About Michael Stuart: International Salsa Star with Puerto Rican Soul
Born in New York City in 1975 to Puerto Rican parents, Michael Stuart is a dynamic international salsa sensation whose powerful voice and stage presence have captivated audiences across the globe. With deep roots in Latin music, Stuart's musical journey began at home, where he was influenced by his uncle, the renowned bandleader Israel “Timbalero” Stuart. As a young boy, Michael would play congas and maracas during rehearsals, sparking a lifelong passion for rhythm and performance.
Though he dabbled in hip-hop and rock, it was salsa legends like Héctor Lavoe, El Gran Combo, Andy Montañez, and especially Domingo Quiñones who inspired Stuart to pursue a career in tropical music. His extraordinary talent quickly caught the attention of the industry, and he began singing backup for icons such as Marc Anthony, Johnny Rivera, and Víctor Manuelle.
In 1996, Stuart launched his solo career with the acclaimed debut album Cuentos de la Vecindad, earning him titles like New Artist of the Year by Farándula magazine and a Lo Nuestro Awardnomination. His star quickly rose with follow-up albums like Retratos and Súbeme el Volumen, blending salsa with rock, R&B, and electronic influences, expanding his reach to Europe, Asia, and beyond.
A multifaceted artist, Stuart also shined on stage in the Puerto Rican production of Jesus Christ Superstar, earning the Best New Actor Award in 1998. He’s collaborated with musical giants including Eddie Palmieri, Tito Puente, José Feliciano, and Olga Tañón, and participated in legendary Banco Popular specials honoring Puerto Rican music heritage.
Beyond the spotlight, Stuart has been recognized for his leadership and service, named a role model for Puerto Rican youth and appointed spokesperson for Alianza para un Puerto Rico Sin Drogas. Today, he continues to electrify crowds worldwide, staying true to his cultural roots while pushing salsa into the future—one unforgettable performance at a time.
About Fabiola Muñoz Ortiz
Fabiola Muñoz Ortiz was born on September 30, 2003, in Santurce, Puerto Rico. At age 7, she received her first Puerto Rican Cuatro as a Christmas gift — a moment that marked the beginning of her musical journey. Shortly after, she joined the Dr. Francisco López Cruz Foundation, where she began formal training in Cuatro, solfège, and later Tiple, while also participating in summer camps exploring other instruments and folkloric dance.
By age 9, she was performing publicly with the Foundation’s Clasescuatro.com group and studying under Javier Alicea, expanding her repertoire with works by Maso Rivera, Nieves Quintero, and Ladí. In 2015, she was accepted into the Ramos Antonini Free School of Music in San Juan and joined the Conjunto Criollo led by renowned Cuatrista Maribel Delgado. That same year, she won a youth cuatristas competition and placed second island-wide.
In 2016, she joined the ELMERA Jazz Ensemble under Professor David Rivera. At just 14, she became the only ninth-grade and female member of the group to travel to the Berklee High School Jazz Festival in Boston, where the ensemble earned first place in their category. Fabiola made history as the first to introduce the Puerto Rican Cuatro to the festival, receiving both the Judge’s Choice Award and the Outstanding Musicianship Award. She returned in 2019, again earning the Outstanding Musicianship Award and helping the group place second.
Her performance career includes appearances with Residente, the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Adlan Cruz, and others. In 2020, despite the pandemic, she participated in virtual programs including Berklee’s “Five Week” summer program and a widely viewed holiday concert with Gilberto Santa Rosa that reached over one million views.
In 2021, Fabiola graduated with High Honors from the Ramos Antonini School of Music, receiving several awards including the Medal in Puerto Rican Cuatro, the Rafael Hernández Medal for Popular Music, and the APAOSS Ricardo Morales Sáez Scholarship. She is currently pursuing a degree in Jazz and Caribbean Music at the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico.
About Latin Music Project
Latin Music Project ~ Advanced Ensemble, including: cuatro, guitar, violin, vocal, percussion, and more. The advanced student ensemble participates in our annual National Cuatro Festival at the Harris Theater. In 2025, the festival will be held on Saturday, November 15.
Other performance opportunities include Navy Pier, Millennium Park, the Juan and Gladys Méndez Music Hall, special events at the PRAA Center, and many other stages across the City of Chicago.
Over the years, many of our students have reached advanced levels in their school orchestras and choirs and have been honored with citywide awards such as Chicago’s “Rising Star.”
The LMP curriculum spans a rich repertoire of folkloric and contemporary music from Latin America and the Caribbean. We also bring Latin Music Project classes to selected Chicago Public Schools, impacting more than 1,000 students annually.
The LMP Ensemble meets year‑round, twice per week for rehearsals and performs at events throughout Chicagoland.
