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(Photo credit: Christopher Whitefox)
Miami’s music community arrived in style on Saturday, Apr. 26, as Young Musicians Unite (YMU) hosted its 12th annual gala at the iconic Mana Wynwood.
Themed Studio 54 Glamour, the evening brought together more than 700 philanthropists, community leaders, music industry professionals and music lovers for a night of disco-era sparkle and powerful purpose — raising $1.6 million to fund free music education across 65-plus schools in Miami-Dade County.
Since its founding in 2013, YMU has impacted over 25,000 students, offering access to quality music education regardless of socioeconomic status. The funds raised from this year’s gala will support programs for more than 12,000 students during the 2025–26 school year, helping to build brighter futures through music.
The evening was hosted by Kunya Rowley, and featured special appearances by Gala Chair Kaisa Levine, founder of Fridababy, and actress Gabrielle Anwar, known for her roles in Burn Notice and Scent of a Woman. Guests enjoyed a vibrant mix of gourmet dining, electric performances by YMU’s talented student musicians, and a disco-fueled dance party that channeled the spirit of Studio 54.
An outstanding group of leaders, artists, and innovators came together for the event.
Among them were Robert Pittman, chair and CEO of iHeartMedia and co-founder of MTV; Hugh Howey, celebrated writer and creator of the Silo book series; Shareef Malnik, investor, philanthropist, and chair of the InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball Gala; Roland Peralta, entrepreneur and co-founder of Nutrafol; Pedro “SP” Polanco, Latin Grammy-nominated producer and owner of BCHTA Records; Jesus “Malverde” Gonzalez, vice president of Creative Latin at BMI; Roberto Carlos “RC” Caranza, director of creative at BMI; and music industry executive Hector Mendez. Julio Bagué, vice president of the Latin Division, East Coast and Puerto Rico at peer Music also attended, further supporting the arts and education mission.
Several prominent elected officials were in attendance, including Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Patricio Suarez, M-DCPS District Supervisor of Performing Arts.
They took the stage during the YMU Graduation Ceremony to celebrate the success of the evening and honor the graduating students by presenting them with plaques.
District 8 Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins, District 9 Commissioner Kionne L. McGhee, Councilmember Linda Julien (Seat 5, Miami Gardens), District 7 Commissioner Raquel A. Regalado; District 11 Commissioner Roberto J. Gonzalez, District 1 Commissioner Miguel Angel Gabela, as well as Commissioner of the City of Miami Beach Dr. Kristen Rosen Gonzalez and M-DCPS District 4 Board Member Roberto Alonso also joined the event.
“What we witnessed tonight was more than generosity, it was a full-circle moment,” said Sammy Gonzalez Zeira, CEO and founder of Young Musicians Unite. “Many of our students began with nothing but raw talent, and now they’re growing into confident, creative leaders.
“This gala wasn’t just a celebration, it was a statement. We’re building a movement, and thanks to this community, it’s only getting stronger. And because of tonight, thousands more students will walk into school next year with instruments in their hands and music in their lives,” Gonzalez Zeira said.
The live performances highlighted the show, with student ensembles delivering crowd-pleasing renditions of classics like Let’s Groove Tonight and Forget Me Nots, culminating in a high-energy drumline finale that brought the room to its feet.
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