The vibrant rhythms of Havana will echo through North Omaha when Andy William & the Nebraska All Stars take the stage to close out the fifth anniversary season of Music at Miller Park. Their high-energy performance promises a sizzling celebration of Cuban music and multicultural connection.
Set for Saturday, August 9, this free concert is more than just the finale of Omaha Performing Arts’ beloved community concert series. It’s the further realization of a dream for band leader Andy William Gomez Lopez.
“I’ve always dreamed of forming a band to promote Cuban music,” William explains. “We’re not just a group of musicians. We’re a family. We come together from Cuba, Mexico, Panama, Venezuela, Colombia, and the U.S. to share something powerful.”
They share an explosive blend of traditional Cuban sounds layered with jazz, funk, and soul influences. “When the arrangements and the work we put in come together, the energy we share is something the audience can feel. The music is new and natural,” William says.
William credits the show’s dynamism to the prominence of Cuban music and dance, which remain at the heart of each concert they perform. Lead singer and Cuban music legend Onelio Pérez has performed in various orchestras worldwide for the past 65+ years. William has been involved with music since he was eight years old in Cienfuegos, Cuba.
“We feel it is very important for people to know and learn more about our culture through living legends of Cuban music, including our lead singer, Onelio Pérez. Together, we are rescuing and reviving songs from the 1980s,” he shared.
The orchestra also introduces Cuban music and traditions to young audiences through school performances and community outreach.
“I want young people to be curious about our music and culture,” William says. “In our orchestra, we blend cultures. Through that fusion, we show that there’s no difference between countries. Music brings us together.”
This spirit of unity and cultural pride makes Andy William & the Nebraska All Stars an ideal choice to close out Music at Miller Park’s milestone year. “It’s a point of pride for me,” William says. “Being part of this fifth anniversary celebration and sharing what we’ve created means so much.”
William hopes the audience leaves with one clear takeaway: “We want people to enjoy every moment and walk away having experienced a high-quality, memorable concert.”
