On February 21, Young Musicians Unite (YMU) brought together top music industry executives, philanthropists, and community leaders for an intimate Gala Kickoff Dinner, hosted at the private residence of Michael and Stephanie Rosen on Hibiscus Island.

The evening successfully raised $93,500 to support free music education programs for students in Title I schools across Miami-Dade County, reinforcing YMU’s mission to empower young musicians in underserved communities.

A Night of Culinary & Musical Excellence

Guests were treated to a gourmet dinner crafted by Chef Danny Serfer, the executive chef and owner of Blue Collar and Mignonette, two of Miami’s most beloved restaurants. The evening also featured performances by two exceptional student bands from Young Musicians Unite, showcasing the raw talent and passion fostered by the organization.

However, the night’s most powerful moment came when Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kionne L. McGhee took the stage, sharing a deeply personal story about overcoming adversity with the help of one teacher who believed in him:

"Labeled early on with a 580 SAT score and told by my teachers that I wouldn’t make it, one teacher’s belief in me changed everything. Young Musicians Unite provides that same pivotal encouragement, ensuring every child realizes their worth and potential."

His words deeply resonated with the audience, reinforcing the transformative power of music education and mentorship—the foundation of YMU’s mission.

Notable Attendees & Key Supporters

The event attracted some of the most influential figures in music, media, and philanthropy, including:

🎶 Jason Flom – Founder & CEO of Lava Records, former Chairman of Atlantic Records, and criminal justice reform advocate, accompanied by his wife, Khaliah Ali (daughter of Muhammad Ali).
🎶 Kionne L. McGhee – Miami-Dade County Commissioner, former Minority Leader of the Florida House of Representatives, and guest of honor.
🎶 Richard Bressler – President, COO, & CFO of iHeartMedia, Inc., overseeing the nation’s largest radio broadcasting company.
🎶 James Minutello – Philanthropist.
🎶 Ken Seiff – General Partner of Blockchange Ventures, a blockchain-focused venture capital firm.
🎶 Leslie Zigel – Entertainment lawyer & Chair of Greenspoon Marder’s Entertainment, Media & Technology Group, representing top artists in music, film, and digital media.
🎶 Hector Mendez – Former owner of Studio Center and music industry executive.
🎶 Kate Gardiner – Founder & CEO of Grey Horse, a media and PR agency.
🎶 Jesse Kirshbaum – Founder & CEO of Nue Agency, a creative music agency.
🎶 Alex Kirshbaum – Partner at Nue Agency.

A Generous Contribution from Jason Flom

A standout moment of the evening was a $25,000 donation from Jason Flom, demonstrating the commitment of industry leaders to ensuring music education remains accessible to all students.

"When we started, YMU was just a handful of students and a belief that music should be for everyone. Now, we’re serving over 9,000 young musicians. Nights like this remind us that we are just getting started, and that this city believes in what we are building."
– Zach Larmer, Chief Operating Officer, Young Musicians Unite

Supporting Over 9,000 Students Across 61 Schools

The $93,500 raised will go directly toward Young Musicians Unite’s programs, which serve over 9,000 students across 61 Miami-Dade schools. Through partnerships with Title I public schools, YMU provides:

🎼 Free music education
🎼 Mentorship opportunities
🎼 Instruments for students in underserved communities

By breaking financial barriers, YMU helps young musicians reach their full potential, fostering creativity, confidence, and a lifelong love for music.

Looking Ahead: The 12th Annual YMU Gala on April 26, 2025

The Gala Kickoff Dinner set the stage for Young Musicians Unite’s 12th Annual Gala, scheduled for April 26, 2025. With the momentum from this extraordinary evening, YMU is poised to expand its impact and provide even greater opportunities for Miami’s next generation of musicians.

🔗 For more details and to purchase tickets for the upcoming gala, visit Young Musicians Unite.