"My music is for all people", says pop-jazz flautist Nestor Torres, who makes clear that this principal has been a guiding light throughout his music career. And with hard work and determination, Nestor has gained great worldwide appeal as well as numerous acclamations and awards, as well as winning a Latin Grammy award.

Born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, Nestor Torres initially began playing drums at age 5. Then, decided to take up the flute at age 12. He then moved with his family to New York City where he would study at Mannes School of Music and later at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.

"With the help of my father, I was introduced to Cuban music. During the late 1970's, I began playing with many Afro-Cuban Charanga orchestras in NYC. It was a great experience and influenced my style of playing", said Nestor.

In 1981, Torres would leave New York City to make his home in Miami, Florida. "I hated the cold weather. But, I also felt a sense of searching for my musical calling that I was not feeling in New York", explains Nestor.

Throughout Nestor's career, his recordings have primarily focused on a sound known as "Smooth Jazz." Unlike his powerful "live" performances, most of his recordings are laced with simplistic sounds and melodies dwelling on this commercial musical approach produced in part by computer-generated sequencers.

"It is great to play live; but, making a record with "live" musicians is extremely costly as apposed to producing a CD with sequencers", explains Torres. "Plus, my goal was to expose my music to a wider audience; so, the "Smooth Jazz" sound was and still is an acceptable format that enabled my music to be heard by a broader audience."

Torres is not a traditional "Jazz" musician by nature. But he has special musical characteristics that allow for his music to flourish, especially within the framework of Latin Jazz--including: an acute lyrical awareness that comes from his classical music training; great technical dexterity on the flute which contributes to his excellent improvisation skills; plus, an extraordinary percussive approach that comes from his experience performing with Charanga dance orchestras during his early years in New York City.

Adding to his performance are his distinctive physical antics on stage that are unusual as they relate to the natural act of playing a flute instrument, but contribute greatly to the visual component of his performance; helping to fashion a musical story that creates emotions. Not just for his audience; but, like a great charismatic leader: inspiring his musicians to charge into battle; go beyond the call of duty.

"These movements are part of my persona and have always come naturally. It is my unique way of reaching out to my audience that not only listens to the sounds; but more importantly, arousing the senses and create an enthusiastic visual environment that firmly conveys the joy of my music", said Torres.

For close to 30 years now, Miami has been truly blessed with such a great musician being a part and contributing to the wellness and culture of our community. Nestor's flute continues to spread hope and happiness to those that are fortunate to hear its whimsical sound. His flute will make you dance, I'm sure! Go Nestor Torres!