Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about ESSENTIAL Miami — the event, the music, and how to get in.
What is ESSENTIAL Miami?
ESSENTIAL is Miami's premier deep, soulful, and contemporary disco house music event, held annually during Miami Music Week (WMC). Founded by Grammy-nominated DJ/producer Jay-J and promoter Mark Brickman, it has run for over 10 years. The inaugural ESSENTIAL was a two-day event at Eden Roc Miami Beach in 2014, born from Jay-J's earlier 'Jay-J and Friends' events at Shore Club and other iconic Miami venues. ESSENTIAL features world-class DJs alongside live vocalists, instrumentalists, and percussionists. Past artists include Richard Earnshaw, Steve Taylor, Mark Farina, Miguel Migs, Gene Farris, Doc Martin, Soul Clap, Tony Humphries, Danny Krivit, and many more.
When is the next ESSENTIAL Miami?
The next ESSENTIAL Miami will be announced soon. Sign up at essential-party.com to be the first to know when dates and tickets are released.
Where is ESSENTIAL Miami held?
ESSENTIAL Miami takes place at curated venues in Miami during Miami Music Week. The inaugural ESSENTIAL was a two-day event at Eden Roc Miami Beach in 2014. The party later moved to venues in Miami's Wynwood district, including No. 3 Social and the MAPS Backlot. The event has a peak capacity of approximately 300–500 guests.
What kind of music is played at ESSENTIAL Miami?
ESSENTIAL specializes in deep house, soulful house, and contemporary disco house music. The event celebrates the roots of house music culture — quality production, soulful vocals, disco-infused grooves, and meaningful connection between artists and the crowd. What sets ESSENTIAL apart is the live element: vocalists, trumpet, keys, violin, and percussion performing alongside the DJs.
How do I get tickets to ESSENTIAL Miami?
Sign up at essential-party.com to be notified when tickets for the next ESSENTIAL Miami go on sale.
Who has played at ESSENTIAL Miami in the past?
Past headlining DJs include Richard Earnshaw, Steve Taylor, Mark Farina, Miguel Migs, Gene Farris, Doc Martin, Soul Clap, Ron Carroll, DJ Mes, Danny Krivit, Marques Wyatt, Jask, Fred Everything, Tony Humphries, Hector Romero, Colette, Jimpster, Junior Sanchez, DJ Meme, Andy Caldwell, Jarred Gallo, Scotty Boy, Dan.k, Saliva Commandos, Hatiras, The Cube Guys, Angelo Ferreri, Husky, Ricardo Torres, Rob Paine, J-Boogie, Jamie Lewis, Nicodemus, Joshua Heath, Soulmagic, Roberto DeCarlo, Sean B, Audiowhores, Frankie Shakes, Christina Calamia, Alan Epps, Noa, Mario Dubbz, and Jay-J. Live performers have included vocalists Julie McKnight, Lisa Shaw, Mike Dunn, Joi Cardwell, Shawn Christopher, Big Brooklyn Red, Michelle Shaprow, Kristen Pearson, and Natalie Conway, plus Rico De Largo on trumpet, Leon Morley on saxophone, Chuck Love and Yogi (Random Soul) on instruments, Moonrocket on keys, Chris Hammett on percussion, and Dave Damage on violin.