The Community Arts Program (CAP) opens its 40th annual Summer Concert Series on Thursday, June 12, at 7:30 p.m. with a genre-defying performance by Hot Fiddle, the dynamic musical duo of violinist Ashley Liberty and pianist Daniel Strange. Held at the Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ, this season-opening concert promises a high-energy blend of classical virtuosity, bluegrass flair and jazz improvisation.
Hot Fiddle isn’t your typical chamber act. The performance will range from Vivaldi’s “Summer” from The Four Seasons to 1980s pop hits reimagined for acoustic instruments. Liberty’s centuries-old Italian violin brings tonal depth to every piece, while Strange’s jazz-rooted arrangements add unexpected twists to familiar melodies. It’s a concert designed to surprise, entertain, and invite audiences to reconsider the boundaries between genres.
Ashley Liberty, a classically trained violinist who performs regularly with the Naples Philharmonic and the Miami City Ballet Orchestras, is known for her expressive technique and stylistic versatility. Her career has taken her to international concert halls, and she has shared stages with world-class performers—from violinist Mark O’Connor to pop icon Shakira, including a memorable appearance in the 2020 Super Bowl halftime show.
Daniel Strange, an assistant professor at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music, leads the school’s award-winning American Music Ensemble and directs the MADE (Modern Artist Development and Entrepreneurship) program. He is a seasoned composer, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist, whose creative instincts are evident in every Hot Fiddle arrangement. Together, Liberty and Strange have performed with Broadway luminaries like Norm Lewis and Mandy Gonzalez, jazz legends such as Arturo Sandoval and Michael Feinstein, and folk icon Noel Paul Stookey.
Their chemistry is both musical and personal. Married since 2007, the couple have spent nearly two decades refining a performance style that is as intimate as it is electrifying. Their shows don’t simply blend musical styles—they fuse eras, moods, and traditions, offering audiences a concert experience that is equal parts sophisticated and accessible.
Hot Fiddle marks an energetic and boundary-pushing start to the CAP 2025 Summer Concert Series, which has become a mainstay in South Florida’s cultural calendar. Known for bringing world-class musicians to an intimate and acoustically rich setting, CAP concerts have built a loyal following over the past four decades. As with previous seasons, this year’s lineup reflects CAP’s commitment to musical excellence, education, and diversity.
The concert takes place at the historic church, located across from the Biltmore Hotel. Tickets for Hot Fiddle and other concerts in the series can be purchased in advance through the Community Arts Program website. Early attendance is encouraged, as seating is general admission and often reaches capacity.
The CAP Summer Concert Series is more than entertainment; it supports the CAP Miami Jazz Institute and other youth music education initiatives. By attending, patrons contribute to a broader mission of cultivating musical talent and accessibility for the next generation of South Florida artists.
Expect a night of surprises, toe-tapping rhythms and jaw-dropping musicianship. With Hot Fiddle opening the season, CAP once again reaffirms its place as a cultural cornerstone in Coral Gables.
