North Beach Social: Summer of Soul Screening

Celebrate Juneteenth with a special community screening of Summer of Soul at the Miami Beach Bandshell, presented by the Rhythm Foundation. This outdoor screening, part of the North Beach Social series, takes place on Thursday, June 19, with doors opening at 7 p.m.

Directed by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, Summer of Soul uncovers the forgotten footage of the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, an iconic event attended by over 300,000 people. Featuring performances by legendary artists such as Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Sly & the Family Stone, Mahalia Jackson, Gladys Knight & the Pips, B.B. King and The 5th Dimension, the festival remains a pivotal cultural moment in Black history. The documentary not only highlights the music but also reflects on the significance of this event during the civil rights movement.

The film, which won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2022, showcases both the joy and struggle of the time and offers an emotional centerpiece through a powerful duet between Mahalia Jackson and Mavis Staples. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the tropical open-air setting of the Bandshell and community vibes.

This free screening is part of the City of Miami Beach’s Culture Crawl and the Bandshell’s ongoing North Beach Social series, fostering community connection through music and shared experiences.