Miami has never had a formally adopted anthem.
That may be about to change through a new independent, community-driven cultural initiative.
Finalists competing to create what could become Miami’s first official anthem were announced as part of Elevated Tracks 305. Public voting opens June 7 through June 14 at @ElevateMiamiTogether on Instagram.
Presented by Elevate Cities in partnership with Guitars Over Guns, the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami and Young Musicians Unite, Elevated Tracks 305 challenged musicians to capture the spirit, culture and energy of Miami through original music. The initiative attracted submissions across generations, genres and neighborhoods, from seasoned performers to middle school students.
Community members can listen to full finalist songs through dedicated YouTube playlists (Youth Finalists Playlist and Adult Finalist Playlist) Public input will account for 50 percent of each finalist’s score, with the remaining 50 percent determined by the judging panel. Winners will be announced during a special event the week of June 22.
“Miami is one of the most culturally influential cities in the world, and music is one of the ways the city tells its story,” said CEO of Elevate Cities, Kim Coupounas, ”What excited us about Elevated Tracks 305 wasn’t just finding great songs – it was creating an opportunity for residents to listen, participate, and help celebrate the artists, neighborhoods, and experiences that make Miami unlike anywhere else. We can’t wait to see which songs resonate most strongly with the community.
Finalists were selected by a distinguished panel of judges drawn from across Miami’s music, education, and nonprofit sectors.
The competition is also supported by an esteemed group of Honorary Co-Chairs, all iconic, Grammy Award-winning Miami artists, including Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Jon Secada, Rico Love, Rudy Pérez and Danny Flores.
Adult Finalists
“305” – Adrian Gonzalez (¡SUÉNALO!)
“Big City Bright Lights” – Keith Cooper (Artofficial)
“Dance in Miami” – Marti & Leah Dibut
“Mayami, My Miami” – Richard Bona & Ellene Masri
“MIAMI” – Biana Pinchuk (BIANA)
“Miami” – Frank Jurado (Mr. J Jams)
“Miami Es Miami” – Hussein Abdala ft. Carlos Oliva
“My Ami” – Mario Obregon (Problem Kids)
“RUMBA” – Harold Sebastian Valderrama-Pineda (V12)
“Souls Alive in the 305” – Jose Conde
Youth Finalists
“DALE 305” – Skye Sconiers (Skye Aria), 11
“La Gringa Tiene Tumbao” – Abigail Fundora (Abi-G), 11
“Miami Despierta” – Allison Shantel Ruiz (Shantel Ruiz), 14
“Miami On My Tongue” – Soleil Nation (Soleil River Nation), 12
“Nature of Miami” – Bedson damus (Bands), 15
Community members may cast one vote per category and are encouraged to listen to the full songs before making their selections. For more information, visit www.elevatecities.org.
