ABOUT

Born in Havana, Cuba in 1974, Mercedes Nodarse came to the United States at the age of 5 during the Mariel boatlift on May 5, 1980 with her mom, dad, and older and younger sisters.  At the young age of 10, her music teacher recognized her vocal talent and gave her what would be her first solo, in the school musical.

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That performance started Mercedes down a path that would have her singing in front of people from all walks of life, including two performances for Saint Pope John Paul II in 1993 at World Youth Day in Denver, Colorado and, again, in front of a crowd of 200,000 at St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City Rome in 1994.  It would not be the last time Mercedes would sing for a Pope.  She also sang during a private Mass with Pope Francis in Rome, Italy.

Mercedes has also performed at the White House for the President of the United States and has also represented the United States in front of world leaders in Paris, France for the inaugural Paris Peace Forum.

She was a special guest vocalist for Multi-Grammy winning percussionist, Chino Nuñez at The Arts Garage in Delray Beach, Florida in December of 2018 and once again at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida for an event sponsored by Discover The Palm Beaches.

In June 2019, Mercedes performed her first solo concert at the Be A Light for Andy Charity event, which she spear headed alongside her best friend to help raise money for a friend who was diagnosed with cancer. 

Mercedes has recorded and released 5 singles worldwide.  Her debut single, “Strong and Courageous” was released towards the start of the pandemic in May 2020 and was #1 on the Apple Music Top 100 Christian Songs Internationally for several weeks.  “I Want to Follow You”, was released July 2020, followed by “My Savior” on October 2020, and her latest single, “The Little Things” released September 10, 2021 and teaming up with MINIUSA and their 2022 MINI Takes the States event, Mercedes released “It’s Been a Long Time” in July 2022. “It’s Been a Long Time” made its Official Music Video debut at Fleur Field in Greenville, South Carolina for MINI Takes the States. 

In October 2022, published her first children’s book, “This Little Light” with Kindle Publishing. “This Little Light” is a delightful, colorful, and positive book based on scripture, that inspires children to recognize the light within themselves and shows them ways to spread their light in the world. And in January of 2023, Mercedes published her second children’s book, “I Love You” with Barnes and Noble Press and Kindle Publishing. This inspirational book combines colorful illustrations, simple language, and a beautiful message. A wonderful book to tell the child in your life how much you love them. And in August of 2023, Mercedes published her first hardcover children’s book, exclusively with Barnes and Noble Press, “There’s A Lizard Under My Bed!” Come along on a fun adventure to devise a plan for the lizard under the bed. Throughout the story readers learn fun facts about lizards and become part of the rescue mission to take the lizard home! Imagination and creativity surrounds the mission in an entertaining and humorous story that teaches problem solving, critical thinking, and care for living things.

Mercedes has collaborated with Levi Ware and the Melodic Caring Project through her “Spread the Love” campaign (buy a book and we give a book). “Spread the Love” supports families who have children battling illness by gifting them with inspirational and positive books they can share together. In addition, Mercedes is honored to join the Melodic Care Project as a Rockologist, sending music dedications to their rockSTARS through shoutout videos.

For several months now, Mercedes and the band have been working hard in rehearsals to bring their audience a brand new performance! "Rolling in the Deep - A Tribute to the Music of Adele" is an enchanting new show that skillfully blends the love of soul, pop, and songwriting with a deep admiration for Adele's musical legacy. This captivating production showcases Mercedes’ powerhouse vocals alongside Adele's timeless melodies, creating a compelling experience for audiences of all ages. Through a seamless fusion of soulful renditions and evocative storytelling, the show pays homage to Adele's Grammy-winning artistry while highlighting the unique talents and abilities of Mercedes and her multi talented band. "Rolling in the Deep" promises to captivate audiences, introducing both devoted Adele fans and new listeners to the Mercedes’ extraordinary vocal prowess and the band’s musical artistry. It's a must-see journey that brings together the magic of Adele's music and Mercedes’ own dynamic performance, promising an unforgettable evening of soulful celebration. Follow Mercedes on social media to be one of the first to find out the dates of their new show! Join the FAM CLUB and get an exclusive invite to a special LIVE performance in March!

When not performing on the road, writing books, or doing charity work, Mercedes can be found leading worship as a vocalist at Holy Name of Jesus Church in West Palm Beach, Florida on the weekends. She currently leads the singing on Sundays with a full worship band at 10AM and 12PM.