Miami Beach Bandshell

Miami Beach Bandshell: a historic concert stage in Miami Beach

The Miami Beach Bandshell is an open-air concert and event venue located in Miami Beach, managed by the Rhythm Foundation for the City of Miami Beach. The Rhythm Foundation has been presenting international music in Miami for more than 35 years and took over management of the Bandshell in 2015. Last year, the venue welcomed more than 70,000 people to over 140 public concerts, festivals and special events.

The programming combines performances by international touring bands with initiatives aimed at the local community: children's programs throughout the year, free concerts for the public and several platforms to support locally based artists. The venue presents itself as a Cultural Anchor for the City of Miami Beach and part of the community's arts ecosystem.

A unique building on the historic register

The Bandshell was designed in 1961 by architect Norman Giller, a leading figure in the MiMo style. His work is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, an honor also bestowed on the Bandshell itself in 2022. Historians Randall Robinson and Eric Nash described it as a futurist take on a Roman amphitheater.

In the 1960s and 1970s it hosted filming of special winter editions of Mike Douglas's televised talk show and weekly ballroom dance nights popular with local seniors. During the 1980s and 1990s, the oceanfront ballroom was used as a rental facility by various promoters, including the Rhythm Foundation, which began presenting shows there in 1999. Miami Beach children from that era also remember rollerskating sessions and movie nights at the Bandshell.

Renovations, management and venue improvements

The City of Miami Beach's Planning and Parks Departments, with the involvement of the Mayor's North Beach Blue Ribbon Panel, undertook a series of major renovations in 2009. In addition to the renovations, which included the installation of a customized sound system, the panel recommended that the city seek a professional management company via an RFQ, a contract awarded to the Rhythm Foundation. In 2019 the city renewed the management contract, coinciding with further capital improvements, including the installation of a canopy designed by Ira Giller, son of Norman Giller, which retains the open-air feel while protecting the public from the weather.

In 2017, the City of Miami Beach named the stage for Clark Douglas Burris. Burris, a music teacher at Miami Beach High for more than 35 years, founded the Miami Beach Rock Ensemble in 1972, the first-ever high school rock band. Despite living with MS as a quadriplegic for much of his career, he inspired generations of young musicians in the community. After his passing in 2016, the documentary Carry That Weight was made about him and the Rock Ensemble, which continues to hold an annual tribute at the Bandshell each winter.

Community programs and access

In addition to concerts by international touring artists, the Bandshell maintains a free community program throughout the year. Community benefits include free admission for children to most shows, a monthly distribution of free tickets for Miami Beach seniors (third Thursdays) and free or discounted tickets for Miami Beach residents to select shows. Third Thursdays at the Bandshell is a free night of music for music-loving neighbors.

The venue also hosts North Beach Social, with five events per season presented free of charge in partnership with the City of Miami Beach and featuring leading local performing arts ensembles, and the Miami Beach Youth Music Festival, a music festival for children and teens with three stages for the city's top young musicians and family activities.

Visitor experience

Visitor information for the venue includes directions and parking, details on seating and club boxes, food and beverage offerings, sustainability criteria, FAQs and accessibility. The Bandshell also offers the possibility of being rented for events and has a digital programming calendar.

Location and contact

7275 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach FL. 33141