The Rhythm Foundation Celebrates 25 Years

Gilberto Gil in Concert at the New World Center

Brazilian legend Gilberto Gil performed an exquisite solo concert at the Frank Gehry designed New World Center in Miami Beach. Gil has been an important part of Rhythm Foundation’s history, ever since the 1988 inaugural season, and continues a long and successful relationship with the Miami Beach-based non-profit cultural foundation.

The concert marked the 25th season for Rhythm Foundation, during which time they have become a leading presenter of world music in South Florida.

Gilberto Gil was honored at the special event for his immense contribution to Brazilian music, starting as a young musician in the 1960s. He has remained at the forefront of Brazilian culture for more than five decades. In 2002, he was named Brazil’s Minister of Culture. Returning to the world’s concert stage, he continues to receive major honors including multiple Grammy awards. Later this month he co-curates “Voices of Latin America” at Carnegie Hall.

This special event, sponsored by Espirito Santo Bank, Baptist Health South Florida and AmericanAirlines, showcased the rich history of the Rhythm Foundation with projections of photographs and poster art from the last 25 years.

The suggested all-white dress code for the evening brought a feel of Bahia to the New World Center

Guests were treated to a delicious buffet and open bar offered by Leblon caipirinhas, Heineken and Zonin prosecco. The silent auction was very popular and included very unique items like a classical guitar autographed by Paco de Lucia, fabulous vacations, popular local restaurants and gorgeous fashion items.

After the opening reception the audience entered the main hall of the luminous New World Center and enjoyed Gil’s solo concert – a lively set of his greatest hits that kept the audience clapping and singing. Then the joyous audience paraded back into the lobby for the after-party with DJ Marcelinho da Lua, one third of the popular group Bossacucanova – the Rio de Janeiro-based trio who takes the classic heart of cool 1960s Bossa Nova, and makes it new again. DJ da Lua delivered fresh, groove-filled, irresistible rhythms with funky break-beats, skillful turntablism and adventurous mixology – a perfect ending to a night of celebration and a kick-off to another amazing season of outstanding concerts.