Roni Benise is an American self-taught guitarist from Nebraska who moved to Los Angeles in 1999 to pursue music. After being rejected by traditional venues, he began performing on the streets, eventually performing over 200 shows annually. His musical style fuses flamenco, salsa, tango, and samba with rock and African tribal rhythms, creating what he describes as "Nouveau Spanish Flamenco." Benise formed a band featuring violinists, dancers, and percussionists that developed a theatrical live show incorporating Cirque du Soleil-style elements. The group's street performances in Southern California built a substantial following, leading to sold-out performances in 2,000-seat theaters throughout the region. Rather than signing with major record labels, Benise established his own independent label and has released 17 albums and 8 DVDs. His live performances are characterized by elaborate staging combining Spanish guitar with international musicians, dancers, and theatrical production.