On the evening of Wednesday, June 4, 2025, the sanctuary of the Tribeca Synagogue in New York City was transformed into a vibrant concert hall as internationally acclaimed Mexican-American guitarist and songwriter Omar Torrez delivered a spellbinding solo performance to a packed and enthusiastic audience. Hosted by Anya Levitov of Verus Real Estate, the event was part musical journey, part cultural celebration, and wholly unforgettable. Torrez, a Los Angeles–based virtuoso, is renowned for his fusion of postmodern rock, Cuban and Mexican son, gutbucket blues, flamenco traditions, and soul-stirring songwriting—all showcased with jaw-dropping technical mastery on both acoustic and electric guitar. The intimate, acoustically rich setting of the Tribeca Synagogue—an architectural landmark designed by William N. Breger in 1967—provided the perfect backdrop for Torrez’s genre-defying performance and dynamic stage presence.
The night opened with “Marina,” a melodic and infectious song inspired by his wife. It quickly set the tone for the evening, as the crowd joined in, singing her name and establishing a warm, interactive rapport that continued throughout the performance.
Torrez’s music is deeply personal, rooted in family, identity, and heritage. He paid tribute to his father, Fernando Torrez—a singer who performed alongside flamenco legends Paco de Lucía and Juan Serrano—by dedicating the heartfelt tune “Whiskey in the Morning.” Originally written as a playful children’s song for his daughter, it carried layers of meaning that resonated across generations in the audience.
Other highlights included “Before We Are Dead,” “Burning Down,” and the tender ballad “It’s Over,” also dedicated to his father. One of the most poignant moments came when Torrez introduced “Lean on Someone,” a song inspired by today’s global political divisions. He used the moment to call for unity and compassion, urging the audience to reflect on the power of human connection in turbulent times.
Torrez’s influence—ranging from Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Wonder to Van Halen—could be felt throughout his performance, not as imitation, but as homage. His style remains wholly his own: passionate, eclectic, and technically brilliant. As Flagstaff Live once wrote, “Omar Torrez’s lysergic Latin guitar fluttered like a bossa nova hummingbird, a neon Andrés Segovia, with runs punctuated by Bill Frisell-style sustains and Hendrix-inspired air-raid siren chords.”
His impressive résumé includes collaborations with Tom Waits, Boris Grebenshchikov, and members of Buena Vista Social Club, as well as performances at major festivals and humanitarian tours. His record, A Night of Serious Drinking, produced by Tony Berg (known for work with Bob Dylan, Aimee Mann, and Public Image Ltd.), includes the award-winning single “Marina,” which placed third in the Latin category of the International Songwriting Competition in 2012.
More recently, Torrez has been working closely with Russian rock icon Boris Grebenshchikov, contributing solo guitar work to the 2020 track “Судьба (It’s Not Meant to Be)” on the album Sign of Fire and touring together through Israel, Spain, and Montenegro. He has also recorded a collaborative project with guitarist Eric McFadden in Cholula, Mexico.
The energy in the room was palpable from start to finish. Audience members clapped in rhythm, danced in the aisles, and sang along as Torrez delivered an emotionally charged, high-energy set that transcended language and cultural barriers. At various points, the sanctuary felt more like a street festival than a concert hall—a testament to the immersive power of Torrez’s music.
A Night That Transcended Performance
As the final notes faded and the standing ovation echoed through the sanctuary, it became clear that Omar Torrez had given far more than a musical performance—he had created a shared experience. Through his dazzling technique, heartfelt lyrics, and deep connection with the audience, he bridged continents and generations in a celebration of music’s power to unite.
The evening stood as a vivid reminder of the intimacy and transformative energy of live music at its best. In a world increasingly divided, Torrez’s concert was a moving call to come together—not just in song, but in spirit.
This was not just a night of great music. It was a powerful moment of cultural connection, personal reflection, and communal joy—an event that left the audience humming, clapping, and uplifted long after the last chord was played.
Meyer Harroch, New York Jewish Travel Guide
