Miami Music Scene - A Future with a Bullet???

Might the Miami music scene one day include a Miami Music Commission? The local music scene may be on the verge of emerging with a big picture presence but still needs impetus to push it over the top.  This according to a music panel featuring recording artist and attorney Richard Rappaport, former music exec and current UM educator John Redmond, local talent DJ Le Spam – AKA Andrew Yeomanson, and Lauren ‘Lolo’ Reskin - owner of indie Sweat Records.

Moderator Steven Siegel, chair of the Creative Industries Committee of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, floated the idea of a Miami Music Commission.  Another suggestion by Mr. Redmond is for an arts council to help with distribution to which an audience member reminded the sizeable crowd of PACE.  In existence back in the1980’s, PACE presented concerts with local talent and taught the ins and outs of presenting shows to ‘its people’ according to the attendee.

Ms. ‘Lolo’ Reskin mentioned an article in the New York Times about SoFla bands on the verge of breaking out.  As well, she suggested locally we need more band managers currently, not more bands.  With Sweat Records located inside local legendary music haunt Churchill’s, Ms. Reskin’s pulse of the Miami music scene is arguably one of the best here.

DJ Le Spam put out a call for more venues, which Mr. Rappaport said the community-at-large has a responsibility to provide.  Mr. Yeomanson also indicated we need local media to foster a deep appreciation of music.  Further he said, Miami needs to spread the word in such a way that the local music scene garners more attention in the community beyond Latin music; Miami is a Latin music epicenter according to multiple panelists.

Mr. Redmond suggested tying music with the Art Basel experience.  He pointed out the art scene is very hot with Art Basel’s mainstay presence.  Perhaps there’s a way to create a Music Commission to program a series to take place coinciding with Art Basel suggested one attendee – this writer - after the panel.  Then potentially there’s the Superbowl, and to that end the Miami International Film Festival as noted by Mr. Siegel.

The future of Miami expanding its music horizons past a center for the Latin market and into a broader realm is possible.  Miami Bass is known.  Now it is time to entice world-class talent trained at local universities, and local talent, to create and base here.  Make that Music Commission or incorporate it into already existing municipal Film & Arts Commissions.  Program to partner with existing arts events – and expand from there.  Perhaps Miami then makes a splash big picture.  William Morris Agency put a Comedy Festival in Miami on the map.  Now it’s time for more broad music genres.