Miami’s music, arts and philanthropic communities came together on Saturday, Apr. 25, as Young Musicians Unite (YMU) hosted its 13th annual Gala at Mana Wynwood.
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Themed “Havana Nights,” the sold-out evening welcomed 900 guests for an immersive celebration inspired by the golden age of Havana, raising $1.8 million to expand access to free, high-quality in-school music education across Miami-Dade County.
Since its founding in 2013, YMU has reached more than 37,000 students, providing free music education regardless of socioeconomic background. Funds raised from this year’s gala will support programs serving over 16,000 students annually across more than 100 schools, continuing YMU’s rapid expansion toward ensuring every child in Miami-Dade has access to music education.
The evening featured performances by more than 150 YMU students, spanning jazz, rock, funk, disco, and Cuban-inspired rhythms. Ensembles included the YMPA Jazz Band, the YMU Jazz Collective, Avalanche and Miami Beach Rock Ensemble featuring Tito Puente Jr. on stage and a high-energy closing set by Undercover that brought the entire room to its feet.
The night culminated in a packed dance floor and a powerful celebration of the students, educators, and community driving YMU’s impact.
The evening was marked by an unmistakable energy, with guests fully engaged from start to finish. A vibrant social atmosphere carried throughout the event, highlighted by a packed dance floor and a palpable sense of momentum that mirrored the passion and creativity of the students on stage.
The event drew an esteemed and diverse audience of philanthropists, community leaders, artists, and industry executives. Notable attendees included Kaisa Levine, founder of FridaBaby; Councilmember Linda Julien; Homestead Vice Mayor Jenifer Bailey; Jesus Gonzalez, vice president at Broadcast Music Inc.; Julio Bague, vice president of Peermusic; Bob Pittman, chair and CEO of iHeartMedia; Richard J. Bressler, president and COO of iHeartMedia; Enrique Santos, COO and president of iHeartLatino; Rebecca Fishman Lipsey of The Miami Foundation; supermodel and former Victoria’s Secret Angel Karolína Kurková, and Lisa Gersh, among others
Miami-Dade County Public Schools superintendent Dr. Jose Dotres, and Enrique Santos, COO and president of iHeartLatino, honored outstanding youth with graduation plaques at the gala.
“This night is a reflection of what becomes possible when a community aligns around a shared responsibility to its youth. This is not just about music, it is about access, belonging, and the belief that every child deserves a chance to be seen, heard, and developed,” said Sammy Gonzalez Zeira, CEO and founder of Young Musicians Unite. “Every dollar raised creates real opportunity and moves us closer to a Miami where music education is guaranteed for every child.”
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“Attending the YMU Gala was truly a highlight for me. The Havana theme is so close to my heart. It brought back so much of the culture and spirit that shaped who I am as an artist. But what moved me most was seeing the youth of Miami up there, representing Cuba with such pride, talent, and joy,” said Latin Crossover King and Grammy-winning Cuban superstar Jon Secada.
“As an educator ambassador myself, I know how powerful it is when young people find their voice through music and culture – and these kids have it,” Secada added.
Proceeds from the evening will directly support YMU’s in-school programs, including music production, jazz ensembles, drumlines, and more, delivered at no cost to students. This investment also will fuel YMU’s next phase of growth, expanding to serve an additional 4,000 students across 30 new schools, including its first expansion into West Miami-Dade and communities like Hialeah.
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