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) Armed with his Spanish guitar and an amazing world class band of musicians, Benise pushes the boundaries of traditional Flamenco/Spanish guitar.

Benise is also the creative force behind the electrifying multi-cultural World Music and Dance Production: “Nights of Fire!” Airing nationally on PBS in 2007, Nights of Fire is an unprecedented and spectacular journey of music and dance through Spanish Flamenco, Cuban Salsa, African Rhythms, Argentinean Tango, and Brazilian Samba. Backed by a stage full of musicians, an orchestra, and 12 elaborately choreographed dancers, NIGHTS OF FIRE! captures world music at its best.

Just as his fiery melodies and high-energy rhythms weave a stunning tapestry of emotions, BENISE has always charted his own distinctive path. Since the age of eleven (when he received his first guitar), he 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 powerfully 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 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 2 to 3 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 redefined the ordinary and started to promote his own concerts, selling out 2,000-seat theaters throughout Southern California. Exceeding expectations, the shows became inspiring experiences that celebrate “Love, Music, and Life!” A natural performer, BENISE held audiences captive with exotic drums, Gypsy violin, Flamenco dancers, Cirque performers, Brazilian Samba dancers, Brazilian Samba percussionists, African tribal drummers, Havana horns, and brilliant theatrical lighting work together to create an unforgettable experience.

In addition to organizing stunning live shows, BENISE took his career by the reins by producing, arranging and releasing seven albums on his own independent record label, Rosanegra Music, plus two DVDs on Rosanegra Films. 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, France and Egypt. “It’s almost like writing a soundtrack to a movie,” notes BENISE, “but a lot of my songs tell a story so they’re perfect for the stage.”

“This is a great show for the whole family; I really think we have something for everyone,” comments Benise. “I hope that people will be inspired--by our story, the music, the production--and have the passion to follow their own dreams.”