A Warm and Soulful Jazz Experience Is Coming to The Betsy Hotel in Miami Beach
In light of April being Jazz Appreciation Month, The Betsy Hotel is offering jazz lovers an immersive, musical experience you don’t want to miss.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of The Betsy Hotel
There’s something liberating about jazz—it’s edgy, soulful and rich with rhythmic energy. Music lovers are drawn to its vibrant beats and creative expression, a sound that feels like pure freedom. And for those in Miami Beach, there’s no better place to experience it than The Betsy Hotel, a true incubator for jazz and the arts.
Since opening in 2011, The Betsy has hosted the region’s longest-running jazz series, thanks to founders Jonathan Plutzik and Lesley Goldwasser. This April, the hotel continues its deep-rooted tradition of jazz programming, making it the ultimate destination for music lovers during Jazz Appreciation Month.
In a press release, pianist Edgar Pantoja describes it best: "The Betsy is a cultural enclave where jazz, literature and visual arts come together. It’s a space where artists are celebrated, and audiences connect through music."
Whether you’re a jazz enthusiast, planning a trip to Miami Beach in April or just looking for an unforgettable music experience, here’s everything you need to know about The Betsy Hotel’s legendary jazz scene.
What to know about The Betsy Hotel’s Jazz Scene
Photo Credit: Courtesy of The Betsy Hotel
Tucked away on the quieter end of Ocean Drive in South Beach, The Betsy Hotel is a luxurious 130-room gem that brings jazz to life with more than 500 performances a year. At The Betsy Piano Bar, you can sink into the Old Havana-inspired ambiance, sip on a cocktail and enjoy live performances on a stunning Steinway grand piano. The pro? There’s no cover charge or drink minimum! With free jazz sessions nine times a week, it’s a must-visit spot for music lovers.
What’s more, the lineup is nothing short of impressive. Expect performances from Grammy Award-winning pianist and producer Brian Murphy, Cuban-born pianist Edgar Pantoja, Ecuadorian pianist Jim Gasior, Grammy-winning pianist Tal Cohen, Miami-born jazz vocalist Lenard Rutledge and jazz vocalist/violinist Nicole Yarling, a protégé of the legendary Joe Williams.
The Betsy Hotel is a safe and comfortable space for performers to shine, with jazz producer Carole Ann ‘CAT’ Taylor even describing the hotel as her “favorite place to perform and produce.” “The patrons appreciate good jazz, and artists thrive in a space where excellence is recognized,” she says in a release.
What is the betsy hotel’s jazz schedule?
If you're planning a trip to The Betsy Hotel this April or thinking about a 2025 weekend escape, get ready for a world-class jazz experience. Here’s when you can catch live performances throughout the week:
Sunday – Thursday: 6 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 6 p.m. – Midnight
Saturday & Sunday Brunch: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
But that’s just the beginning—April is packed with incredible jazz events that make The Betsy the place to be!
Intergenerational Jazz Night
On the third Thursday of April, watch the future of jazz unfold as emerging talents from FIU and UM take the stage, curated by the acclaimed Ellis Duo.International Jazz Day
On April 30, celebrate the universal language of jazz with The Diaspora Vibe Afrobeat All-Stars! This electrifying group fuses Afrobeat, reggae, funk, jazz and hip-hop, led by multi-instrumentalist Gordon Duane Myers and Rosie Gordon-Wallace of Diaspora Vibe Cultural Arts Incubator. Expect a genre-blending, high-energy performance like no other.