The University of Miami will host an inspiring event, ECO Encore, on Thursday, April 24, bringing together music, community engagement, and important conversations about waste management in Southeast Florida. This event, scheduled to take place at 1330 Miller Dr. in Coral Gables, invites community members to explore the crucial issues surrounding waste management in Miami-Dade County while enjoying performances by internationally renowned musicians.

ECO Encore seeks to shine a light on the current state of waste management in Miami-Dade and encourage thoughtful discussions about how to improve the systems that impact both human health and the environment. The event will showcase local voices, offer an international perspective, and amplify the urgent need for change in the way we manage waste.

Event highlights

ECO Encore promises a night filled with live performances, insightful conversations, and opportunities to engage with influential figures from the world of music and waste management. The Recycled Orchestra of Cateura, a youth orchestra from Paraguay, will take center stage, showcasing its incredible resilience and resourcefulness as it perform using instruments made from repurposed discarded materials. Their story, captured in the documentary Landfill Harmonic, highlights the transformative power of music and sustainability.

The event schedule includes:

• 5-6 p.m.: Opening Performance by Skyrise – A local musical act to set the tone for the evening.
• 6:10-6:30 p.m.: Q&A with Favio Chavez – The Recycled Orchestra’s director will share insights on his work with the orchestra and the role of recycled materials in both music and environmental advocacy.
• 6:45-7:45 p.m.: Performance by the Recycled Orchestra of Cateura – The orchestra will perform live, demonstrating the incredible sounds they create from repurposed waste materials.
• 7:45-8 p.m.: Closing Ceremony – A brief wrap-up and closing remarks to conclude the evening.

Ticket reservations, event details

To attend ECO Encore, please RSVP by emailing Ryan McMullen at [email protected] with the names of those attending. Seats will be reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis, so prompt RSVP is encouraged. Guests are requested to wear business-casual attire.

In addition to the entertainment and insightful discussions, attendees will enjoy free food, giveaways, and a unique opportunity to meet the musicians after the performance. This is an event that blends environmental awareness with artistic expression—a memorable evening where the community can come together to reflect on the vital need for sustainable solutions.

Why this event matters

Miami-Dade County is currently facing a waste management crossroads, with current systems being challenged due to their negative environmental and health impacts. By showcasing the Recycled Orchestra’s unique approach to music and waste, ECO Encore encourages dialogue about the innovative solutions necessary for sustainable waste management in Southeast Florida.

The orchestra’s use of instruments made from discarded materials challenges our understanding of waste and reminds us that creativity and resourcefulness can lead to profound change. Through Favio Chavez’s presentation and Q&A session, attendees will gain valuable insights into how art and sustainability intersect, and how communities can engage in more effective waste management practices.

Parking information

Parking for the event will be available at 5615 Pavia St. Coral Gables, FL 33146 (Pavia Garage), making access to the event convenient for all attendees.

Waste’s long-term impact on the environment ECO Encore at the University of Miami on April 24 is a call to action on the pressing issue of waste management in Miami-Dade County. By fostering community engagement through music, discussions, and collaboration, the event aims to inspire positive change in how we think about waste and its long-term impact on our environment.