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Elevate Cities in partnership with Guitars Over Guns, the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, and Young Musicians Unite, recently announced the six winners of Elevated Tracks 305, a first-of-its-kind competition inviting creators with a meaningful connection to Miami to compose an original song capturing the 305\u2019s spirit.<\/p>\n
The Adult Category top finishers:
First Place: Harold Valderrama (V12) (RUMBA)
Second Place: Hussein J. Abdala ft. Carlos Oliva (Miami Es Miami \u2013 305 Edition)
Third Place: Marti and Leah Dibut (Dance in Miami)<\/p>\n
The Youth Category top finishers:
First Place: Soleil River Nation, age 12, (Miami on My Tongue)
Second Place: Abigail Fundora (\u201cAbi-G\u201d), age 11, (La Gringa Tiene Tumbao)
Third Place: Skye Sconiers (\u201cSkye Aria\u201d), age 11, (DALE 305)<\/p>\n
Recognizing that today\u2019s young artists are helping shape the future cultural identity of Miami, Elevated Tracks 305 included a dedicated Youth Category to celebrate and amplify emerging voices. The category provided young creators with an opportunity to share their vision of Miami through original music and have their work evaluated alongside the city\u2019s established talent.<\/p>\n
In each category, first place receives $10,000, second place $2,500, and third place $1,000. The winning songs will be amplified through live performances as well as media and digital platforms in 2026.<\/p>\n
Miami-Dade is one of the most musically influential metro areas in the world. From Latin pop and hip-hop to jazz and electronic music, its sound has traveled globally. Yet despite its global musical influence, Miami has never formally adopted an official anthem. Elevated Tracks 305 was created to help change that.<\/p>\n
Elevated Tracks 305 received 135 original song submissions from creators across Miami and generated more than 3,800 public votes during the week-long public voting campaign. Finalists were evaluated by a distinguished panel of music industry leaders, educators, artists, and producers, with public voting accounting for 50 percent of the final score.<\/p>\n
The initiative is supported by iconic global artists and industry leaders with Miami roots, including Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Grammy-Award winning songwriter and producer Rico Love, Latin Grammy and Grammy-Award winning singer-songwriter Jon Secada; Latin Grammy and Grammy-Award winning songwriter and producer Rudy P\u00e9rez, and Latin Grammy award-winning producer, songwriter, and Frost School alumnus Danny Flores.<\/p>\n
The distinguished jury included Julio Bagu\u00e9, vice president Latin Division East Coast and Puerto Rico at peermusic; Chad Bernstein, founder and CEO of Guitars Over Guns; Sammy Gonzalez Zeira, CEO and founder of Young Musicians Unite, and award-winning faculty members from the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami.<\/p>\n
\u201cMiami\u2019s influence on music is felt around the world, and Elevated Tracks 305 is a chance to turn that influence into something lasting,\u201d said City of Miami Mayor Eileen Higgins. \u201cBy inviting artists of all backgrounds to create an original anthem, this initiative celebrates the diversity, creativity, and spirit that define our city. I\u2019m proud to support the efforts of Elevate Cities, Guitars Over Guns, the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, and Young Musicians Unite in bringing this vision to life.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kim Coupounas, CEO, Elevate Cities, said \u201cFrom the beginning, this was never just a music competition. It was an invitation for Miamians to reflect on what they love about this city and express it through original music. The response exceeded every expectation. These songs are a celebration of Miami\u2019s culture, creativity, and future.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe caliber of submissions we received speaks to the extraordinary depth of musical talent in Miami,\u201d said Reynaldo Sanchez, associate dean at the Frost School of Music. \u201cWhat impressed us most was not just the quality of the music, but the authenticity of the stories. These songs capture the many rhythms, cultures, and experiences that make Miami unique, and we are honored to have helped elevate these voices.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOne of the most inspiring aspects of Elevated Tracks 305 was seeing young artists compete on the strength of their ideas, artistry, and talent alongside established creators,\u201d said Chad Bernstein, founder and CEO of Guitars Over Guns. \u201cThese young musicians aren\u2019t waiting for permission to shape Miami\u2019s culture. They\u2019re already doing it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sammy Gonzalez Zeira, CEO and founder of Young Musicians Unite, said, \u201cThe Youth Category celebrates the incredible talent and creativity of Miami\u2019s next generation of artists. This year\u2019s winners showed that powerful music, authentic storytelling and meaningful ideas can come from artists of any age. Their voices are already helping define the future cultural identity of Miami.\u201d<\/p>\n
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For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami\u2019s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami\u2019s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.<\/p>\n
This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.<\/p>\n
Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami\u2019s culture. Whether you\u2019re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami\u2019s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https:\/\/communitynewspapers.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com<\/a> or Grant@communitynewspapers.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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