The night of february 21, the sound of live jazz fills the lobby of one of Miami Beach’s most iconic musical institutions, The Betsy hotel. At the heart of the current lineup is vocalist Carole Ann Taylor, whose charismatic presence and uplifting style have made her a standout voice in the program.
Taylor performs alongside a rotating ensemble of accomplished musicians, including pianist Angel Perez, drummer Brandon Lee Lewis and bassist Renée Cruz. Together, they deliver nightly sets that blend traditional jazz standards with contemporary improvisation, inviting audiences to enjoy the music casually over drinks in the lobby or as part of a full dinner experience at LT Steak & Seafood.
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Perez, a Miami-born pianist trained at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, brings both technical precision and a commitment to music therapy into his performances. Lewis, an internationally recognized drummer, has shared stages with jazz greats and Broadway productions alike, while Cruz—educated at The New School and The Juilliard School—anchors the ensemble with a deep, resonant bass line shaped by her studies with legendary musicians.
Who is Carole Ann Taylor, Miami Beach’s star?
She is a jazz vocalist known for a stage presence that blends charm, ease and emotional clarity. Her approach reflects the improvisational freedom that defines jazz, allowing her to shape each performance through her personality and connection with the audience. Rather than relying solely on technical virtuosity, Taylor’s artistry lies in her ability to communicate warmth and spontaneity, qualities that resonate strongly in intimate live settings.
Over the course of her career, Carole Ann Taylor has become an important figure in Miami’s jazz community, helping to sustain a local scene that bridges tradition and innovation.
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Her performances contribute to keeping jazz accessible to broader audiences, especially in a city better known for electronic and Latin music influences. By anchoring a nightly live series that requires both consistency and creative flexibility, she plays a key role in maintaining the vitality of jazz on Miami Beach.
For visitors and residents alike, the nightly sessions at The Betsy Hotel offer more than entertainment—they provide a living example of jazz as a communal art form. And at the center of that experience, Carole Ann Taylor’s voice continues to guide the rhythm of the room.
