Bridging the Musical Divide: How a Nashville Designer's Vibrant Predators Jersey Celebrates Latin American Heritage

Thousands of miles may separate Tennessee and Venezuela, and the two locales may speak entirely different languages, but as different as local designer Valentina Harper's home city of Caracas may be to her current home in Nashville, they both most certainly share a common passion: music. As the Nashville Predators kick off their new Music Heritage series in conjunction with Hispanic Heritage Month, Harper's one-of-a-kind jersey design will ensure that shared passion is on full display.

Unleashing the Vibrant Spirit of Latin America through Hockey

Embracing the Colorful Essence of Latin American Culture

Valentina Harper's design for the Predators' Hispanic Heritage Night jersey is a vibrant celebration of the musical heritage that unites her Venezuelan roots with her adopted home of Nashville. Filled with a diverse array of instruments central to Latin America's musical identity, from guitars and bongos to trumpets and accordions, the iconic Predators crest comes alive with a burst of color and energy. "Latin American people, we are all kind of like bright and pop colors, we're loud, and every time I do any design, I want to represent that part of me," Harper explains. "Through my art, I always want to express that part that all Latin American people have too."

Bringing Joy and Resilience to the Forefront

Even in the face of adversity, Harper believes that music and color are the hallmarks of the Latin American spirit. "Even in hard times, like what Venezuela is going through right now, we always find a way to just introduce happiness and color and music in everything," she says. "Whether we're happy or sad or protesting for something, that's the best way to express that feeling of the Latin American people." This sentiment is reflected in the design's vibrant palette and the ornate treble clef note wrapped in floral elements, which serves as a subtle nod to the Predators' saber-tooth tiger branding.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Latin American Creatives

Harper's involvement in the Predators' Music Heritage series extends beyond her jersey design. For the past two years, she has worked with Conexión Américas, a local nonprofit that provides invaluable resources to the Latinx community in Nashville. "It's just really nice when you recognize Hispanic names, and for me, being able to inspire the youngest generation to be like, 'Wow, we can do that too,' is just great," she says, reflecting on the impact of last year's Hispanic Heritage Night jersey designer, Izamar Rodriguez.

Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion through Sports and Art

The Predators' Music Heritage series is a testament to the organization's commitment to celebrating the diverse cultural tapestry of Nashville and its surrounding communities. In addition to the Hispanic Heritage Night jersey, the team will also honor Pride Music Heritage, Asian & Pacific Islanders Music Heritage, and Black Music Heritage throughout the 2024-25 season. By showcasing the unique artistic expressions of these communities, the Predators are not only fostering a sense of belonging but also inspiring others to embrace their cultural heritage and share their stories through the universal language of music and art.