Retro, the latest spectacle at Faena Theater, is a get-upand-dance thrill ride through five decades of music, where funk meets feathers, Motown meets Madonna, and a live band plays like their hearts are on fire.
One of those musicians is Emiliano Torres, a trumpet player from Argentina whose career has spanned continents, genres and awards stages. A three-time Grammy winner, Torres brings not just sound but soul to Retro. “The music we’re playing, it’s like a history class,” he said. “You hear how music evolved from the ‘60s through the ‘90s. We’re paying homage to the greats of every era, and I think that’s what makes this show so powerful.” Torres’ journey began just after high school when he formed a band in Miami. “We did one concert, got signed, and got nominated for a couple Latin Grammys,” he recalled. From there, his trumpet became a passport to the world. He’s toured with artists like Ricky Martin, Fonseca, and Marc Anthony. He even played one unforgettable night with Prince. Most recently, his work on film scores—including The United States vs. Billie Holiday and a Bob Marley biopic—earned him another Grammy, a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination.
The band, a tightly knit ensemble of Cuban trained musicians including bassist Rafael Aldama, guitarist Alberto Torres, and drummer Yissy García, brings a raw, livewire energy to the stage. “They’re musical geniuses,” said Torres. “They don’t just play notes—they see music like a painting. I’ve always seen music through my eyes, not just my ears. And being surrounded by people who share that vision is pure bliss.”
The setlist punches through an evolution of timeless classics, from Stevie Wonder’s “Higher Ground” to Wild Cherry’s “Play That Funky Music,” The Beatles’ “Come Together,” and a Tina Turner medley that brings down the house. “You feel like you’re at a Tina concert,” Torres said. “Everyone’s on their feet, dancing and cheering.” When it comes to Rocky Lanes, the charismatic star of the show, Torres is effusive in his praise. “Rocky is the real deal. Her ear is flawless, her pitch is always there, and her range is on par with the greats. I’ve worked with the best singers in the world, and she’s one of them. When she’s on stage, you can’t take your eyes off her.” Aerialists Megan Stockman and Sylvia Dopazo elevate the show quite literally with jaw dropping aerial performances to tracks like “Ain’t No Sunshine” and “Summer Breeze,” whirling above the audience in a visual display of strength and grace. “Sometimes I watch from the side of the stage and I’m just in awe,” he shared. By the time the f nal notes hit, the whole room is dancing. “It’s funky, it’s cool, it’s sexy, it’s nostalgic. But more than anything, it’s mesmerizing,” said Torres. “Explaining it doesn’t do it justice. It’s something you must experience.”
