What’s the safest way to enjoy music during a pandemic? Outdoors!
Recently, my friend Kim took me for a late birthday present to my first concert in years. The concert was held outside at Miami’s North Beach Bandshell.
Nu Deco Nucleus is the ensemble that performed, covering a variety of music. The central allure, at least for me, was their tribute covers of a few hits by Daft Punk. The entire setting was decorated in candlelight, making it an incredibly atmospheric setting. In this post, I share video and photos highlighting this spectacular experience.
North Beach Bandshell
At 10 years old, the North Beach Bandshell opened in September 2011. The space allowed for an open air and socially-distanced experience.
Kim checked in with me back around my birthday before she purchased the tickets to make sure I was okay with going to a concert mid-pandemic. At the time, the delta variant was at its peak of going around. “A safe, comfortable and socially-distanced event” was the advertisement for the concert. This made me agree to do it.
Inside, chairs were set up in two’s and three’s spread out around the space under a giant sun shade. This allowed for couples and small groups to sit together but apart from others.
Kim got us VIP tickets which places us on a platform at the back. From the raised platform, we were set away from the larger crowd and our line of sight was unobstructed by people sitting in front of us.
We were able to order drinks via an app with a QR code menu handed to us when we walked in.
Kim (right) and her wife Mariem (left) enjoying some drinks in the VIP section of the North Beach Bandshell
Staff decorated the entire stage area and all around the walls and seating with battery-operated candles. It looked amazing!
Nu Deco Nucleus
Nu Deco Nucleus formed in 2015 and is an ensemble made up of Miami based musicians. They are transforming what orcehstras can be in the 21st century by covering contemporary music as well as the classics.
Their style, led by conductor Jacomo Bairos, is community based and highly communicative. Jacomo speaks on mic often in between songs to give history, connect personally, and provide context for each performed piece. It’s definitely a different kind of an experience than other orchestras I’ve seen perform!
Set List
I’ll admit, I was there to hear Daft Punk covers. Daft Punk announced this year that they were ending their 28-year career. They were THE French duo of electronic music and a band I grew up listening to in the 90s and 2000s. I was sad to see them end. So I was very excited when I heard about this orchestra doing a tribute!
What I got from Nu Deco Nucelus was so much more than just Daft Punk, however! I loved that they covered Outkast, Earth Wind and Fire, and snuck in some other hits that aren’t even listed below. But here is the set list they announced prior:
Daft Punk- Digital Love
JS Bach/Sam Hyken- Tocatta Y Fuga en Re Minor
Paul Dooley- Velocity Festivals
Daft Punk- Instant Crush
Daft Punk-Superhero
George Bizet/Sam Hyken- Refried Fanradole
Duke Ellington- Caravan
Massive Attack- Unfinished Sympathy
Sam Hyken/Jason Matthews- Bloom
Bill Withers Syphonic Suite
Kraftwerk- Digital World
Kraftwerk-Digital Love
Earth Wind and Fire- Selections
Outkast Symphonic Suite
Daft Punk - Georgio of Morodor
Daft Punk - Get Lucky
Daft Punk - Contact
Video/Song Mashup
Okay, enough words! You can’t talk about a concert—you have to hear it! Below are some of the videos I took of Nu Deco Nucleus’ performance on September 12, 2021:
In Conclusion
If you’re looking to enjoy concerts again, I recommend finding an outdoor show in your area! And if you’re in Florida, definitely check out performances by Nu Deco Nucleus. It was an amazing night!
