Every sector of the Latin music industry will convene for the Billboard Latin Music Conference & Awards, presented by State Farm in association with AT&T, at the Eden Roc Renaissance in Miami Beach on April 25-28. Artist showcases are a highlight of the event. Here’s a quick look at who’s been booked, at press time, to perform.
Bogota, Colombia, native Aiko hosted a music TV show and sang in commercials before launching her music career. Now she’s proving she has international appeal, most recently with the merengue- and pop-inspired single “Romeo y Julieta.” She will play the Billboard pre-conference poolside party at 6 p.m. on April 25.
The Celia Cruz All Stars pay tribute to the late Queen of Salsa. With such songs as “La Negra Tiene Tumbao,” “Quimbara” and “La Vida Es un Carnaval,” the band is keeping Cruz’s memory and music alive. It will perform at the poolside cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m. on April 26.
Inspired to create motivational music, the members of Cultura Profectica from Puerto Rico combine reggae with salsa, bomba, ska and hip-hop, among other styles. They will play at the Billboard Bash at Mansion (1235 Washington Ave. in Miami Beach) at 8:30 p.m. on April 27.
Singer/songwriter/actress/dancer/producer D’Manti brings her theatrical background to her live shows. Debut single “Tonight” shows her flair for pop music. She will perform at the poolside cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m. on April 26.
Bogota, Colombia’s Don Tetto recently won big at that country’s Shock Awards, honored for best album, best rock artist or group and best radio song with its single “No Digas Lo Siento.” Don Tetto will perform at the poolside cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m. on April 26.
Lorenzo Duarte launched the new year with the single “Pa’ Lante Y Pa’ Tras,” a collaboration with Venezuelan artist Carlos Lion and Charly Zoo of Puerto Rico. He’ll perform at the pre-conference poolside party at 6 p.m. on April 25.
The duo of Dyland & Lenny take their urban sound to new heights with romantic rhythms. They will perform at the Billboard Bash at Mansion at 8:30 p.m. on April 27.
From the Dominican Republic, El Cata collaborated with Pitbull on “I Know You Want Me” and has worked with Shakira, Don Omar and Frankie J. He will perform at the Billboard Bash at Mansion at 8:30 p.m. on April 27.
Relatively new to the music scene, E-Donis (formerly known as Chapin) has worked with studio engineer Michael Sarsfield (Billy Idol, Red Hot Chili Peppers) and is now recording a new album due next year. He will perform at the pre-conference poolside party at 6 p.m. on April 25.
Having already worked as a producer with established acts, Danny Fornaris also is a radio DJ in Puerto Rico and working on his first album. He’ll perform at Radio Happy Hour, held poolside at the Eden Roc, at 5:30 p.m. on April 27.
J. Quiles was born in Bridgeport, Conn., and later moved as a child with his family to Puerto Rico where he developed his passion for music. A singer/songwriter with an urban style, he will perform at the pre-conference poolside party at 6 p.m. on April 25.
Former frontman of the group TK, Diego Dibos went solo in 2007 and is working on new projects in Miami. He will perform at the BMI Showcase, held at the Gibson Miami Showroom (180 NE 39th St., Suite 200, in Miami), at 6:30 p.m on April 27.
Holy Laion was part of Canadian reggaetón act Latin E-Mage in the late ’90s and is working now on his first solo project. He’ll play his bachata single “Sin Ti No Puedo” at the pre-conference poolside party at 6 p.m. on April 25.
Puerto Rican reggaetón artist Jadiel “El Incomparable” has collaborated with Don Omar, Tito “El Bambino,” Arcangel and Ivy Queen. He’ll perform at the pre-conference poolside party at 6 p.m. on April 25.
Puerto Rico’s Wida Lopez has launched her solo career. The singer/songwriter is energized with new material that’s sure to attract attention among fans who have followed her career since she was part of the group Porto Latino. She will perform at the pre-conference poolside party at 6 p.m. on April 25.
Venezuelan duo Los Aviadores have gained fans with their tropical style. The act will perform at the poolside cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m. on April 26.
Peruvian native Mia Mont is introducing her first single, “Por El,” which has been in rotation at MTV Latin America. Her fresh pop style with a dash of jazz, as heard on the single “Buscandote, is getting her plenty of attention. She will perform at the poolside cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m. on April 26.
Oh My Girls!, featuring Natti Nattasha, combines dance, pop, hip-hop and techno. Nattasha is the featured vocalist on a forthcoming bilingual album, on which the group will be joined by other guest singer/songwriters. The act will perform at Radio Happy Hour at 5:30 p.m. on April 27.
Nicole Montiel’s pop sensibilities stand out on her first CD, “Lo Mejor Que Me Ha Pasado.” The young artist, who infuses rock melodies in her songs, will perform at the poolside cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m. on April 26.
Proyecto Uno has an established following, but the band recently recruited new members. Nelson Zapata continues to lead the group, which mixes merengue, dance, house, hip-hop, R&B, soul and tropical. The group will appear at the pre-conference poolside party at 6 p.m. on April 25.
Singer/songwriter Rakel, who hails from Colombia, is causing a buzz as anticipation mounts for her 2011 summer debut album. “Milagros Organicos” is a vocally rich project with a strong production team behind the album. She will perform at the Billboard Bash at Mansion at 8:30 p.m. on April 27.
Formerly with Menudo, Rawy Torres is now determined to make his mark as a solo star. The singer is working in the urban-electronica genre, with tracks scheduled for release this summer. He will play at the pre-conference poolside party at 6 p.m. on April 25.
Singer/songwriter Sheenah’s eclectic style, blended with deep soulful sounds, is inspiring music lovers around the globe. After showcases in cities in the United States and other countries, the deep-voiced singer is ready to show her musical attitude through a range of Latin, Brazilian and Middle Eastern music. She will perform at the pre-conference poolside party at 6 p.m. on April 25.
Dominican Republic-born Sohanny has worked with Emilio Estefan in a style that combines several genres, from pop to merengue. She will perform at the BMI Showcase, held at the Gibson Miami Showroom, at 6:30 p.m. on April 27.
Syko “El Terror,” a native of Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, was barely a teen when he began his artistic career. His first collaboration with Los Capos led to other opportunities. The rapper/singer/composer, who has worked with Don Omar, will perform at Radio Happy Hour at 5:30 p.m. on April 27.
Juan Carlos Rodriguez and Evelyn Herrera bring their Latin pop harmonies to their fans as Tercer Cielo. He’s from the Dominican Republic and she’s from Phoenix. The duo has been proving that pop ballads have a far reach. The act will perform at the BMI Showcase, held at the Gibson Miami Showroom, at 6:30 p.m. on April 27.
Fabian Torres Ocasio performed with several groups in Puerto Rico and competed in a TV program that helped him reach a wider audience. Under Zamora Music Group and Sony Music Latin, the artist continues to build his following. He will perform at the pre-conference poolside party at 6 p.m. on April 25.
The band 24 Horas late last year released “Inolvidables,” showcasing a salsa- and tropical-inspired style. It will perform at the Billboard Bash at Mansion at 8:30 p.m. on April 27.
Abel Ullon’s journey from Paraguay to Kansas City, Mo., always focused on his love for music. He was so determined that he started showcasing his skills a street performer before winning a TV contest. He will perform at the Billboard Bash at Mansion at 8:30 p.m. on April 27.U.N.O.-which stands for Uniendo Nuestros Origenes-is Carlos Law and Pedro Dabdoub. The Mexican artists are uniting to put their experiences to music in their Huapango-pop genre. They will perform at the BMI Showcase, held at the Gibson Miami Showroom, at 6:30 p.m. on April 27.
California native Francisca Valenzuela plays music that ranges from piano pop to jazz and folk. On her latest album, “Buen Soldado,” her lyrics take on political and social issues and offer stories of humor and love. She will perform at the BMI Showcase, held at the Gibson Miami Showroom, at 6:30 p.m. on April 27.
Cesarec and Jimmy James, the duo behind the act Yerbakian from Honduras, have shared the stage with Daddy Yankee, Don Omar, Vicente Fernandez and Alejandro Fernandez. The reggaetón artists will perform at the poolside cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m. on April 26.