GroundUP Music Festival Marks a Decade in Miami
The GroundUP Music Festival is gearing up for its 10th anniversary. This event takes place in Miami Beach. It celebrates boundary-breaking music. The festival runs from March 13-15, 2026. Its home is the Miami Beach Bandshell. Snarky Puppy leads this vibrant gathering. The music spans many genres. Jazz, soul, funk, and R&B meet rock and electronic sounds. The festival emphasizes artistry and diversity. It aims for connection across genres.
A Decade of Musical Innovation
GroundUP Music Festival began in 2017. Michael League and Paul Lehr founded it. League is Snarky Puppy’s bandleader. Lehr is a Miami arts veteran. Their vision was clear. They wanted a different kind of festival. It would be artist-centric. It would also focus on attendees. The festival defies genre. It creates a laid-back oasis. This community space is steps from Miami Beach. It blends unexpected sounds. This allows artists’ stories to shine. Diversity is a core aspect. This includes genre, style, and culture. It also covers race, age, and gender. The festival draws passionate fans. They come from across the US and the world. It has been called a “singular force” in Miami. The New York Times even named it a “Top 10 Definitive Music Moment of the Decade.”
The Signature Snarky Puppy Experience
Snarky Puppy is central to GroundUP. They are a five-time Grammy Award-winning collective. They perform a full set each night. Additionally, they host “Family Dinner” sessions. This is a live extension of their Grammy-winning recordings. They bring guest artists onstage. These collaborations rework material live. It happens in an intimate setting. This year, special guests will join. Flying Lotus, Rickie Lee Jones, and Bilal will participate. So will Julian Lage, Patrice Rushen, Arooj Aftab, Isaiah Sharkey, Alain Perez, and Varijashree Venugopal. Many will collaborate with Snarky Puppy. These unique performances are a festival highlight.
A Diverse and Groundbreaking Lineup
The 2026 lineup is a testament to GroundUP’s ethos. Electronic pioneer Flying Lotus is featured. Soul and jazz legend Patrice Rushen also performs. Rickie Lee Jones brings her unique style. R&B artist Bilal adds his soulful voice. Guitarist Julian Lage brings his intricate playing. Vocalist Arooj Aftab offers her globally-inspired sound. Innovative guitarist Isaiah Sharkey showcases his talent. Cuban multi-instrumentalist Alain Perez joins too. Carnatic flautist Varijashree Venugopal completes the diverse bill. These artists represent many musical traditions. They engage in a dialogue with Snarky Puppy. Their inclusion highlights the festival’s commitment to variety. The festival offers full-band sets by many artists. This creates a rich musical tapestry.
More Than Just Music: Education and Community
GroundUP offers more than just performances. Daytime programming is a key feature. It includes interactive workshops. Masterclasses are also offered. Panel discussions engage attendees. These sessions are led by festival artists. They explore musicianship and improvisation. Composition and collaboration are discussed. Attendees gain direct access to the creative process. This focus expands the festival’s community aspect. It goes beyond the main stage.
The GroundUP Music Foundation Benefit
The festival weekend begins with a special event. This is the GroundUP Music Foundation Benefit. It is a nonprofit, all-day affair. It has a limited capacity. Only 150 guests can attend. Proceeds support the foundation’s work. This includes helping emerging musicians. It also aids underserved students. Attendees get behind-the-scenes access. They can enjoy intimate dinners. Exclusive performances are also part of it. This event reinforces the mission. It supports music education and development.
An Intimate and Immersive Experience
GroundUP focuses on intimacy. It deliberately keeps a smaller capacity. This allows for a unique atmosphere. Attendees can fully engage with performances. They are not chasing music between stages. The setting itself adds to the experience. The Miami Beach Bandshell is iconic. It sits steps from the ocean. This oceanfront location enhances the vibe. It creates a relaxed and communal feel. In a city known for extravagance, GroundUP thrives on intention. It is family-friendly. It is also sophisticated. It remains musically adventurous. This balance makes it accessible.
A Pillar of Miami’s Music Scene
GroundUP has built a global audience. Nearly 70% of attendees travel from outside Florida. They represent all 50 states. They also come from over 55 countries. Yet, it maintains a local, welcoming feel. It is a cornerstone of Miami Beach’s music calendar. It brings together artists globally. The exchange of creativity is central. It inspires and embraces artistic talent. The festival breaks down barriers. It connects musicians at every stage. GroundUP is more than a festival. It is part of a larger ecosystem. This includes the GroundUP Music label and foundation. They support artist independence. They foster collaboration and community engagement. The festival’s 10th anniversary marks a decade of success. It reaffirms its unique place in music.
