If you had told a young kid growing up on a farm in Ravenna, Nebraska, that he’d eventually be called the "Prince of Spanish Guitar," he probably would’ve laughed you off the property. Nebraska isn't exactly a hotbed for flamenco. But that’s the thing about Roni Benise. He doesn’t really follow the rules of geography or genre. Now, as he celebrates Benise 25 Years of Passion, it's clear that his "Rockmenco" experiment didn't just work—it became a global phenomenon.
Twenty-five years is a long time to keep any show on the road. Most bands burn out after five. Yet, Benise is currently trekking across the country, hitting spots like the Balboa Theatre in San Diego and the Lisner Auditorium in DC, proving that people still want that "Latin Riverdance" fix.
From the Streets of LA to an Emmy Stage
Honestly, the backstory is kinda wild. Benise moved to Los Angeles with visions of being a hair-metal god or a rock star. He had the electric guitar, the hair, the whole bit. Then he heard Spanish guitar on the radio, and everything shifted. He traded the Marshall stacks for nylon strings.
But LA clubs weren't interested. "Spanish guitar? Forget about it," was the standard response. So, he did what any hungry artist does: he hit the pavement. He started busking. He played flea markets. He played 225 shows a year. Eventually, the crowds got so big that the police had to move them along. That’s when he knew he had something.
The PBS Connection
You’ve probably seen him on PBS. Most people have. His 2006 special Nights of Fire! was the massive breakthrough, snagging an Emmy and introducing his "theatrical world music" to millions of living rooms.
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The current Benise 25 Years of Passion tour is essentially a "greatest hits" of that journey. It’s his eighth PBS special, and it’s a massive production. We’re talking:
- Flamenco dancers with enough foot-stomping power to rattle the rafters.
- Cuban Salsa and Brazilian Samba segments that make it impossible to sit still.
- A Parisian Waltz that cools things down just enough.
- Exotic drumming that feels more like a rock concert than a recital.
What Really Happens at a 25 Years of Passion Show?
Some critics call it "all hat and no cattle," but the fans? They couldn't care less. At a recent stop in Peekskill, New York, the audience was basically in the aisles. It's not just a guy sitting on a stool playing "Malaguena." It’s a circus. It’s theater.
One of the most polarizing parts of the show—and also the most popular—is how he treats rock classics. Purists might cringe, but hearing AC/DC’s "Thunderstruck" or Led Zeppelin’s "Kashmir" played on a Spanish guitar is an experience. He even does "Hotel California" with his frequent collaborator, Pavlo. It's weird, it’s loud, and it’s incredibly fun.
A Family Affair on Stage
There’s a weirdly tight bond in this crew. One of his guitarists, affectionately known as "The Milkman," has been with him for two decades. When you watch them perform, you can tell they aren't just going through the motions. There's a lead flamenco dancer who steals the show half the time, and a ballerina named Natalie who performs a hauntingly beautiful version of "Moonlight Sonata."
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It’s not all high-energy sweat, though. Benise usually takes a moment to play "I Will Always Love U (Bodhi’s Song)," a track he wrote for his son. It’s these intimate moments that keep the show from feeling like just another Vegas-style production.
Benise 25 Years of Passion: The 2026 Tour Dates
If you’re looking to catch the anniversary tour this year, he’s hitting a lot of ground. It’s a heavy schedule for a guy who’s been doing this for a quarter-century.
- February 7, 2026: Balboa Theatre - San Diego, CA
- February 14, 2026: Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts - Cerritos, CA (Perfect Valentine's date, obviously)
- April 11, 2026: KiMo Theatre - Albuquerque, NM
- May 29, 2026: Lisner Auditorium - Washington, DC
- July 10, 2026: North Shore Center for the Performing Arts - Skokie, IL
The tickets usually range from around $50 to $100, though the VIP packages are where the real fans go. You get a soundcheck experience, a meet-and-greet, and a chance to see the "Spanish Guitar Gallery" up close.
Why It Still Matters (The Nuance)
Look, Spanish guitar can sometimes feel like "elevator music" if it's not done right. Benise knows this. He’s explicitly said he wanted to push the boundaries of "Nouveau Flamenco." Is it traditional? Absolutely not. Is it technically the most complex flamenco in the world? Probably not—he's self-taught and can't even read music.
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But that’s the appeal. He’s a rock guy who fell in love with a different sound and brought that "big stage" energy to it. He’s an independent artist who built his own record label, Spanish Guitar Entertainment, and refused to downsize his show when labels told him it was too expensive.
What you should do next:
- Check the PBS schedule: Many local stations are still airing the 25 Years of Passion special during pledge drives. It’s the best way to see the full production value before buying a ticket.
- Listen to the "Strings of Hope" album: If you want the music without the flashy dancers, this pandemic-era record shows a much more stripped-back, emotional side of his playing.
- Secure tickets early for the California dates: The San Diego and Cerritos shows are notorious for selling out months in advance because that’s where his biggest street-performing fan base still lives.
Ultimately, Benise’s 25-year run is a testament to the fact that "passion" isn't just a marketing buzzword. It’s about a guy from Nebraska who decided that the world needed more Spanish guitar, and he was going to be the one to give it to them, one busking session at a time.