In a powerful celebration of Black History Month, Dranoff 2 Piano Fusion will present “One Song,” an immersive concert tracing the rich musical traditions of the African diaspora.
The performance will take place on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at 4 p.m., at the Miami Beach Bandshell, 7275 Collins Avenue.
The program, part of Dranoff’s West African Beats series, is curated and led by renowned local artist Nicole Yarling, a vocalist, violinist, and educator. With a 12-member multicultural ensemble, Yarling will guide audiences on a journey that explores the influence of West African rhythms on global music traditions.
From Nigeria’s Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti to Caribbean genres like Haitian Rara and Trinidadian Soca, and American staples such as jazz, gospel, and folk, the concert will showcase the transformative power of music and dance. The program also includes selections from the Great American Songbook and original compositions, highlighting the unifying thread of rhythm and humanity across cultures.
“This incredible voyage through the ages is a tale of history told through music and the rhythms of our ancestors,” said Emily Cardenas, Executive Director of Dranoff 2 Piano Music. “Nicole Yarling has an unmatched ability to weave this tapestry, making it an unforgettable experience.”
A star-studded ensemble
The concert will feature a talented lineup, including pianists Martin Bejerano and Jim Gasior, trumpeter Jean Caze, saxophonist Mark Small, drummer John Yarling, percussionist Nanyamka Graham, bassist Marty Quinn, and fiddler Alex Cameron. Adding to the spectacle are dancers Terrance Pride, Chloe Felizor, and Evie Burns, whose movements will bring the music to life.
While the performance follows a script, Yarling emphasizes the spirit of improvisation inherent in music of the diaspora. “From Africa to jazz to James Brown, the joy of improvisation ties everything together,” she explained. “Audiences will leave with a sense of community, a feeling that resonates from a Sunday sermon to a Hip Hop rap battle.”
Tickets for “One Song” are available online at www.Dranoff2Piano.org, ranging from $30 to $45. Students with valid ID can purchase $5 tickets at the door.
The West African Beats series was created with support from the Funding Arts Network’s AWARE grant, celebrating FAN’s 25th year of philanthropy in Miami. Additional funding comes from the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, supporting Dranoff’s mission to bring together diverse communities through innovative musical collaborations.
Don’t miss this vibrant tribute to the power and legacy of the African diaspora.
