‘Havana Nights’ gala to benefit music education across county

Young Musicians Unite (YMU), Florida’s largest provider of free, in-school music education, will host its 13th annual gala, “Havana Nights,” on Saturday, Apr. 25, at Mana Wynwood.

Pictured at last year’s event are (l-r) Adele Valencia, partner, LSN Law PA; Zach Larmer, COO, YMU; Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava; Eric Greenwald, and Leonardo Valencia.

The immersive evening will celebrate the power of music, community, and culture while raising critical funds to expand YMU’s programs across Miami-Dade County public schools.

Current key partners include iHeartRadio as the official Media Partner, along with leading sponsors such as Live Nation, BMI, Seminole Hard Rock, ONErpm, Playing for Change Foundation, Lynn & Louis Wolfson II Family Foundation, and Roland Peralta Foundation.

Inspired by the golden age of Havana nightlife, the gala will transport guests into a vibrant world of rhythm, elegance, and tropical flair. Attendees are encouraged to dress in Old Havana-inspired attire, embracing bold colors, flowing silhouettes, linen suits, and vintage sophistication as they dance the night away in true Havana Nocturna style.

The evening begins with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., followed by dinner and performances from 7:30 to 10 p.m., culminating in a tropical dance party from 10 until 11 p.m. Guests will enjoy an electrifying lineup of live performances featuring YMU students, alumni, and special guest acts including Fourtune, Avalanche, Undercover, Jazz Collective, YMPA Jazz Ensemble, Miami Beach Rock Ensemble, and the Carol City Senior High Marching Band, among others.

The gala will be hosted by Kunya Rowley and chaired by Kaisa Levine, founder of Fridababy.

Levine, a Miami-based entrepreneur and philanthropist, founded Fridababy with a $5,000 investment and grew it into a globally recognized brand before its acquisition by S.C. Johnson & Son Inc. for $500 million. A passionate advocate for children and education, Levine brings her leadership and commitment to youth empowerment to this year’s event.

A special guest appearance will be made by actress Gabrielle Anwar, best known for her role as Fiona Glenanne on Burn Notice and her performances in Scent of a Woman, The Tudors, and Once Upon a Time.

Proceeds from the gala will support YMU’s ambitious goal of raising $2 million to provide free, high-quality music education to more than 15,500 students across 105 Miami-Dade public schools during the 2026–27 school year. Since its founding in 2013, YMU has served over 35,000 students, offering in-school programs that include rock ensembles, jazz bands, drumlines, songwriting, music production, and marching bands often in communities where arts education has been eliminated.

YMU’s 13th Annual Gala, Havana Nights will take place at Mana Wynwood, 318 NW 23 St., Miami, FL 33127. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at ymu.org/gala. Uber or car service is recommended.