Little Havana hotspot, Ball & Chain, simultaneously celebrated its 80th and first birthdays with a three day music festival during Labor Day weekend. The world famous live music venue has made its mark among nightlife and music lovers thanks to its exciting programming- including live jazz, top performing artists and our favorite: the Saturday night Pachanga- which features a live, 12-piece Cuban band that would make Ricky Ricardo proud. On any given night- you will find a lively crowd enjoying one-of-a-kind cocktails, accompanied by unique bites in the gorgeous and nostalgic space.
Ball & Chain, originally a live jazz lounge on Calle Ocho was open from September 1935 until the 1950s. It was reopened and remastered last September by nightlife impresario Zack Bush, his brother, Ben Bush and their childhood friend Bill Fuller, of the Barlington Group.
The trio, who dreamed of opening a bar since childhood, redecorated the space in iconic 1950s Miami fashion, meticulously preserving Ball & Chain’s authentic Cuban flair – right down to its stunning Cuban-tiled floor and vaulted ceilings. It’s this winning combination of the ambiance, music, decor and menu that’s the secret sauce to Ball & Chain’s success- despite its off-beat location, as evidenced by the line that forms around the block every weekend- starting as early as 9:00 pm (true story).
So It came as no surprise that over 6,000 people braved torrential storms over the holiday weekend for Ball & Chain’s first multi-day music event in honor of the venue’s 80th and first (born-again) birthdays.
The live performance jam fest began on Friday evening and continued through Sunday with concerts by Electric Piquete, Nick Tannura Trio, The Baboons, Spam Allstars, BARRIOACTIVO, Suénalo, Politix, Vlade Divak, Brendan O’Hara & The Rescue, Conjunto Progreso, Rum & Coffee Band, ArtOfficial, Elastic Bond, Tony Succar featuring Mixtura, Pepe Montes, Komakozie and special DJ sets by Le Spam, Danny Stern, Danis LaClave and DJ Edward.
Zack Bush proudly beamed, “It was an amazing weekend that showcased many incredible musicians and bands. It was a unique and tremendous display of the vast South Florida talent with everyone coming together to celebrate and support. It was a proud weekend for Ball & Chain, the community, and certainly the artists,”
Don’t miss Ball & Chain’s upcoming events such as Miami Boheme hosted by Joe Cardona with a live performance by Sonlokos and set by DJ Edward on Friday, September 11. On Saturday, September 12, La Pachanga presents Tito Puente Jr. and a set by DJ Danis La Clave and Friday, September 18, Brendan O’Hara and the Rescue at perform at 10 pm.
For additional information about Ball & Chain, (1513 Southwest 8th Street) visit www.ballandchainmiami.com.