Florida Music Scene

[AwesomeWithAQ]

+1 for Jacksonville. The city is crawling with great bands and talented musicians. Orlando's nice but you have to weed through a lot.

 

[20db pad]

South Florida has a lot of singles and duos still working, but they have NO interest in hiring bass players.

 

[nonogz]

Jacksonville FL turns out some of the best musicians PERIOD. This dude right here on bass is a beast! Rick Benjamin. I think he's one of the best around. Jon Reshard is also from jax

And drummers....get out! Jimmy hill jr. (Fantasia), bim Owens (Christian mcbride), Padget nanton, Jamison Ross (2012 thelonious monk award winner) just to name a few.

I play with jimmy in another band....BEAST!


This is from last night....Rick Benjamin on bass....him and the sax player (Darren Escar) both play with fantasia. I also play with Darren in another band:


There are soooooo many freaking awesome players that I play with on a regular basis. I'm truly spoiled!

 

[Rockin Mike]

No doubt there are lots of great musicians in Jacksonville.
Many more musicians than gigs.

 

[IrishRifles]

Hey
I know you're in the sunshine state. Looks like I'm going to be moving to FL shortly. I have no idea what part or where I should be looking. Just want to know where the best live music scenes are. I'm a well seasoned pro in classic rock blues and jazz. I'm not looking to make a living playing bass just looking for opportunities to join a good band and play a few gigs.
Any advice would be appreciated.

Daytona Beach...
With all the events we have especially the twice a year motorcycle events, all the big band come here to perform.
Without a doubt the best place I've seen.

 

[LouieV2]

I wouldn't suggest the Miami area for working musicians. Very dull scene down here. I don't know North FL is, but North Broward/Palm beach is decent from what I know.

 

[huckleberry1]

Florida, where we pay you in sunshine!

 

[mbelue]

This cracks me up. Not one single comment for north west Florida. Pretty much dead, eh?
Lived there about 10 years ago and it was slim Pickens then too.
Don't miss that place one bit. Nice place to visit, but why would you stay?

 

[MisterLucky]

you need the largest geographical area with the
most casino's etc.. not saying its easy.. seems every
mediocre guitar player has now bought a bass..
no when is expecting you to be real good!
nor do they care.. have a long playlist including latin
and move to Ft. Lauderdale.. you will have 90 miles of hotels,
clubs, casino's.. West Palm to Miami

 

[DubHunter]

There is definitely a scene in Miami & Ft Lauderdale, but you gotta hustle.. More venues are coming about.. It isn't New York, but there is a rapid growth happening, work to be had, and some high quality musicians in town.

 

[StumblinBlues]

Florida, where we pay you in sunshine!

Sadly, that sunshine will not pay your bills!

 

[the_home]

This cracks me up. Not one single comment for north west Florida. Pretty much dead, eh?

You are correct, sir.