Imagining the Soundtrack of Charles Deering's World

Deering Estate presents Artist-in-Residence Susana Behar in concert - 'Imagining the Soundtrack of Charles Deering's World'

Charles Deering was a man of many interests — art collector, preservationist, industrialist, philanthropist and an avid traveler. His passion for exploration and deep appreciation for the arts were boundless. Yet, we don’t truly know what kind of music he loved or what sounds filled the spaces of his life.

In this unique concert, we invite you to imagine with us. Artist-in-Residence, Susana Behar, has created a soundtrack inspired by his world travels, his long stays in Florida—a place he cherished—and the rich cultures he might have encountered.

Please join us for an enchanting evening as we journey together through the places and times that shaped Charles Deering's extraordinary life and remarkable story - a celebration of travel, art, and a life well-lived.

So mark your calendars, we can't wait to see you there!

Date: Sunday, October 5th, 2025

Time: 6:00 - 7:30

Cocktail reception with the artists, right after the concert

The performance will take place indoors, inside the Visitor's Center Theatre at the Deering Estate

Featuring: Susana Behar (voice), Michel Gonzalez (guitar), Michael Font (percussion), Magela Herrera (flute and back-up vocals)) and Elvis Martinez (bass)

About the Artists

Known for her soulful interpretations and engaging stage presence, Susana Behar explores the rich tapestry of world music, blending Latin American, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and contemporary influences.

A Cuban-born, Miami-based vocalist, Susana has been rooted in the melodies of her Cuban Sephardic family and enriched by her years in Venezuela and Miami’s vibrant cultural landscape, bringing to the stage a deeply personal celebration of identity and global sound.

An award-winning artist, Susana has served as Artist-in-Residence at the Deering Estate (2023–present) and previously at HistoryMiami Museum (2020). She received the Florida Individual Artist Fellowship in Folk & Traditional Arts and has performed across the Americas, Israel, and Japan. Susana has released three albums: La Galana i la Mar (2009), At The Crossroads, Live (2016), and TAPIZ (2019).

Her music has appeared in films, radio broadcasts, and international collaborations, including the acclaimed documentary Adio Kerida, the National Arab Orchestra’s Layali al-Andaluz program, and the cross-continental dance work ANUSIM. Most recently, she performed at the Kennedy Center (2024) and the Library of Congress (2025) in celebrations of Jewish American Heritage Month.

Through her music, Susana builds bridges across cultures and generations, leaving audiences inspired long after the last note fades.

Michel Gonzalez is a Miami based guitarist, composer, arranger and educator. Born in Venezuela and raised in Spain, he studied classical guitar at Mayeusis Conservatory and jazz guitar at Estudio, Escola de musica in Spain. He was awarded a scholarship from AIE (Society of Artists and performances of Spain) to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he graduated Magna cum laude with a degree in Professional music. In addition, he took master classes with Pat Metheny, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Charlie Banacos, Jorge Pardo, and Barry Harris. In 2013, he was nominated by Latin Grammy Academy for participating as an arranger, producer, and guitar player in “Para ser un Sol” by Jesus Hidalgo.

Michael Font graduated from the National School of Music, Havana, Cuba in 1993. He has performed as a Percussionist with Oscar De Leon, Pitbull, “Norberto, Maricela y su Sexteto Caribe.” He has participated in the recording of more than 10 discography works joining different artists and musical groups from Venezuela and Cuba such as Tony Sciortino, Elvita Delgado, Havana Swing, Contraluz, Josefina Palacios, Elvis Quero, Ernesto Rodriguez, Jose A. Ocando, Aquiles Balbas, and Gilda Perez.

Elvis Martinez studied at the Jose Luis Paz Conservatory in Venezuela. He was a bassist in the Maracaibo Symphony Orchestra for 25 years, a member of the Huascar Barradas band, producer and arranger of several musical productions with Huascar Barradas and Alexis Cardenas, with whom he also toured internationally. Elvis Martinez is a composer and arranger of Venezuelan experimental music. He participated in the musical production "Identidad" by the famous Venezuelan cuatrista Miguel Siso, which was awarded a Latin Grammy in the "Instrumental" category. He currently participates in several groups where different musical genres are expressed, such as Venezuelan music and jazz, among others. He was a professor for 18 years in the double bass department of the Jose Luis Paez Conservatory.

Magela Herrera is a Cuban-born flutist, vocalist, composer, and recording artist who grew up immersed in both Afro-Cuban traditions and classical music, which she studied at the Conservatory of Music in Havana. Over the years, she has performed with renowned international artists such as Chucho Valdés, Hernán López-Nussa, Jan Eggum, and the Oslo Chamber Orchestra. After completing her studies at the Norwegian Academy of Music, she developed a distinctive sound blending Latin jazz and Euro jazz. The Latin Jazz Network has praised her as “a bonafide star” whose music blends beauty with mysticism. She is recognized as one of today’s most exciting female instrumentalists.

About the Deering Estate

Deering Estate, located at 16701 SW 72 Ave. in Miami, is a 21st Century house museum, cultural and ecological field station, and a national landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places, owned by the State of Florida and managed by Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department. Deering Estate is designated as one of seven Miami Dade County “Heritage Parks” which have a vital role in our community’s history, environment and in providing recreational and cultural experiences.

About the Deering Estate Foundation

For those who treasure the Deering Estate, who advocate for its preservation and wish to invest in its future, The Deering Estate Foundation provides opportunities for individuals and corporations alike to partake in membership, signature events, and one-of-a-kind experiences, all in service of providing vital funding and support to the Deering Estate. Through these efforts, the foundation fulfills its mission to uphold the legacy of Charles Deering's cherished 1920s-era property, to provide funding for the cultural, educational and recreational experiences it offers, as well as its significant scientific and archaeological endeavors to conserve its diverse flora, fauna and the eight native ecosystems that thrive on its 450 acres, and to ensure its longevity as a prized American heritage site. Established in 1989, The Deering Estate Foundation, Inc. is a community-based charitable 501(c) 3 Florida Corporation and the philanthropic partner of the Deering Estate. vxz

Cultural Arts Programming at the Deering Estate is made possible with the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners, and The Deering Estate Foundation, Inc. Our theater programming is also possible thanks to The Jorge M. Pérez Family Foundation’s CreARTE grant at The Miami Foundation.

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