Abstract Citizen showcases Miami’s multicultural influence through their original compositions and high caliber performances. Under the wide umbrella of “modern jazz,” the band composes, arranges, and creates a sound that is organic, honest, and fresh.&nbsp;Band founder Aaron Lebos, an accomplished and well-known guitarist and composer, has always been hungry for musical growth. A fixture in South Florida's music scene for over 25 years (touring with international Jazz vocalist Nicole Henry and composing for Nu Deco Ensemble amongst many others), Lebos found a new fire for his projects through a younger generation of Miami musicians – and Abstract Citizen was born. The group includes Marty Quinn on bass, Vania Junco on vocals, and Lucas Apostoleris on drums.

Jazz Encounters: Abstract Citizen

Internationally acclaimed bassist and composer Vincent Tsung-Yu Hsu leads the Soy La Ley Afro-Cuban Jazz Band to present Spirits From Both Sides, a captivating fusion of jazz and Afro-Cuban rhythms, bringing together celebrated musicians from Taiwan and the United States to create a unique sonic landscape inspired by Hsu's Taiwanese roots. Join us on a journey through a vibrant tapestry of sound as they perform selections from Hsu’s upcoming release, Spirits From Both Sides, which unravels intriguing parallels between Taiwanese folk culture and Afro-Latin spiritual beliefs, as well as his new works drawing inspiration from his latest visit to West Africa exploring the deep connection with Afro-Latin music traditions. The band features Vincent Tsung-Yu Hsu on the double bass, Reinaldo Melian on trumpet, David Fernandez on saxophone, guitarist Shih-Chun Lee, and drummer Kuan-Liang Lin.&nbsp;Experience the flow of a unique musical journey that blends genres and transcends borders!This is a special fundraising event for WDNA and is made possible with the support of the Taipei Cultural Center in New York and the Ministry of Culture of Taiwan.Sponsored in part by Miami Dade County&nbsp;Department of Cultural Affairs, Piano Music Center and Yamaha Pianos

WDNA Presents Vincent Hsu & Soy La Ley Afro-Cuban Jazz Band

Bruno blends his Greek and Venezuelan roots with the vibrant energy of his hometown, Miami, to create an expansive, deeply personal approach to jazz. His musical journey began at just nine years old under the mentorship of Nicole Yarling at the Jazz Education Community Coalition (JECC), later flourishing at the New World School of the Arts under Jim Gasior. At eighteen, Bruno brought his foundational passion for melody and ear-led improvisation to New York City. A recent graduate of the Manhattan School of Music with a degree in Jazz Tenor Trombone, Bruno has spent the last four years establishing himself on the competitive NYC scene, performing with distinguished young artists like Russell Hall and Nicolaus Gelin.

Jazz Encounters: Bruno Tzinas

LeNard Rutledge is one of the truly great jazz vocalists to emerge from Miami in recent years. Often compared to the legendary Lou Rawls, Rutledge's classy elegance is often permeated by the raw passion of his church choir background. Rutledge began not as a vocalist but as a percussionist, playing in the marching and concert band at Miami Central Senior High, and later attending Saint Augustine's University&nbsp;in Raleigh,&nbsp;North Carolina. He began his vocal career in 1997, after joining the famed Melton Mustafa Orchestra, becoming their featured vocalist for seven years. LeNard has performed at major venues across Florida and the US and has shared the stage with a number of highly acclaimed jazz artists such as Wycliffe Gordon, Kenny Drew Jr, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Kirk Whalum, Marion Meadows and the late George Duke.&nbsp;Jazz Encounters ticket holders are invited to arrive at 7pm to enjoy a pre-show reception catered by The Fish House. Students are invited to claim one of the limited free tickets and join the post-show jam session. Jazz Encounters is made possible with the support of the Miami Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, Musicians Discount Center, Piano Music Center and Yamaha Pianos.

Jazz Encounters: LeNard Rutledge

Ruben Caban QuintetJazz Encounters - Friday, May 8WDNA Jazz GalleryAward winning Puerto Rican trombonist Ruben Caban brings a unique blend of original music that can best be described as "Latin-Infused Hard Bop." From swing to funk, to Latin jazz blues and neo-soul, this fiery quintet is sure to encourage some dance moves with their infectious rhythms.Ticket holders are invited to arrive at 7pm to enjoy a pre-show reception catered by The Fish House. Students are invited to claim one of the limited free tickets and join the post-show jam session. Jazz Encounters is made possible with the support of the Musicians Discount Center and the Miami Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs.

Jazz Encounters: Ruben Caban 

A special fundraising event for WDNA! Samba Sunday, the hottest Brazilian party in South Florida, comes to Backyard in Ft. Lauderdale for a special edition - an afternoon of vibrant music, dance and food. Headliners Gafieira Rio Miami are an 11-piece big band founded and led by Latin GRAMMY winning bassist Diogo Brown featuring lively samba percussion, a swinging horn section, and the beautiful voice of Isa Duarte.&nbsp; They will be joined on stage by very special guest vocalist Jair Oliveira.Also performing a full set will be Samba da Antiga, a roots samba group that has been drawing crowds to their traditional "roda de samba" gatherings. Your admission also includes delicious buffet of "feijoada", a typical Brazilian dish with a black bean and pork stew, rice, collard greens, farofa and more. This afternoon into evening event will also feature samba dance lessons, DJ, gorgeous samba dancers, and surprise guests. This will be a vibrant, unforgettable event to raise funds for WDNA 88.9FM, South Florida's Community Public Radio station.1pm – Doors open/Drink Specials2pm – feijoada buffet &nbsp;&nbsp;4pm –samba dance lessons4:30pm – Show with Gafieira Rio Miami5pm – buffet closes6:30pm – Show with Samba da Antiga8pm – DJ

Samba Sunday 

Jazz Encounters with Trio de JaneiroFriday, March 13th7pm doors – 8pm showThe March 13th edition of Jazz Encounters will feature Trio de Janeiro, showcasing their unique blend of Brazilian jazz, samba, and bossa nova. The trio is comprised of accomplished musicians with Rose Max on vocals, Ramatis Moraes on 7-string guitar and the versatile Brian Potts on percussion. The spontaneity of jazz improvisation meets an authentic Brazilian groove that takes you straight to Rio de Janeiro.Rose Max, who came from a musical family, began singing professionally in Rio’s nightclub scene. In Miami she has earned seven Brazilian International Press Awards and Miami New Times Best of Miami. Songwriter, producer, and arranger Ramatis Moraes began studying classical guitar at seven and was performing professionally by twelve, soon backing major Brazilian legends such as Roberto Menescal and Tim Maia. He is now regarded as one of the leading Brazilian jazz guitarists in the U.S.Dr. Brian Potts is a versatile performer and educator connecting Miami and Rio de Janeiro. He studied classical percussion with Ney Rosauro at the University of Miami and now serves as the Artistic Director of Miamibloco, a community-focused samba group.

Jazz Encounters ft. Trio de Janeiro

The first Jazz Encounters of 2026 will feature stellar Cuban American pianist Kemuel Roig in the station’s intimate Jazz Gallery, Friday January 9th at 8pm&nbsp;A piano prodigy, Roig has performed with Arturo Sandoval and Al di Meola, among many others and was hailed by Chucho Valdes as “superman on the piano”.&nbsp;His most recent project, Take the “A” Train, features extraordinary musicians José "Majito" Aguilera on percussion and Manuel Orza on electric bass. This vibrant fusion of Latin jazz breathes new life into timeless jazz standards.From a high-energy rendition of 'Take the A Train' to a heartfelt bolero rendition of 'Sabor A Mí’, the album is infused with fresh interpretations and virtuosic improvisation, highlighting Roig’s ability to seamlessly blend tradition with innovation.Arrive at 7pm to enjoy the exhibition by artist Gabriel da Silva and a pre-show reception catered by The Fish House. After the concert is an open jam session, and students can&nbsp;claim one of the limited free tickets.&nbsp;Sponsored by Miami Dade County&nbsp;Division of Cultural Affairs, and Musicians Discount Center.&nbsp;

Jazz Encounters ft. Kemuel Roig

WDNA’s Jazz Encounters concert series presents The Purple Project.Spearheaded by Latin Grammy nominated pianist, Martin Bejerano, The Purple Project takes the very best of legendary artist prince and reimagines it in a jazz fusion context. Their eponymous album features fantastic and innovative arrangements, combining a live rhythm section with lush string orchestration, to create an electrifying homage to one of the most important artists of our time. The project features an incredible band of ace musicians, with drummer Lucas Apostoleris, bassist Marty Quinn, and South Florida legendary vocalist Nicole Yarling.Jazz Encounters with The Purple Project, Friday, December 12th at 8pmArrive at 7pm for a pre-show reception catered by The Fish HouseAfter the concert is an open jam session, and students can claim one of the limited free tickets.Sponsored by Miami Dade County Division of Cultural Affairs, and Musicians Discount Center.

Jazz Encounters ft. The Purple Project

WDNA is proud to present an evening of art and music in the station’s Jazz Gallery. Out of Place, a solo exhibition by artist Gabriel da Silva + a performance by international flute sensation Nestor Torres.&nbsp;Reception at 7pm with catering from Old Lisbon Restaurant&nbsp;Born in São Paulo, Brazil in 1983, Gabriel spent 14 years in Madrid before settling in Miami. His work is shaped by a life of constant displacement – from Brazilian Hip Hop and graffiti (including an early arrest at 18) to European masters like Bosch and contemporary influences like anime and street culture. “Out of Place comes from my own experience of living between cultures – a feeling shaped by Brazilian folktales, the wandering eyes of Gulliver, and the mischievous, rootless spirit of Macunaíma,” explains da Silva. “These stories taught me that you can be small and giant, foreign and familiar, lost and powerful at the same time. My paintings live in that in-between space where chaos meets invention, and where not belonging becomes a form of belonging.”&nbsp;Known for his engaging and inspiring performances, Nestor Torres’ rhythmic and mellifluous flute sound remains apart in a class all by itself. His 14 recordings as a soloist, 4 Latin Grammy nominations, one Grammy nomination and one Latin Grammy Award, collaborations with diverse artists such as Gloria Estefan, Kenny Loggins, Dave Mathews, Herbie Hancock, Tito Puente, Michael Camilo, Paquito D’ Rivera and Arturo Sandoval, as well as performances with the Cleveland, Singapore and New World Symphony Orchestras among many others, are testament to the remarkable journey of an artist who continues to grow and enrich the lives of those who experience his talents.

Jazz Gallery Arts Experience 

WDNA is proud to present acclaimed&nbsp;jazz-fusion power group&nbsp;Beast Mode Trio&nbsp;performing live in the station’s intimate Jazz Gallery.&nbsp;This performance will feature Tal Cohen (keyboards), Lino Dariel (bass), and Jonathan Joseph (drums), the trio combines an electrifying fusion of jazz, funk, soul, and improvisational mastery. Their individual and collective talents are showcased on their debut album,&nbsp;Something Like a Picture, released this summer on the InterCat Music label.&nbsp;Each musician brings touring and recording cred to the stage: Tal Cohen’s performances include Joe Lovano, Terence Blanchard and Greg Osby; Lino Dariel’s include Etienne Charles and Orquestra Akokán; and Jonathan "Hollywood" Joseph’s include Jeff Beck, Joe Zawinul, and Pat Metheny. Collectively their decades of experience combine to create exhilarating live performances.

Jazz Encounters with Beast Mode

WDNA'S Jazz Encounters is proud to welcome acclaimed guitarist, composer, arranger, bandleader, and musicologist Russ Spiegel live in the Jazz Gallery. Covering a wide variety of styles from rock, blues and funk, to Latin and hard-swinging post-modern jazz, Russ has been garnering rave reviews for his performances all around the world. "Channeling the spirited energy of hard bop with the progressive aesthetics of rock music, Spiegel carves out his own niche in the contemporary jazz scene” raves All About Jazz.&nbsp;The WDNA Jazz Gallery is an intimate space, ideal for live music, and a very limited amount of seats are available for sale. An open jam session takes place post-concert, and students are invited to claim one of the limited free tickets and bring their instruments. Celebrating its 15th season and hosted by Nicole Yarling, the Jazz Encounters series is sponsored by Miami-Dade County Division of Cultural Affairs, and Musicians Discount Center.

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