Pre-Valentine’s Day Concert Features Jazz, Romance & Chocolate February 9, 2018 in Miami Florida

 Valentine’s program of award-winning 

singers performing jazz renditions of 

romantic songs of the 1920 to 1940’s.

Gerardo Jose Ortega

A group of stellar singers best known for their work in opera, pop and off Broadway will don their jazz personas when step up to the microphone for “Midnight Radio,” a program of timeless classics.

The concert will be held Friday, Feb. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the United First Methodist Church of Miami.

 “I’m a classical singer who grew up in New Orleans and my first musical memory is from the classic jazz set,” says Geraldo José Ortega, the concert’s organizer, who is usually found on the opera and theater stage.  “I’m excited that, after years of planning, everything has fallen into place for a perfect musical evening,” he added.

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, Jennifer Zamorano, Megan Barrera and Celeste Higgins, all who 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 Theatre revue, “Tickling the Ivories.”

Zamorano has graced many opera houses, including the Florida Grand Opera, Miami Music Festival, Des Moines Metro Opera, Opera New Jersey, Vero Beach Opera, and many more.

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, Ryan Gardner and Charlotte Libov.

The event will also feature a meet-and-greet with the singers at an after-performance chocolate reception.

“Midnight Radio,” an occasional concert featuring music 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 or email gerardojose3@mac.com.