South Beach Jazz Festival

Start the year on a high note with Grammy Award-winning artists and rising stars of jazz, plus art exhibitions and hands-on music and dance lessons that keep the rhythm going all weekend long. Kick off your 2027 at the 11th annual South Beach Jazz Festival in Miami Beach.

Artists with disabilities will be platformed throughout the festival, underscoring this year’s theme, “From Disability to Serendipity.” Power Access, the nonprofit that hosts the festival, strives for affordability and accessibility, offering several performances that are free with RSVP, as well as individually ticketed shows and all-access passes. American Sign Language and audio description will be provided.

South Beach Jazz Festival 2027 Lineup

Thursday, January 14

Accessibility in the Arts: Virtual Panel Discussion

2 p.m.

Power Access will host its annual virtual panel discussion, Accessibility in the Arts, moderated by the festival’s artistic director, R. David New. New is also Power Access’ president and founder, and will highlight the organization’s celebration of inclusion in cultural programming, regardless of abilities, at this complimentary event.

Bebel Gilberto

7:00 p.m. & 9:45 p.m.

Ready for the intoxicating sounds of internationally acclaimed Brazilian vocalist Bebel Gilberto? She’s bringing her signature bossa nova and cool electronic stylings to the Faena Theater in Mid Beach. Daughter of the legendary João Gilberto, Bebel’s musical roots span more than 30 years. Tickets start at $96 per person for each show.

Friday, January 15

Lecture & Book Signing

5:00 p.m.

On day two, take part in the full itinerary of activities at The Bass contemporary art museum and adjacent Collins Park in South Beach.

Join jazz enthusiasts for a conversation with accomplished music journalist Ted Panken, who has spent 45 years documenting jazz and Afro-Caribbean musical artistry. With vast knowledge of 21st-century jazz culture, Panken’s discussion stands to be engaging.

Take the opportunity to admire and purchase the jazz photography of commercial artist and legendary producer, the late Don Schlitten. Once a student at the prestigious Music and Art High School in Harlem, Schlitten’s associates included an impressive list of jazz and publishing notables.

Experience his mastery of the music industry from producer to album designer through his exquisite title, Featuring Love and Understanding Jazz: Jazz Photography of Don Schlitten, with the biography penned by Ted Panken.

VIP Reception & Gallery Tours

6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Enjoy the ambiance and cuisine of an elegant VIP reception and reserved seating at the Carmen Lundy concert, held under the stars at Collins Park. Tickets are $75 per person.

6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Opt to experience the alluring gallery tours at The Bass.

Carmen Lundy at Collins Park & The Bass

8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m

Beeline to Collins Park for the star-studded concert finale, featuring the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Jazz Master, vocalist and composer/arranger, Carmen Lundy. A two-time Grammy-nominated artist and Miami native, Lundy will take the audience on a soulful, melodious journey through acclaimed contemporary jazz and original pieces.

Saturday, January 16

Jazz for Tomorrow Student Stage

10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Under the direction of acclaimed jazz artist and educator Nicole Yarling, the beloved Jazz for Tomorrow Student Stage returns in 2027, located at the 700 Block of Lincoln Road in South Beach.

Look for the local Jazz Education Community Coalition (JECC), Young Musicians Unite and the G.G. Quarter, among other upstart artists. Join in interactive drumming with the South Florida Center for Percussive Arts and tap dance master classes with Edwin Holland.

Delfeayo Marsalis & the Uptown Jazz Orchestra

8 p.m.-11:00 p.m.

A member of the famous Marsalis New Orleans jazz family, and brother of Wynton and Brandon, Delfeayo graces the main stage at Miami Beach Bandshell in North Beach as part of the Uptown Jazz Orchestra. It’s going to be an all-out New Orleans jazz party.

Expect an uptempo, out-of-your-seat dance experience featuring bebop, jazz, brass band and so much more. Marsalis is sure to bring his NEA Jazz Master, Grammy Award-winning expertise to every note and spontaneous groove to the concert.

Prices start at $50 per person.

Sunday, January 17

Power Access Main Stage

11 a.m.- 9 p.m.

Attend the final day of this Miami jazz festival free of charge, and enjoy the Power Access Main Stage at 1111 Lincoln Road in South Beach. Prepare to indulge in an array of acts at the signature all-day affair.

The Spirit of Goodwill Band, comprised of musicians of differing abilities, will grace the stage first, from 11:15 a.m. to noon, to jump-start the event. Look for more Miami-based artists to serve up a kaleidoscope of musical experiences, from jazz to steelpan to Afrobeat, as the day continues.

The Scone Clash Players, featuring Adam Scone and his Hammond organ, will blaze the stage with soul and funk. Singer/songwriter Leesa Richards will serve up her sultry sounds of jazz, R&B and rock to feature her interpretations of classic tunes and original compositions.

The night winds up with Tony & The Kings delivering a 7-piece band of Latin funk. Lead vocalist Tony Rivera is sure to deliver the Afro-soul and funk style in Spanish and English, “Spanglish” for all to enjoy.

The final act, from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m., brings the driving, catchy rhythms of The Diaspora Vibe AfroBeat Allstars. This Afrobeat band blends 1970s funk with reggae and hip-hop to crank out music that combines its Nigerian Big Bands roots with Caribbean and African influences.

Browse the website for a complete lineup of the Power Access Main Stage, and purchase tickets in advance or RSVP for the free performances.

Power Access Art Walk

Noon - 9 p.m.

While you’re in the area, visit the complimentary Visual Arts Program at Lincoln Road and Lenox Avenue in South Beach, to indulge in creative and community activities. Local and regional artists will feature their works and foster crowd participation.

Where to Stay

Several hotels are offering deals to accommodate participants, including Nobu Hotel Miami Beach, Residence Inn By Marriott Miami Beach Surfside, the Marseilles Hotel and the Avalon.

By: Tremene Triplett | November 6, 2026