Grammy-Nominated Recording Artist and Frost Alumnus Raul Midón Dedicates Concert to the Late Dan Warner

Frost Music Live Signature Series is proud to welcome Frost School of Music alumnus Raul Midón, B.M. ’90, in celebration of the University of Miami’s Homecoming Week for a solo concert on Thursday, November 7, 2019 at UM Gusman Hall.

By UM News 10-24-2019

Raul Midón is a contemporary singer-songwriter whose impassioned acoustic guitar playing – a mix of rock, classical, and flamenco – has received as much attention as his smooth, relaxed voice. Blind since birth, Midón was born in Embudo, New Mexico, to an Argentine father and American mother. He began playing drums early in his childhood, before switching to guitar and experimenting with flamenco, jazz, and classical styles on his chosen instrument. He relocated to Miami to pursue a degree in Jazz Performance at the Frost School of Music, and while there moonlighted as a background vocalist for Latin pop recording sessions. Midón was a remarkable talent even then, and word quickly spread of his talent as a singer and guitarist, one inspired by a crop of artists including Hermeto Pascoal, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, and Bill Withers.

Along with releasing ten studio albums as a solo artist, he has collaborated with such heroes as Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder, and Bill Withers, and contributed on recordings by Queen Latifah, Snoop Dogg and the soundtrack to Spike Lee’s “She Hate Me.”

In speaking to his Frost School of Music education and experience, Midón stated: “I had an amazing experience and made lifelong friends. I also established lifelong habits - like practicing. My friend John Fournier said we need to write music too and I took that advice very seriously. I am very proud that my last two records were nominated for Grammys back to back and contained almost exclusively my original music.”

Raul Midón’s Homecoming Concert will showcase selections from his most recent Grammy-nominated albums If You Really Want, featuring the Metropole Orkest and directed by Vince Mendoza, as well as Bad Ass and Blind, a display of his highly personal blend of pop, jazz, soul, and funk.

This event is dedicated to Frost alumnus Dan Warner, one of Midón’s lifelong friends he met while studying at the Frost School of Music. Warner was a guitarist, producer, engineer, and songwriter who reached the pinnacle of the music industry. His work was often recognized, earning him a GRAMMY, five Latin GRAMMY awards, and an EMMY award. He served as Musical Director for the Latin Recording Academy, as well as served ASCAP among other organizations. As a songwriter, his catalog included songs like "Grace Kelly" from UK artist Mika and "I'm F@*&ing Matt Damon" from comedian Sarah Silverman for which Dan was awarded an Emmy award.

General Admission tickets are $40, Seniors 65 and over are $30, and student tickets are available for $10 at the door with a current student ID. Limit one (1) ticket per student ID.