South Beach Jazz Festival: Friday Line Up
Jan 09, 2026
From: 05:30 PM to 10:00 PM
An evening of music and conversation opens the South Beach Jazz Festival with a program that pairs jazz history with live performance. The South Beach Jazz Festival: Friday Line Up begins at The Bass on Miami Beach with a lecture by Ricky Riccardi, Director of Research Collections at the Louis Armstrong House Museum, who offers an in-depth look at the life, artistry and lasting influence of Louis Armstrong.
The lecture takes place Friday, January 6, setting the stage for the night’s outdoor programming. The evening then continues at nearby Collins Park with Society Jazz Night, featuring Steven Bernstein’s Millennial Territory Orchestra joined by guest vocalist Carla Cook. From 8 to 10 p.m., the nine-piece ensemble delivers bold arrangements and high-energy grooves in an open-air concert setting.
Both events are free with RSVP and offer open-lawn seating, with guests encouraged to bring blankets or chairs. A VIP Seating & Reception option includes a 7 p.m. reception at The Bass and reserved concert seating.