10 Great Local Miami Bands

Believe it or not, Miami has a lively, eclectic, and original live music scene unlike any other in the United States.  Influenced by a blend of local and international cultures, the Miami music scene is a fresh mix of Latin, Carribean, and American sounds.  If you have not checked out the emerging and unique Miami music scene, then you have not seen the real Miami.

While Miami has hundreds (if not thousands) of up and coming musicians and bands, here is our list of ten great musical acts (in no particular order).  If you live in Miami or are just visiting, be sure to check out some of these talented groups -- many of which play consistently at many of the entertainment venues around town:


Spam Allstars - Spam Allstars have been around for a long time, and are arguably one of the most successful local bands in Miami.

ArtOfficial - Imagine Soulive with a harder edge or The Roots, but jazzier, denser, and more spontaneous. Envision blending your favorite groups from Hip-Hop’s Golden era and replacing their sampled beats with Jazz musicians.  Now, what if those Jazz musicians had a knack for creating that boom-bap sound that made us all fall in love with Hip-Hop in the first place? That is ArtOfficial.

Suenalo - Suenalo is the sound of Miami. An Afro Cuban, Latin, R&B, and hip-hop fuse of Miami's cultures and sounds.

Locos Por Juana - Miami based Locos Por Juana is a nine member "Latin Urban Orchestra". The players have a strong pop sensibility, mixing salsa, timba, ska, reggae, and merengue beats into an accessible but high-spirited blend.

Lanzallamas Monofonica - Lanzallamas Monofonica is a seven-piece ensemble charged with melodic fire and global rhythmic chemistry. The band's alchemy consists in the powerful combination of well crafted lyrics, a unique performance style and a wide array of nationalities merging to create a true expression of world beat music.

MayDay - Believe the hype, with a murderous live show and recent gems featuring Cee-lo Green (#1 charting Gnarls Barkley), Devin the Dude, Killa Kela (Europe’s #1 beat boxer) and DJ Craze (6x World Battle Champion, Kanye West DJ) ¡MAYDAY! is fast moving into the popular consciousness. 

Palo! - PALO! has become a favorite among South Florida’s live music devotees. The group plays a style of extremely danceable music they call “Afro-Cuban Funk”. Their appeal lies in their unmatched musical energy, catchy original songs, and amazing display of impromptu virtuosity.

Elastic Bond - Elastic Bond brings an urban edge with a tropical Miami twist to the scene.

Jahfe - Jahfe is a band based out of Miami, Fl playing a heavy yet smooth fusion of roots reggae with rocking dub-hop. 

Afrobeta - In just a short time, Afrobeta have broken out with an undeniable sound that combines funky synths, head-bopping basslines, electro house, bilingual lyrics and plenty of attitude.