LANVIN YOUNG ARTS
The National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts (NFAA) and the YoungArts program were founded in 1981 by the late Ted Arison, founder of Carnival Cruise Lines, and his wife, Lin. Mr. Arison, who had been an aspiring pianist in his youth, felt there was a desperate need in the United States for an organization that would encourage and validate young artists.
He also wanted to do something for Miami that would enhance its reputation and place it on the map culturally and perpetually.
“I think that the arts are the soul of our nation,” Mr. Arison said years later, explaining his motivation in establishing YoungArts. “I felt that the arts had almost become an endangered species. I realized, especially with young people, that [YoungArts will] insure the future of our soul.”
Since its founding in 1981, YoungArts has helped to support and nurture the careers of thousands of young artists. “This is beyond anything that Ted and I ever dreamed of,” Lin Arison said, reflecting back on YoungArts’ first 25 years. “It’s amazing. His dreams have definitely come true.”
The Young Arts & OCEAN DRIVE Magazine Present Live Performances by YoungArts Alumni
Kate Davis & Emmet Cohen
*Photo credits- Left:Kate Davis and Emmet Cohen Right: Pink Lanvin
Lanvin Paris with Lukas Klessig and Adriana Sassoon
Kate Davis
Growing up as a classical violinist, Kate experienced a variety of musical styles from age 5. When relocated to the Pacific Northwest in middle school, she developed a new passion for jazz and other contemporary styles. From then on, the upright bass and voice became her primary musical outlets.
Kate was nurtured by the supportive music community in Portland Oregon, where she was able to satisfy her hunger to learn and perform. Late in high school Kate achieved national recognition for her jazz bass and vocals. She was named an NFAA “youngARTS” Silver winner, accumulated four Downbeat Magazine Student Awards, was twice invited to the Brubeck Summer Jazz Colony, and was bassist in the Grammy Jazz Ensemble. She was also selected as a Presidential Scholar of the Arts, including a White House visit and a performance at the Kennedy Center.
Emmet Cohen
At 21, jazz pianist Emmet Cohen, a finalist in the 2011 Thelonious Monk International Piano Competition, plays with the maturity and confidence of a seasoned veteran. With astonishing technique and an innovative harmonic palate, Emmet engenders a deep musical bond with his audience. Cohen has shared the bandstand with a plethora of musical luminaries, including Christian McBride, Benny Golson, Joshua Redman, Dave Holland, Patti Austin, Maceo Parker, Carmen Bradford, Billy Hart, and many others. he is completing a music degree at the University of Miami where he studies with Brian Lynch, Terence Blanchard, Shelly Berg, and Martin Bejerano. Emmet regularly appears as a sideman and leader on both piano and Hammond B3 Organ in New York and Miami.
ADRIANA SASSOON 