Administration respectfully requests approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute a Grant Agreement between the City and the Rhythm Foundation Inc., for a total sum not to exceed $102,600.00, for the stage restoration and subwoofer concealment project at the North Shore Bandshell.

The Rhythm Foundation Inc. is a Florida not-for-profit organization that presents concerts, events and festivals by established and innovative artists from around the world and South Florida. They are a cultural anchor in South Florida, presenting outstanding international music artists and quality community-based programs. Since 2015, the Rhythm Foundation has been the management company operating the North Shore Bandshell for the City of Miami Beach.

Programming by the Rhythm Foundation Inc. has grown in popularity and the venue is in need of stage and sound renovations to further enhance programming efforts to engage more nationally recognized acts, as well as to mitigate sound concerns for nearby residences.

During the City’s FY 16/17 budget process, a Budget Enhancement Request of $102,600.00 for 2016-2017 was granted to fund the project at the Bandshell. The grant monies will be used for the purchase and installation of specialized staging and subwoofer equipment which will be used to support and enhance the project.

The Grant Agreement will require the grantee to provide a report on how the funds were spent and the programming gains and noise complaint reductions as a result of the work completed in relationship to the funds provided by the City.

During the City’s FY 16/17 budget process, a Budget Enhancement Request of $102,600.00 was granted to fund the stage restoration and subwoofer concealment project at the Bandshell. The grant reimbursements will be funded through this project.