Written by Abraham Galvan on November 16, 2021
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The North Beach Bandshell takes its live performances to the next level with leading technology that enhances its programming and creates immersive experiences.
The bandshell upgrade was made possible by a $ 1.5 million investment by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation in the Rhythm Foundation, which manages the bandshell.
The venue at 7275 Collins Ave. has reached this new milestone while celebrating its 60th anniversary and its recent designation as a Historic Landmark of the City of Miami Beach.
The Rhythm Foundation will use Knight’s investment to install advanced equipment and software that will enable artists to create cutting-edge content, livestream productions and recordings to reach local, national and international audiences. These upgrades will establish the bandshell as Miami’s virtual performance space, enhance the existing program and enable new multimedia experiences, said James Quinlan, the foundation’s director.
“This Knight Foundation investment builds on our work during the pandemic to expand our multimedia capabilities,” he said. “We can now flip the switch and make sure the bandshell is a full-fledged virtual venue capable of reaching and connecting an international audience with our rich cultural content.”
In today’s world of live art, audiences are looking for multiple display options and the foundation understands that integrating technology into the creation, presentation and experience of art is a great way to engage audiences both in person and virtually, too expand and hold, said Victoria Rogers, Knights vice president for the arts.
“Knight’s investment helps the Rhythm Foundation and the Bandshell continue to play a critical role in the development of Miami’s rich art scene,” she said.
The Bandshell, built in 1961, was designed by Miami Beach architect Norman Giller, who is considered one of the creators of MiMo or Miami Modern architecture.
In 2003, the Rhythm Foundation launched their first brand, the TransAtlantic Festival in the North Beach Bandshell and other venues. This exploration of modern world music focused on artists working between traditional rhythms and electronica, was successful in attracting a new audience, and gave the organization a stronger identity.
In 2015, Miami Beach gave the Foundation management of the 1,400-seat oceanfront amphitheater that Rhythm Foundation officials say had come full circle, but they were now fully prepared to turn the chapel into a historic venue close. A well-rounded schedule of over 75 events per year was launched that welcomed all of South Florida and the visitor community to the bandshell.
Since then, the city has also made much-needed capital improvements to the bandshell, including installing a weather canopy and upgraded seating.
Located in a neighborhood that was designated on the National Register of Historic Places back in 2009, the bandshell also serves as a community hangout, hosting cultural celebrations such as Seaside Summer, North Beach Social, and the Axis of Love Concert Series. It also hosts live performances by local, national, and international artists, and annual events like the Ground Up Music Festival, Global Cuba Fest, and Afro Roots Festival.
“The North Beach Bandshell has become the perfect example of how a historic facility can continue to shape our identity as a cultural community while keeping up with evolving technology and art trends,” said Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber.
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