The Frost School of Music and the City of Coral Gables share a long history – both are celebrating their centennial this year – and cultural synergy. This winter, they share music as well, with the Music at McBride Plaza concert series. Held in the heart of downtown Coral Gables, the free outdoor concerts feature outstanding Frost School student ensembles every other week through March 20.

The series was created by realtor Barbara Tria to foster energy and affinity for her city and commercial real estate clients. “I know how great experiences can impact downtowns,” says Tria, who first approached Dean Shelton G. Berg with the idea in 2019. “They create a sense of place and a sense of community. We have the Frost School of Music in our backyard. I believe this series is good for the community, good for businesses, good for the students, and good for the soul.”

This year’s Music at McBride kicked off Jan. 9th with Puddley, a funk/soul/R&B band. Next up is the Frost Opera Theater, with classical vocalists singing duets and trios, on Jan. 23rd.  February features newgrass folk trio Fiddle Head and classical guitarists Miami Guitar Duo. The series winds up in March with acoustic vocal trio M3LOMANIA and contemporary string ensemble Wildwood Quartet.

frost school artists performing in music at mcbride
Frost School artists performing on the Music at McBride Plaza concert series (clockwise from upper left): Fiddle Head, Wildwood Quartet, Miami Guitar Duo, Puddley, M3LOMANIA, Frost Opera Theater. All photos courtesy of the artists. 

This is the fourth edition of the series, which launched in the winter of 2022, a safe outdoor option for people hungry for live entertainment after the pandemic. The City of Coral Gables presents the concerts in collaboration with the Arthur B. McBride Sr. Family Foundation, the Dosal Family Foundation, and the Coral Gables Welcome Center.  The plaza on Miracle Mile is owned by the McBride family, Gables property owners, and supporters of music and education.

“This concert series reflects Coral Gables’ commitment to fostering arts and culture while celebrating our incredible partnership with UM,” said Belkys Perez, the city’s Economic Development director. “In 2025 when both Coral Gables and UM are celebrating our centennials, we are especially proud to host this collaboration. It exemplifies the strength of our bond and highlights the powerful synergy between the city and the university in promoting community and culture.”

The Frost School ensembles submit their music to a faculty panel, which selects six for the series. The groups are paid, and Tria says audience members sometimes approach them with other bookings. People sometimes bring a blanket and picnic for the show. “It’s meant to connect people as they’re leaving work, to sit down and listen to music,” Tria says. “To give people a reason to engage in their downtown.”

If you go, the Music at McBride Plaza concert series takes place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. every other Thursday from Jan. 23 to March 20 at McBride Plaza, 150 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, 33134.

Performance line-up:

January 23 – Frost Opera Theater

February 6 – Fiddle Head

February 20 – Miami Guitar Duo

March 6 – M3LOMANIA

March 20 – Wildwood Quartet









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