Press Release Live on the Plaza returns! Live outdoor music series returns to the Arsht Center featuring South Florida's best and brightest artists

The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County announces the return of

 

The fan-favorite outdoor music series returns to the Arsht Center with live performances by some of South Florida’s best and brightest artists

Miami, FL – September 19, 2023 – The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County (@arshtcenter) is pleased to announce the return of the LIVE ON THE PLAZA series to the Thomson Plaza for the Arts for the 2023-2024 season. The beloved outdoor series features performances by an all-local lineup of artists, with cabaret-style seating, in the heart of downtown Miami.  LIVE ON THE PLAZA kicks off on October 5 with MADD JAZZ and continues through 2024 with a wide-ranging lineup, including salsa, jazz, rock, blues and more.

TICKETS
Tickets to all performances are $20 per person and can be purchased by tables of one, two, three or four. Tickets may be purchased online at arshtcenter.org or at the Adrienne Arsht Center box office by calling (305) 949-6722.

Doors open for each concert at 6 p.m. with light bites and beverage service for purchase. Happy hour pricing is available until 7 p.m. Each performance begins promptly at 7:30 p.m. and lasts approximately 60-70 minutes without intermission.

Live on the Plaza at the Arsht Center is made possible with the support of presenting sponsor TD Bank. Miami New Times is the media sponsor.

Click here for general Live on the Plaza photos and b-roll footage.

The lineup for Live on the Plaza’s 2023-2024 season includes:

LIVE ON THE PLAZA: MADD JAZZ
October 5, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.
PHOTO AND VIDEO LINK HERE

Founded by Miami siblings Kevin, Chase and Emily Maddox, MADD JAZZ (@maddjazzband) is a fun, high-energy group that performs soul, funk and covers of pop classics with a jazzy, modern twist and plenty of heart.

Influenced by jazz legend Ira Sullivan, the siblings have been jamming professionally in all corners of the country. Kevin Maddox was pianist for Latin Grammy-nominated artist Manu Manzo. Chase Maddox composed the songs for a film musical written by Academy Award-nominated director Michael Paxton. Drummer Emily Maddox was featured on Univision’s Premios Juventud with Eiza González and “Pee Wee” Salinas.

LIVE ON THE PLAZA: THE SWAYZEES
October 26, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.
PHOTO LINK HERE

Les Greene, the voice of Little Richard in the recent “Elvis” movie and soundtrack, with his band, THE SWAYZEES (@theswayzees), vibrantly brings you a powerful force of roots rock n’ soul for your nerves. Their high-energy twist on the genre, while staying true to its sound, will be music to your ears from start to finish.

LIVE ON THE PLAZA: CALIXTO OVIEDO AND THE CUBAN JAZZ TRAIN
November 15, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.
PHOTO LINK HERE

In his thriving 38-year career, CALIXTO OVIEDO (@calixto_oviedo), a Latin Grammy nominee for La Rumba del Siglo (2000), has collaborated with renowned global artists such as Paquito D'Rivera, Arturo Sandoval, Gonzalo Rubalcaba and Chucho Valdés.

With Calixto Oviedo and the Cuban Jazz Train, he aims to reshape the connection between Afro-Cuban music and jazz. Originating from a common African polyrhythmic foundation, the group playfully combines traditional Spanish elements and distinct blues inflections for a sound that is truly their own.

LIVE ON THE PLAZA: CARLY JO JACKSON
December 13, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.
PHOTO LINK HERE

CARLY JO JACKSON (@carlyjoofficial) is an indie, pop and rock artist known for her energy, infectious voice and charismatic stage presence. She was featured on the TV series America’s Got Talent and has opened for Kenny Loggins, Michael McDonald and Dishwalla. Jackson is an avid songwriter who in 2015 won the Belk Southern Musician Showcase.

LIVE ON THE PLAZA: ADAM DAVID
January 10, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
PHOTO LINK HERE

Experience the soulful sounds of ADAM DAVID (@adamdavidofficial) and his band playing a blend of blues, soul and funk. With original songs and reimagined covers from all genres, their electrifying performance will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted.

LIVE ON THE PLAZA: JESUS PUPO
January 16, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
PHOTO LINK HERE

Havana-born pianist and composer JESUS PUPO (@jesuspupo) studied with maestros such as Violeta Hemsy de Gainza, Jorge Luis Prats, Andrés Allen and Arturo O’Farrill. He has performed solo, in jazz groups and with symphonies. His collaborators have included Danay Suárez, Romeo Santos, Gente de Zona, Carlos Varela, Richard Bona, Kelvis Ochoa and Rhythm Portal Miami. His albums include Nevando en La Habana and Oro.

LIVE ON THE PLAZA: THE SMOOGIES
January 24, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
PHOTO LINK HERE

THE SMOOGIES (@thesmoogiesband) are Vaughn "V.KEYS" Henry (keys, vocals), Dion Kerr (bass), Harvel Nakundi (drums, percussion) and David Chiverton (drums), all of whom are formally trained musicians from South Florida. Each member has served interchangeably as leader and accompanist to performing acts worldwide, operating in groups such as Lauryn Hill, Snarky Puppy, Ghost Note, Marcus Strickland, Etienne Charles and Godwin Louis, to name a few.

The band recently won the "Jazz Road" touring grant from South Arts, kicking off their debut tour for their forthcoming second record, People Music. The Smoogies refine their sound as a quartet, deepening their connection and cohesion with this album. They also hope to continue the band's philosophy: to make music for the people and for them to feel good while listening.

LIVE ON THE PLAZA: TONY AND THE KINGS
January 31, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
PHOTO LINK HERE

TONY & THE KINGS (@tonyandthekings) are Antonio Rivera on vocals, guitar and percussion; Charles Gardner on keyboards; Danny Naval on congas and percussion; Eddie Garcia Jr. on drums; Matt Pyatt on bass; and Robert Smiley on saxophone. The group got together to play the Latin styles they love.

Tony & the Kings bring new Miami Latin styles that reflect the band’s Puerto Rican, Cuban and African roots while remaining grounded in the group’s funk and soul foundations. Boogaloo, Latin soul, son, and Afro-funk are just some of the musical styles audiences will hear on their records and at their live shows.

LIVE ON THE PLAZA: KEITH JOHNS
February 21, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
PHOTO LINK HERE

Get ready to be transported to a realm of smooth, groovy and sultry vibes as KEITH JOHNS (@keithjohns) and his band take the stage in a sensational musical experience that will leave audiences mesmerized.

LIVE ON THE PLAZA: ABSTRACT CITIZEN
March 6, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
PHOTO LINK HERE

ABSTRACT CITIZEN (@abstract_citizen) explores endless textural possibilities in stunning and genre-bending ways. The music is filled with simple yet unique melodies, complex yet accessible time signatures, improvisation and a balance of structure and chaos. Most important, this new music is filled with freshness and sincerity.

LIVE ON THE PLAZA: BRAIDSMAN
April 3, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
PHOTO LINK HERE

BRAIDSMAN (@braidsman_), also known as Basilio Marquez Jr. was born in 1990 into a family of prestigious musicians in Las Tunas, Cuba. His father, Basilio Marquez, played trumpet in Chucho Valdés’ pioneering Latin jazz band Irakere. Marquez began studying music at 4 years old and in 2007 became a professional trumpeter. He moved to Miami in 2019 and the following year created a traditional Cuban music project that performs throughout Miami-Dade County. He is currently working on an album for 441 Entertainment/Universal Music. 

LIVE ON THE PLAZA: GOLD DUST LOUNGE
April 11, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
PHOTO LINK HERE

GOLD DUST LOUNGE (@golddustlounge) is the uniquely Miami brainchild of guitarist-composer Russell Mofsky. His music is an amalgamation of his eclectic influences, ranging from surfy jazz to cool lounge noir and punk meets Americana — resulting in a sound that is energetic and eminently listenable. Arranged in a quartet featuring guitar, violin, bass and drums, no two Gold Dust Lounge shows are alike, which makes it such a treat for listeners.

 

@ArshtCenter               #ArshtCenter

*All programs, artists, ticket prices, availability, dates and times are subject to change without notice. Additional fees may apply. Visit arshtcenter.org for up-to-date information.

Live on the Plaza is generously presented by TD Bank. The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County is made possible by the public support of the Miami-Dade County Mayor and the Board of County Commissioners, the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Tourist Development Council and the City of Miami Omni Community Redevelopment Agency, as well as the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. The Adrienne Arsht Center also receives generous support from individuals, corporations and local, state and national foundations.

 

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AboutUs
Set in the heart of downtown Miami, the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County is committed to welcoming and connecting ALL people to the arts, to the Arsht Center and to each other. Our stages are alive year-round with artists from around the world, innovative programming from our resident companies and local arts partners, free community events that reflect Miami’s unique identity and arts education experiences for thousands of Miami children each year.

 Since opening in 2006, the Arsht Center, a 501C3 non-profit organization, has been recognized as a catalyst for billions of dollars in new development in the downtown area, a leader in programming that mirrors South Florida’s diversity, a host venue for historic events and Miami’s hub for arts education.

Each year, we serve more than 60,000 young learners and offer more than 100 culturally diverse and inclusive education programs — many enhanced by the Arsht Center’s relationship with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, local teaching artists and Miami-based arts organizations.

The Arsht Center is also a home stage for three resident companies — Florida Grand Opera, Miami City Ballet and New World Symphony — and a launch pad for local artists to make their mark on the international stage. Our 300+ events each year include the Center’s Signature Series of classical, jazz, Broadway, local theater and much more. We present a robust series of touring Broadway musicals direct from New York, the largest jazz series in South Florida, a major annual Flamenco Festival and an award-winning Miami-based theater program. In addition, our Family Fest, Free Gospel Sundays, CommuniTEA LGBTQ+ celebration and Heritage Fest are among dozens of free events that bring together people from all corners of our community. For more information, visit arshtcenter.org.