BUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH THE ARTS

The Rhythm creates shared cultural experiences that build and strengthen the diverse communities of South Florida through the presentation of high quality (and often free) arts and cultural programming

The Rhythm Foundation is a 38-year old grassroots not for profit organization that produces world class performing arts events for the South Florida community.  The organization also manages/maintains the Miami Beach Bandshell, an iconic and historic ocean side, open-air amphitheater opened in 1961 and in 2022 added to the National Register of Historic Places.

The Foundation offers free year-round arts and cultural programs for the Miami community, including the Miami Beach Youth Music Festival, the Arts in the Parks series and the North Beach Social.  The organization also works to promote and preserve the Miami Beach Bandshell, a unique musical gem for Miami Beach and the greater Miami-Dade community.  

This programming and the entire mission of the Rhythm Foundation is threatened by recent cutbacks in public funding.  Funds raised will help plug the budget gap created through the de-funding of arts and education programs throughout Florida.

Your gift will directly support our year-round community programming at the Miami Beach Bandshell: from our free-to-the-public North Beach Socials and the stunning Arts in the Parks series to the incredible “Coachella for kids” Miami Beach Youth Music Festival, and so much more.

With recent cuts to public funding, we are counting on music-loving, community-focused individuals to join us to fulfill our mission to create shared cultural experiences that build and strengthen the diverse communities of South Florida through the presentation of live music and cultural programming. Your philanthropic support is more important than ever and helps us keep the rhythm alive.

Bandshell History

The Bandshell was designed in 1961 by architect Norman Giller. A leading figure in the MiMo style, his work is now featured on the National Register of Historic Places (an honor also bestowed on the Bandshell in 2022!). Historians Randall Robinson and Eric Nash described the Bandshell as ”a futurist take on a Roman Amphitheater.”

In the 1960s and 1970s, many events took place at the Bandshell, including filming of special winter editions of Mike Douglas’s televised talk show, and weekly ballroom dance nights popular with local seniors. During the 1980s and 1990s, the oceanfront ballroom became a rental facility used by various promoters – including the Rhythm Foundation, who began presenting shows here in 1999. Miami Beach children also remember rollerskating and movie nights at the Bandshell during this era.

The City of Miami Beach’s Planning and Parks Departments, with the involvement of the Mayor’s North Beach Blue Ribbon Panel, undertook a series of major facility renovations in 2009. In addition to the renovations, which also included the installation of a customized sound system, the Panel recommended that the City seek a professional management company via an RFQ – by which the Rhythm Foundation was awarded this contract.

In 2017, the City of Miami Beach named the stage for Clark Douglas Burris. Mr. Burris, the beloved music teacher at Miami Beach High for more than 35 years, founded the Miami Beach Rock Ensemble in 1972 – the first-ever high school rock band (take that, School of Rock!). Despite living with MS as a quadriplegic for most of his career, he inspired generations of young musicians in our community. Enjoy Carry That Weight [LINK], the documentary about Mr. Burris and the Rock Ensemble made after he passed away in 2016. The Miami Beach Rock Ensemble continues to hold an annual tribute at the Bandshell each winter.