Geraldo José Ortega remembers his first musical memory from growing up in New Orleans. The classical singer says it was a "classic jazz set" that stirred him.
Ortega is the concert organizer for a trip back in time to the jazz world of the 1930s through the 1950s, “Midnight Radio," set for Friday, Feb. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the United First Methodist Church of Miami.
“I’m excited that, after years of planning, everything has fallen into place for a perfect musical evening,” says Ortega.
LEFT: Sandra Marante, RIGHT: Gerard Jose Ortega.
Ortega, an operatic tenor who voiced the role of Tony in the Miami City Ballet’s recent production of “West Side Story Suite,” is one of the featured singers. The others include Vanessa Gentzschein, Sandra Marante, Megan Barrera and Celeste Higgins. They will be accompanied by the Kindred Souls Quartet.
Marante is a musical theater star who just filmed a role in the CBS-TV series “Bull,” and has performed in several operas and musical revues, including as the leading vocalist in the Stage Door Theater revue, “Tickling the Ivories.”
Barrera was the first prizewinner of the Saint Petersburg Opera Guild Competition and the Rochester Oratorio Society Classical Idol Competition, and has performed on many opera stages.
Higgins, is a criminal defense lawyer by day and a singer by night, performs in community theaters, blues bands, jazz ensembles, and church choirs, as well as Vinyl Answer, a rock revival band.
Additional performers include singers Rafael Almeida, Nicole Camejo, Kimberlee Cortiella, Rick Jazzed, and Charlotte Libov.
They will dress in the styles of the day and, audience members are encouraged to join in the fun as well.
The event will also feature a meet-and-greet with the singers at an after-performance chocolate reception.
“Midnight Radio,” an occasional concert that invokes the music and feel of popular eras, is part of the popular Downtowner Concert Series in Miami.
The United First Methodist Church of Miami is located at 400 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 33132. Admission is $15 at the door. For more info, call 786-266-5535, email gerardojose3@mac.com or go to www.dcsmidnightradio.brownpapertickets.com
