Excellent
by Laura on 10/16/23Duke Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater - St PetersburgRating: 5 out of 5We thoroughly enjoyed the Benise Fiesta show at the Mahaffey Theatre. He put on an awesome show with the music & dancers!

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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.
We thoroughly enjoyed the Benise Fiesta show at the Mahaffey Theatre. He put on an awesome show with the music & dancers!
My daughter and I were disappointed with the whole production! Some songs were good but the dancers, costumes were just ok. Won’t be coming back.
My husband and I loved Benisé! We had never seen it. The beautiful guitar, the dancers, the drums and bongs were amazing! We also loved the backdrop scenes. Being I'm Cuban I loved seeing parts of the Malecon of Cuba. We were thrilled to have seen it.
Just would recommend the guitarist, Benise, play some more traditional favorites such as Malaguena, Granada, La Paloma.
3rd time seeing Benise.... affordable event Always fun atmosphere!
Lots of energy. Good music. Great dancing. Thought music could be a bit louder. Patrons arriving late disrupted entire row in front of us for the opening number. Challenged the people already seated and found out the late comers were in the wrong section. Liked when the performers went into the audience.
Benise, it was a true pleasure to see your beautiful show and listen to your heart stoping music, I first saw you at the LA Fair and instantly knew you would go all the way. So glad I got to speak with you after the concert and take a picture with you, may your Blessings continue. A fan and friend; Sonia
Simply an invigorating energizing show. Outstanding musicians. Especially Benise himslelf.
Fabulous!!! First time for me. Would go again. He shows his appreciation for the fans!!! I love it.
Benise amazing talented musician and congrats for all the performers for a great show
My family and I enjoyed the concert very much but thought that it was a bit too short. Personally , I would have loved a better set decor or more exciting outfits for the guitar players and the rest of the band. However, these didn’t take anything away from the music and the dance.
I thought it was fabulous the music was tremendous he put on such a great show I would see it again and again I love the seating arrangement there isn’t a bed seat in the house and I love the ushers everyone is so polite and so professional especially the security you should be honored that you put on such a great presentation for your community I will go to this event and more events that you have over and over again thank you again for a lovely evening
This was so amazing show even my boyfriend who only like classical music enjoyed it very much it was fun exciting
From Beethoven to Led Zepplin, Benise covers it all with Spanish guitar. Fantastic show! Tjhe dancers were awesome as well. Lots of interaction with audience.
The concert was nonstop and amazing. The variety of music suited everyone in attendance. The dancers and costumes were beautiful. Benise related to the audience in many ways. I hope to see more of his concerts in the future. Thanks for a wonderful evening
Marketing is amazing for this show, and give you the idea of a professional flamenco show, the ballet is very versatile, but is not professional flamenco ballet, the choreography is well coordinated but they dont dance professional flamenco. Amazing guitar skills , amazing musicians, the ballet did well coordinated job and versatile. Its just the show does not deliver what is advertised. I feel mislead. We had 4 tickets, all of us had the same opinion.
Never expected this was awesome and beyond amazing talent and choreography and culture a must see if you get a chance wonderful show 👍👍👍👍👍❤️
Yes, I applauded your effort on the stage. My expectation was let down. Musical/choreography content did not give me Hispano shivers up my spine nor tears. I wanted to see the beauty of gypsy Flamenco dancers pound the floor accompanied by your musicians and vocalists. Show content was dominated by too much guitar and drums.
We went to the Fox Riverside and saw Benise! It was absolutely incredible! The performance was off the chart! Great venue, glad we caught it locally but would travel to see it again! Benise and his band and dancer’s were amazing!!! A must see!!
The stage was too small. The show appeared unrehearsed and sloppy. There was far too much promotion of books, cds, cruises and other merchandise. It was clear the show wasn't putting together by someone who produces stage shows.