The music of the Dominican Republic is a gift to the whole world. These influential rhythms and melodies have been exported worldwide by tens of millions of its people throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia. This Caribbean nation has always been a special place as a breeding ground for new sounds and trends in popular culture, as millions have made their home in New York City and Miami, not to mention Chicago and Los Angeles.

Centuries ago, African and European rhythm and melody came together where Columbus first stepped ashore. What started as traditional music, a celebration of joy in the face of hardship, has evolved into worldwide phenomenon. What began in the D.R. has exploded into countless styles and genres, whether it’s called Merengue, Bachata, Latin, Afro-pop, or World Music. From such humble beginnings, these expressions of a nation’s genius are now performed on Miami street corners, Carnegie Hall, and on the mobile phones of Asian teens.

To capture this phenomenon, performed by those who brought this art form to the world, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Documenting an unprecedented concert tour of twelve of the Dominican Republic’s music pioneers, this documentary feature will introduce worldwide audiences to the influential music that evolved in the birthplace of the Americas.

Throughout this journey, Sol Caribe will showcase the distinct styles and sounds that originated here, through the eyes of the men and women who pioneered the sound. Through the personal stories and performances of the finest Dominican acts, we explore how the country’s wildly popular genres were conceived, and exported worldwide.

On this very island more than 500 years ago, the proud people here built the first cathedrals, universities, fortresses and roads in a land that would eventually be called America. These concerts took place in the very locations that marked the beginning of the New World.

Through a series of specially arranged performances, and improvised musical jams at these most historic places, we will witness a musical heritage that has never been comprehensively documented.

Sol Caribe is a celebration of culture expertly witnessed through the eyes of yesterday’s visionaries and today’s pioneers. Though the music of the DR is as wildly popular in Canton, Ohio, Spain, this will be the first film of its kind—a celebration of a vital form of Latin music through the experiences and recollections of the very men and women who have moved millions to their rhythms.