The soulful sounds of Latin America will fill Marlinton this fall as Miramar, a genre-defying ensemble celebrated for its innovative approach to classic bolero music, performs at the Pocahontas County Opera House at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8.
Taking its name from the Spanish phrase meaning “look to the sea,” Miramar embodies the romance and nostalgia the name evokes. The band channels the golden age of boleros while reimagining the genre for modern audiences.
Formed by Puerto Rican singer and songwriter Rei Álvarez, Miramar blends old and new influences into a sound that’s lush, cinematic, and timeless. Alongside vocalist Laura Ann Singh and pianist Marlysse Simmons-Argandoña, Álvarez crafts music that draws from 1950s harmonies, Mexican pop ballads, Cuban cabaret, and the adventurous “Bolero Beat” era – where bolero met bossa nova, rock, and funk.
Critics have praised Miramar’s sound as “an elegant invocation of heritage” (NPR), “lush and lyrical” (NBC News Latino), and “timelessly crafted” (World Music Central). Their performances have graced stages worldwide, including NPR’s Tiny Desk, GlobalFEST, and Lincoln Center’s Out of Doors series.
Audiences at the Opera House can expect an evocative performance showcasing Singh’s powerful vocals and Álvarez’s expressive delivery, supported by Simmons-Argandoña’s piano and a seasoned rhythm section split between Richmond, VA, and Brooklyn, NY.
Miramar’s recordings are released on respected indie labels including Barbès Records, Daptone Records, and Ansonia Records, reflecting the group’s deep respect for tradition and forward-looking artistry.
Tickets for the Nov. 8 performance are $10 for adults and free for age 17 and under, part of the Opera House’s commitment to accessible, family-friendly programming. Tickets are available online at www.pocahontasoperahouse.org, at the 4th Avenue Gallery in Marlinton, and at the door on the night of the show.
The Opera House Performance Series is presented with support from the WV Division of Culture and History, the WV Commission on the Arts, Pocahontas County Dramas, Fairs and Festivals, and the Pocahontas County Convention and Visitors Bureau.