Est. 2001 · South Florida
Our Story
Twenty-five years of soul, community, and culture built one night at a time.
Ingrid B Bazin · Founder
The Soul of South Florida
On The B Side was born from a simple belief: that the most powerful art happens in intimate spaces, between real people, in real time. In 2001, Ingrid B Bazin created a home for that belief in South Florida.
What started as an open mic night became a movement. A community. A cultural institution. The SOULcialites, the people who keep showing up, are the heartbeat of everything we do.
Twenty-five years later, the mission is the same: create space for authentic voices, celebrate Black art and culture, and remind South Florida that its soul is very much alive — and it's ON THE B SIDE.
The Journey
A Timeline of Soul
The Events Begin
Ingrid B Bazin begins producing events and promoting music in South Florida, laying the foundation for what will become On The B Side.
First Incorporated
On The B Side first incorporates as B Side Entertainment, giving official structure to a vision already in motion.
Soul Survivors
Soul Survivors launches as a community event rooted in purpose, bringing awareness to breast cancer and domestic violence. That same year, On The B Side expands into live music, adding singers and musicians to its growing programming.
Miami Masters National Poetry Slam Team
On The B Side and Proctor Management co-create the Miami Masters National Poetry Slam Team. The team competes at Nationals for the first time, and On The B Side and Proctor Management also host the Southern Fried Poetry Festival, Miami Edition.
Flow Fridays, Mellow Dramatic Mondays, and The Bohemia Room
Three recurring experiences take root and build a loyal community. Flow Fridays, Mellow Dramatic Mondays, and The Bohemia Room become established gathering spaces for poetry, live music, and connection across South Florida.
Media, Mentorship, and Partnerships
Ingrid B lands the cover of City Link magazine. On The B Side and Proctor Management present Flow in A Minor to support young poets on the Miami Masters team. The Bohemia Room expands into brand collaborations, hosting listening parties for artists like Talib Kweli and Chrisette Michele.
Lyric Café, BET J and Centric TV
Ingrid B serves as Poet Producer for two seasons of Lyric Café, associated with BET J and Centric TV, bringing On The B Side's voice to a national television audience.
To Her With Love
On The B Side produces a Women's History Month celebration at the Miami Improv, featuring Georgia Me and Naima J, honoring community, and collecting donations for Women in Distress.
Miami New Times 100 Creatives
Miami New Times recognizes Ingrid Bazin in its 100 Creatives series. By November, four recurring On The B Side experiences are documented, including The Soulcial, The Bohemia Room, Flow Fridays, and So You thInk You Can Karaoke.
Ten Years of The Bohemia Room
The Bohemia Room celebrates its tenth anniversary at Grand Central. Florida State Representative Dwight Bullard issues a proclamation recognizing its contribution to the community.
Expanding the Stage
Ingrid B hosts The Messengers: A Spoken Word Experience at HistoryMiami, supports the Honey Shine mixer with Tracy Mourning, promotes book signings for Sheila E., Sister Souljah, and Gloria Estefan at Miami Book Fair, and curates poetry aboard the 10th Annual Capital Jazz Cruise.
Reincorporated as ON THE B SIDE
The company reincorporates as ON THE B SIDE under Ingrid B Inc, reflecting the brand's evolution and renewed commitment to cultural arts and entertainment in South Florida.
Resilience and Reinvention
The Poetry Spot builds an online community on Clubhouse. Event curation resumes in November 2020. The Summer of Soul anniversary series in May 2021 brings together The Bohemia Room, The Poetry Spot Live, and The Soulcial at venues across South Florida.
A Lasting Presence
WLRN profiles On The B Side's longstanding role in the spoken word community ahead of The B Side Slam at Red Rooster in Historic Overtown, marking 25 years as a South Florida cultural staple.
B SIDE 25
A quarter century of people, poetry, music, and community. The anniversary celebration at the Historic Lyric Theater in Overtown takes place during Miami Art Week, and the next 25 begin.
"The Soul of South Florida is ON THE B SIDE."
Join the Movement
Be Part of the Next Chapter
Whether you're an artist, a fan, a sponsor, or just someone who believes in the power of live culture — there's a place for you on The B Side.