The master artists who come to stay in residence and teach at the National YoungArts Foundation (also known as YoungArts), a philanthropic facility that caters to the most talented teen artists in the nation, also provide exhibits and give performances, often ones that are avant-garde and experimental. Visitors who appreciate art that goes beyond boundaries, breaks barriers and/or is presented in intimate, historic and beautifully preserved buildings designed by architect Frank Gehry –- formerly the Bacardi Tower and Museum –- should keep an eye on the events presented here.
Parking and public transportation at National YoungArts Foundation
Public parking is available at street meters. The venue also offers valet parking during most events for $10. In addition, YoungArts is serviced by various Metrobus routes and the Biscayne/Brickell Trolley, both of which link to the Metrorail and Metromover Omni Station.
Getting tickets at National YoungArts Foundation
Most shows are free and open to the public. To become aware of them, you can check the website, sign up for the newsletter, or follow the blog. Some of the most exciting performances occur during National YoungArts Week, when the country's emerging teen artists converging on the complex for coaching and productions. If you're interested in attending the YoungArts Backyard Ball that follows the National YoungArts Week and other similar galas, or the high-profile talks and master classes with internationally recognized luminaries, such as Joshua Bell and Robert Redford, consider taking out a membership, as the Salon Series is only open to YoungArts alumni and members.
Types of concerts at National YoungArts Foundation
You never know what to expect from YoungArts, and that's the beauty of it. One week, a renowned doctorate of jazz could be presenting Langston Hughes poems set to original blues in the Jewel Box, where the Bacardi accountants used to have their office. The following week could see a remake of Romeo & Juliet, presented by YoungArts playwright and filmmaker alumni and featuring the Miami City Ballet as part of the "Outside the Box" series, located on the YoungArt Plaza between the main building and the Jewel Box.
Other places to visit near National YoungArts Foundation
For larger, more mainstream productions, The Adrienne Arsht Center for Performing Arts is located several blocks to the south. The Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) is just a few blocks south of that , as is the American Airlines Arena and Bayside Marketplace. A couple of miles away, Mary Brickell Village provides retail, dining and nightlife opportunities for before or after the shows.
Where to stay near National YoungArts Foundation
The closest hotel, the Marriott Biscayne Bay, is a stroll or short taxi or Trolley ride away. Only blocks away, the Downtown/Brickell area is rife with hotels in every category from luxury to eco-conscious to mainstream.
Insider tip for visitors to National YoungArts Foundation
From Wednesday through Saturday nights, Ted's at YoungArts is one of best places in town to dine and enjoy live entertainment simultaneously. Named for its founding philanthropist Ted Arison, the venue is run by STARR Restaurants Catering Group (an arm of celebrity chef Stephen Starr's enterprises), which also operates the restaurant at the nearby PAMM. Depending on what's on the audio or visual menu for the evening, you could experience dance, video installations, spoken word, chamber music, jazz trios or something you have yet to even imagine.
Author's bio: Jen Karetnick has been writing about Miami since she moved there in 1992. The author of 12 books, most recently the cookbook Mango (University Press of Florida) and the poetry book Brie Season (White Violet Press), she lives in Miami Shores with her husband, their two teenagers, three dogs, three cats and fourteen mango trees.