Rarely is an artist capable of touching the hearts and souls of people of all ages, cultures and diverse musical backgrounds as Benise (pronounced Buh-nes-say). For Benise, music has always been a journey…from his humble beginnings as a street performer, to performing around the world. “I wanted to push the boundaries of traditional Nuevo Flamenco/Spanish guitar while combining the elements of dance and theater. This show is a celebration of music, love and life,” comments composer, virtuoso guitarist and creative force behind the event, Benise.
“The Prince of Spanish Guitar” - Dancing With The Stars
“Bennissimo!”—Chicago News
“Extreme Flamenco Fusion”—Screen India
Since the age of eleven (when he received his first guitar), Benise practiced relentlessly—completely self-taught, mastering a variety of different styles that were eventually to become his own unique sound. Though unable to read a single note, he began composing original works with powerful emotional arrangements that are both wild and refined, producing a sound that is as edgy and exotic as it is romantic and sensual. “I’m always inspired by places I’ve traveled,” says Benise, “so I’ll try to capture the essence and beauty of the different places in my melodies. It’s truly like painting on air—creating colors and lush soundscapes that take people (and me) away to a safe place with no prejudice and no boundaries.”
Leaving his family and friends in the Midwest to move 1500 hundred miles away from home to Los Angeles with nothing more than his guitar, he held in his heart the encouragement from his parents to “work hard and have faith.”
After being turned down by almost every club in Los Angeles, Benise started performing on the streets. It was not uncommon for Benise to put on over 200 shows a year, sometimes playing two to three events in a single day. Tourists from around the world and native Angelinos alike took to Benise like the “Pied Piper” of Spanish guitar. From there, the path of his music took on a life of its own, effortlessly opening doors along the way to attract musicians, dancers and cirque performers, eventually creating the extended family that is now known simply as his namesake, BENISE.
Benise started to promote his own concerts, selling out 2,000 seat theaters through Southern California. A natural performer, Benise held audiences captive with exotic drums, Gypsy violin, Flamenco dancers, Cirque performers, Brazilian Samba dancers and percussionists, African tribal drummers, Havana horns and brilliant theatrical lighting to create an unforgettable experience.
In addition to organizing stunning live shows, Benise took his career by the reins by producing, arranging and releasing 15 albums on his own independent record label, Spanish Guitar Entertainment, plus six DVDs. The recordings capture the expressive Spanish guitar arrangements that stem from influences around the world, carrying listeners to such culturally rich destinations as Spain, Africa, Brazil, the Mediterranean, Cuba, India and Egypt.
“This is a great show for the whole family; I really think we have something for everyone,” comments Benise. “I hope people will be inspired—by our story, by the music, by the production—and have the passion to follow their own dreams.” Looking ahead to future tour dates, Benise adds, “I can’t wait to travel to new cities, meet new people, and play every night—it’s what I live for.”
Combining the Cultures of the World through Music and Dance!
