RF HISTORY

The Rhythm Foundation has been presenting outstanding international music in Miami Beach for 35+ years, and we look back at a body of work that now spans decades. When we began in 1988, Miami was a different place than the international crossroads we know now. It makes us proud to think our cultural and community-based programming have contributed in a meaningful way to the growth of our hometown. RF was launched at the Cameo Theater in Miami Beach, an outgrowth of an eclectic series of live concerts at the historic theater. By 1992, we had transitioned to a nomadic presenting organization – fitting the venue to the program rather than managing a specific building. Events were scheduled at intimate clubs, large theaters, and outdoor festival sites. Some highlights of this first decade included the landmark Africa Fête festivals; concerts by many major international artists at the Cameo Theater; and several sold out concerts by legendary world cultural artists at the Jackie Gleason Theater in Miami Beach and the Olympia and Arsht Center theaters in downtown Miami.

In 2003, RF created our first brand, the TransAtlantic Festival, at the North Beach Bandshell. This exploration of modern world music, focused on artists working between traditional rhythms and electronica, was successful in developing new audiences and giving the organization a stronger identity. The Festival created opportunities for collaboration with new media companies and cultural partners setting up in the midst of Miami’s international boom. TransAtlantic Festival continued for 15 years, and this immersion into contemporary global culture continues to inform our programming – ‘the sound of the world Right Now.’ Another signature series that helped RF grow into a true community anchor was Big Night in Little Haiti, which took place for six years between 2011 and 2016 at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex (and now continues as the City of Miami’s Sounds of Little Haiti). From this series, we learned the value of consistency in creating meaningful partnerships and community-based programs.

In 2015, the City of Miami Beach awarded us the management of the North Beach Bandshell. We had come full circle, but were now fully prepared to make our home in a historic venue. We launched a well-rounded schedule of 75+ events per year – a mix of free community and civic events, cultural programs, popular music and large productions – that welcome the entire South Florida and visitor community to the Bandshell. The management has been extended, which coincides with important capital improvements to the facility including the installation of a canopy to provide weather protection, improved seating, and technical upgrades. With support from a multi-year major grant from the Knight Foundation in 2020, we have also significantly increased our tech capacity, leading to exciting opportunities for the years ahead.