Festival Miami's 'Music of the Americas' Concerts

From now until November 8, Festival Miami presents the "Music of the Americas," series, where award winning Lain aritsts bring energy to the festival stage. 

Steel pan virtuoso Leon Foster Thomas brings his unique Caribbean, jazz and Latin musical fusion to the festival stage. Originally from Trinidad and now based in Florida, Leon blends the music of his Caribbean roots with the music of North and South America in a lively meld all his own. A drummer, percussionist, composer and arranger with nine CDs to his credit, this colorful artist shines with first-rate programming, phenomenal musicianship and warm stage presence. He is joined onstage by jazz musicians Martin Bejerano on piano; Mike Piolet on drums and Kurt Hengstebeck on bass.

The vibe sizzles into the weekend on October 18, with a fiery Latin-Brazilian fusion that pairs multi-percussionist and two-time Grammy Award nominee Sammy Figueroa with São Paulo-based singer Glaucia Nasser. 

From their promo: "Sammy is a superb conga artist who has performed with everyone from Miles Davis to Mariah Carey; together their tasteful renditions of Brazilian songs and originals are intoxicating, playful, and free. This Festival Miami exclusive showcases the electricity of two extraordinary artists as they combine for a night of exceptional invention highlighting Latin Jazz rhythms and sounds."

On October 21, enjoy the popular Concierto de Aranjuez and Concierto de Andaluz, along with other guitar masterworks by Spanish composer Joaquin Rodrigo featuring guitar virtuosi Rafael Padron, Rene Izquierdo, Isaac Bustons and Federico Musgrove, supported by string musicians from the Frost School of Music conductec by J. Steven Moore.

The following week on November 1, meet Fantine, a singer fluent in Spanish, Russian, English and French and a unique talent with a musical style that reflects her cultural diversity. A fusion of indie, dance and electro soul, with a "swampy yet sultry" voice, she debuts her new album I Am Fantine produced by Emilio Estefan.

Festival Miami's Music of the America series closes out with Latin flair as Guatemalan singer-songwriter Gaby Moreno, recipient of the 2013 Latin Grammy Award for Best New Artist, lights up the stage with hit songs in both Spanish and English on November 6. Her latest album Postales is hugely popular, and her YouTube video of "Fuiste Tú" with Latin legend Ricardo Arjona has over 100 million views.

All concerts are held in the UM Gusman Concert Hall, 1314 Miller Drive, Coral Gables, unless otherwise specified.

For info and tickets: 
Ph: 305-284-4940 
www.festivalmiami.com