Algo Nuevo

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS!

The Algo Nuevo Foundation was established as a 501c3 non-profit charitable organization in 2003. The philanthropic efforts of the Algo Nuevo Foundation focus on providing music therapy to the elderly population in South Florida. Through live music events, music therapy at residential living facilities, and inter-generational educational experiences, Founder Marisel Lopez provides culturally engaging and interactive programs that benefit the mental health and well-being of the aging population of South Florida.

Message from our Founder: “Our seniors are vessels in our community and Algo Nuevo works to provide them with entertainment to help them stay alive and give them a sense of hope that they still matter. Aging in America can be a lonely experience. It often means being placed in a retirement home, isolated from the rest of society. When our culture, obsessed with staying young, overlooks the senior citizens, it loses a source of wisdom that should be treated as a priceless resource. Algo Nuevo is here to show them they are loved and cared for through the universal language of music.”

Time and time again, music has proven to lift the soul. As Plato once said, “Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.”

OUR IMPACT

Algo Nuevo is composed of a group of inspirational musicians and skillful artists who have not only earned their reputation through their many active years in the local arts but also bring rich and important cultural competency to the South Florida community. 

From a holistic approach, music therapy can also be particularly beneficial in helping seniors improve their memory and cognitive skills. Music has been shown not only to produce a positive reaction when you hear music that reminds you of your past, but it can also conjure special memories and stimulate responses in seniors with dementia.   

OUR PROGRAMS

Music for the Soul

Every month, Algo Nuevo organizes live events across Miami-Dade at various venues, featuring a diverse lineup of talent known as Rescued Artists, all over the age of 50. Our Music for the Soul events strive to preserve Latin folklore by engaging the local senior community and reaching out to residents of living buildings, community centers, medical facilities, and retirement homes throughout South Florida, inviting them to experience the joy of live performances.

This program also provides a safe and welcoming space for the 50+ LGBTQ community, allowing these Rescued Artists an opportunity to perform and be seen for who they are and their artistic contributions. 

Each One, Teach One

The phrase "Each One, Teach One" is an African proverb that originated during slavery when Africans were denied education. When someone learned a skill or trade, it became their responsibility to teach someone else. The message is to spread knowledge for the betterment of the community. Our mission with this program is to spread the knowledge of music and the arts to the younger generation, despite economic resources. Algo Nuevo has helped students reach their potential through the power of making music and performing. This is another multi-generational effort as our Rescued Artists are the teachers to the students of this program.

#ConAmor

These last couple of years have been a stressful time for us all, but the senior citizen community may have more things to worry about. Those residing in senior living facilities are finding themselves unsure, scared, and isolated, but Algo Nuevo wants to make sure they are not alone. Founder Marisel Lopez, also a senior citizen, has greatly felt the effects of all this chaos and understands how this has affected them mentally. 

Since the start of the pandemic, Algo Nuevo kicked off a series of live band performances throughout Miami for the senior living communities, all while maintaining safety. Since then, the band has performed at over 16 facilities.