After a four month break, live music is back on the beach. Friday Night Sound Waves brings a different band to Fort Lauderdale’s shoreline every week through Nov. 10.
The free concerts feature “an eclectic mix,” said producer Arianne Glassman. Genres span Motown to Rockabilly.
“We’ve got a phenomenal lineup. We’re bringing some back from ’16, but we’ve spent the last four months looking at new talent and different bands to give them the opportunity to be out here,” Glassman said.
The tunes play from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Hub, located at Las Olas Boulevard and A1A. More than 15,000 visitors and locals from across Broward stop by during the 36-week series.
“Friday Night Sound Waves celebrates so many of the things I love about Fort Lauderdale; being outside by the ocean, enjoying music, dancing and fun times,” said singer Shauna Sweeney.
Even more than music, the shows create “an incredible sense of community,” Glassman said.
“For those three hours, people were really connecting,” she said. “At the end of our last show, everybody was hugging each other goodbye. It really turned into a family.”
New additions this year look to further boost the concert’s success.
Southwest Airlines recently joined as a partner and is setting up a lounge on the sand. Folks can sit on sling-back chairs under umbrellas. Attendants hand out free airline snacks.
Florida Power & Light is creating ambiance with sea turtle compliant lighting. Red and amber hues that harmonize with the environment now soar into the palm trees.
And again this year, Friday Night Sound Waves will be the official kickoff party for the Fort Lauderdale Air Show in May.
Funded in major part by the Fort Lauderdale Beach Business Improvement District, the organization collaborates to make the seaside a unique destination for residents and tourists, said BID chairman Eduardo Fernandez.
Other highlights include the international beach volleyball competition and local happenings such as the Great American Beach Party.
“There’s really no better place to be than the beach when you throw in great music and dancing and fun,” Glassman said.
For more information and a complete list of upcoming acts, visit FridayNightSoundWaves.com.
