What many call the “heart” of North Beach, the Bandshell is located at 73rd and Collins Ave in North Shore Bandshell Park. The bandshell was designed in 1961 by architect Norman Giller and is an iconic Post War Modern or MiMo style of architecture. It was very popular during “Big Band’ era for concerts and dances but not designed to support sophisticated lighting, electronic and sound equipment that is designed for most modern day technology. Currently, it’s one of the few remaining open air amphitheaters remaining along the coast.
In September of 2011, the City of Miami Beach Capital Improvement Projects and Parks & Recreation Departments reopened the North Shore Park Bandshell to a warm reception. The Office of Capital Improvement Projects and the Parks and Recreation Department collaborated in the magnificent historic restoration of the MiMo-inspired outdoor amphitheater, valued at almost $1 million. The project was completed $50,000 under budget.
The main scope of the work completed to this beautiful outdoor amphitheater, included a historic restoration of the facility with structural repairs, ADA improvements to backstage area and restrooms, expansion of backstage facilities, installation of special acoustical plaster for enhanced outdoor acoustics, new HVAC system, electrical system upgrades, theatrical lighting, stage extension, accent lighting of main architectural features and more
Currently, there is a host of community programming available at the bandshell like weekly movie screenings that were created to entertain the whole family. The Florida Grand Opera has hosted free concerts that are open to the public and the TransAtlantic Festival has brought international acts like Bombino and Chilean electro-stars Astro for their Florida debuts. Every fourth Wednesday at the North Shore Bandshell, the Miami Beach Food Truck and Music Fest brings together some of the city’s finer food trucks, including GastroPod, Ms. Cheezious, Sakaya Kitchen, and Mushaboom from 5 to 10 pm.
Recent News about the Bandshell
The city is looking for a management company to manage the facility, which should be selected by October 2014. The entity would receive a grant of $45,000 per year to host a minimum of 35 community events. The city is also planning on installing removable cover for the bandhsell to allow protection from the elements.