My Trip to the 2010 Latin Billboards

by Leticia Reyes

I knew writing this blog would be one trip down memory lane that I'd want to repeat over and over and over again! Los Latin Billboards desde San Juan Puerto Rico estuvo ENCENDIDO!! The event took place in the Conrad Hotel in the Condado district of San Juan. Puerto Rico was overjoyed to host one of the biggest award shows honoring some of the world's most illustrious latin musical talents.



Conferencia

Throughout the three day conference that kicked off with a Daddy Yankee listening party, myself, along with media partners My Latino Voice and Latin Trends Magazine viewed numerous star studded panel discussions and one on one exclusive interviews with featured artists. Kevin "Pills" Montano brought together a power house panel of urban music stars including Tito El Bambino, La Caballota, Ivy Queen, A.B. Quintanilla and Chino y Nacho to discuss the future of the urban genre in latin music. Elvis Crespo debuted his new single off his upcoming album while discussing trends in tropical music. Fourteen time nominated bachata kings, Aventura, took to the stage to reminisce of the days before they hit their huge success and how they created their chart topping sound. And perhaps the most highly anticipated one-on-one took place when Puerto Rico's own, Marc Anthony, gave everyone chills as he presented and spoke of his newest album and single, Y quien es el, originally sung by Jose Luis Perales. And if you think that was fun, that's because you weren't at the parties that culminated each day of the conference up until show time!

Fiestas

The waves crashing off the malecon were the perfect setting for the billboard pool party. The lights shown brightly as some of the hottest old school and new school performers took to stage sending the crowd into frenzy. From young super stars En'klave to Bachata Heightz, Elvis Crespo and Victor Manuelle, every hip was swaying as the whole crowd sung the lyrics word for word. The warm air was filled with the celebration of music and artistry and I was certainly in my glory. The festive atmosphere was definitely happening afterwards, in the hotel lobby, as we ran into many conference goers and industry professionals and performers like Danny "El Chulito" Fernandez of the 740 Boyz. The following night's festivities took it to yet another level as the various nominees were honored at a pre-show red carpet bash. Young cutie Prince Royce sang his bachata rendition of Stand By Me that left most of the crowd cooing but Luis Enrique blew everyone away with his blow out performance of Yo No Se Manana! Increible!



Awards Show

En La Escena was center stage to watch the 21st annual billboard awards. We caught every incredible moment from the standing ovation given to Ricky Martin, to a collaboration between Paulina Rubio and Wyclef Jean, to performances by Wisin and Yandell, David Bisbal, Juan Luis Guerra, Thalia, Luis Fonsi and the spirit of hope award given to Marc Anthony following his jaw dropping performance. Aventura took home the most of the awards followed by Tito El Bambino who only managed to walk away with seven!


Words couldn't express the experience of being a part of a night in musical history! Check out our web page for video footage of some of these magical moments as well as exclusive en la escena interviews of the Latin Billboard Awards in Puerto Rico. I'm Leticia Reyes of En La Escena and I love my job! Until next year mi gente!!

PEOPLE in ESPAÑOL 2010 - En La Escena

Like every year, came the time know who integrate the select list of the 50 most beautiful PEOPLE in ESPAÑOL and in the edition of our magazine and En La Escena were there ... don't miss!

Salsa Congress 2009 at the Hilton Hotel NYC

My experience at the 2009 NYC Salsa Congress

It is with great enthusiasm that I share with you all my experience at NYC’s 2009 Salsa Congress held at the Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan! The entire event was rich with music, fun people, wonderful instructors, fantastic dancers and plenty of vendors to choose from. Each one of my senses was delightfully tickled as I made my way through all the salsa-oriented activities that made you shake your hips in participation! I really got into it!
John “Choco” Knight did a splendid job coordinating this year’s event and addressing the needs of the salsa community. He managed to bring the congress to another level this year by making sure to provide educational opportunities to the youth and also by booking the biggest musical act to hit the congress stage in all its years, legendary Eddie Palmieri!
I had to make sure I was prepared for the 3 days of activities so I headed to the vendors to gear up. I found myself at the Salsa Footsies table where I purchased a $70 pair of dancing shoes. I felt official! From there, I joined a workshop with Melissa Rosado who taught me some sexy dance moves that were sure to attract a serious papi chulo! Thanks Melissa! I also partnered with dance instructor, Rene Gueits who taught the Casino Rueda workshop which concentrated on some serious turn patterns. I broke a sweat and got seriously dizzy so I decided to ask the real professionals how they managed to maintain their cool on the dance floor. I was fortunate enough to come across head judge Jamie Josephson, who explained to me the rules of competition for this year’s salsa congress competitors. I found out the winners took home a mega trophy, a title and 5,000 big ones to share. I was so curious what it would take to prepare for competition or performance so I headed backstage where I ran into a couple of crews preparing to take the stage. The crews included the Diamond Dancers from Caguas, PR directed by Sonia Rivera, Christine and Andrew from Lorenz Dance Studio in Queens, NY, Katherine, Victor, Franklin, and Johanna from Mambo Bravo located in Queens, NY, and the Rekreation Dance Company, a 27 person dance crew out of Houston, TX. Each of them assured me that preparation was rigorous but that the love for the dance superseded any challenges they might face along the way. They all left me in awe with their performances!
Through this wonderful experience I learned that salsa has no limits or discrimination. Anyone can participate no matter how young or old, no matter where you reside on the map, no matter what nationality or origin you come from, or what level of experience you have. And! With a little hard work, dedication and commitment to having fun, you can be on your way to becoming the salsera or salsero of your dreams! I know I’m on my way! Please be sure to look out for more shows featuring latin dance and booty shaking rhythms. My name is Leticia Reyes and I’m special reporting for En La Escena!