Jon Secada, Karolína Kurková & More Attend YMU’s Gala

Photo Credit: Osmany Torres, Adrian Gonzalez, Chris Whitefox

Young Musicians Unite’s 13th annual fundraising gala featured performances from over 150 students across multiple genres, raising over $1.8 million.

Young Musicians Unite (YMU) held its 13th Annual “Havana Nights” Gala, one of Miami’s most impactful fundraising events this season. With a sold-out room of over 900 guests and performances from over 150 students, the event raised an impressive $1.8 million to support programming for over 16,000 students across 100-plus schools.

On Saturday, April 25, Miami’s music, arts, and philanthropic communities came together as YMU hosted its 14th Annual Gala at Mana Wynwood. The evening featured an immersive celebration inspired by the golden age of Havana, with performances from 150-plus students across jazz, rock, funk, and Cuban-inspired sets. Notable attendees included Grammy-winning artist Jon Secada, Karolína Kurková, Bob Pittman, Enrique Santos, and other leaders across music, media, and philanthropy.

Funds raised will expand access to free, high-quality in-school music education across Miami-Dade County, serving over 16,000 students annually across more than 100 school, and furthering YMU’s rapid expansion toward ensuring every child in the region has access to music education. Since its founding in 2013, YMU has reached over 37,000 students, providing free music education regardless of socioeconomic background.

This year’s event drew a diverse audience of community leaders, artists, and industry executives, including Kaisa Levine, founder of FridaBaby; Councilwoman Linda Julien; Homestead Vice Mayor Jenifer Bailey; Jesus Gonzalez, Vice President at Broadcast Music; Julio Bague, Vice President of Peermusic; Bob Pittman, Chairman and CEO of iHeartMedia; Richard J. Bressler, President and Chief Operating Officer of iHeartMedia; Enrique Santos, COO and President of iHeartLatino; Rebecca Fishman Lipsey of The Miami Foundation; supermodel and former Victoria’s Secret Angel Karolína Kurková; and Lisa Gersh, among others.

“This night is a reflection of what becomes possible when a community aligns around a shared responsibility to its youth. This is not just about music; it is about access, belonging, and the belief that every child deserves a chance to be seen, heard, and developed,” said Sammy Gonzalez Zeira, CEO and Founder of Young Musicians Unite. “Every dollar raised creates real opportunity and moves us closer to a Miami where music education is guaranteed for every child.”

“Attending the YMU Gala was truly a highlight for me. The Havana theme is so close to my heart. It brought back so much of the culture and spirit that shaped who I am as an artist. But what moves me most was seeing the youth of Miami up there, representing Cuba with such pride, talent, and joy,” said Latin Crossover King and Grammy-winning Cuban superstar Jon Secada. “As an educator ambassador myself, I know how powerful it is when young people find their voice through music and culture—and these kids have it.”

Proceeds from the evening will directly support YMU’s in-school programs, including music production, jazz ensembles, drumlines, and more, delivered at no cost to students. This investment will also fuel YMU’s next phase of growth, expanding to serve an additional 4,000 students across 30 new schools, including its first expansion into West Miami-Dade and communities like Hialeah.