Medina

Tony and Mireya Medina's songs have been used as background for catfights on "Desperate Housewives" and catwalks on "Project Runway." But the duo, known as Medina, like being in the foreground on local stages.

"We love performing" and getting out of the studio, Mireya said.

Their acoustic act merges their vocals with Mireya on percussion and Tony playing guitar. The Miami Gardens couple blend pop, rock and country with Latin beats coming from Mireya's deft hand on the Spanish beat box the cajón.

The Cuban-American childhood friends grew up in Hialeah and teamed up personally and professionally when they married five years ago. Tony was already carving out a career composing for TV, while Mireya sang in local theater and taught ballroom dance.

They incorporate their past history of love lost and found into lyrics. The pair met as teens when Tony and Mireya's brother, Ruben, were in a cover band. The couple went their separate ways and were re-introduced 15 years later through a mutual friend. That same year, they eloped to Las Vegas.

"Some people think it's difficult for married couples to work together. Not for us. We share everything," Mireya said. "Sometimes we draw from personal experiences as a couple, our past relationships, the news, or from friends and family."

The couple has dropped two CDs and a third is due to be released this summer, to coincide with a Southeastern tour. Here at home, they're regulars at the local casinos.
- Sun-Sentinel