Miramar

In most of Latin America, if you are by the sea, there is bound to be a place called Miramar (“Look to the sea”) close by. It will typically have a postcard view of the ocean – and if music is playing, chances are it will be boleros, the romantic music genre that originated in the late 1800’s that became an international music sensation through the collaborations of Puerto Rican, Mexican and Cuban musicians.

When Puerto Rican singer, Reinaldo Alvarez, was naming the group, he searched for something simple that would be familiar to Spanish speakers, a name that would reflect the humble poetry of everyday life. Miramar seemed perfect: a romantic snapshot of a place both familiar and far away from home.

Miramar captures that poetry through their music with new interpretations of golden-era boleros and original songs that infuse the bolero with a variety of musical influences. They are associated with the Nuevo Romantico movement and carry the torch of Bolero-Beat, a popular genre defined by its blend of traditional boleros, psychedelic funk, and rock.

The band features the “thrilling vocals” of duo Laura Ann Singh and Rei Alvarez - who is also the group’s main songwriter - and lead by pianist and arranger Marlysse Simmons-Argandona. Backed by a rotating group of all-star musicians on percussion, bass and guitar. Miramar’s shows often feature an accompanying string or chamber orchestra. They have collaborated with string players across the globe and been featured at multiple Symphony Pop’s Concerts.