15 November 7-13, 2024 miaminewtimes.com | browardpalmbeach.com New Times | Contents | Letters | news | night+Day | CuLture | Cafe | Music | Glow Up Mexican singer-songwriter Caloncho brings his rhythmic sounds to ZeyZey. BY YUVAL OFIR O n his latest album, Tofu, Mexi- can singer-songwriter Calo- ncho serves a flavorful mix of tropical sounds and introspec- tive ballads, creating a truly dynamic listening experience. The Latin Grammy nominee has earned a reputation for his calming voice and organic style, using original lyrics to create peaceful and inspir- ing tracks. “I am sure that music heals,” says Caloncho, reflecting on his approach to music. “I want the listener to feel joy and coziness. We can get to great new thoughts and conclusions when nav- igating a comfortable song or piece of music.” The musician embodies that philosophy on Tofu, with sounds ranging from tropical bachata to elegant, rhythmic songs, covering a range of emotional tones from sweet to bit- ter, much like life itself. Caloncho is bringing his El Tour del Tofu to ZeyZey on Thursday, November 7. Open- ing the show is Costa Rican-American singer- songwriter CES, an endeavor by Cesar Paniagua that draws inspiration from the bio- diversity of the Costa Rican jungle and the cultural tapestry of Miami. CES comple- ments Caloncho’s organic and soulful sound, making for a perfect sonic pairing. Beyond his musical impact, Caloncho is also deeply committed to environmental causes. His Día a Día project, created in col- laboration with his management team, pro- motes sustainability by encouraging daily changes in consumption habits. “My favorite event of the year is a refores- tation we do in the summer in Mexico with our whole team and audience,” he explains, highlighting his hands-on approach to envi- ronmental action. As the project continues to grow, it fosters awareness and tangible posi- tive change. While Miami has a reputation for being on the rowdier side, Caloncho’s experience was nothing but positive while performing a show in the Magic City last year. “It was a great experience; lovely audience, so I’m stoked to be back,” he says of last year’s show. He appreciates the warmth and enthusi- asm of Miami’s audience, who he feels truly embrace his show. For an artist whose mu- sic often fosters a quiet, healing atmo- sphere, Caloncho’s ability to connect deeply with Miami’s vibrant yet diverse listeners stands out. With four Latin Grammy nominations, in- cluding “Best Singer-Songwriter Album” in 2022 and “Contemporary Pop Vocal Album” in 2024, Caloncho continues to impress crit- ics and fans alike. Don’t miss your chance to experience his soulful music live. Caloncho. 8 p.m. Thursday, November 7, at ZeyZey, 353 NE 61st St., Miami; zeyzeymiami. com. Tickets cost $39 via seetickets.us. Caloncho will be performing at ZeyZey on Thursday, November 7. Altiplano photo | CROSSFADE | ▼ Music Change of Venue War Memorial Auditorium reopens after $65 million renovation. BY JESSE SCOTT R emember War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale? It’s been offline for the past couple of years, but it’s reopening soon as South Florida’s newest midsized venue. The 3,400-person venue located in the heart of the city’s 93-acre Holiday Park will host its of- ficial ribbon-cutting on Wednesday, November 13. The revitalization has been five years in the making, a public-private partnership between the City of Fort Lauderdale and the Florida Pan- thers, the latter investing $65 million to restore and enhance the property. (Don’t worry, the midcentury modern façade remains intact.) “This really completes the circle of turning Holiday Park into an entertainment and recre- ations hub,” Bryce Hollweg, chief operating offi- cer of the Florida Panthers, tells New Times. “We have the Baptist Health IcePlex, the park itself, and now a go-to place for concerts and a night out. This building, in many ways, is a tribute to our fallen heroes, too. While it may have lost some of its luster through the years, we’ve brought it back to life while honoring and preserving its past.” War Memorial Auditorium originally opened in 1950 as one of the city’s first largest indoor spaces. Over the years, it hosted everything from U.S. presidents to rock icon Buddy Holly and world boxing champion Héctor Camacho. Earlier this year, and just in time for playoff watch parties amid the Panthers’ historic Stan- ley Cup run, the Bap- tist Health IcePlex opened. It includes two sheets of hockey- ready ice, the Federal bar and restaurant, a Pantherland team store, team offices, and more. The auditorium boasts 44,000 square feet of space, encom- passing a general admission floor space and a premium, seated mezzanine level. Paying hom- age to the past, there’s a soldier statue right in- side its front doors honoring Broward County servicemen and women. There are two plaques throughout its grounds as well, paying respect to Broward County veterans who served during the Vietnam War as well as one honoring those who lost their lives defending our country. “It really is a state-of-the-art facility that puts our community first,” says Hollweg. “Thus far, our players have really enjoyed the complex, too, with many driving their golf carts to prac- tice and more. It really is all first-class.” Live Nation is handling the venue’s booking. On the uniqueness of the space, Brittany Flores, regional president of Live Nation in Florida, tells New Times, “War Memorial Auditorium is the only ballroom of its kind in South Florida. It of- fers a unique mix of a GA floor and loge seating, giving fans an intimate concert experience while still being able to accommodate artists with larger audiences.” Initial shows booked for War Memorial Audi- torium include roots rock icon Melissa Etheridge (January 21); indie rock band Wallows (February 24), which features frontman-actor Dylan Min- nette of 13 Reasons Why fame; and alt-rock duo the Driver Era (March 7). On future bookings and all that may be ahead, Flores says, “We’re always evolving to meet market demand, and we’ll be looking to our fans for feedback. There’s always something exciting on the horizon as we continue to adapt and grow with the South Florida market.” War Memorial Auditorium. 800 NE Eighth St., Fort Lauderdale; 954-835-7080; ftlwarme- morial.com. [email protected] “IT REALLY IS A STATE- OF-THE-ART FACILITY THAT PUTS OUR COMMUNITY FIRST.”
