Florida Grand Opera Celebrates Bob Marley's Legacy – March 16, 2025
- wgclients01
- Mar 12
- 3 min read
On Sunday, March 16, 2025, the Miami Beach Bandshell comes alive with an electrifying fusion of cultures, sounds, and stories as the Florida Grand Opera (FGO) presents Opera Meets Reggae 2.0: Hit Me With Music. The event, a vibrant celebration of the 80th birthday of the legendary Bob Marley, is part of the FGO Innovation Hub’s initiative to bring opera into new, innovative realms, pairing two seemingly disparate genres—opera and reggae—in a way Miami could only inspire.
The air is filled with excitement as doors open at 6:00 PM, and the evening kicks off promptly at 7:00 PM. The crowd gathers, eagerly awaiting an unforgettable night of music. The fusion event, organized in partnership with the Rhythm Foundation and the City of Miami Beach, is free to the public, making it accessible to all.
As the concert begins, the crowd is greeted by Maria Todaro, the General Director and CEO of Florida Grand Opera, who shares her enthusiasm for this groundbreaking musical experience, joined by Dr. Dahlia Ann Blake, whose generous support has made the event possible. The night unfolds with the opening song, Hit Me With Music, setting the tone for a joyous and dynamic performance.
The audience is soon swept away by the mesmerizing voice of Sydney Dardis, a soprano, as she joins forces with the band Hal “Reggae Man” Anthony and Friends. Together, they deliver a captivating opening reggae set, while FGO singers provide vibrant background vocals, creating an atmosphere where classical and reggae effortlessly coexist. The stage is set for an evening of genre-bending magic.
As the night continues, beloved opera arias are performed by FGO Studio Artists, demonstrating the timeless beauty of operatic storytelling. But the real surprises come when the fusion selections start. The audience watches in awe as reggae rhythms and operatic arias merge, creating an unexpected yet brilliant harmony. Classic reggae songs are reimagined with operatic flourishes, showcasing how both genres share a deep connection through their rich vocal traditions and storytelling.
The evening reaches its pinnacle as the grand finale approaches. In honor of Bob Marley’s 80th birthday, the fusion of reggae and opera crescendos into an energetic, heart-pounding finale that leaves the audience on their feet, celebrating the power of music to bridge worlds and transcend boundaries.
This groundbreaking event, now in its second year, continues the mission of the FGO Innovation Hub to redefine the future of opera. By incorporating cutting-edge technology and blending diverse musical traditions, the Hub invites audiences to experience opera in ways they’ve never imagined.
As the night ends and the crowd disperses, it’s clear that Hit Me With Music has accomplished its mission. The evening proved that great music, whether in the form of opera or reggae, knows no boundaries—uniting people through the universal power of melody and rhythm. The Miami Beach Bandshell was alive that night, not just with sound, but with a powerful reminder that the arts can transcend genres and bring people together in ways words alone cannot express.
Featured Artists:
• Sydney Dardis, soprano
• Mary Burke Barber, soprano
• Monique Galvão, mezzo-soprano
• James Mancuso, tenor
• Andrew Payne, baritone
• Phillip Lopez, bass-baritone
• Jared Peroune, piano
• Neil Nelson, emcee
• Hal “Reggae Man” Anthony and Friends, band
a series of live performances presented by the Rhythm Foundation with support from the City of Miami Beach.
Event Details:
Sunday, March 16, 2025
Doors Open: 6:00 PM | Concert: 7:00 PM
Miami Beach Bandshell, 7275 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33141
Reserve Free Tickets or to make a donation by visiting www.fgo.org.