GroundUP Family Dinner Weekend

The GroundUP Music Festival, named by The New York Times as one of the top 10 definitive moments in jazz of last decade, returns Feb. 8-9 at the Miami Beach Bandshell under a new moniker: GroundUP Family Dinner Weekend.

The two-day music festival in North Beach celebrates musical connections between artists and audience. Expect unique sound blends and eclectic genres. The lineup features 13 performers in collaborative sessions. Daily workshops and master classes with Snarky Puppy, the five-time Grammy award-winning instrumental ensemble, and featured guests will offer intimate engagements with top performers.

The evenings will feature full-length performances by Snarky Puppy and their signature Family Dinner shows. Guest artists include the American hard rock band Living Colour (Corey Glover and Will Calhoun), called “funk metal pioneers” by Rolling Stone magazine, jazz guitarist John Scofield and Mark Lettieri. Lettieri is known for his instrumental guitar music and as a member of Snarky Puppy and The Fearless Flyers. Late-night jam sessions at Magic 13 Brewing Co. in Little Haiti will keep the party going.

Saturday, February 8

Music workshops and master classes with Snarky Puppy and featured artists will take place from 1 to 5:30 p.m. Music performances will run from 6 to 11 p.m., featuring the John Scofield Trio featuring Vicente Archer and Bill Stewart, Snarky Puppy (full set), Munir Hossn and Elas, and the Snarky Puppy Family Dinner with Ms. Lisa Fischer, Gaby Moreno, Eric Gales and Living Colour. Late-night jam sessions will begin at 11:30 p.m. with Electric Kif, Snarky Puppy members and special guests.

Sunday, February 9

Workshops and music master classes with Snarky Puppy and featured artists will be from noon to 4:30 p.m. Music performances will take place from 5 to 10 p.m., starring the Bill Frisell Trio featuring Thomas Morgan and Rudy Royston, Snarky Puppy (full set), C4 Trio, and the Snarky Puppy Family Dinner with Youssou N'Dour, John Scofield, Shayna Steele and Madison McFerrin. Late-night jam sessions will kick off at 10:30 p.m.

GroundUP Tickets

The GroundUP Music Foundation will host an exclusive benefit event at a private Miami Beach estate from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. on Feb. 10. Only 150 tickets are available, priced at $375 each. Guests will enjoy food, drinks and performances by Snarky Puppy and Living Colour. Proceeds will support the Foundation’s mission to provide free music education for underserved students and emerging artists. GroundUP collaborates with musicians from more than 40 countries and offers local students music mentorship programs to enhance their musical development and community ties.

Getting to GroundUP

Parking will be available in the lot across from the Miami Beach Bandshell and several nearby public lots. The Miami Beach Bandshell is accessible via the pedestrian- and bike-friendly Beachwalk.

Where to Stay

Several Miami Beach hotels are offering deals, including the funky-chic Catalina Hotel & Beach Club, Hotel Croydon, Tradewinds Apartment Hotel and Riviera Suites South Beach.

Inside GroundUP

GroundUP Music Festival, founded in 2017 by Paul Lehr and Snarky Puppy’s Michael League, set out to bring together musicians from around the world for one-of-a-kind collaborations. Now in its 9th year, the music festival has evolved into the GroundUP Family Dinner Weekend. The change reflects a shift toward more intimate performances, where musicians and fans connect in creative, collaborative ways. The Family Dinner concept mirrors the idea of artists gathering, much like a family, to share music and stories.

By: Cristina Sorondo | January 27, 2025