GroundUP Music Festival Reveals 2024 Lineup, Groundbreaking Collaborations and Musical Firsts.

January 2nd, 2024

Legendary Cuban Bands Unite, Snarky Puppy Brings a U.S. Premiere, and Global Musicians to Light Up Stage in Miami Beach, Feb. 2-4

GroundUP Music Festival, named by The New York Times in its decade in review of the Arts as one of the “top 10 definitive moments of the decade” in music, and dubbed “the Art Basel of music” by Miami New Times, reveals an electrifying lineup for its eighth annual event, scheduled from February 2-4, 2024 at the iconic Miami Beach Bandshell. With a track record of orchestrating artistically fearless music experiences, the festival promises a diverse line-up of legendary performances, hands-on workshops, and memorable collaborations across genres and generations.

“As we unveil the lineup for the 2024 GroundUP Music Festival, we’re thrilled to continue our tradition of bringing unprecedented musical collaborations and talent to the stunning shores of Miami Beach,” said Paul Lehr, CEO of GroundUP Music Festival and a Miami Beach native. The union of two historically significant Cuban bands, along with an array of international stars, underscores our commitment to fostering a global music community. We look forward to providing festival-goers with unique, unforgettable experiences.”

Historic Cuban Performances 

In what is set to be an extraordinary and historical performance, two of the most esteemed and important Cuban groups with a rich shared history of over 70 years, the GRAMMY-Award winners Los Muñequitos de Matanzas (one of the most successful and critically acclaimed Rumba groups of all time), and Afrocuba de Matanzas (one of the top Folkloric groups in Cuba), will unite on stage. This performance, built on a spirited yet friendly rivalry, marks their first-ever collaborative stage appearance, bringing to life an album produced by Snarky Puppy bandleader and the festival’s co-founder Michael League last year in Matanzas.

“It is a dream to bring together these Cuban bands. Their joint performance will not only be a pinnacle for GroundUP but a moment etched into music history,” said League.

Special Performances from Snarky Puppy

Across an immersive three-day experience, attendees will be captivated by the groundbreaking and genre-defying performances brought to life by Snarky Puppy, the five-time GRAMMY Award-winning collective, who will not only deliver riveting full-length sets each night but will also perform for the first time in the U.S. a “Family Dinner” set with special guest vocalists, on Friday night, February 2, 2024. At the exclusive Family Dinner experience, attendees will have the unique opportunity to dine with Snarky Puppy members and other festival artists, all while enjoying a private performance.  Several of the guest artists will include electronic music duo KNOWER, jazz/soul vocalist Chantae Cann, multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Louis Cole, Greek musician Magda Giannikou, and singer-songwriters Genevieve Artadi and Luci Woodward. There are very limited tickets available for this Friday night event.

A Kaleidoscope of Global Talents

This edition of GroundUP will feature a diverse group of artists that shed light on music genres and styles that are unique and representative of their countries such as Bassekou Kouyate, the Malian ngoni maestro (West African lute), will share his inventive take on the griot tradition alongside vocalist Ami Sacko and select global artists. The festival also hosts Canadian virtuoso Joy Lapps-Lewis, showcasing her Antiguan and Barbudan heritage through the resonant tones of the region’s most iconic instruments: steelpan, while Indian-American hybrid ensemble, led by Carnatic tradition master Varijashree Venugopal, offers a fusion of ancient tradition and modern aesthetics.

Celebrating Debuts

The festival welcomes the solo debut of multi-instrumentalist Nate Wood with his project fOUR, Polish bass marvel Kinga Głyk making her American debut, Miami native and influential jazz figure Marcus Strickland with his Twi-Life band, and Mexican bassist/composer/vocalist Fuensanta, marking her American concert debut, amongst others.

Late Night Shows

As the main performances at the Miami Beach Bandshell conclude, the GroundUP Music Festival extends its vibrant musical offerings into the night with a series of exhilarating Late-Night Shows. These sessions will take place on Friday and Saturday from 12 to 4 a.m., and on Sunday from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. These after-hours events are set to feature a diverse array of musicians and styles, ensuring the music and energy continue long into the Miami night.

Friday’s lineup includes the innovative Nate Wood, a special Sput Go-Go Party, and Chiquita Magic & Friends, setting the stage for a dynamic start to the festival’s night-time festivities. Saturday promises an unforgettable experience with Basstardos, featuring the talents of Munir Hossn, Michael Pipoquinha, and Hadrien Feraud. On Sunday, the festival concludes with an extraordinary closing night jam led by Nikki Glaspie, alongside performances by Fuensanta and the Malian music maestro Bassekou Kouyate.

Intimate Brunches

The GroundUP Music Festival experience is further enhanced with exclusive brunch events on both Saturday and Sunday, offering an extraordinary way to kick off the festival days. These brunch events, set before the festival grounds open, present a rare opportunity to mingle with the artists in a relaxed and cozy setting, all while savoring a sumptuous brunch spread.

On Saturday, attendees will be treated to a special performance by the dynamic duo of Bill Laurance & Michael League, promising a blend of exquisite musicianship and creative synergy. Sunday’s brunch will feature a “Texans Only” set from Snarky Puppy, showcasing the talents of Jason “JT” Thomas, Bobby Sparks, Mark Lettieri, Chris McQueen, and Jay Jennings. These brunch performances are not just meals; they are a feast for the senses, offering a chance to witness some of the festival’s most talented artists in a more personal and up-close setting.

Interactive Workshops, Panels and Masterclasses

Beyond the performances, the festival continues its tradition of interactive workshops, panels, and masterclasses, fostering an environment of engagement and learning between the artists and attendees. This year’s masterclasses include:

Saturday:

• Marcus Strickland

• Varijashree Venugopal – World of Swaras: An Intro to South Indian Improvisation

• Joy Lapps-Lewis – Music x Motherhood

• Weedie Braimah y Los Rumberos – Across an Ocean

Sunday:

• Pramath Kiran & Rajna Swaminathan – The Basics of Konnakol (South Indian Rhythmic Language)

• A Capella by the Sea with Magda Giannikou and friends

• Artist-to-Artist – Elena Pinderhughes & Varijashree Venugopal

• Bass Summit – Kinga Głyk, Munir Hossn, Michael Pipoquinha, Hadrien Feraud, Fuensanta, Michael League, and more

Tickets On Sale

Tickets are on sale now for the 2024 GroundUP Music Festival. For updates, more information and tickets, visit www.groundupmusicfestival.com.

Follow the GroundUP Music Festival on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.  Listen to the official 2024 GroundUP Music Festival Spotify playlist here.

Hotel Discounts

In addition to a variety of ticket options, the GroundUP Music Festival 2024 offers special Hotel Travel Packages, allowing guests to stay in close proximity to the festival at heavily discounted rates. These packages include festival admission tickets, a stay in partner hotels alongside the artists, and additional perks like complimentary GroundUP Festival Shirts and waived resort fees and taxes, providing a complete and budget-friendly festival experience. For hotel accommodations, click here

FULL LINEUP FOR 2024 GROUNDUP MUSIC FESTIVAL: 

• Snarky Puppy (Full Length Sets Every Night)

Family Dinner Set With Guest Vocalists (First-Time Ever)

• Chantae Cann

• Lucy Woodward

• Magda Giannikou

• Genevieve Artadi

•  Louis Cole

•  Knower

•  Tarriona “Tank” Ball

Joining Snarky Puppy on stage across the three days:

• Los Muñequitos De Matanzas

• Grupo Afrocuba De Matanzas

• Los Muñequitos Afrocuba All Stars

• Louis Cole’s Huge Band

• Bassekou Kouyate Feat. Weedie Braimah & The Hands Of Time Acoustic

• Varijashree Venugopal

• Kinga Glyk Feat. Robert “Sput” Searight, Casey Benjamin, Brett Williams & Dominic Xavier Taplin

• Nate Wood – fOUR

• The Joy Lapps Project Feat. Larnell Lewis

• Chantae Cann

• Fuensanta

• Marcus Strickland Twi-Life

• Etienne Charles & Creole Soul

• Artist-At-Large: Elena Pinderhughes

About GroundUP Music Festival/GroundUP Music Foundation

Co-founded in 2017 by CEO Paul Lehr and Snarky Puppy bandleader Michael League, the 501c3 GroundUP Music Foundation’s annual GroundUP Music Festival is artist-centric and attendee-focused, blending an eclectic mix of genres to create a dynamic and varied festival experience. Taking place each year in February at the iconic Miami Beach Bandshell, GroundUP is intimate and immersive, delivering an authentic and optimal experience for musicians and fans. Featuring two performance stages but no overlapping sets, GroundUP is stacked with musicians’ musicians — offering exclusive oceanfront workshops and a welcoming, communal atmosphere in the heart of Miami Beach.

With the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners

For more information, please visit www.groundupmusicfestival.com.  

About Snarky Puppy

Formed in 2003 by bandleader/bassist/composer Michael League, Snarky Puppy is a “D.I.Y. juggernaut” (The New York Times) that has won five Grammy Awards in the last six years. Through it all, the band has kept a rigorous touring schedule of 100-200 shows per year. They are a collective of sorts, with as many as 25 members in regular rotation. Each maintains busy schedules as sidemen (with such artists as Erykah Badu, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, and D’Angelo), producers (Kirk Franklin, David Crosby), and solo artists. At its core, the band represents the convergence of both black and white American music culture with various accents from around the world. Japan, Argentina, Canada, and the United Kingdom all have representation in the group’s membership. But more than the cultural diversity of the individual players, the defining characteristic of Snarky Puppy’s music is the joy of performing together in the perpetual push to grow creatively.