MIAMI, May 11, 2026 — In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, Miami Dade College (MDC) and Alhambra Orchestra have partnered for “America 250 with a Miami Twist,” a family-friendly multimedia show about Miami’s unique history, with amazing historical images, dramatic orchestral music, and fascinating narration, at MDC’s Freedom Tower, the National Historic Landmark located in downtown Miami.
The event will take place Saturday, June 13, from 3 to 4 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Admission will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached. Show your interest here. Free parking will be available in the MDC Garage, located in Building 7 (see campus map).
From the Everglades to luxury hotels, the Tequesta people to waves of immigrants and refugees, and swampland to international metropolis, attendees of all ages will experience the remarkable evolution of Miami into a thriving multicultural city. The one-hour presentation will combine live orchestral performance, narration and multimedia visuals to bring Miami’s rich and diverse history to life inside the iconic Freedom Tower.
For more information contact Viviam López at vlopez4@mdc.edu, 305-237-3225
To request special accommodations, contact Laura Rodríguez at lmontoya@mdc.edu, 305-237-3771
WHAT: MDC and Alhambra Orchestra Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the U.S. with Multimedia Show
WHEN: Saturday, June 13, 3 – 4 p.m., doors open at 2:15 p.m.
WHERE: MDC’s Freedom Tower, 600 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, FL
About Miami Dade College
Miami Dade College (MDC) is the most diverse institution in the nation, with 167 nations and 63 languages represented in its student body. The college’s eight campuses and outreach centers offer over 300 distinct degree pathways, including associate and baccalaureate degrees, certifications and apprenticeships. MDC is the recipient of many top national awards, including the prestigious Aspen Prize, and has been ranked #5 among Top Public Institutions in the Southern Region by U.S. News & World Report. The College changes lives through accessible, high-quality teaching and learning experiences. It is home to the Miami Culinary Institute, the Miami Animation & Gaming International Complex, the Miami Fashion Institute, The Idea Center, the Cybersecurity Center of the Americas, two AI Centers, the Center for Learning, Innovation and Simulation at the Medical Campus, the Business Innovation & Technology Center, the School for Advanced Studies and New World School of the Arts, among others. MDC has been recognized among the nation’s “Great Colleges to Work For” since the program’s inception. The College serves as an economic, cultural and civic leader for the advancement of our diverse global community. MDC alumni and employees contribute more than $5 billion annually to the local economy, and graduates occupy top leadership positions in every major industry. MDC’s renowned rich cultural programming includes the Miami Book Fair, Miami Film Festival, the National Historic Landmark Miami Freedom Tower, Koubek Center Mansion and Gardens, Live Arts Miami at MDC, the Lynn and Louis Wolfson II Florida Moving Image Archives, and the Museum of Art and Design. MDC has admitted more than 2.5 million students and counting, since it opened its doors in 1960. Approximately 125,000 students are currently enrolled. For more information, visit www.mdc.edu.
About Alhambra Orchestra
Founded in 1990, the Alhambra Orchestra’s mission is to harness the power of music to serve, inspire and unify the South Florida community. The organization is dedicated to promoting live classical performances and music education in Miami-Dade County. Its corporate entity, Alhambra Music, Inc., is a tax-exempt nonprofit primarily operated and managed by volunteer musicians. As a result, the orchestra has minimal administrative expenses, with nearly all of its funding going directly into programming. The orchestra strives to provide free or minimal-cost events, ensuring that everyone in the community can experience its performances without barriers. Orchestra management is currently finalizing an exciting 2026/27 schedule, its 37th season. On the orchestra’s website, upcoming events will be posted, and you can add your name to the mailing list; you can also follow Alhambra Orchestra on Facebook and Instagram. The Alhambra Orchestra is a grass-roots organization, entirely independent and not affiliated with any educational or civic institutions, though it has warm relationships with schools, colleges and civic groups. Dr. Daniel Andai, artistic director, is also Dean of Music at New World School of the Arts. The orchestra frequently partners with other community groups for projects such as this innovative joint presentation with Miami Dade College. The highly trained member musicians, most of whom volunteer their time and talents, are diverse residents of the community who pursue various professions in addition to music but share a deep belief in the importance and power of great music. For more information visit: https://alhambraorchestra.org/