Winners Picked to Play Miami Beach Youth Music Festival

MIAMI BEACH — A panel of judges has decided the lineup for the first ever Miami Beach Youth Music Festival.

And the winners are: Arrow Head, Avalanche, Flotilla, Glimpse, Just Billy, Miami Beach Senior High Rock Ensemble, Monet, Ripcord and River Friedman.

Watch this short video to see the winners:

In addition to a love of all things musical, they are all young performers — ages 18 and under, who can play a musical instrument.

City officials and Rhythm Foundation announced the winning acts this week out of 18 submissions. They will perform at the North Beach Bandshell Stage on Saturday, March 18.

“The talent of the young artists is impressive, and their job wasn't easy,” said Miami Beach Commissioner John Elizabeth Alemán, who was one of the judges and who also helped create the event.

Other judges included third-generation musician Stephen Gibb, whose father, Barry, and uncles Robin and Maurice gained international acclaim as the Bee Gees; Stephen's wife Gloria and music industry executive Betsy Perez.

The judges received 19 performance submissions.

"I always knew that Miami Beach was a hotbed of talent, but I have to admit that I was blown away by the amazing talent that auditioned,” said Perez. “I can't wait to see them all live and let the audience get to experience such gifted musicians and performers."

The runners-up will also get a chance to shine at the Feb. 22. Miami Beach Food Truck & Music Fest. They include Skyline, Five-O, Feinberg-Fisher Rock Ensemble and Salad the Band.

Other performers to audition included Alexander Tanev, Francesca, Feinberg-Fisher K-8, Kylie Castillo & Jeremy Chavarria, North Beach Elementary Third Grade and North Beach Elementary Fifth Grade.

“I was inspired to create the Youth Music Festival to help build the music scene in Miami Beach and give young musicians a performance opportunity,” added Alemán. “Seeing the quality and quantity of all these youth artists confirms that the Miami Beach Youth Music Festival is here to stay."

The Youth Music Festival will begin at 4 p.m. and includes a special performance by Locos por Juana.

The event is free, but attendees are asked to bring a $5 donation that will be spent on local youth music education.

Photo courtesy of Miami Beach