South Beach Jazz Festival

The Ninth Annual South Beach Jazz Festival (SBJF) will offer a kaleidoscope of musical, artistic and cultural experiences for the entire family to enjoy. Sponsored by the humanitarian group Power Access, the festivities kick off the New Year on January 9-12at venues across Miami Beach. Participants can expect best-in-class, Grammy Award-winning jazz artists, complimentary art gallery tours and a showcase of emerging jazz students. In addition, the public is invited to virtually participate in a panel discussion addressing accessibility and inclusion in the arts for persons living with disabilities, the core mission of the festival.

Read on for a recap of the 2024 South Beach Jazz Festival

South Beach Jazz Festival 2024 Highlights

SBJF will offer 18 performances, master classes and diverse cultural experiences that fit every budget, and many of them are free. Here are the highlights.

Thursday, January 4

Cécile McLorin Salvant at 9 p.m.

The festival opens at Faena Theater, with its dazzling centerpiece chandelier, moody lighting and velvet décor. Jazz enthusiasts will enjoy three-time Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist and composer Cécile McLorin Salvant and her velvety-smooth musical storytelling. Salvant will be joined by longtime collaborator Sullivan Fortner, who has been acclaimed as one of the top jazz pianists of his generation. The theater will provide intimate seating for this ticketed event.

Friday, January 5

Something Else! with special guest Matthew Whitaker at 8 p.m.

Friday’s evening performance will literally be Something Else! for festivalgoers to enjoy: the all-star showcase Society Jazz Night featuring the septet Something Else! Its bandleader, preeminent saxophonist Vincent Herring, will deliver a moving groove of funky soul-jazz sounds. Matthew Whitaker, who is visually impaired and has been said to conjure the mastery of a youthful Stevie Wonder at the piano or organ, is the special guest. The concert will take place under the stars beginning at 8 p.m. on the great lawn of Collins Park at The Bass contemporary art museum. Plan to dance the night away at this complimentary event. You’re encouraged to bring blankets and chairs for lawn seating. To upgrade your concert experience, consider VIP reserved seating. The Bass will add to the evening by offering complimentary museum gallery tours.

Saturday, January 6

Jazz for Tomorrow Student Stage, starting at 10 a.m.

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Jazz For Tomorrow Student Stage, celebrated jazz artist and educator Nicole Yarling will direct a lineup of burgeoning talent, including youth artists from nearby and notable colleges and universities. In keeping with the festival’s purpose, master classes will be offered to encourage new talent. There is no charge for this event at 1100 Lincoln Road Plaza, but RSVP is encouraged.

Alfredo Rodriguez & Friends at 8 p.m.

It wouldn’t be Greater Miami & Miami Beach if Latin jazz was not on the menu. At the Miami Beach Bandshell, Grammy-nominated Cuban composer and jazz pianist Alfredo Rodriguez & Friends will rock the house with their special blend of Latin, pop, jazz and funk. Rodriguez’s chart-topping hit “Coral Way,” with its up-tempo, infectious and happy sound, will highlight this evening of music and dance.

Sunday, January 7

The final day of the SBJF will be an all-day affair. From 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., 1111 Lincoln Road will serve as host to an all-star lineup of bands and notable special guests. All of Sunday’s events are free with RSVP.

The Spirit of Goodwill Band at 11:30 a.m.

The daylong celebration kicks off with The Spirit of Goodwill Band, an ensemble of singers and musicians who live with varying degrees of physical and mental disabilities. These inspiring musicians are part of Goodwill South Florida's acclaimed music program. 

Brandon Goldberg Trio at 1 p.m.

The Brandon Goldberg Trio will bring piano mastery to the final day of performances with Goldberg’s command of jazz harmony and technique. A piano prodigy since age 3, the 17-year-old Goldberg, who’s from Miami, will play selections from his two acclaimed albums.

The Smoogies at 2:30 p.m.

Layering Brazilian, Afro-Cuban and funk, The Smoogies, a South Florida-based quartet, will entertain audiences with their soulful sound.

Tal Cohen at 4:30 p.m.

Grammy Award-winning jazz pianist Tal Cohen, touted as one of jazz’s brightest stars, is a must-see for curious music enthusiasts. Cohen, who’s from Miami, blends Jewish harmonies with traditional jazz.

South Florida Jazz Orchestra at 6:30 p.m.

The grand finale will be a concert by the South Florida Jazz Orchestra under the leadership of bassist Chuck Bergeron. With accompanying special guests, the orchestra will deliver the rhythm of South Florida mixed with a big band sound.

By: Tremene T. | November 30, 2023