*The Hyundai Air and Sea Show returned to Miami Beach. Executive Producer Mickey Markoff shares highlights frOom the weekend,, remindining us of the true spirit of Memorial Day. *
This past Memorial Day Weekend, Miami Beach once again welcomed the sights and sounds of the annual Hyundai Air & Sea Show in South Florida. Executive producer Mickey Markoff once again orchestrated a world-class event celebrating our nation's service members and reminded us of the true spirit of Memorial Day. This year, Hyundai served again as the title sponsor, further reinforcing their commitment to honoring the real heroes of America.
In addition to the usual line-up, this year featured the inaugural US Army SaluteFest™. The first of its kind, the SaluteFest™ offered a full day of showcasing the U.S Army's top technology, innovations, and the myriad careers available within their ranks. SaluteFest™ was further elevated by performances from musical powerhouses NATTI NATASHA, Chris Janson, BRELAND and Jvke, an interactive Display Village, a spectacular 500-piece drone show, and a fireworks extravaganza that lit up the Florida sky.
The Air and Sea Show has become a staple in the South Florida skies, but the air show has its beginnings in Chicago at the Lakeshore Air and Water Show. Mickey Markoff introduced the concept of public-private sponsorships into the mix, and this legacy has carried through to the annual events down South, as well. From its beginnings in 1995 to the present day, the event has since transformed into the nation’s largest Memorial Day weekend event, and one of the nation’s largest displays of military technology. Sponsors have varied throughout the decades, including McDonald's, but a mainstay sponsor has been Hyundai, illustrating their commitment to paying tribute to our nation’s heroes. Drawing millions to the beaches of South Florida, the Memorial Day Weekend event reminds everyone of the true spirit of Memorial Day. When asked about the mission and vision of the event, Executive Producer Mickey Markoff notes,“There is no better time than Memorial Day Weekend to pay tribute to our military, first responders, and those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our freedom”. Each Memorial Day Weekend, the event helps to raise awareness of the important sacrifices our brave service members have made in pursuit of our nation’s freedom, and combines this with an element of entertainment and education that is unmatched.
In 2020, the world experienced a significant shift due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the cancellation of many public events, including the much-anticipated Air & Sea Show. However, demonstrating resilience and adaptability, the team pivoted and introduced an initiative to honor Unsung Community Heroes with a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. This initiative further highlighted the spirit of unity and resilience during challenging times, keeping the spirit of the show alive. A Blue Angels flyover also kept the traditions of the weekend event in the skies, albeit on a smaller scale.
An unforgettable aspect of recent air and sea shows has been the Gold Star Tribute, executive produced by Mickey Markoff and Peter Berg. This poignant tribute serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by our military members, offering attendees a moment of reflection amidst the high-energy event.
From its early roots in Chicago to the spectacular 2023 Hyundai Air & Sea Show, this event has evolved while remaining faithful to its mission: celebrating and honoring America's true heroes. The legacy built by Mickey Markoff and his team, ‘A National Salute to America’s Heroes’, ensures that the Air and Sea Show continues to be a symbol of American spirit, resilience, and the undying gratitude we owe to those who serve. Over the years, the event has included several features within it, including Rockin’ In the USA, and has been featured on air with South Florida Business Radio.
The Hyundai Air & Sea Show, renowned as a spectacular annual event, surpassed expectations yet again in 2023. With its innovative new elements and a lineup of high-octane performances, the event dazzled the attendees and served as a grand tribute to America’s heroes. To this day, the Air and Sea Show remains one of the largest Memorial Day Weekend events nationwide.
Following the inaugural U.S. Army SaluteFest™, the weekend continued to unfold with heart-stopping aerial stunts from world-class aviators. Meanwhile, the Display Village allowed attendees to engage with state-of-the-art military technology up close, offering an intriguing glimpse into the capabilities of our armed forces.
One of the most anticipated events, however, was the 500-piece drone show. The drone spectacle lit up the evening sky, painting a breathtaking tableau of light and color. This not only symbolized American ingenuity and technology, but also served as a metaphor for the unity and collective strength of the nation.
Equally unforgettable was the fireworks extravaganza that closed each night. The brilliant display over the tranquil waters of Miami Beach was a symbolic nod to the valor and spirit of our armed forces and first responders. The weekend featured an array of innovations from the armed forces, including flyovers from B-2 Stealth Bombers, and demonstrations from other branches of the US armed forces.
The Air & Sea Show also did not neglect the power of music as a universal unifier. The festival hosted a diverse range of musical acts, including global superstar NATTI NATASHA, country music sensation Chris Janson, genre-defying artist BRELAND, and the charismatic Jvke. Their performances added another layer of excitement and camaraderie to the weekend.
But at its core, the Hyundai Air & Sea Show has always been more than just a spectacle. Its essence is captured in the poignant Gold Star Tribute, a project of executive producers Mickey Markoff and Peter Berg. The tribute served as a solemn reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by the brave men and women of our military.
Building on the legacy of air and sea shows past, the 2023 event demonstrated that the spirit of gratitude and respect for our heroes transcends adversity. After a challenging period marked by the global pandemic, the Hyundai Air & Sea Show emerged as a beacon of resilience, unity, and unwavering American spirit. The success of the 2023 show underlines the enduring relevance of this grand salute to our nation’s heroes and its vital role in preserving the true spirit of Memorial Day.
To stay up to date with the latest in Air and Sea Show news, be sure to follow Executive Producer Mickey Markoff on Twitter!