14 January 1–7, 2026 miaminewtimes.com | browardpalmbeach.com NEW TIMES | MUSIC | CAFE | CULTURE | NIGHT+DAY | NEWS | LETTERS | CONTENTS | Bridging the Gaps A new Wynwood music venue is opening this month. BY OSVALDO ESPINO A s Miami continues its evolu- tion from a seasonal party city into a true year-round cultural capital, a new venue is step- ping into the spotlight with the intention of raising the bar for live music in the city. Opening in January 2026, Midline arrives in the heart of Wynwood at a moment when both the neighborhood and the broader Miami music ecosystem are demanding spaces built with purpose rather than trend chasing. Founded by nightlife and live music veter- ans Eric Fuller and Jeremy Waks, Midline is not positioning itself as just another mid- sized room in an increasingly crowded mar- ket. Instead, the venue has been designed from the ground up to solve long-standing is- sues artists, promoters, and fans have experi- enced in Miami. Flexibility is central to that vision. The two-story venue features a scal- able mezzanine that allows the room to feel intimate when hosting 500 people, while comfortably accommodating up to 1,200 for sold-out shows. “We love seeing the Miami scene grow. It is becoming a true year-round city rather than just a seasonal destination,” says Fuller. “Several factors make our venue unique, starting with our flexibility. Our mezzanine allows us to scale the room.” Being entirely indoors is another inten- tional decision that sets Midline apart. While outdoor shows remain a staple of Miami cul- ture, the city’s unpredictable weather often complicates live events. Midline’s 365-day in- door operation offers reliability for touring artists and peace of mind for fans. Fuller also points to the venue’s location next to the Arlo Hotel as a significant advantage, allowing art- ists to walk from their rooms to the stage in minutes while giving fans the option to make an entire night of the experience. The venue’s opening weekend immedi- ately establishes its musical ethos. Rather than leaning into a single genre lane, Midline launches with performances by Freddie Gibbs and Cautious Clay, two artists who rep- resent very different corners of contempo- rary music while sharing a commitment to high-level live performance. “Beyond being incredible artists, we wanted to set the tone with live music,” Fuller explains. “Freddie Gibbs is a master lyricist, and Cautious Clay’s ability to blend alt R&B, hip-hop, and indie-pop perfectly showcases our commitment to a wide variety of genres.” That philosophy extends well beyond opening weekend, with upcoming bookings that include Hawthorne Heights, Neko Case, and Seven Lions. “We are intentionally book- ing across the entire genre map,” Fuller adds, reinforcing Midline’s refusal to be boxed into one sound or scene. Behind the scenes, Midline’s most signifi- cant investments have been made where they matter most. Acoustics were treated as a foundational element rather than an after- thought, with the venue built in close collabo- ration with an acoustic engineer from the earliest stages of development. “We invested significant time and re- sources into acoustics,” says Fuller. “The venue was built in lockstep with an acoustic engineer, which was essential given the neighboring hotel.” Sound quality goes beyond the physical structure of the room. Midline’s production manager, Mathew Marrone, worked directly with the sound system manufacturer to cali- brate the system to industry standards, with continued adjustments made during each artist’s soundcheck. “Great sound starts with the design of the room itself,” Fuller notes. “Beyond the struc- tural acoustic work, we leave the calibration to the experts. The foundation we’ve built is there.” Fan experience has also been carefully considered throughout the space. Midline features ample bar space, a dedicated merch stand, plenty of bathrooms, and a high-end air conditioning system designed to keep the room comfortable even during packed shows. The mezzanine offers a more elevated option, com- plete with a private en- trance, its own bar, and exclusive restrooms. The project itself has been years in the making. According to Waks, discus- sions around Midline began in early 2022, with the lease finalized later that year. What followed was a long, deliberate build focused on getting every detail right rather than rushing to open. “It has been a long pro- cess, but it was well worth the wait,” Waks says. Concerns often raised about Wynwood, from traf- fic congestion to increasing residential development, have been addressed head- on. While gridlock is an un- avoidable reality in Miami, Waks sees the neighbor- hood’s walkability as a strength rather than a limi- tation. “Being in Wynwood offers fans so many dining and entertainment options within walking distance that they can easily plan around peak gridlock,” he explains. “Many fans can also choose to stay next door at the Arlo Hotel to make a full night of the experi- ence without worrying about transit.” As Wynwood continues to grow more resi- dential, Midline’s leadership remains confi- dent in the venue’s long-term place within the neighborhood. “We designed and built the venue specifi- cally with the neighborhood’s evolution in mind,” Waks says. “We are embracing Wyn- wood’s growth as a vibrant live-work-play district.” At its core, Midline represents a new chap- ter for Miami’s live music scene. Built with obsessive attention to sound, designed for flexibility, and programmed with a genuinely wide musical lens, the venue aims to become a long-term home for artists and audiences alike. As Miami’s reputation as a music city continues to expand, Midline is arriving not just to participate in that growth, but to help define what comes next. [email protected] Midline was founded by nightlife and live music veterans Eric Fuller and Jeremy Waks. Midline rendering | CROSSFADE | t Music
