South Beach Jazz Festival

Keep the New Year celebrations going with a visit to Miami Beach for the ninth annual South Beach Jazz Festival (SBJF). Whether it’s a staycation for locals or a vacation for visitors, the jazz fest offers several host hotels to keep you near and dear to the music. The SBJF 2025 lineup will showcase Grammy-winning and emerging artists to tantalize the senses with everything from Latin and smooth jazz to R&B and brass band sounds, while topping off the weekend with a little funk and Afro-Cuban rhythms. Musicians with disabilities will be featured throughout the weekend to underscore the music festival’s theme, “From Disability to Serendipity.” Host group Power Access has ensured the event is affordable and accessible: ticket options range from complimentary to the Platinum All Access Pass, and all events will provide American Sign Language interpreters.

South Beach Jazz Festival 2025 Lineup

Thursday, January 9

Ms. Lisa Fischer & Taylor Eigsti
8:30 p.m.

The festival gets off to an unforgettable start with Grammy and Oscar Award-winning vocalist Lisa Fischer. Known to spellbind audiences with her boundless vocal abilities, she’s sure to serenade the night away. Jazz pianist Taylor Eigsti will provide melodious accompaniment. This event held at the incomparable Faena Theater, and admission prices start at $85 per person.

Friday, January 10

Emmet Cohen and Friends
8 p.m.

There’s nothing like jazz under the stars in Miami Beach. Where else could you comfortably share an outdoor January evening with American jazz pianist extraordinaire Emmet Cohen? The talented composer will demonstrate his notable technique at scenic Collins Park at The Bass museum. Admired for his Masters Legacy Series honoring jazz legends, Cohen is sure to delight concert goers with great music. Bring your lawn blankets and chairs. An RSVP is requested for this complimentary show. A VIP package, including reserved seating and a 6:30 p.m. reception, is available for $75.

Saturday, January 11

Jazz for Tomorrow Student Stage
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Under the direction of acclaimed jazz artist and educator Nicole Yarling, student apprentices will grace the Jazz for Tomorrow Student Stage at the Lincoln Road Plaza stage at 1111 Lincoln Road. Student jazz bands demonstrating the promise of music education will be on display. An RSVP is requested for this complimentary event.

Eddie Palmieri and His Latin Jazz Band
8 p.m.

Join Latin jazz legend Eddie Palmieri and his Latin Jazz Band after dark at the iconic Miami Beach Bandshell. Palmieri, winner of multiple Grammy Awards, is sure to bring his signature piano style blending salsa, funk, soul and jazz, complete with his outstanding band to stir up the ocean air. The preeminent bandleader, arranger and composer is sure to test your dancing shoes as his pulsating Latin rhythms and salsa are sure to make the audience move and groove. Tickets start at $42.23.

Sunday, January 12

A host of talented musicians will take over the Lincoln Road Plaza stage to bring the South Beach Jazz Festival 2025 to a close. It’s an all-day affair as these artists strut their musical stuff. Admission is free; an RSVP is requested for each show.

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

The Spirit of Goodwill Band gets the finale under way. These musicians with differing abilities are sure to play beautiful music.

Ricky Williams
12:45 p.m.

Singer, songwriter and instrumentalist Ricky Williams is ready to bring his smooth jazz and R&B to the stage. Williams has a career spanning decades, including a long-term residency in Miami Beach. He will treat the audience to jazz classics and more.

Carole Ann Taylor
2 p.m.

Carole Ann Taylor is no newcomer for Miami Beach audiences. With decades of performances under her belt, she will engage the SBJF audience with her unique jazz renditions.

Bad Apples Brass Band
3 p.m. and 5 p.m.

The Bad Apples Brass Band bring their exuberant New Orleans-style brass band show to the stage (twice) as they make their Miami debut. These bad apples are good for heavy beats, funky jazz and originality.

Danny Sinoff
3:30 p.m.

Danny Sinoff brings the smooth sounds of jazz and swing to the stage. The pianist and bandleader is sure to delight audiences with his charismatic stage presence and command of classic jazz.

Yissy García & Bandancha
5:30 p.m.

Afro-Cuban rhythms will fill the air when Yissy García & Bandancha take the stage. García is a cutting-edge composer and percussionist who delivers a distinctive fusion of jazz, funk and Cuban sounds.

Melton Mustafa Jr. Big Band and Jesse Jones Jr.
7:30 p.m.

Two legends mashing up beautiful jazz melodies is a fitting way to wrap up the South Beach Jazz Festival. Melton Mustafa Jr. Big Band and Jesse Jones Jr. are on tap to deliver soulful jams. Miami-based trumpeter and educator Melton Mustafa Jr. is sure to sizzle with Jones as they close the jazz festival.

All Access Passes

Music lovers can pay for SBJF concerts a la carte or purchase passes that allow unmatched VIP seating and experiences.

The Platinum Pass offers premium seating January 9-12, including Orchestra Table seating for the Lisa Fischer performance; an invitation to Friday night’s VIP reception and an intimate Meet-and-Greet with the evening’s star, Emmet Cohen; VIP entrance on Saturday night’s Eddie Palmieri performance with a complimentary drink ticket; and more. These passes are priced at $275 per person, and only 40 are available.

The Gold Pass package offers VIP seating January 10-12. It includes all of the benefits outlined in the Platinum Pass except for the Lisa Fischer performance). This package is priced at $150 per person, and only 40 are available.

Where to Stay

Several outstanding hotel properties have partnered with SBJF to accommodate concert goers.

By: Tremene Triplett | December 19, 2024