Mike Nastus

On Sunday, Global Arts Project presented its fourth and final concert in their free Artscape Concert Series this past Sunday in Collins Park. Maybe it was that it was such a glorious day, or perhaps people were in the mood for relaxation and great music, but Sunday in the park couldn't have been more perfect.

The theme for this iteration was Hispanic Heritage Month, and featured performances from Latin Grammy Winner Ed Callè and his Latin Jazz Ensemble and the renowned local Cuban band Timbalive.

Callè took to the stage first, backed by Eddie Trujillo on the guitar, Waldo Madera on the drums, and Rafael Valencia on bass. Initially the opening band was supposed to be Calle’s Student Jazz Ensemble, but as Callèpointed out in a comical tone tinged with a hint of sarcasm that all of his student’s were currently facing suddencatastrophesthat day and so he had to put the band together last minute.

The swiftness of his confession as to how he got the band got together was not apparent in their performance. Perhaps because the musicians had all played together before on Callè’sMambluealbum. IfCallè wouldn’t have shared with the crowd his last-minute rearranging, it's doubtful anyone would have been the wiser.

The ensemble played three songs to warm up the crowd, finishing up their set with a wonderful rendition of Errol Garner’s Misty. Callèinvited the audience to dance to the music and some did.

The turn out, which was less than stellar at the beginning of the show, began to grow as the music swept out onto 21st Street and Collins Avenue, drawing curious on lookers who stopped to hear true Jazz masters perform their craft.

Timbalive then took to the stage and their set was opened with an extended moment of silence for the Miami Marlin, Jose Fernandez, who had died in a Sunday morning boating accident just 20 blocks from the site of the concert.

The band then launched into Welcome to Miami, as the designated dance area right in front of the stage began to fill. More and more people flooded into the park as the sounds of trombones, bongos, and drums filled the air, accenting a truly beautiful Sunday in Miami. It was the perfect song for a perfect day and it reminded me why Miami truly is the greatest city in the country.

The clear blue sky, the palm trees, and the people dancing salsa made for a delightfulvisual and the sounds of Timbalive were so infectious that even the volunteers at the Voter Registration boothset up in the parkgot into the action. One volunteer held his sign and danced with a giant grin as he went through the crowd asking if anyone needed to update their voting information. Fellow volunteers grabbed each other and danced salsa.

At one point I stood by the little juice stand towards the back of the crowd and just watched as people drove by on their Citi Bikes, stopping to take Snapchats of the scene in the park. Dogs rolling in the grass by their owners and professional dancers with the band seemed to spun in unison. All of this was taking place under the Eternity Now sign hanging at the Bass Museum. It was one of those quintessential Miami sights that you can’t get anywhere else.

Timbalive played tight, never missing a beat, and interacted with the audience as if they were playing a sold out show at a big arena. With the musicianship and energy they displayed it is no wonder they have garnered the acclaim and following they have received in just a few short years.

It was a great day to be in the park, a great day to be in Miami, and a great day to hear some amazing live music. Kudos to Global Arts Project and The South Beach Group for putting on these free live shows, which displaythat Miami hasn’t lost any of its cultural vibrancy.

Find out more about Global Arts Project at www.globalartsproject.org