BENISE was awesome
by lybra on 1/31/10Fox Performing Arts Center - RIVERSIDERating: 5 out of 5Music was just beautiful and the dancers very talented. I'd definately see again. They improve every time I hear/see them. Great Job Ron Benise!

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All the world's a stage, and the Spanish guitar is one of its greatest instruments. Benise is bringing his Flamenco-inspired pieces and tango-infused dance numbers to the stage, leaving all who hear him spellbound in his wake. Benise is a world-renowned guitarist who has brought his unique blend of Spanish guitar and world music to stages worldwide since the early 2000s. His 2022 tour, aptly named the "20th Anniversary Tour," showcases the best of Benise throughout the years by virtue of music and dance.
His passion for the guitar has taken him on an incredible journey from the streets of Omaha to busking in Southern California and finally to the world stage. Known as "The Prince of Spanish Guitar," Benise has been wowing audiences worldwide with his sizzling music and spellbinding dance for over two decades, rocking fans across the globe with his sultry blend of Spanish guitar and world rhythms, winning the hearts of millions of fans worldwide.
The result: a mesmerizing feast of sight and sound from which no audience member will ever want to escape. Benise has truly mastered an international style of music having been influenced by nearly every genre possible, with great depth and passion vibrating underneath.
Growing up on a farm in Nebraska, his devotion to rock music was palpable. That success was just a twinkle in Benise's eye before finally picking up flamenco music in 1994. From there, he met violinist Jim Sitterly, guitarists Gilberto Gonzales and Yussi, bassist Mychal Lomas, drummer Carlos Lopez, and percussionist CG Ryche and formed a band (also) called Benise.
Benise's sound is primarily influenced by flamenco music and incorporates elements spanning Brazilian samba, Cuban salsa, Parisian waltz, African drumming, and more. The magic happens by bringing together musicians from different countries to create a unique sound that melds their cultures through music.
A significant turning point in Benise's career came when PBS approached him to create a show for its "Great Performances'' series. He spent time writing and recording what would become "Nights of Fire!" -- which made its broadcast debut on public television stations nationwide in 2006 and subsequently won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Costumes for a Variety or Music Program.
Since its debut, "Nights of Fire!" has drawn in audiences of all types -- whether or not they have any familiarity with flamenco music. Dazzling lights, dancers and aerial performers make you feel like you're experiencing something transcendent rather than just listening to a concert.
Benise's ability to reproduce sounds from around the world makes him a force of nature. His original style has earned him worldwide recognition, while he continues to push the envelope. Don't miss out on this unique spellbinding performance and see Benise live when he comes to a city near you.
Music was just beautiful and the dancers very talented. I'd definately see again. They improve every time I hear/see them. Great Job Ron Benise!
The overall concert was great. The venue is amazing, great sound, historic. One of best venues we have heard a concert in. The performance of Benise and his group was very good, high energy, an amazing violinist, beautiful dancers. My girlfriend and I had a great time.
Excellent show with lots of energy. Dancers add a great flair and Karen on the violin is outstanding compliment to Benise's fantastic guitar playing.
First let me begin with the newly revitalized venue, Fox Theatre, absolutely gorgeous! Add Benise to the mix and it was a remarkably entertaining evening, it was not just a concert but a complete show that at times just makes you want to get up and dance. My husband was floored as he was not expecting much, we would definitely see Benise again!
Although my wife and friends really enjoyed the concert last night, for someone who has been there from the beginning and has seen Roni Benise at numerous venues over the years, the night was less than I had expected. Of course, everyone was talented and performed spectacularly. No one can deny that. And the Fox Theatre was the perfect venue unless you were in the upper balcony area and unable to see some of the performance. The bottom line is that what we have always liked and admired about Roni Benise is his guitar playing, which was overwhelmed by other talented musicians. It was a "Las Vegas" style show more than the true unique "Benise" guitar playing that we all love. There was no standing ovation at the end, unless I didn't see it from where I was. Also, it was sad not seeing his original musicians like C.G. Ryche. That was a disappointment.
High Energy Wonderful Musical Talent Very nice Dancers
great concert. Musicians are terrific and the dancers are wonderful
I first saw Benise about two weeks before the concert on a PBS program. I was just awestruck by the entire presentation. Information was scrolling across the bottom of the screen about Benise coming to Daytona. I checked for tickets and was able to get what I feel as two of the best in the house. I then showed my 16 year old daughter on YouTube and asked if she would like to see the show. Having seen Acoustic Alchemy and Ottmar Liebert ,she couldn't wait. From the very start of the show there was nothing but PURE entertainment !! The dancers really added to the experience. I wasn't able to choose a favorite ;) . The stage setting was very fluid to the show. We will be going again next year. I just hope it will be on a weekend night instead of midweek. I was a little embarrassed of all the pics my daughter was taking on her cell phone, but then, so were MANY other patrons doing the same. She will forever have the memory and isn't THAT what parents are supposed to give their children?
Exceptional show filled with beautiful guitar, violin, percussion, dancing. Took my 13 and 8 year old boys and they had a great time.
Run do not walk when Benise comes to town. The show is amazing and the performance spectacular. I brought my 15 year old son and he enjoyed it too.
Simply the best, Went last night and would go tonight if there were any tickets left!
great experience, beautiful music, great dancers! would highly recommend seeing this show.
Show was suppose to be "Nights of Fire" as advertised, and we did not see that particular show for some reason. Also, nothing to do with the performer, but there were several people including someone right in front of us who videotaped by their cellphone most of the show, and lots of flashing from cameras going on. Why have a large sign at the entrance that it's prohibited, and then not enforce it unless you complain. There were several ushers watching the show in the audience, and no one stopped it until we went outside in the lobby to complain twice. It was very annoying.
I met him a few years ago at the Sawdust Art Festival in Laguna Beach, CA. He was good then, he's kicked it up a notch and enjoying his best collaborations to date! I wish he would have had a grand piano live but overall thats my only misgiving. His troupe, himself, the set, the costumes and best yet the atmosphere they create make this show a must see!!! Raise your glass, clap your hands, and say SALUD BENISE!!!
Wonderful acoustic guitar playing accompanied by a superb violinist and dance group created a lasting impression of a nice evening spend at the Peabody.
This was the second time I'd seen Benise live. You need to become a part of the Benise family! That means you simply have attended a concert and you recommend the experience to another.
My husband and I had a wonderful time at the show. The performers were exciting to watch. The show makes you feel like you are in another place as the scenes and songs are captivating. Worth the outting.
Truly an electrifying, spectacular night of wonderful music and dance. LOVED IT!!!!!!!! Will definitely see it again and again!!
Benise was everything I hoped for. I first discovered Benise on the PBS channel. His live show was equally exciting as his TV special. I will definitely go back to see him next year if he returns to Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater or anywhere in the Southwest FL vicinity. Incredible show. Myself and my friends all want to go Latin dancing now.
Benise’s music jump starts your passion for love. Benise is the most brilliant performer you will ever experience. He spoke to his audience in a very humble demeanor, and said, “We began performing in the streets of California, and now we have moved in doors”. In my humble opinion, as I observed the standing room only turnout, I believe, Benise has moved into the heart of everyone who has listened to his outstanding personal collection of original works. Each piece is an emotional expression written as an auditory trip into the artist heart, as he experienced many different and unique countries. Benise is, medicine for the soul. The best part of my night, was having my wife next to me. Benise does not just give a great performance - He shares his music his love his life.