One of the most anticipated events on the South Florida music calendar returns to Miami Beach January 4-7, 2024, as the 8th Annual South Beach Jazz Festival, presented by Power Access, brings star-studded names from the jazz world to key venues throughout the city. Celebrating the unparalleled artistry of global jazz sensations Cécile McLorin Salvant, Alfredo Rodriguez, the extraordinary pianist Matthew Whitaker, the dynamic ensemble of Something Else!, multiple grammy winning trumpeter, composer Brian Lynch, passionate jazz pianist Tal Cohen, and many more from the full spectrum of jazz, this year's festival promises to be an unforgettable four days of music from top-tier internationally recognized artists, favorite regional bands, emerging local and student artists, underscoring a commitment to both musical excellence and the festival's vital mission of inclusion and accessibility. The festival has grown in size and stature with 18 performances, master classes, and activations both, ticketed and free, from the intimate Faena Theater to the great lawn of Collins Park and The Bass to the iconic Miami Beach Bandshell and the Power Access stages on the world-renowned outdoor promenade of Lincoln Road all weekend long. In partnership with the Rhythm Foundation, the South Beach Jazz Festival is a must for jazz fans. Tickets and reservations including a limited "All Access Pass" at www.sobejazzfestival.com

 

Highlighted Performances:

  • Cécile McLorin Salvant with Sullivan Fortner at Faena Theater (SOLD OUT): The festival opens on Thursday, January 4, with 3x Grammy Award-winning American jazz vocalist/composer Cécile McLorin Salvant, joined by her longtime artistic collaborator, Sullivan Fortner, lauded as one of the top jazz pianists of his generation. 

  • Something Else! with Special Guest Matthew Whitaker at Collins Park: Friday night promises a night of Art and Music, the vibrant world of "Something Else!" celebrated for their soul-jazz and swing with special guest Matthew Whitaker, the South Beach Jazz Festival Society Jazz Night, will be in full swing with a concert on the great lawn of Collins Park and The Bass with top-shelf saxophonist and bandleader Vincent Herring and his hard-bop soul jazz supergroup, SOMETHING ELSE!, featuring guest star pianist/organist, Matthew Whitaker, on the B3, sitting in with the acclaimed sextet for their Miami Beach debut. Don't forget to bring your dancing shoes! Lawn general admission is free, and there are free gallery tours at The Bass. VIP reserved tickets are available for those seeking an elevated experience. The concert is January 5 at 8pm in Collins Park. The concert is free for lawn seating. Attendees can bring chairs and blankets. The VIP Reception starts at 7pm. VIP tickets are $75 and include open bar, lite bites and reserved seating. 

  • Alfredo Rodriguez & Friends at Miami Beach Bandshell: Alfredo Rodriguez & Friends create an electrifying fusion of Latin, pop, timba, jazz, tango, and funk that will transport you straight to the heart of Havana. Their collective music chops will leave you breathless as you dance the night away at this pulsating fiesta of culture and sound. Don't miss this extraordinary night of music and dance, courtesy of Alfredo Rodriguez and his musical all-star friends, celebrating Rodriguez' latest release, "Coral Way," which dominated the JazzWeek radio charts. Secure your ticket to an evening with unforgettable moments and pure musical magic! This electric fusion of styles will have the Miami Beach Bandshell echoing with applause on Saturday, January 6. Tickets start at $35. 

  • Jazz for Tomorrow: During the day on January 6, enjoy the Jazz for Tomorrow student stage directed by jazz artist & educator Nicole Yarling, showcasing youth artists, including Young Musicians Unite, Frost, Broward College, JECC, Lighthouse, South Florida Center for Percussive Arts, with master classes and activations emphasizing the festival's commitment to fostering emerging talent. The event is free and open to the public on January 6 from 10am - 5pm at 1100 Lincoln Road Plaza. 

  • Power Access Main Stage:  On Sunday, January 7, the South Beach Jazz Festival fills the 1100-1111 block of Lincoln Road with a full day of exciting bands and special guests, including Tal Cohen, the Smoogies, the Brandon Goldberg Trio, Goodwill Spirit Band, and Power Access Scholarship winners. As the special grand finale' concert of the South Beach Jazz Festival, the South Florida Jazz Orchestra, led by the illustrious Chuck Bergeron with special guest Brian Lynch with the entrancing vocals of Lisanne Lyons, will close the festival under the Miami Beach stars. The event is free and open to the public on January 7 from 11am - 8pm at 1100 Lincoln Road Plaza. 

  • The Power Access Panel Discussion, Accessibility in the Arts:  The virtual panel discussion is scheduled for Friday, January 5. Dive into this purpose-driven conversation and discover more about accessibility within the arts. The event is free and starts at 3pm. Registration is required. 

 

At the festival's heart is a mission of disability awareness, championing accessibility and inclusion for persons living with disabilities. Founded by R. David New, a Miami Beach local and national accessibility advocate, the festival is a platform to demonstrate the power of people of all abilities. The festival will showcase artists and special guests of all abilities throughout the weekend and celebrate disability awareness, access, opportunity, and inclusion in the arts for artists and audiences. 

 

Tickets for the 8th Annual South Beach Jazz Festival are on sale now. Seize the chance to partake in this iconic event that embodies the spirit of Miami, the joy of music, and the significance of inclusion. 

 

Visit SobeJazzFestival.com for the full schedule and tickets.

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About The South Beach Jazz Festival 

The South Beach Jazz Festival is produced by Power Access, a 501(c)3 non-profit humanitarian organization. The festival takes place in multiple venues throughout Miami Beach over four days in January. The mission of disability awareness, access, opportunity, and inclusion is celebrated through a festival that takes pride in presenting world-renowned and emerging artists from the entire spectrum of jazz. All are open to the public, with many free and outdoors. The sounds of jazz will enliven the city all weekend long, providing residents and guests to Miami Beach a time to enjoy, listen, and learn. "From Disability to Serendipity."

 

The South Beach Jazz Festival is made possible with the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor, the Board of County Commissioners, the City of Miami Beach, the Cultural Affairs Program and the Cultural Arts Council. This project is sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture (Section 286.25, Florida Statutes).

 

Sobejazzfestival.com | Facebook.com/SoBeJazz | Instagram: @SouthBeachJazzFestival

 

Media Contact:

Amanda MacMaster

MasterWing Creative Agency

508.904.1434

Amanda@MasterWingCreative.com