Rivers Ensemble Los Cafres in concert Sun Ra Arkestra Magic City Opera Jack Hirschman: Poetry and Jazz Axis of Love: Innov Gnawa Beach High Rock Ensemble Opera in the Park: Opera Carnival Monsieur Perine in concert Make Music Miami: Inez Barlatier Juana Molina in concert Italian HIT Week Roberto Cacciapaglia Alice Coltrane Singers in concert Le Sirene Swiss Orchestra Hispanic Heritage Day: Carlos Oliva Zach Deputy in concert
2019 EVENTS
Nu Deco Ensemble featuring Angelique Kidjo GroundUP Music Festival featuring Snarky Puppy, David Crosby, Andrew Bird, Lalah Hathaway & more Miami Reggae Festival Collie Budz & Inner Circle in Concert Global Cuba Fest: Dayme Arocena and Cimafunk Afro Roots Music Fest w/Fatoumata Diamara & Noura Mint Seymali Nano Stern in concert Turkuaz in concert The Original Wailers * recurring or annual event Dance Band Night, 2nd Thursday of every month, Food Truck Music Fest, 4th Thursday of every month.
PARTNERS Rhythm Foundation makes the Bandshell available to community partners and cultural organizations, expanding the scope of programs beyond what we produce alone. Through curated partnerships, the Bandshell has welcomed world class orchestras, opera, theater, dance, jazz, Latin music, national touring artists, popular music, poetry and more. This support takes the form of waived or reduced rent, donated venue staff, marketing and production support. These partners include: Ballet Flamenco De Rosa Centro Cultural Brasil US City of Miami Beach Cultural Affairs Division City of Miami Beach Hispanic Affairs Committee City of Miami Beach Parks and Recreation Dept. City of Miami Beach Seniors In Action Community Arts and Culture Consulate General of Italy in Miami Consulate General of France in Miami Dance Now! Florida Grand Opera FundArte GroundUP Music iii Points Italian HIT week Italian Trade Commission
Live Modern School of Music Magic City Opera Make Music Miami Day Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce Miami Beach Senior High Rock Ensemble Miami Children’s Chorus Miami Dade College Live Arts Miami Light Project Miami Symphony Orchestra Nautilus Middle School Jazz Band Nu Deco Ensemble Orchestra Miami O Miami Poetry Festival Poplife Presents Siempre Flamenco Young Musicians Unite
Nu Deco Ensemble’s annual winter concert at the Bandshell, photo by Alex Markow Photography
A.C.H.E. Afro Cuban House Experiment at TransAtlantic Festival 2017, photo by Luis Olazabal
CULTURAL AND ECONOMIC IMPACT Using a formula from Arts & Economic Prosperity V (Americans for the Arts, 2017), arts and culture programming has a uniquely valuable impact on local economies. Local arts and culture organizations, and the work they produce, keep a significantly higher percentage of their economic impact within the local region compared to many other industries.
The Rhythm Foundation, along with 75 other organizations, participated in data gathering at events throughout 2015 for the study, which found that Miami Beach Arts and Cultural Organizations generated $84+ million in expenditures; audiences spent $75+ million excluding the cost of admission, for a total industry expenditure of $159+ million in 2015. (Source: Arts & Economic Prosperity 5: The Economic Impact of Nonprofit Arts and Cultural Organizations and Their Audiences in the City of Miami Beach.)
An analysis by WhereByUs (The New Tropic) of surveys of attendees at 2018 Bandshell events found that a significant percentage of attendees visited a local business before or after a performance. Business owners supported this finding by noting a direct increase in business on days and at times surrounding Rhythm Foundation events. The spending estimates included: restaurants, lodging, transportation, and other expenses directly related to attending an event at the Bandshell. Over 50% of attendees spend more than $31 in North Beach above the price of admission, each time they attend an event, which mirrored findings from the Arts & Economic Prosperity report - local attendees average $34.29; non-resident attendees average $53.51; and all cultural audiences average $40.21 per person per event.
Nearly 100% of Rhythm Foundation’s estimated $4M in direct economic impact generated between 20162018 was retained in the local economy, in the form of spending at local restaurants and bars; patronage at local stores; and tourism and visitor spending. Economic Impact Year Total Direct Impact 2016 $1.43 M 2017 $1.46 M 2018 $1.37 M
Graphs and data from a 2019 report commissioned from WhereByUs / The New Tropic.
Cultural Programming enhances quality of life for residents, and cements North Beach’s identity as a cultural tourism destination for visitors. More and more, today's audiences are looking for unique experiences and a sense of place, which the Bandshell provides through programs targeted to the tastes of our diverse community. As a bonus, more than 60% of the programs are presented free to the public.
The North Beach Bandshell figures prominently into the City of Miami Beach’s North Beach Master Plan, where the venue is refered to as 'the crown jewel' or 'gateway to North Beach.' Our programming at the Bandshell is informed by the goals set forth in the plan. The Rhythm Foundation curates a full annual calendar, which fall into three categories - cultural events; popular events; and community and civic events. The North Beach Bandshell has averaged 72 events per year, each year since 2014-15, a total of 360 unique events (some of which are multiple day events) between April 1, 2014 and March 30, 2019.
Attendance continues to rise at the Bandshell. Over the last three years, the Bandshell has had a steady audience growth rate of approximately 14% per year.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS COMPLETED In addition to general maintenance, which includes deep cleaning the venue and pressure washing the floor after each event, painting, a/c system cleaning, and stage maintenance - we have overseen some major improvements at the Bandshell:
Refurbished stage (Summer 2017) – Rhythm Foundation managed for the City a sole sourced $104K project to repair the dangerously dilapidated stage, complete the installation of the sound system, and create a method to remotely monitor audio levels. During the rebuilding and resurfacing project, we designed an acoustical study and installed the subwoofer system within a cavity below the stage. This improvement allows better control of sound levels that reach our neighbors. It also makes production set-up quicker and easier, and provides better protection for site specific audio gear.
Stage Lighting System (work in progress) – Using Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs Capital Grant funds, matched by the Rhythm Foundation, we are purchasing and upgrading the basic stage lighting system. This will increase theatrical presentations for all users of the facility. We are now working with the Procurement Department to secure the new equipment.
Underground Cable Service was installed into the venue through our sponsorship with Atlantic Broadband (2016), bringing wifi at the venue and the ability to host live broadcast/streaming.
Billing and Signage: Rhythm Foundation installed showcase windows throughout the venues, as well as printed and installed stage curtains and door coverings. In 2016, we worked with the City on the renaming of the stage to honor legendary Beach High Rock Ensemble director Douglas Clark Burris.
Sustainability Plans: (ongoing) - We oversaw the City’s installation of hand dryers in the bathrooms. (2017). We retrofitted an existing water fountain as a reusable water bottle filling station using outside grant funds. (2018). This supplements other sustainability practices for production and concessions.
Paved Space: (2017) Working with the City, we graded, leveled and paved an unused space behind the Bandshell. Within this ‘found’ space we created a full service kitchen capacity including installation of power and an ice machine. This allows us to create a seated catering area for large crews. It also expands our limited storage space backstage, as we are able to use this area for durable storage space.
Dressing Rooms: (2016) We furnished and amenitized two backstage areas for production use, including couches, a microwave, mini-fridges, printers and other important details.
Electrical Upgrades: (2015) The City installed surge protection systems for all critical electronics, as well as high capacity electrical outlets in stragetic locations throughout the venue. This accommodates tour busses, and increases capacity for vendors within the venue.
Bandshell Park Upgrades: (2018/2019) - We worked on design with the City to install a new sidewalk from the bus stop to the foothold of Unidad and the Bandshell. The project also added electrical connectivity in the park that has eliminated the need for diesel generators in the space.
THE CANOPY: A TIMELINE
North Beach Bandshell with retractable canopy, rendering courtesy of P’vilion
April 2014: The Canopy Project was presented as priority from the Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Panel. The Commission approved funding at the April 23, 2014 meeting, laying out initial project scope for a tent covering. City Staff got approval to hire an architect to design a tent or more permanent retractable covering.
April 2015: Rhythm Foundation begins management of the North Beach Bandshell and immediately identifies Canopy as primary capital improvement need.
Spring 2015: Budget estimates presented at Blue Ribbon Panel for William Lane designs came in at $1.5 million and higher, a level of cost rejected by the Committee.
2015: Rhythm Foundation extensively researched canopy design with three main criteria: functional, economical, and harmonious with existing architecture. We discovered P’villion, a company specializing in photovoltaic tensive structures, who were excited to take on the challenge.
March 2016: P’villion provided preliminary design models, which were widely embraced by City staff.
Summer 2016: City administration submitted a budget request to supplement the remaining allocated Canopy funds, to meet initial estimate as provided by P’villion for fabrication and installation.
October 2016: City Commission adopts 16/17 budget including supplemental funds bringing total funds available to $225,000. The project is moved to the CIP office. January 2017: CIP office studies the project and determines additional funding will be needed for structural installation based on input from various departments. This brings the total estimated cost to $650,000. This figure was allocated in the FY17/18 budget in October 2017. February 2018: On site meeting with CIP members and consultants to review scope of project in preparation to put Canopy fabrication and installation out to bid.
April 2018: Notice of Request for Proposal published, CIP hosted pre-proposal meeting for Design Build phase. May 2018: On site visit hosted by Rhythm Foundation for CIP, DRB, design criteria team to review existing conditions and discuss implementation and impact resulting from project. Electrical contractor visits site to identify available power, project scope. June 2018: Met with CIP to review status of RFQ.
August 2018: Staff participated in evaluation committee for RFQ. Sept 2018: Staff participated in evaluation committee for RFP.
November 2018: Brought potential design to City Commission, received unanimous positive feedback, Commissioners expressed desire to fast track.
December 2018: CIP and Procurement have proposed contract, in review by legal. Goal of issuing by end of year to maintain Feb DRB timeline.
January 2019: CMB in process of countersigning contract.
February 2019: CIP hosted kick off meeting, reviewed updated timeline, discussed next steps and planned public meeting to discuss project.
April 2019: City of Miami Beach and Rhythm Foundation host public meeting at the North Beach Bandshell. July - September 2019: Permitting and installation!
The next era is defined by a Bandshell that has a canopy, and is able to be used for daytime events, and without fear of inclement weather.
NEW PROGRAM PLANS: SUMMER IN NORTH BEACH Celebrate North Beach is a series of summer events designed to showcase North Beach as a family-friendly cultural destination, launching in summer 2020. At a time when the cultural calendar slows down, the Rhythm Foundation will produce and coordinate a major series of activities Mid-June to Mid-August designed to attract both residents and visitors, especially families on summer vacation. Using the newly canopied North Beach Bandshell as the nucleus, a full calendar of cultural events including concerts, film, theater, dance visual arts events along with beach sports, educational, wellness and culinary events will be presented in partnership with North Beach’s hotel and hospitality amenities. Signature Summer Sounds Concerts by nationally recognized artists will be scheduled in the Bandshell on weekends. Modeled after New York City’ iconic summer festivals in Prospect Park, these performances will be free or nearly free to the public, and programmed with a wide variety of world class artists. Concerts will tie into uniquely South Florida or North Beach-centric themes, featuring additional culinary, visual arts and educational components. Exotic Fruit and Folk Festival In partnership with Taste of the Redland, this event ties in to the harvest season of specialty fruits only US grown in our sub tropical climate such as mangos, lychees, carambola, and featuring popular new alt-folk artists. MiMO Weekend North Beach A celebration of the historic district featuring guided tours, exhibitions, lectures, and a musical celebration of the early-mid 60’s jet – set era music and culture. North Beach Theater Camp Miami Beach Parks and Recreation Department will offer a summer theater camp for children on weekdays. Wellness Weekends in North Beach In partnership with Baptist Health South Florida and other wellness professionals, a series of activities and lectures will be offered to advance the concept of healthy living. Dance Band Nights, Yoga on the Beach and Meditative Summer Music will be staples of this offering.
Partnerships with the Hospitality & Tourism Industry, as well as with North Beach neighbors: Summer Screenings and Exhibits at O Cinema Miami Beach, Micro Theater at the Broadmoor Hotel, Beach Volleyball and Beach Soccer in the Beach Bowl; Readings and Author discussions at the North Beach branch of Miami Dade Public Library, and more.
WHO WE ARE RHYTHM FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS James Quinlan, Chair; Quinlan Communications Pedro Menocal, President; Humantelligence, Inc. Dara Schoenwald, Vice President; VolunteerCleanup.Org Robert Plessett, Secretary; Teleswitch Robert Glick, Treasurer; Kaufman, Rossin & Co Matt Beck; Brotherly Love Productions & Float8 Marshall Pasternack; Bilzin Sumberg Baena Price & Axelrod LLP Dr. Rigoberto Rodriguez Katherine Sanoja; Gomm & Smith PA Ilan Segal; Soulity LLC Don Worth; preservationist STAFF James Quinlan and Pedro Menocal, Interim Co-Executive Directors Benton Galgay, Director of Operations and Bandshell Manager Laura Quinlan, Program Director Karla Arguello, Communications Director Tina Theuemeister, Finance Manager and Food & Beverages Operations Director Asa Sealy, Development Ricardo Guerrero, Bandshell Operations Silvia Cruz and German Currea, Bandshell Technical Directors Raul Castro, Bandshell Maintenances BANDSHELL COMMITTEE The North Beach Bandshell Committee meets at the Bandshell on the first Wednesday of each month, and includes Rhythm Foundation staff and board members, City of Miami Beach Parks staff members, Bandshell events producers, North Beach residents, and North Beach business owners.
Benton Galgay, Chair; Lucinda Alfonso, Alex Avillenet, Mary Bargagliotti, Cindy Casnova, Matis Cohen, Jose Elias, Gail Frank, Ricardo Guerrero, Galina Norkin, James Quinlan, Laura Quinlan, Willie Quintana, Katie Sanoja, Daniel Veitia, Don Worth. FIND US: NorthBeachBandshell.com facebook.com/northbeachbandshell instagram.com/northbeachbandshell (786) 453-2897 • info@northbeachbandshell.com
NEW TIMES BEST OF MIAMI 2016
BEST VENUE for local acts NORTH BEACH BANDSHELL
Last year, local purveyor of swinging international music Rhythm Foundation took over management of this beachside gem of an outdoor amphitheater. Since then, the North Beach Bandshell has lured a wide swath of musicians from around the globe, from the hipster-chic Brazilian Girls to the Mexican hip-hop jazz of Troker to the buzz-worthy French-Cuban sisters of Ibeyi. But the Bandshell has also made sure to color the bills with the best music the 305 has to offer. For the recent TransAtlantic Festival, the Haitian Afro-indie-rock of Kazoots and the boogie-funk of Psychic Mirrors graced the stage. Last autumn, the venue hosted the Death to the Sun Festival, where 27 local acts were given 15minute sets to show off their stuff, as well as Mooncake Jam, where Afrobeta, Telekinetic Walrus, and Jesse Jackson jammed partiers into the night. Best of all, the space is a gem. Crowds sway under strands of lights and palm trees just a few steps from the beach. Sea breezes inspire artists and tempt audience members to wander off and listen to the roar of waves between sets. Plus, it doesn't hurt your wallet that there's free street parking after 6 p.m. 7275 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 33141 305-672-5202 northbeachbandshell.com
T hank you! The Rhythm Foundation is deeply grateful for the opportunity to manage the North Beach Bandshell. We appreciate the trust that the City of Miami Beach has placed in us, with this iconic anchor to our City’s cultural life. We have worked hard, infused the Bandshell with our spirit, and enjoyed so many amazing experiences at our home. Programs at the North Beach Bandshell have been presented with support from:
Miami Beach Cultural Arts Council Miami Dade Department of Cultural Affairs Florida Department of State Division of Cultural Affairs National Endowment for the Arts John S. and James L. Knight Foundation / Knight Arts Challenge The Miami Foundation SouthArts Urban Resources • Baptist Health South Florida • Atlantic Broadband • AmericanAirlines • FIU’s Kimberly Green Latin American and Caribbean Center • and many other local business sponsors, event partners and patrons.