The Billboard Latin Music Conference & Awards, presented by State Farm in association with Pepsi, will feature talent from a global pool of artists who will be performing in Miami at various events throughout the week. Here’s a guide to those showcases.
MUSICAL RHYTHM PROMOTIONS “MAS Y MAS MUSICA” SHOWCASE, APRIL 22, 6 P.M.
Musical Rhythms Promotions will present the Mas y Mas Musica showcase at a pre-conference poolside event on the 19th floor of the JW Marriott Marquis Miami on April 22 beginning at 6 p.m. Musical Rhythms Promotions will also host a late-night celebration that same night at Blue Martini Lounge (900 S. Miami Ave., No. 250), beginning with red carpet arrivals at 11 p.m., followed by more performances. These acts are confirmed for the Mas y Mas Música showcase:
AlfaBeto, from the Mexican border town of Matamoros, Tamaulipas, is rapping his way into the hearts of fans, while the Latin music industry begins to take note.
Angello Black offers his own brand of music with a signature sound based in the Latin trance scene. Eyeing the EDM world, Black is reaching fans with songs like “Vamos Todos.”
New York-born Jae Camilo is proving her musical versatility. A fan of sounds ranging from R&B to pop, the urban bachata-inspired singer is creating her own musical path, singing in both English and Spanish.
The Venezuelan siblings known as DanyDayan bring a fresh take on pop-rock. The duo’s single “Sabe Bien,” featuring Cabas, was produced by Yasmil Marrufo.
JEO draws upon urban contemporary music in her repertoire and puts real-life experiences into her songs, with poetry and melodies that express her unique perspective.
Andres Marcell was born in France but has Colombian roots. The artist fuses pop and other rhythms into a mix that makes for an electrifying sound on such songs as “Latino Soy.”
Born in Venezuela, Victor Munoz has become a singer rooted in Caribbean music and romantic ballads. The tropical artist’s musical chops continue to thrust him into a bigger spotlight.
Cuban-born Pumva (aka Renier Aguilera) is a versatile artist who performs several genres, including R&B, reggaeton and hip-hop. The prolific songwriter creates music that makes people want to get up and groove.
Sean Riva, who began his career in Peru, is known for making sounds in the reggaeton style. The artist’s music has reached several countries, helping him continuously build a fan base. His brother Kevin Riva, who’s taking on the urban genre at age 15, collaborated with Sean on the album Los Insuperables.
Cathey Rod (aka Catherine Rodriguez), a singer/songwriter from Canada, is the niece of iconic artist José Luis Rodriguez (aka El Puma). Her musical influences include Shakira, Jennifer Lopez and Britney Spears.
BMI/PEERMUSIC/SONY MUSIC LATIN/BILLBOARD SHOWCASE, APRIL 22, 8 P.M.
A special tribute to Latin jazz and salsa legend Tito Puente by percussionist/songwriter/producer Edwin Bonilla will be one highlight of the showcase jointly presented by BMI, peermusic, Sony Music Latin and Billboard at the Stage in the Design District (170 NE 38th St.) on April 22 beginning at 8 p.m. The event will be hosted by MCs Tostao and Slow of ChocQuibTown. These are the additional artists set to perform:
Their identities are concealed with masks and they aren’t associated with any known musical genre, but A Band of Bitches and its futuristic sound recently proved to be gaining a larger audience at the Vive Latino festival in Mexico City.
Cuban-American singer/songwriter Kat Dahlia is known for her sultry vocals and unique approach to music by meshing pop, Latin and hip-hop with reggae influences. Her poetic lyrics tackle life, love and heartbreak.
Hailing from Monterrey, Mexico, rapper Nina Dioz is part of the new school of female MCs emerging from her native country.
Duo Rio Roma, featuring Jose Luis and Raul Ortega, began making music in its native Mexico. Known for their impressive songwriting, the siblings have written music with such well-known acts as Alejandra Guzman.
TOP SHOP MUSIC SHOWCASE, APRIL 23, 9 P.M.
The Top Stop music showcase will take place at Grand Central (697 N. Miami Ave.) on April 23 at 9 p.m. A special preview of Sergio George’s “Salsa Giants” film featuring Marc Anthony, Oscar D’Leon and Luis Enrique, among others, will be presented. Additional performers include:
Salsa singer Tito Nieves, who was born in Puerto Rico and raised in the United States, is known for singing in both Spanish and English. The award-winning performer has notched such hits as “I Like It Like That.”
Leslie Grace, who last year was the youngest female singer to notch a Latin radio No. 1, has a commanding voice that shines on her version of “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow.”
Bronx-born Toby Love, who has Puerto Rican roots, is best-known for performing music in the bachata style and combining it with traditional and urban elements.
Well before he even hit his teens, Jonathan Moly was already singing in a nurturing home filled with the support of his parents, actress Ines Maria Calero and singer/producer Miguel Moly. Their offspring is enjoying a thriving career as a pop/rock artist who also excels in salsa.
The five members of Miami-based pop band 5 Solz (Charly, Sky, Blu, Rio and Rome) are known for their catchy and sensual melodies.
CAPORASO ENTERTAINMENT ÂSHOWCASE, APRIL 23, 10 P.M.
The Caporaso Entertainment showcase will take place at Brickell Irish Pub (1451 S. Miami Ave.) at 10 p.m. on April 23. Here are the artists set to perform:
Singer/songwriter Lena Burke made a name for herself as a backing vocalist for some of the biggest music stars, but now she’s blazing her own path. A two-time Latin Grammy Award winner, Burke has been influenced by pop, rock and the traditional Cuban music of her native country.
Since singer/songwriter Jorge Luis Chacin’s Latin Grammy nominations, his place in the music world has changed. The Venezuelan-born artist has had songs recorded by the likes of Ricardo Arjona, Gilberto Santa Rosa and Prince Royce.
Rapper Magic Juan, the son of Dominican parents, was born and raised in New York. After winning music contests in his youth, the entertainer has never looked back as he’s traveled the world to showcase his work.
Puerto Rican band La Quilombera fuses rock and folk from the Caribbean and South America. Mix in urban and contemporary sounds and the band’s repertoire makes for a riveting musical experience.
Marger can hold her own when it comes to commanding compositions usually reserved for iconic voices like Etta James, Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston, “who was my inspiration to become an artist,” says the singer, known for her ability to perform in multiple genres.
Argentine pop singer Ale Ortega released his first album in 2008, and soon after his songs were heard on radio stations in Holland, Spain and Latin America. He has also shared the stage with such well-known artists as Spanish crooner Alejandro Sanz.
Producer/songwriter Lulo Perez, born in Cuba, is an arranger and multi-instrumentalist who has written tracks for Ricky Martin and Alexandre Pires. Perez also co-produced the Grammy-winning album “No Es Lo Mismo” with singer/songwriter Alejandro Sanz.
ASCAP LATIN SHOWCASE, APRIL 24, 6:30 P.M.
The ASCAP Latin showcase, taking place at Yuca (501 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach) at 6:30 p.m. on April 24, will showcase Lena Burke and the following artists:
Kany Garcia, who is scheduled to participate in the “Latin’s Leading Ladies” panel during the Billboard Latin Conference, is part of a new generation of pop singers. A highly skilled songwriter with a strong voice, the Puerto Rican artist tackles everything from love to social issues in her songs.
Costa Rican singer/songwriter Debi Nova has participated in seven Grammy-nominated projects. She has been performing her own music since she was 14 and signed her first songwriting contract at 17. Since then, she has collaborated with artists including the Black Eyed Peas, Ricky Martin and Mark Ronson.
Mariana Vega, whose first album was produced by Sebastian Krys, has had a successful career in her native Venezuela and beyond. Her influences include Spanish ballads, Latin music and British pop.
BILLBOARD BASH, APRIL 24, 8:30 P.M.
The Billboard Bash will heat things up at the Cameo Nightclub (1445 Washington Ave., Miami Beach) beginning at 8:30 p.m. on April 24. Hosted by mun2’s Emeraude Toubia, Guad Venegas, Yarel Ramos and La Bronca, the party will include performances by Billboard Latin Music Awards finalists like regional Mexican singer America Sierra, rap duo Akwid and reggaeton artists Plan B and Grupo Treo. In addition, here are the rising artists who will perform:
Currently working on its third album, Almas Band was formed in 1999 by twin brothers Jose and Jorge Colon. Well-known in Puerto Rico, the siblings are now taking their brand of music–a mesh of funk, rock and reggae–to the rest of the world.
Known for such songs as “Por Eso Te Destroce el Corazón” (That’s Why I Destroyed Your Heart), Banda la Leyenda is gaining momentum in Mexico. The band members have been friends since childhood.
Banda Yurirense, formed in 1985, takes its name from the members’ hometown of Yurirense, Guanajuanto. Today the regional Mexican band is enjoying a growing fan base and live following.
Sophia Alvarez, simply known as Sophi, is releasing music through Emilio Estefan’s Crescent Moon Records with an eye toward the U.S. anglo and Latin markets.
Singer/songwriter Viajero (Traveler) was born in Nicaragua and believes that the best way to grow as a person is to travel the globe. “Living something of a nomadic life has enriched my artistic career,” says the artist, whose music combines pop and Latin trova.