Rhythm Foundation seeks extension to continue programming at Miami Beach Bandshell
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Aerial image of the Miami Beach Bandshell during the Copa America screening. Photo: Niall Macaulay, courtesy The Rhythm Foundation
When I meet new folks in Miami, it usually goes something like this: "I live in North Beach — about a 10-minute walk to the Bandshell."
- It's a quick way for folks to orient themselves; the unique structure can't be missed.
Why it matters: The venue, built in the 1960s and included in the National Register of Historic Places, is not only a recognizable landmark, but a cornerstone of the North Beach community and pillar of Miami's music scene.
- And with luxury projects redeveloping the neighborhood, the venue is integral to maintaining the North Beach feel.
Driving the news: The Bandshell's management arm, the Rhythm Foundation, later this month will ask Miami Beach commissioners to extend its contract for another nine years.
- The Miami Beach-based nonprofit's current agreement is up in one year, with a two-year renewal option ending in 2028. Instead of a two-year extension, it's asking for nine.
What they're saying: An extension, according to the Foundation's team, would allow for long-term planning and to be "better positioned to seek multi-year funding from foundations, corporations and private individuals."
Flashback: Since the 1960s, the venue has hosted concerts, televised shows, dance nights, private events, movie screenings and even roller skating events.
- In 2009, it underwent major renovations, and later, in 2015, the city sought a professional management company and chose the Rhythm Foundation, which had been bringing live music and cultural programming to the beach since the late 1980s.
Today, the Bandshell remains a gathering point for residents, both for ticketed shows and free, accessible community events — with much of the programming linked to the Rhythm Foundation.
Zoom in: In the 2014-15 season, the Foundation hosted 26 events and attracted 9,100 guests. In the 2023-24 season, that number jumped to 148 events with more than 79,300 guests, per the organization.
- The season runs from September to July. The venue "goes dark" in August.
Zoom out: With 55 nonprofit partners, the Foundation supports its mission of providing cultural experiences to the community by offering free shows and events.
- The annual lineup includes the North Beach Social, a free, monthly concert featuring Miami-based bands, and Arts in the Parks, a five-part, free event that highlights music, theater, dance and choir.
What's next: Ahead of the June 25 commission meeting, the Foundation is asking residents to support the extension by contacting their representatives and encouraging them to approve the request.
Editor's note: This story has been corrected to say the Rhythm Foundation's agreement with Miami Beach is up in a year (not in 2029) with a two-year renewal option ending in 2028.