ON YOUR FEET! Estefans Headed For Broadway

Gloria Estefan

The Nederlander Organization and Estefan Enterprises, Inc are pleased to announce that ON YOUR FEET! – a new musical based on the life story of seven-time GRAMMY® winning international superstar Gloria Estefan and her husband, legendary producer-musician-entrepreneur Emilio Estefan – will premiere on Broadway in Fall 2015 at a Nederlander theatre to be announced, following a Summer 2015 World Premiere engagement in Chicago.

ON YOUR FEET! will be directed by two-time Tony Award® winner Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots, Hairspray), and choreographed by four-time Drama Desk nominee Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys, Memphis) with a book by two-time Drama Desk nominee Alexander Dinelaris (The Bodyguard Musical, Zanna

Emilio Estefan

Don't).  ON YOUR FEET! is the story of two people who—through an unwavering dedication to one another and their pursuit of the American dream—showcased their talent, their music and their heritage to the world in a remarkable rise to global superstardom.  Set to Gloria’s chart-topping, smash hits such as “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You, “1-2-3,” “Mi Tierra,” and “Conga,” in addition to new music penned by the Estefans, the show will bring a new sound to Broadway and get audiences on their feet.

ON YOUR FEET! is produced by The Nederlander Organization and Estefan Enterprises, Inc. in partnership with Bernie Yuman.  Now celebrating its 100th anniversary, the Nederlander Organization, led by James L. Nederlander, President, continues the tradition of operating historic theatres, as well as producing and presenting the best in theatrical entertainment and concert events.  Bernie Yuman, an illustrious figure in the entertainment industry and long-time friend and business associate of the Estefans, will serve as Executive Producer. Mr. Yuman produced and managed Siegfried & Roy, one of the most successful and longest running shows in Las Vegas.

Additional creative team members and casting will be announced at a later date.

With seven Grammy Awards and over 100 million albums sold worldwide, GLORIA ESTEFAN is the most successful Latin crossover performer in the history of pop music. In addition to her chart-topping hit songs "Conga," “The Rhythm is Going To Get You" and "1, 2, 3," among others, Gloria recorded the Oscar-nominated song "Music Of My Heart," and has received numerous honors and awards over the course of her illustrious career. She has been presented with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, named BMI Songwriter of the Year, and received an American Music Award for Lifetime Achievement, an MTV Video Music Award, two ACE Awards, and multiple Billboard Awards for her many chart-topping hits. Gloria has also been honored with the Ellis Island Congressional Medal of Honor (the highest award that can be given to a naturalized U.S. citizen), the Hispanic Heritage Award, and the National Music Foundation's Humanitarian of the Year Award.

EMILIO ESTEFAN is a world-renowned music, television and film producer who has been instrumental in shaping, developing and directing the careers of his superstar wife, Gloria, as well as Shakira, Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony and Jon Secada among many others. With a resume that includes over 30 Grammy nominations and 19 Grammy Awards, Emilio has experimented and pushed the envelope of blending Latin, pop and world rhythms creating a unique style and personality that has created chart-topping worldwide hits. It is this vision that transcends the music field and spills over into film, television, hotels and restaurants, among other business endeavors including being the first Cuban-born couple to own a minority stake in the Miami Dolphins, a major NFL Franchise.

JERRY MITCHELL received the Tony Award in recognition of his choreography for the 2013 Tony Award-winning Best Musical, Kinky Boots, for which his direction was also recognized with a Tony nomination. In the 33 preceding years, Jerry has been involved with over 50 Broadway, Off-Broadway, West End and touring productions. His Broadway debut as a choreographer, You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, was followed by The Full Monty (Tony nomination), The Rocky Horror Show, Hairspray (Tony nomination), Gypsy, Never Gonna Dance (Tony nomination), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Tony nomination), La Cage Aux Folles (Tony Award), Imaginary Friends, Legally Blonde (Tony nomination), which he also directed, and Catch Me If You Can. Most recently, Jerry received the Drama League’s Founders’ Award for Excellence in Directing and the George Abbott Lifetime Achievement Award from his peers. Twenty-three years ago, Jerry conceived and created Broadway Bares, a comedy burlesque show performed annually for the charity Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. He continues to serve as Executive Producer of Broadway Bares, with a book, website and satellite productions in Fire Island Pines, Las Vegas (Peepshow, in a five year run) and London (West End Bares).

SERGIO TRUJILLO is an internationally-recognized choreographer whose work has been seen all across North America, Europe and Asia. In 2011, Mr. Trujillo had the honor of having four shows simultaneously running on Broadway: Tony Award® winning Best Musical Memphis (OCC Award, Astaire, Drama Desk Award noms.), Tony and Olivier Award® winning Best Musical Jersey Boys (Olivier, Drama Desk, Dora, OCC Award nominations), The Addams Family and the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical Next to Normal (Lucille Lortel Award nomination). Additional Broadway credits include Hands On A Hardbody, Leap of Faith (Drama Desk, Astaire nominations), All Shook Up and Guys and Dolls (Astaire Award nomination). In 2010, he made his debut as a director with the rock musical White Noise at Chicago’s Royal George Theater, and directed and choreographed Flashdance: The Musical, currently on national tour. His Off-Broadway work includes Saved (Lucille Lortel nom.), The Capeman, Romeo & Juliet (Public), A Tree Grows in Brooklyn and Kismet (Encores!). His international credits include Disney’s Tarzan (World Theatre Award nom.), West Side Story, The Sound of Music (Stratford) and Peggy Sue Got Married (West End). In 2012, Mr. Trujillo was chosen by the Colombian government as one of the top 100 Colombians in the world.

ALEXANDER DINELARIS is currently represented in London's West End by the hit musical production of The Bodyguard at the Adelphi Theatre. Other recent works include his plays Red Dog Howls (New York Theater Workshop), Still Life (Manhattan Class Company), In This, Our Time (59e59) and The Chaos Theories (Shotgun Theater).  Alexander was nominated for two Drama Desk Awards for his work on the additional book and lyrics of the Off-Broadway hit, Zanna Don't!  Alex has recently written the screenplay for Birdman, the latest film by Academy Award nominated director Alejandro González-Iñarrítu, as well as the original screenplay The Year of the Monarchs.  Dinelaris is also currently writing and co-producing a new dramatic television series with Mr. Iñarrítu entitled, “The One Percent”.  Alex attended Barry University, where he was the winner of the Mac McKindree Scholarship for theatre.  Mr. Dinelaris is a member of the Writer’s Guild, the Dramatists Guild and NYTW’s Usual Suspects.

www.OnYourFeetMusical.com

Brian Kelley of Florida Georgia Line

Brian Kelley comes from the small town of Ormond Beach, Florida.  As a child, Brian always loved music but when Garth Brooks’ double live CD was released it became a huge part of his awareness of how an artist could pull such strong emotions out of the songs they were singing.  Lyrics have always been the biggest part of a song in his opinion.

His strongest influences include Brooks, Kenny Chesney & Casting Crowns.  “Even if the artists didn’t write the songs they sang, they made you believe it.  You feel like you know them through their songs.”

At age 16, Brian began to sing.  He would help out at his church’s youth band and to this day he is still very involved at Crossroads Church in Lebanon, that he calls home.

One of Brian’s other talents is baseball.  In the fall of 2007, he transferred to Belmont University to play on their team.  Before that Brian had played baseball for Florida State University and then Daytona State College.  His love of the game could not overpower his love of music.

While at Belmont Brian took a class on songwriting and soon after graduation, Brian began to go to local writer’s nights to become more involved in the songwriting community.  It is during this time where he met Tyler Hubbard.  They currently form the emerging duo, Florida Georgia Line.

In the fall of 2011, Brian signed to Big Loud Shirt as his first publishing deal. The guys have become extremely busy as they have been booked to play alongside some of today’s top selling live acts like Colt Ford, Brantley Gilbert & Corey Smith.

Since working with Big Loud Shirt, he has expanded his circle of co-writers and has written with notable writers like Bob DiPiero, Jason Reeves, Blair Daly and Josh Thompson.

In April 2012, Florida Georgia Line released their first single to radio, "Cruise."  The duo landed a slot on the Country Throwdown tour.  Their five song EP, "It'z Just What We Do" was released in May 2012.  A snowball effect of events lead them to sign a record deal with Republic Nashville in July 2012.

About Florida Georgia Line

Florida Georgia Line has skyrocketed since releasing consecutive, multi-week #1 smashes in the US and Canada with the GOLD-certified “Round Here,” PLATINUM-certified “Get Your Shine On” and 6X PLATINUM “Cruise.”

Breaking the record for longest #1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs Chart, “Cruise” has sold over 6.3 million downloads in the US alone and is the second best-selling Country single ever, according to SoundScan.

FGL is the only artist in history to join Brooks & Dunn in having their first three singles hit #1 for multiple weeks each. Poised to follow in the success, FGL’s new emotionally-fueled Top 5-and-rising single, “Stay,” showcases another side of their unique sound and tight harmonies.

Amassing international appeal, the duo recently crossed a new career threshold — tallying more than 10 million tracks sold worldwide from their debut album HERE’S TO THE GOOD TIMES (Republic Nashville), which has been certified PLATINUM in the US and GOLD in Canada. FGL has released a deluxe version of their chart-topping debut, HERE’S TO THE GOOD TIMES…THIS IS HOW WE ROLL, that features five new songs – including a collaboration with Luke Bryan – the “Cruise” (Remix) featuring Nelly; the making of the album and all official music videos with behind-the-scenes footage, as well as the unreleased video for “It’z Just What We Do.”

Comprised of Tyler Hubbard (Monroe, Georgia) and Brian Kelley (Ormond Beach, Florida), FGL is currently on their first headline run, HERE’S TO THE GOOD TIMES TOUR 2013, breaking venue sales records nationwide with sold-out shows on all stops to date. FGL has appeared on Chelsea Lately, Good Morning America, Conan, TODAY, The Voice, The Tonight Show, LIVE with Kelly & Michael, Jimmy Kimmel Live! and FOX & Friends as well as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

In addition to radio, sales and touring success, the talented twosome has been racking up several awards’ show nominations, including nods in the New Artist of the Year category. The hot newcomers have previously taken home ACA, AMA, ACM, CMA and CMT Music Awards and garnered multiple TEEN CHOICE nominations.

UM Frost School of Music Presents Festival Miami’s 2014 Season

Dawn Upshaw and Maria Schneider

Presenting its 31st Season this October 10 through November 8, the University of Miami Frost School of Music’s acclaimed Festival Miami -- Florida’s premier live music festival –stages a stellar line-up of acclaimed performing artists in a diverse blend of styles and cultural backgrounds. World-class instrumentalists, orchestras, singers, songwriters, composers and other musical icons showcase their artistic prowess alongside astounding faculty artists and students from the Frost School of Music. More than 25 concerts and events are organized into four genre themes: Great Performances, Jazz and Beyond, Music of the Americas, and Creative American Music.

Festival Miami’s 31st season opens on October 10, 2014 as The Frost Symphony Orchestra presents Made in America featuring Thomas Sleeper conducting outstanding works by American composers Barber, Bernstein, Creston, Ives, and Ruggles. The concert promises to be a memorable evening featuring internationally acclaimed saxophonist Dale Underwood and virtuoso violinist Michael Ludwig. Opening weekend also features a blend of classical, jazz and more by the masterful trio Time for Three on October 12. Then, an inventive new chamber group Pulse explores appealing repertoire by composers from around the world on October 15.

Additional Festival Miami highlights include renowned opera star Dawn Upshaw and composer Maria Schneider in the Florida premiere of their three-time Grammy Award winning project Winter Morning Walks with the Frost School of Music’s Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra on October 25. The following night, Grammy nominated cellist Dave Eggar, National YoungArts alumnus and U.S. Presidential Scholar of the Arts, performs and hosts a National YoungArts Foundation Interdisciplinary Showcase with fellow YoungArts alumni on October 26. For more information about the National YoungArts Foundation, visit youngarts.org.

Vadym Kholodenko

Festival Miami’s annual free Emerging Composers concert takes place on October 27. Acclaimed piano duo Genova and Dimitrov performs two-piano favorites on October 29, and Gold Medalist of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition Vadym Kholodenko offers a thrilling solo piano recital on November 4. Also in early November, the Frost Wind Ensemble presents an all-Gershwin program under the direction of Gary Green featuring new arrangements by Grammy nominated pianist and dean of the Frost School of Music Shelly Berg and Grammy Award winning violinist and artist-in-residence Mark O’Connor.

For Festival Miami’s Jazz and Beyond offerings, virtuosic duo Bass Extremes featuring bassists Steve Bailey and Victor Wooten perform a high-intensity opening week concert on October 14; steel pan virtuoso Leon Foster Thomas brings his unique Caribbean, jazz and Latin musical blend to the festival stage on October 16; and The Jazz Cruise All-Stars tear it up on October 17. For big band lovers, beloved vocalist Patti Austin performs a vibrant, high-energy tribute to Ella Fitzgerald with the Frost Studio Jazz Band on October 22 and celebrated jazz bassist, composer, arranger, producer John Clayton performs and conducts the Frost Concert Jazz Band on October 30. Then, remarkable jazz singer Gretchen Parlato appears November 5 with the spectacular Frost Jazz Vocal 1 Ensemble directed by Kate Reid, and performs a special duo set with Shelly Berg.

Patti Austin

Guitar fans are treated to two amazing guitar gatherings at Festival Miami 2014. First, classical guitar buffs will enjoy the ever-popular Concierto de Aranjuez and other guitar masterworks of Joaquín Rodrigo featuring guitar virtuosi Rafael Padrón, Rene Izquierdo, Isaac Bustos and Federico Musgrove on October 21. The following week, Festival Miami offers an exclusive Jazz Guitar Summit featuring acclaimed recording artist John Hart, famed Brazilian jazz guitarist Diego Figueiredo, plus the fresh, cutting-edge New West Guitar Group on October 28.

Festival Miami is also pleased to once again present a children’s afternoon concert featuring Parents’ Choice Award winners In The Nick of Time, this year on October 19. Festival Miami’s annual Songwriters Showcase—one of the most anticipated popular events at Festival Miami each year—features songs composed and performed by Frost School of Music students enrolled in the Bruce Hornsby Creative American Music program, on October 23.

South Florida concertgoers will also be treated to an unforgettable evening with singer, guitarist and music legend Jorma Kaukonen, a founding member of Jefferson Airplane, on October 24. Emilio Estefan presents a sensational new singer-songwriter Fantine in a fabulous fusion of Latin and Soul on November 1. Then, Guatemalan singer-songwriter Gaby Moreno, recipient of a Latin Grammy Award last year as Best New Artist, lights up the stage on November 6 with hit songs in both Spanish and English. Additional popular artists will be announced soon.

Festival Miami’s closing weekend is presented in collaboration with two other respected arts presenting organizations: Seraphic Fire as they perform Vivaldi: Gloria with the New York-based period orchestra The Sebastians, at UM Gusman Concert Hall on November 7 (tickets are available through the Seraphic Fire box office at 305-285-9060 or online at http://www.seraphicfire.org); as well as Jazz Roots—A Larry Rosen Jazz Series with Jazz Roots: Georgia on My Mind—Celebrating Ray Charles, staged at the Adrienne Arsht Center, also on November 7. This spectacular tribute program features an all-star roster of special guest artists, with exclusive arrangements featuring the University of Miami Frost School of Music's Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra. Tickets are available through the Arsht Center Box Office at 305-949-6722 or online at arshtcenter.org.

The closing night of Festival Miami 2014 features everybody’s favorite blues vocalist/guitarist Keb’ Mo’ on November 8. This Grammy Award winner and outstanding entertainer performs music from his latest album BLUESAmericana, plus hits from his illustrious 20-year career.

TICKET INFORMATION
Concerts are held in the intimate 600-seat UM Maurice Gusman Concert Hall, 1314 Miller Drive, on the University of Miami’s Coral Gables campus, unless otherwise indicated. Tickets start at $15 and several free events are also offered. Season packages will be available to the public starting July 21 and all individual tickets will be available to the public starting August 4th. For tickets and the full Festival Miami 2014 schedule, visit festivalmiami.com, or call 305-284-4940.

About Festival Miami
Festival Miami has set a precedent over the last three decades by providing a series that blends artistically and culturally diverse music with educational opportunities. The festival offers 20-30 concerts each season, providing for people of all ages the chance to be enriched by live musical performances. It is unrivaled in its scope of musical presentations and is known throughout South Florida, the U.S., and the international community for its cultural contributions while expanding academic opportunities and cultural enrichment to all of South Florida and its visitors.
The Festival’s concert series features the Frost School’s widely known artist-faculty and student ensembles, and an educational mission that includes children’s concerts, master classes, lectures, forums, and concerts that highlight historically significant events.
For a complete listing of concerts and to order tickets online visitfestivalmiami.com or email fmtickets@miami.edu for additional information. The Festival Miami Advance Ticket Sales Office phone number is (305) 284-4940. Hours are Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. All performances are held at the Maurice Gusman Concert Hall, located at the Phillip and Patricia Frost School of Music, 1314 Miller Drive, on the University of Miami’s Coral Gables Campus (unless otherwise noted). 

Meet JADE Passion!

Penetrating the scene with unrelenting talent, Jade Passion is fueled by the desire to reveal great music. The fiery siren is a singer, rapper, and songwriter which are the suitable elements of a triple threat. Passion’s feminine style, melodious tone and vigorous delivery equates to her being an authentic musician. Born Jemima Alberic this Nassau, Bahamas native hails from a lineage of talent. “When I told my dad I wanted to sing he revealed to me that my mom was the singer in the family,” explains Jade. After the great revelation of her mom’s gift the zealous star pursued her birthright with force.

Influenced by human emotions Jade uses this motivation to create music that is relatable to the average. The young lyricist’s music is crafted to soothe the human soul while entertaining them simultaneously. Jade’s music is an emotional trigger that induces positive expression. Her prevailing style demonstrates her desire to make her music specifically for activating an effect. “I love to see the smiles on people’s faces”. Other people’s lives inspire the rising icon to make music that evokes smiles and aural satisfaction. “I can’t seem to write about myself, but when I see something in someone else’s life that touches me I get the urge to make a song.”

Her intense style caters to the everyday lives and experiences of women, men both young and old. The vocalist has developed her music to not only encourage the emotion of love, but also create an uprising towards self-esteem. Jade’s goal is to empower her fans domestic and international without boundaries. Through her music she is focused on giving hope and teaching self-respect. “The message I’m sending in my music is high self-esteem, confidence, empowerment, love and respect, and self-confidence,” explains the song-bird. The young star has received positive feedback and support from her fans, which she so affectionately refers to as her “Passionate Friends.” Passion’s followers are not just regional she has gained a loyal following throughout the world. Her positive impact on her fans circulates a reciprocal effect giving her gratification from their support. “My passionate friends are well appreciated and it feels great that their support extends throughout the world. Although the language barrier is there they still manage to tell me how much they appreciate me and that gives me joy.”

Delivering a sound reminiscent of the resilient and empowering manner of many female artists of the 80’s and 90’s; Jade Passion releases her romantic song “My Baby’s World” a slow ballad with a clever sample of the popular James Brown Classic “It's A Man's World”. The talented artist’s music has no limits none in her opinion is better than the other, “I favor all of my music that’s the only way I would release them,” The emerging diva has already gained the attention of many fans local and international needless to see she is well on her way to being an global superstar.


Here is a brief interview conducted recently with Jade Passion:

FML: How old were you when you realized that you wanted to sing?

JP: I was eight years old when I started to sing. I was in school in the Bahamas and got a chance to sing the national anthem and it went well. I went home and immediately told my dad about it and he encouraged me to continue singing. 

FML: Have you had any formal vocal or musical training?

JP: Not really. I was a part of my high school chorus which was a very popular chorus (Boynton Beach High School) and got the opportunity to travel and sing extensively.

FML: If a young, aspiring musician approached you for advice, what is the first step they should take?

JP: Whatever you do be sure you love this music thing. it’s a lot of work and not just a hobby. It drains your pockets. In the end if you really love what you are doing you will enjoy it.

FML: Is there something that you would have done differently if given the chance? 

JP: I would have started pushing myself earlier. I would have taken time and made an effort to start my music career earlier in my life.

FML: Is there a particular venue (place) where you dream of performing?

JP: I don’t really have a particular place, but I want to be able to perform in front of millions of people. The venue is not important as long as there are people who have come to hear me sing.

FML: You are releasing a new EP soon. Will it include new material, and if so are the songs different than your previous works? 

JP: The EP contains all new material. There are six songs total and it is actually finished. Right now I am deciding on promotion and distribution of the EP.  The music is very different from previous work as it contains pop music, and some Compas. This EP will display much more of what I can do musically.

FML: Is there a musical goal that you want to attain next?

JP: The very next thing I want to do is put out a video for one of the songs on the EP. I don’t just want one of those videos that people can see on MTV from unsigned artists locally. I want the video to go far so that more people can hear about me.