The Betsy photo.
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“No Commerce Without Community.” This is one of the core values listed on the website of the Betsy, the elegant oasis of culture and calm nestled in one of the most bustling stretches of Ocean Drive on Miami Beach. And though the declaration is specifically about the legendary boutique hotel’s philanthropic efforts — the Betsy not only partners with many local and national non-profits, but the hotel’s ownership family are founders of Zara’s Center, “an after-school safe haven for AIDS-impacted youth in Zimbabwe” — it could very well describe the hotel’s upcoming sagely curated, world-class free spring jazz programming with a welcome emphasis on Miami’s rich, unique musical history.
In addition to its nine art galleries, the Betsy books live jazz in its Piano Bar nightly, hosting “more than 33,000 hours of live music performances over the past decade” — and that cultivated expertise and connection to the music shines through in the spring program.
Program Highlights
A multi-week Overtown Jazz Legacy Series featuring celebrated jazz pianist Danny Mixon — renowned for his work with Charles Mingus, Betty Carter, Pharoah Sanders, and others — alongside acclaimed vocalist/violinist Nicole Yarling (April 11); Miami’s “First Lady of Jazz” Carole Ann Taylor, a fixture of Miami’s jazz community for more than half a century (April 18; May 16); and three-time Grammy-nominated saxophonist Melton Mustafa Jr. (April 25).
An International Jazz Day extravaganza on Thursday, April 30, at The Piano Bar starring Yarling and the Diaspora Vibe Afrobeat All-Stars.
The Betsy hotel photo.
The Ocean Drive Association Promenade Concert Series, a curated free weekly outdoor music program on Sundays in Lummus Park curated by The Besty. This incredible lineup includes Grammy-winning pianist Tal Cohen (March 22); Grammy-winning flutist Nestor Torres performing alongside a quartet (April 5); and the aforementioned Mustafa Jr. (April 26).
Finally, there is Piano Masters & New Voices, co-curated by Cohen and pianist Martin Bejerano, designed to connect “rising talent from the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music Jazz Program with established performers.” (Every Tuesday through May 26.)
If the Betsy’s spring jazz programming proves anything, it’s that the best things — and sounds — in life are free.
The Betsy is located at 1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach. For more information and reservations, visit the hotel’s online event calendar.
