Chris Perez Appears in New PETA Campaign

Chris Perez is raising awareness for pet safety…

The 52-year-old Mexican American guitarist, songwriter and author has joined PETA‘s new campaign to remind people that animals can die of heatstroke inside parked cars in as little as 15 minutes.

Chris Perez, PETA

“That connection I feel with dogs is something special to me. I consider them as part of the family,” says the former Selena y Los Dinos guitarist and Selena Quintanilla’s husband in the clip. “When I hear about a dog [who] gets left in a car, it’s really upsetting. It’s sad. It happens so fast.”

In the one-minute video, he also encouraged pet owners to take the right measurements or leave them at home.

For more information, visit www.peta.org.

Joe Ojeda Launches Solo Career with New Single “Dueña de tu Cama”

Joe Ojeda proves it’s never too late to kick start your career…

The Latino singer, who kicked off his music career in the ‘80s as part of Texas-based duo The Bad Boyz alongside Pete Astudillo, kicks off his solo music career with his debut single “Dueña de tu Cama” in collaboration with Victoria La Mala, Yorch, and former Los Dinos guitarist and Grammy-winning artist, Chris Perez.

Joe Ojeda

After being discovered by Abraham Quintanilla Jr., both Ojeda and Astudillo officially formed part of Selena y Los Dinos in 1988. The self-taught musician was Selena’s keyboard player until her untimely death in 1995.

“It’s been a while but I’m happy to be doing my solo project,” he tells Billboard of his edgy hip-hop-infused cumbia track.

“I always carry music in my heart and what inspires me is my family, my two daughters, my wife, and my good friends,” he notes. “I’ve always been a fan of cumbia. It’s a contagious rhythm that you can fuse with different elements so that a new sound is born.”

In “Dueña de tu Cama,” Ojeda married traditional cumbia melodies with a touch of urban-pop and rock. The track comes on the heels of all four artists teaming up for the powerful corrido, “Nuestra Tierra,” part of Victoria La Mala’s EP Soy Mala.

“The chemistry is amazing,” he admits. “Everybody brings something different to the table and that works out in a good way. When you get different ideas, you know something good is bound to happen. ‘Dueña de tu Cama’ came out better than I envisioned.”

 

But Ojeda didn’t exactly disappear after Selena’s passing.

He actually co-wrote and co-produced songs for many artists including Veronica Castro, Chris Perez, and Jennifer y Los Jetz, to name a few. Most notably, he co-penned Astudillo’s heartfelt “Como Te Extraño,” which peaked at No. 2 on both Hot Latin Songs and Latin Airplay charts dated January 13, 1996. On the Regional Mexican Airplay chart, it was No. 1 for 10 weeks starting Nov. 18, 1995.

“It was such an honor to be onstage with Selena. I’m very grateful and fortunate,” he says. “It’s a huge inspiration that I take with me. Being one of Los Dinos taught me a lot and how to go about my own music career. I know she would be so proud of me and my No. 1 fan. I can imagine her big charismatic smile, asking me to join ‘Dueña de tu Cama.’ I feel that she’s always supporting me.”

Ojeda, who still keeps in touch with all of Los Dinos members, says his new career venture will be inspired by artists like Los Angeles AzulesRicky MartinManáLos Intocables, and even Post Malone and Bad Bunny.

“I was born on the border, so I connect with mariachi, rock, and romantic ballads,” he explains. “I can get a piece of each genre and create a fresh sound. It’s time to bring cumbia back!”

Up next, Ojeda will drop the official music video for “Dueña de tu Cama” and plans on releasing more collaborations. “Thanks to all of Selena’s fans who support my career and motivate me to continue making music,” he concludes.

Victoria La Mala Returns with New Album “Soy Mala”

Victoria La Mala is breaking bad

The Mexican singer/songwriter has made her triumphant return to music with her EP Soy Mala, home to eight saucy collaborations and one solo track.

Victoria La Mala, La Mala

On the set, the Mexican singer lets her true colors shine, incorporating mariachi, cumbia, corridos, reggaeton, and hip-hop, genres that have shaped her musical sound. “I feel that I’ve been put in a box for so many years,” she admits to Billboard. “It was either I did something super traditional but I couldn’t do fusions. I am more than that.”

Creating what came from her heart, La Mala penned songs about self-worth (“Cabrona”), female empowerment (“Tenme Miedo”), and immigrant struggles as heard in “Nuestra Tierra (Our Land)” with Chris Perez, Joe Ojeda, and Yorch.

Standout tracks include the opening “Nada De Ti” featuring the all-female mariachi Flor de Toloache and the Western-tinged “Sexo Debil” in collaboration with Chiquis.

“I did the fusions I wanted to do, not thinking about anything other than feeling and creating,” she adds. “Every song I wrote or co-wrote and it marks a new stage of my career.”

E! Kicking Off “True Hollywood Story” Reboot with Cardi B Episode

Cardi B is kicking off E!’s iconic docuseries…

The entertainment network’s television docuseries True Hollywood Story will officially return on Monday, March 15, starting with an in-depth look at the 28-year-old half-Dominican American Grammy-winning rapper.

Cardi B

The first episode will track how the “Bodak Yellow (Money Moves)” rapper built herself from the ground up, including interviews with television producer Mona Scott-Young (VH1‘s Love & Hip Hop), “Bodak Yellow” music video director Picture Perfect and fellow New York rapper Maino.

The rest of the second season’s episodes will focus on the tragic deaths of Selena and Christina Grimmie at the hands of those obsessed with them (“Death of Innocence” will air March 29); the sisterhood bond that withstands the celebrity spotlight between Beyoncé and Solange KnowlesBritney and Jamie Lynn Spears, and Miley and Noah Cyrus (“Star Sisters” will air on April 10); trail-blazing billionaires like Jay-Z (“Billionaires: Fierce, Fearless & Filthy Rich” will premiere this summer); and Hollywood’s most talked-about and mysterious cases including Whitney Houston‘s death (“Hollywood Mysteries” will premiere in the fall).

Selena’s husband Chris Perez and Grimmie’s brother Marcus will share intimate stories during the “Death of Innocence” special.

Season two of E! True Hollywood Story will debut on Monday, March 15 at 10:00 pm ET.

Trailer Released for Telemundo’s “El Secreto de Selena,” Starring Maya Zapata

The secret’s out for Maya Zapata

Telemundo has released the first trailer for the new series El Secreto de Selena, starring the 37-year-old Mexican actress as the slain Mexican American singer Selena Quintanilla, aka La Reina de la Musica Tejana.

maya-zapata-el-secreto-de-selena-telemundo

The story is an adaptation of the book also titled El Secreto de Selenawritten by Telemundo journalist Maria Celeste Arrarás and published in 1997.

The one-minute clip shows a ring falling to the ground and revisits the moment Arrarás goes on-air to announce the death of Selena. Then, the trailer shows fragments of scenes from the trial of Yolanda Saldivar(Selena’s convicted murderer) and showcases Saldivar’s behavior during different key moments, ranging from Selena’s wedding to Chris Perezto heavy discussions with the late singer.

In addition to Zapata, the series also stars Damayanti QuintanarSofía LamaJorge ZárateBaltimore Beltrán and Bárbara González.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0lXuzyhGYv/

Arrarás participated co-executive-produced the series with Fernando BarbosaLuis BalaguerLeonardo Aranguibel and Francisco Cordero

The series was produced by Buena Vista Original ProductionsMoconocoLatinWE and BTF Media.

El Secreto de Selena is set to premiere on Sunday, August 25, on Telemundo.

Mon Laferte to Perform at the Immigrant Rights-Themed “Selena for Sanctuary” Concert

Mon Laferte is taking on the music of a legend… And it’s all for a good cause.

The 35-year-old Chilean singer-songwriter will perform at “Selena for Sanctuary,” a free concert that’s part of the summer festival Lincoln Center Out of Doors.

Mon Laferte 

The concert aims to raise awareness about the dire situation of undocumented immigrant that has caused a national outcry, with the music of Selena being used to entertain and educate people about the plight of undocumented immigrants facing deportation.

“I am very excited to be part of this event,” said Laferte, a Latin Grammy winner. “I admire Selena and I grew up singing her songs. It is an honor for me to be able to sing her songs and to support this initiative with a subject like migration, which concerns us all.”

The show will also feature singers Gaby Moreno, Cuco and Nina Diaz, as well as special guest appearances by guitarist Chris Perez, Selena’s widower; Omar Apollo, and August Eve.

Created by Doris Munoz, daughter of undocumented immigrants, “Selena for Sanctuary” pays tribute to the most successful artist in Latin music while fighting for a cause. It arrives at the outdoor stage of the prestigious Lincoln Centerafter having smaller editions in South California.

“This event started as a simple idea and call to action after the current administration threatened our community’s sanctuary cities which affected my working-class undocumented parents,” Munoz said, referring to the policies of President Donald Trump.

She added: “It only feels necessary to leverage the platform we have been blessed with to help our community in need. This event is as personal as it gets, there are millions of families like my own and if this inspires at least one person to get involved we’ve done our job.”

More than two decades after her passing, Selena Quintanilla still inspires fans and musicians alike.

“We know Selena is a Tejano music icon and a legend, but beyond that, she represents the Latin American people as someone who fought for her dreams, overcoming many difficulties, always defending tooth and nail the Latino roots she carried inside,” Moreno said in an email.

Selena broke barriers for women in Latin music and opened the floodgates for a new generation of contemporary artists of Latin descent who would go on to enjoy huge popularity with mainstream American audiences.

She was fatally shot by her fan club’s president at 23. She has sold more than 65 million units worldwide, making her the best-selling female artist in Latin music history.

To Cuco, the late Tejano star launched a new era of representation for people of color in the industry.

“This event is important to me because it paves a way for people that went through the same struggle that my parents went through,” said the Mexican-American singer.

Uribe Signs New Two-Year Deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers

Juan Uribe will remain a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers…

The 34-year-old Dominican professional baseball infielder has signed a two-year contract with the team he joined in 2011.

Juan Uribe

“Juan was a major player in our success last season,” Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti was quoted as saying Tuesday in a team press release. “His play at third base, leadership in the clubhouse and clutch hitting helped the club immensely.”

Uribe had a .278 batting average, 12 home runs and 50 RBI in 132 games for the Dodgers in the 2013 season.

He also took on the role of mentor for Cuban rookie sensation Yasiel Puig, who had a limited command of English during his first big-league season.

Uribe has a career .253 batting average.

Also Tuesday, the Dodgers announced the signing of right-handed relievers Jamey Wright and Chris Perez and southpaw J.P. Howell.

The Dodgers reached the 2013 postseason after making a big surge up the standings in the summer months, but the team was eliminated by the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Championship Series.

 

Perez Agrees to One-Year Contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers

Chris Perez will be playing Major League Baseball next season…

The 28-year-old Latino former All-Star closer, who was released from the Cleveland Indians in October, has agreed to a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the team announced Tuesday.

Chris Perez

As part of the deal Perez will earn $2.3 million, according to an ESPN source. With incentives, he has a chance to earn about $6 million total. If he ascends to the closer role, that could increase to about $8 million, the source said.

Perez was not tendered a contract by the Indians in October after struggling with a 4.33 ERA in 56 games and being arrested in June for having marijuana shipped to his home under his dog’s name. He pleaded no contest to those charges and was put on probation, according to reports.

Perez gives the Dodgers four pitchers with experience as closers and plenty of bullpen facial hair. Kenley Jansen will be the closer, and the team signed Brian Wilson for $10 million earlier this month to be his setup man.

The Dodgers also have Brandon League, who was signed to a three-year, $22.5 million deal to close last winter before struggling.

Perez had a career-high 39 saves in 2012, converting all but four of his chances. He missed a month early this past season with a sore right shoulder and was replaced as the Indians’ closer late in the season.

Financial terms of the deal aren’t known. Perez made $7.3 million last season. The Los Angeles Times was the first to report that the sides were nearing an agreement.

Perez was in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., earlier this month at baseball’s winter meetings to meet with club officials. He spoke with the New York Mets and had drawn interest from the Baltimore Orioles, according to reports.

Seda to Guest Star on NBC’s “Chicago Fire”

Jon Seda may be experiencing a case of sibling rivalry soon…

The 41-year-old Boricua actor—who stars in HBO’s Treme—  will guest star on NBC’s upcoming firefighter drama Chicago Fire.

Jon Seda

In his three-episode arc, Seda will play Detective Antonio Dawson, the brother to Monica Raymund’s paramedic character Gabriela Dawson.

Seda, who rose to acclaim playing Chris Perez opposite Jennifer Lopez in the Selena biopic, has most recently appeared in Hawaii Five-O, The Closer, Burn Notice and HBO’s The Pacific miniseries.

He’ll next be seen in the Walter Hill feature Bullet to the Head.

 

Photo by Matthew Simmons/WireImage.com

Perez Releases Book About His Relationship with Selena

Nearly 17 years after Selena’s death,  her widowed husband Chris Pérez  is opening up about his love for La Reina de la Musica Tejana.

The 42-year-old Mexican-American guitarist—who first met Selena as a teenager when he was hired as a guitarist for her band, Los Dinos—has released a book entitled Para Selena con Amor.

Chris Perez & Selena
Published simultaneously in Spanish and English, the book is a love story told from Pérez ’s point of view, “written in a way that expresses the dignity of the person I loved so much and who was my wife,” says Pérez .

“What I tell is the truth about what we felt as two young people in love, the way young people today feel about things as they walk around holding hands,” he said.

Selena—born on April 16, 1971, in Lake Jackson—was gunned down by Yolanda Saldivar, the president of her fan club, on March 31, 1995, in Corpus Christi.

Selena, With Love
“My book isn’t focused on the horror of her death – many years have passed and today I feel it is at last time to write about all we felt, things I simply couldn’t talk about or write about before,” said Pérez , who married Selena on April 2, 1992 in Nueces County, Texas, when she was 20, despite her father’s disapproval of their relationship.

Pérez—who went on to launch the Chris Pérez Band—and his band won a Grammy Award for Best Latin Rock/Alternative Album at the 2000 Grammy Awards for the band’s album Resurrection. In the album, Pérez dedicated the song, “Best I Can” to his deceased wife.