Young musicians from St. Thomas to join renowned artists at ‘unCLASSICAL: Miami Vibes’ concert

Nineteen talented student musicians from the U.S. Virgin Islands will travel from St. Thomas to perform at the highly anticipated “unCLASSICAL: Miami Vibes” concert, hosted by the Miami Music Project.

- Advertisement -

The event will take place on Friday, April 11, at 7:30 p.m. at the Miami Beach Bandshell. These young musicians, members of the Partners for Strings Virgin Islands Youth Orchestra, will take the stage alongside celebrated jazz and Latin artists in a vibrant celebration of culture, rhythm, and community.

“We’ve been practicing for months, and now the time has come,” said Gloria Gumbs, President of Partners for Strings, Inc. “The Intermediate/Advanced Ensemble, consisting of students aged 10 to 16, is eager to perform with renowned artists on a world-class stage. We are also honored to bring the sound of Quelbe, the official music of the U.S. Virgin Islands, to Miami. Our youth orchestra is thrilled to collaborate with the Miami Music Project to perform the jazz classic ‘Take Five.'”

The event will feature performances by the Miami Music Project’s Leaders Orchestra alongside the youth musicians. The concert will also include celebrated jazz and Latin artists in a genre-bending celebration of culture and musical collaboration.

“unCLASSICAL: Miami Vibes” is the Miami Music Project’s annual tribute to the city’s dynamic culture. The concert blends jazz, pop, Latin, and Caribbean rhythms in a free, public event. This year’s performance will showcase jazz vocalists Nicole Henry and Sachal Vasandani, as well as Latin Grammy winner Héctor Molina, who will perform as part of Nexus Duo alongside Yaritzy Cabrera.

Media personality Kalyn Chapman will host the concert. “Our ‘unCLASSICAL’ concert celebrates the essence of Miami life and culture,” said Anna Klimala, President and CEO of the Miami Music Project. “This year, we are especially excited to welcome our Partner-in-Alliance, Partners for Strings Virgin Islands Youth Orchestra, as they travel from St. Thomas to join our students on stage. It’s a wonderful moment of cultural exchange and musical excellence.”

Palooza 728x90

Founded in 2020, Partners for Strings, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that provides free after-school youth orchestra programs for underserved and at-risk youth in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Through weekly sessions at G-Clef Music Academy on St. Thomas, students learn to read music and play orchestral instruments, including violins and steel pans.

The 2025 “unCLASSICAL: Miami Vibes” concert is made possible through the support of presenting sponsors, including the City of Miami Beach Department of Tourism and Culture, the Cultural Arts Council, and the Miami Beach Mayor and City Commissioners. Levi’s also joins as a Silver Sponsor, offering concertgoers an exclusive 25% discount code valid at select stores throughout Miami-Dade.

This event aims to foster community connections, celebrate cultural heritage, and amplify the voices of the next generation through the universal language of music.

- Advertisement -
Uber Free Rides 728x90

For more information about the Miami Music Project, visit https://miamimusicproject.org/.

More Stories

Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival marks 20 years with UK launch of Crossroads series

The Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival (TTFF) has marked its 20th anniversary with the successful launch of a UK screening series, Crossroads: Where Caribbean...
'Hill and Gully' riddim

The ‘Hill and Gully’ debate: cultural defacing or modern reinvention?

There is growing controversy in Jamaica over vulgar, sexually explicit lyrics set to a reworked version of the traditional folk song Hill and Gully...
Mr Killa

Mr Killa ignites regional debate over Trinidad Carnival and Grenada’s Jab Jab culture

A spirited regional debate surrounding Caribbean Carnival culture erupted online this week after Grenadian soca artist Mr Killa made comments describing Trinidad Carnival as...

Popcaan featured on Drake’s new album ‘Maid of Honour’

Jamaican dancehall artist Popcaan continues to strengthen his international presence after securing a feature on Canadian rap star Drake’s newly released album, Maid of...
Flippa Mafia

Flippa Mafia-linked drug ring ‘flooded communities’ with fentanyl, state says

Federal prosecutors say a drug trafficking organization linked to Jamaican recording artist Flippa Mafia “flooded communities” across New Jersey and Philadelphia with fentanyl, methamphetamine...

Vershon scores film placement with hit single ‘Queen’

Jamaican reggae/dancehall recording artist Vershon is continuing to expand his international reach as his hit single Queen transitions from chart success to the big...
Reggae Fest Atlanta

Reggae Fest Atlanta postponed following family bereavement

Patrons anticipating one of the biggest reggae and dancehall events on the Memorial Day weekend calendar will now have to wait a little longer...

Jemere Morgan and Damian Marley collab with soulful new single ‘Know Better’

Emerging reggae singer Jemere Morgan continues to carve out his own lane in contemporary reggae music with the release of his latest single, Know...
Vybz Kartel

Vybz Kartel honored with 2 major awards at 2026 IRAWMA ceremony; wins 9 total

Dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel added to his global resurgence on Sunday night after receiving the Jimmy Cliff Award and the Best Caribbean Entertainer Award...
Best of the Best Music Fest

New school meets legends at Best of the Best Music Festival

When the curtains rise on this year’s Best of the Best Music Fest during Memorial Weekend on May 24, fans will not only be...

Latest Articles