Press Release Live on the Plaza returns! Outdoor concert series features three festival-style weekends of rock, jazz, tango and salsa from South Florida artists

The Adrienne Arsht Center announces the 2024-2025 season of

LIVE ON THE PLAZA

Outdoor concert series returns with 10+ concerts under the stars, featuring three festival-style weekends:

 ROCK AND RHYTHM WEEKEND
featuring Stout, Alexa & The Old-Fashioneds and Gold Dust Lounge
October 10-12, 2024

 TANGO NIGHT
featuring Electro Dub Tango
November 15, 2024

 VIBES LIVE FESTIVAL
featuring Jean Caze, Low Ground and Diaspora Vibe Afrobeat Allstars
November 21-23, 2024

 ISLAND GROOVES FEST
Featuring PinoGrillo, Victoria Blue and Calixto Oviedo and the Cuban Jazz Train
January 2-4, 2025

 plus more jazz, rock, salsa and tango concerts from South Florida artists all season long

Performances begin at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $20, $30*
Thomson Plaza for the Arts – Ziff Ballet Opera House

Miami, FL – September 9, 2024 – The Adrienne Arsht Center (@arshtcenter) is proud to announce the return of the Arsht’s outdoor concert series, LIVE ON THE PLAZA, for the 2024-2025 season. LIVE ON THE PLAZA features intimate concerts starring South Florida-based artists, outside and under the stars in the Arsht’s Thomson Plaza for the Arts. New this season, the series features three festival-style weekends celebrating rock, Caribbean and soul music, as well as a themed Tango Night on November 15.

Tickets to LIVE ON THE PLAZA are $20 for General Admission tickets and $30 for VIP tickets.* VIP tickets include table service for up to four people. Table locations are assigned in the order of purchase. General Admission tickets are seated on a first come, first served basis. Tickets for the October lineup of concerts, which include the JESUS PUPO, RASPBERRY PIE, ABSTRACT CITIZEN and the ROCK & RHYTHM WEEKEND performances, are available now and may be purchased at arshtcenter.org, or at the Arsht Center box office by calling (305) 949-6722. Tickets to all remaining concerts will be available starting September 20.

The 2024-2025 LIVE ON THE PLAZA series is presented by TD Bank.

The 2024-2025 LIVE ON THE PLAZA series features three festival-style weekends including:

ROCK & RHYTHM WEEKEND: STOUT

Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.

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Stout (@theestout) is a true Renaissance woman. She went from playing drums and singing in a choir to touring the world with artists such as Alicia Keys, Donald Glover (Childish Gambino) and Cory Henry & The Funk Apostles, to name a few. Her sound is deeply rooted in gospel and soul, and blended with elements of jazz, rock, hip-hop, pop and more. Her sound can be likened to Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone and Tina Turner. She has been taking the world by storm with an unapologetic approach to music.

 

ROCK & RHYTHM WEEKEND: ALEXA & THE OLD-FASHIONEDS

Friday, October 11, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.

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Experience the magic of Alexa & the Old-Fashioneds (@alexaandtheoldfashioneds), a dynamic, four-piece band reminiscent of 1990s women-led bands but with a fresh, contemporary energy. The group blends pop, rock, soul and spoken word. Lead vocalist Alexa Lash, named Miami New Times’ Best Songwriter of 2024, will captivate you with her heartfelt lyrics and soulful voice. Her music navigates love and heartbreak, melody by melody and lyric by lyric. Her voice has been compared to those of Florence Welch, Adele, Amy Winehouse and Janis Joplin. Her musical influences range from bright Broadway musicals to the dark and edgy lyrical prowess of performers such as Alanis Morrisette.

 

In this special performance, violinist Belinda Stohner and cellist Jose Pradas, both from Miami, will join Lash and her band, which features lead guitarist Marcel Salas, bassist Carlos Marcano Garcia and drummer Jonathan Colorado. They’ll perform songs from Lash’s album, Heartbreak in Movements, as well as band favorites.

 

ROCK & RHYTHM WEEKEND: GOLD DUST LOUNGE

Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.

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The return of a crowd favorite! Gold Dust Lounge (@golddustlounge) is the Miami brainchild of guitarist-composer Russell Mofsky, who takes familiar sounds and references and bends them into something that reverberates with the wild and exotic. His music is an amalgamation of his eclectic influences, ranging from vintage cinema to primitive surf rock, cool lounge noir and punk meets Americana. This music is for fans of Bill Frisell, Sonic Youth, La Lom and Khruangbin as well as fans of films by David Lynch and Quentin Tarantino. Gold Dust Lounge's self-titled jazz album was nominated for Best Instrumental Album of 2019 by the Independent Music Awards. Arranged in a quartet featuring guitar, violin, bass and drums, no two Gold Dust Lounge shows are alike. Don’t miss this “fusion of wailing ambient instrumentals stamped with retro surf rock and acid jazz” (South Florida Sun Sentinel).

 

TANGO NIGHT: ELECTRO DUB TANGO

Friday, November 15, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.

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Jimena Fama (@jimenafama), who performs under the name Electro Dub Tango, is an Argentine composer, multi-instrumentalist and producer based in Miami and Berlin. Her imaginative music features expressive vocals over bandoneon and guitar. She captures the heart and soul of tango and can be likened to Astor Piazzolla and Grace Jones.

 

Her interpretation of neotango or, as she calls it, “New Generation Tango,” has garnered international acclaim, with her music being featured across the globe in commercials and on shows such as Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance. A dance floor will be provided at this special Live on the Plaza concert.

 

VIBES LIVE FESTIVAL: JEAN CAZE

Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.

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“Strong and unexpectedly diverse.” —The New York Times

 

Haitian-American trumpeter and composer Jean Caze (@jeancaze) is a prominent figure in today's jazz scene. Throughout his career, Caze has remained committed to musical innovation, blending his Haitian heritage with American jazz influences. His style of Afro-Caribbean instrumental music can be compared to that of Hugh Masekela, Fela Aníkúlápó Kuti and the Caribbean Jazz Project.

 

A magnetic performer, Caze has appeared onstage alongside icons such as Herbie Hancock, Aretha Franklin, Mariah Carey, Al Jarreau, Arturo Sandoval and Michael Bublé. Caze and his six-piece band will put on a night of Haitian rhythms, catchy melodies, improvisation and fun audience interaction.

 

VIBES LIVE FESTIVAL: LOW GROUND

Friday, November 22, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.

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Low Ground (@lowground_band) is a five-person bluegrass ensemble from South Florida. The name “Low Ground” is a nod to the Sunshine State, where musicians usually play at (or below) sea level, contrasting with other bluegrass band names that typically highlight mountains and ridges. Low Ground perform classics such as “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” and “Shady Grove,” among other favorites. However, you’ll often find them playing adapted versions of songs from artists such as Phish and Merle Haggard. These new takes on well-loved tunes prove Low Ground is keen to experiment. Their eclectic sound pulls from folk, swing and other genres. The trio features Amanda Accardi on bass, Paddy King on fiddle and Trevor Klutz on guitar. The band formed in 2020 and will release their first album of original music and reimagined covers in January.

 

VIBES LIVE FESTIVAL: DIASPORA VIBE AFROBEAT ALLSTARS

Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.

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Taking inspiration from 1970s Nigerian big bands, Diaspora Vibe Afrobeat Allstars (@diasporavibe) are the brainchild of Gordon Duane Myers, a multi-instrumentalist and producer, and Rosie Gordon-Wallace, founder of Diaspora Vibe Cultural Arts Incubator. This initiative kept local musicians employed during the pandemic, and began with concerts at the Garner Foundation in downtown Miami. The band is a multicultural explosion, reflecting Miami’s diverse 21st century landscape. Audiences will be treated to a night of world music infused with funk, soul and jazz.

 

ISLAND GROOVES FEST: PINOGRILLO

Thursday, January 2, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.

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PinoGrillo (@pinogrillo.music) is an experience. Led by acoustic guitarist and vocalist Francisco Pino, the band performs funk, R&B, reggae, pop, hip-hop and Cuban guaracha from “el campo” to create their own brand of international soul music. Focusing on the roots of Cuban, Jamaican and American funk music, PinoGrillo has arranged and curated a vibrant acoustic tribute to the multifacetedness of a South Florida stereo.

 

ISLAND GROOVES FEST: VICTORIA BLUE

Friday, January 3, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.

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A fan favorite returns to the Arsht Center. Born and raised in Miami to Afro-Cuban and Puerto Rican parents, singer-songwriter Victoria Blue (@victoria_blue) credits her diverse upbringing for who she is today. Her music is a fusion of pop, R&B and soul with a strong Latin flair. Awarded “Best Outstanding Vocalist” at the National Music Festival in New York, Blue is an international force to be reckoned with. Her Spanish language music can be compared to La India, Celia Cruz, Juan Luis Guerra and Jose Feliciano. Her English language music gravitates toward Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys and Gloria Gaynor. Bridging the gap between American and Latin cultures, Blue brings a diversified sound and electrified vocal style to Live on the Plaza.

 

ISLAND GROOVES FEST: CALIXTO OVIEDO & THE CUBAN JAZZ TRAIN

Friday, January 4, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.

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Back by popular demand! The inescapable Calixto Oviedo and the Cuban Jazz Train (@calixto_oviedo_) return to reshape the connection between Afro-Cuban music and jazz at Live on the Plaza. 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. 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. Drawing on their rich musical roots and a healthy dose of soul, Calixto Oviedo and the Cuban Jazz Train are undoubtedly crowd-pleasers.

 

The remaining lineup for October 2024 includes the following:

 

JESUS PUPO

Thursday, October 3, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.

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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.

 

RASPBERRY PIE

Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.

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Dubbed "Orlando's #1 dance band" by Orlando Magazine, Raspberry Pie (@raspberrypiemusic) is all about funky, tongue-in-cheek songs with singalong choruses that ALWAYS keep the dance floor packed and grooving! Their live show incorporates elements of street dance, classical ballet, and acrobatics, all against the backdrop of live funk and disco music. Raspberry Pie have headlined several notable conventions including Florida Supercon in Miami, PAX East in Boston, PAX West in Seattle, and Dragon Con in Atlanta, and have played successful tours of the US East Coast, Midwest, and Southwest.

 

ABSTRACT CITIZEN

Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.

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Abstract Citizen (@abstract_citizen) pushes boundaries and blends genres. Their captivating performances weave modern jazz, Peruvian folk and bluegrass influences. The band will keep you engaged with their thoughtful, heartfelt and stimulating show.

 

Abstract Citizen was founded by guitarist and composer Aaron Lebos, a Miami native who has been an active member of the music scene since he was 16 years old. Joining Lebos is a remarkable band featuring some of the most in-demand musicians in South Florida. The quartet also includes vocalist Justine Garcia, bassist Marty Quinn and drummer Brahm Masla, all of whom are graduates of the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami.

 

@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.

 

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. 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.

 

 

 

 

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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Alexandra Medina
786-468-2234
amedina@arshtcenter.org