Mike Dawes is an English guitarist known for composing, arranging, and performing multiple parts simultaneously on a single guitar. He is regarded as one of the world's most creative modern fingerstyle guitarists, with a repertoire spanning original viral videos and popular arrangements, alongside mainstream chart success performing with Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues.

Dawes was named 'Best Acoustic Guitarist in the World' two years in a row (2017 & 2018) by Total Guitar Magazine & MusicRadar reader polls, with YouTube personality Rick Beato naming him 'one of the finest acoustic guitar players in the world.' His debut release, a solo arrangement of Gotye's 'Somebody That I Used to Know,' quickly became a viral hit with tens of millions of views. This success has been followed by hits like 'One,' 'The Impossible,' and 'Jump' across multiple video platforms.

His reputation has led to collaborations with GRAMMY Award winning artists such as Tommy Emmanuel, with whom he recorded the duet record Accomplice Vol. 3, and the GRAMMY-nominated metal band Periphery. Mike is also featured on multiple Justin Hayward live releases, including Spirits...Live, which debuted at #2 on the US Billboard Chart.

Beyond performing, Dawes has a strong reputation as an educator and session musician. He has acted as a columnist for Guitar World and Acoustic Guitar magazines and recently contributed electric guitars to the stunning soundtrack for Ubisoft's Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, as well as TV shows like AMC's Better Call Saul. His third studio album, Galactic Acid, was released in August 2024.

Be transported into the world of West African music with Derek Gripper, the South African guitarist who did what many believed could not be done: translate the intricate, interlocking music of the 21-string Malian kora onto a single six-string guitar. Guitar legend John Williams called the feat "absolutely impossible until I heard Derek Gripper do it."

Born in Cape Town in 1977, Gripper began formal training on the violin at the age of six and studied classical music for thirteen years before turning to the guitar. He then spent the best part of a decade transcribing the repertoire of Malian masters such as Toumani Diabaté, Ballaké Sissoko and Ali Farka Touré – note by note, from recordings – and rebuilding it for the classical guitar without losing the cyclical forms and contrapuntal weave of the original.

Across a discography of nearly thirty albums, his work has ranged from Diabaté to Bach to Arvo Pärt to free improvisation. He has collaborated with Diabaté himself, with classical guitar legend John Williams, and most recently with kora master Ballaké Sissoko; his string-quartet arrangements of Diabaté's music were premiered by the Kronos Quartet. Along the way he has won a Songlines Music Award for Best Africa & Middle East Album and played concert stages across Africa, Europe and North America.

We are excited to host Candlelight Concerts by Fever at the stunning mid-century modern Sanctuary Church in sunny South Florida. Set within the breathtaking ambiance of our unique historical landmark, these concerts offer an experience like no other. The unique architecture, along with the great beauty of our stained glass, creates a captivating setting for these performances. With a repertoire ranging from classical masterpieces to contemporary hits, these concerts cater to diverse musical tastes. Whether you're a returning guest or joining us for the first time, you'll discover an unparalleled connection to the music.

JAMES K. BASS, CONDUCTOR

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Timeless carols such as O Come, O Come Emmanuel and Adeste Fideles mingle with cherished European songs of the season, from France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and England, tracing their roots from the Medieval era to the flowering of the Renaissance. Ancient chant, radiant polyphony, and beloved melodies come together alongside contemporary seasonal favorites to create a luminous and reverent holiday atmosphere—a signature celebration of the season’s beauty and wonder.

BENISE - Spanish Nights by Candlelight Acoustic • Intimate Step into an enchanting evening where the passion of flamenco and the romance of Spanish guitar come alive beneath the warm glow of candlelight. Emmy Award-winning guitarist BENISE, known worldwide as “The Prince of Spanish Guitar,” invites audiences on a rare, stripped-down musical journey that showcases the heart and soul behind his spectacular productions. In this intimate concert experience, every note, every melody, and every emotion is brought closer than ever before. Surrounded by flickering candlelight, BENISE performs breathtaking arrangements inspired by musical traditions from around the world, blending Spanish passion with classical elegance and contemporary favorites. Audiences will enjoy unforgettable interpretations of beloved classics including “Moonlight Sonata,” “Concierto de Aranjuez,” “Malagueña,” “Hotel California,” “Kashmir,” and even “Thunderstruck.” From humble beginnings as a street performer to appearances on the nation's most-watched television programs, including Dancing with the Stars, BENISE's remarkable journey is reflected in every performance—filled with passion, perseverance, and artistry. "This is a show for everyone," says BENISE. "I hope audiences leave inspired—by the music, by the story, and by the reminder that dreams are worth pursuing." This special candlelight performance offers a rare opportunity to experience BENISE as you've never seen him before—up close, acoustic, and deeply personal. ✨ One Guitar. One Unforgettable Night. Limited Engagement – Select Cities Only Don't miss the chance to experience the magic of BENISE: Spanish Nights by Candlelight. Praise for BENISE "The Prince of Spanish Guitar" — Dancing with the Stars "Benissimo!" — Chicago News "Extreme Flamenco Fusion" — Screen India

A night of feel-good-music incorporating the Flamenco rhythms of Spain to the Belly Dance of the Mediterranean. Performing songs from his illustrious career to include selections from his 4 PBS TV Concert Specials and his 17 album releases. Pavlo and his band will entertain you as they take you on a musical journey of a lifetime. OPA!