Florida, with its beaches, colleges, and mixed bag of people from all over the world, has a thriving and lively music scene that has produced some very well-known musicians, singers, and songs throughout its history.
While most genres are enjoyed throughout the state, certain areas are especially well-known for specific styles. Gainesville, Tampa, Tallahassee, and Jacksonville have produced a significant number of rock groups and artists, possibly due to local college campus scenes that support the style. Orlando has produced two extremely popular boy bands: N'Sync and the Backstreet Boys; and Miami has a very active recording scene and Latin music community.
Festivals
In a place nicknamed The Sunshine State, it is no wonder that Florida offers many outdoor musical events from which to choose. From folk festivals at state parks to indie rock jams in the big city, to jazz on the green, Florida has it all.
One of the largest music festivals is the Florida Music Festival, held in Orlando each May. Bringing in over 250 bands and performers, the festival offers music of all genres, including rock, country, alternative, hip hop, and more. Headliners have included such well-knows as Third Eye Blind, Everclear, and more.
March brings the Langerado Music Festival in Sunrise, hailed as Florida's most eclectic musical festival. In the northern part of the state is the Wanee Music Festival, held in April at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park outside of Live Oak, where headliners include the Allman Brothers, Sister Hazel, and many others. In November, the Bang Music Festival brings artists such as Duran Duran and Gnarls Barkley to the Bicentennial Park in downtown Miami. For those who enjoy music at a quieter level, there is the South Florida Folk Festival, held in Broward County. anthem
For jazz lovers, there are several festivals around the state. Jacksonville, Hollywood, Seabreeze, Clearwater, Sarasota, and the Florida Keys all host individual jazz festivals. One of the largest is Jazz on the Green, held each year in Fort Myers as a benefit for the Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida. Music and wine lovers can check with local wineries around the state, as several host jazz and music events on the grounds.
One of the best places to consistently get live music is the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Festival located outside Live Oak. A continual calendar of performances, including the Saturdays on the Suwannee series keeps the music going nearly year round at this outdoor park, which also offers camping.
Perhaps the most bizarre of all Florida music festivals is the annual Underwater Music Festival at Looe Key in the Florida Keys. Speakers are placed underwater and music is broadcast for the listening enjoyment of the hundreds of divers who come annually to hear underwater tunes, and to see impersonators dress up as stars like Sonny and Cher and Elton John. While eclectic, the event draws attention to the preservation of the local ecosystem.
Formal Musical Styles
For those who enjoy their music a bit more dressed up, visitors can catch concerts by the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra, the Key West Symphony, the Orlando Philharmonic, the Southwest Symphony Orchestra in Fort Myers, the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, the Florida Orchestra in Tampa, and several others throughout the state.
Mount Dora hosts an annual festival of Music and Literature, while Amelia Island is home to the Chamber Music Festival. In Daytona Beach, the Florida International Festival brings world-class musicians and orchestras from around the globe to perform. The Miami International Piano Festival and Festival Miami are other opportunities to experience quality classical music.
Opera lovers can attend performances by the Florida Grand Opera in Miami, which is one of the oldest and largest operas in the nation. Other opera companies include the Orlando Opera Company and the Sarasota Opera.
Other musical places of 'note'
The Stephen Foster Folk Cultural Center, on the Suwannee River in White Springs, is a state park that honors the composer the famous state song,"Suwannee River." Exhibits featuring Foster's songs and his music are located in the park. Throughout the year special events are held here, including concerts and the Florida Folk Festival.
For all Parrotheads, Key West is the place to visit. Jimmy Buffet first made it big here, and still records in his studio in Key West. Fans can visit the Chart Room at the Pier House in Key West where he first started, and his own bar, aptly named Margaritaville. For those who spend time on the water, particularly off the coast of southwest Florida, other spots mentioned in Buffet's songs often come to life.
Ray Charles grew up in Greenville, Florida, and after losing his eyesight to glaucoma as a child, he attended the School for the Deaf and the Blind in St. Augustine. Charles frequently came back to visit Greenville for the summers. His home was in the Jellyroll district, and today a statue in his honor has been erected in the small town's Haffye Hayes Park.
Live Music out on the Town
Visitors to any college town in Florida, whether it be Gainesville, Orlando, Tallahassee, Ocala, Tampa, or others are always sure to find lively music played by local bands in restaurants and bars, often which are concentrated in the downtown district and not to far from college campuses. Visit a beach area, and find the same laid-back vibe and cool music.
Key West is famous for its live music and hosts live bands regularly at places like the Hog's Breath Saloon on Duval Street. Miami is also well-known for its live music scene. Whether in Coconut Grove, South Beach, or Miami Beach, venues are hopping after dark with live bands and singers.
Florida's scenery, combination of laid back charm and wealthy inhabitants have all conspired to create one of the most exciting and creative musical scenes in the south. Florida visitors can enjoy classical music, visit historical parks, and relax at the many music festivals around the state. No matter what one's musical taste, Florida is sure to have something to enjoy!