While people complain about the lack of live music in town, and (usually) the same people complain about going to South Beach for anything, Jazid is a lone soldier quietly battling to prove these naysayers wrong.
Sure, the venue has changed plenty over the years -- for one thing, only one night a week is devoted to the genre of music from which it originally cribbed its name. But an increased democratic approach to music bookings has widened the club's appeal and allowed it to thrive for what, this weekend, makes 14 years. That scores the club the title of longest-running Miami Beach nightclub, period -- no small feat in such a fly-by-night industry.
Jazid's beloved by fans of world/fusion-y beats for its low-key attitude but high-energy parties, which start and end late, often with less clothing than which it started. Celebrate the weekend of June 11 and 12 by checking out its annual anniversary event, which, in recent years, has stretched over two days.
The party starts Friday night with the debut of its new weekly reggae party, Freeup Fridays, hosted by local reggae journeyman Lance-o. Besides his DJ sets, live entertainment comes courtesy of roots groups Jahfe and Mixed Culture.
The next night groups together a holy trinity of Miami scene staples: Spam Allstars, Suenalo, and Nil Lara. Predictable, those anonymous naysayers might say -- but all three acts predictably deliver top-notch live shows. Better yet, if you show up before 9 p.m. either night, you can take it all in for free.
Jazid's 14th Anniversary. With Jahfe and Mixed Culture, 8 p.m. Friday, June 11. With Spam Allstars, Suenalo, and Nil Lara, 8 p.m. Saturday, June 12. Admission is free before 9 p.m.; $10 after. Jazid, 1342 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. 305-673-9372; jazid.net
