Gipsy Kings Delight Miamians at Grand Opening CityPlace Doral

DORAL, FL — It's not every day that the world famous Gipsy Kings play a shopping mall but that's exactly what happened on Friday night as the Miami area welcomed its newest hot spot — CityPlace Doral.

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Described as a place where "Spanish flamenco and gypsy rhapsody meet salsa funk," the Gipsy Kings delighted Miamians at the grand opening celebration of CityPlace Doral with fan favorites like "Volare," "Hotel California," "Baila Me," and "Escucha Me."

Fireworks were planned for Saturday night and grand opening activities were expected to continue throughout the weekend.

Born in France, the Gipsy Kings sing in Spanish with sounds of progressive pop-oriented flamenco.

Jacqueline drove from Hialeah to check out CitiPlace Doral and stayed for the free concert.

"I like the atmosphere, the vibe that it has," she told Patch. "I like all the restaurants, the different choices."

Her 10-year-old son, Anthony, agreed.

"She was right. It was very nice," he added.

The Gipsy Kings started in southern France during the 1970s, when brothers Nicolas and Andre Reyes, the sons of flamenco artist Jose Reyes, teamed up with their cousins Jacques, Maurice, and Tonino Baliardo.

They took the name Gipsy Kings as they traveled around France, playing at weddings, festivals and well, living like gypsies.

Henry and Claudia have lived in Doral for 20 years and said that CityPlace Doral is a welcome addition with a number of new restaurants and shops in a stylish outdoor setting.

"Everything is great. we love it," said Henry.

For more information on CityPlace Doral and grand opening activities click here.

Photos by Paul Scicchitano