Lin-Manuel Miranda Makes 10-Year $1 Million Commitment to National Theater Institute for Minority Scholarships

Lin-Manuel Miranda is helping the next generation of theater stars…

The 40-year-old Puerto Rican composer, lyricist, singer, actor, producer and playwright’s Miranda Family Fund has made a 10-year $1 million commitment to provide scholarships for the National Theater Institute, the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center’s six-semester program designed to prepare students for work in the theater industry.

Lin-Manuel Miranda 

The Miranda Family Fund supports scholarships to further the inclusion of artists of color across all disciplines of theater, and also has been active in post-Hurricane Mariarelief and rebuilding efforts in Puerto Rico.

“We see Lin-Manuel Miranda’s influence, inspiration, and artistry everyday in our classrooms,” said the Institute’s Artistic Director Rachel Jett. “The Miranda family’s decade-long commitment ensures that NTI’s unique multi-disciplinary training is available to everyone. And that our ensembles — and the audiences that support their work — represent the multitude of voices that will keep this ever-evolving art form vibrant, relevant, and revolutionary.”

According to the announcement, the 10-year commitment will ensure that the Institute will be able “to advance access, opportunity, and representation in American culture,” and that the Miranda Family Fund is “helping to actively and permanently transform and diversify the American cultural landscape through investment in young artists and with the shared belief that the stories told and the artists who tell them should represent the diversity of the nation.”

The Miranda Family Fund was established in 2017, and to date has supported the training of 40 students of color at the Institute.

In 2005, Miranda held a workshop of In the Heightsat the O’Neill’s National Music Theater Conference

“My time at the O’Neill was integral to me learning how to tell my story,” the Hamiltoncreator said. “My family and I hope that this financial commitment will help the O’Neill to continue incorporating an increasingly diverse pool of creators and performers to their unique and impactful programming for years to come.“

Said Miranda, “Access is an obstacle for many people looking to pursue a career in the arts, particularly those of color.”

In addition to the playwright, the Miranda Family Fund is operated by his wife Vanessa Nadal, parents Luis A. Miranda, Jr.and Dr. Luz Towns-Miranda, sister Luz Miranda-Crespoand her husband Luis Crespo.

Jennifer Lopez & Shakira Rock the Super Bowl with Their Epic & Latin Proud Halftime Show

Jennifer Lopez and Shakira are celebrating an epic night at Hard Rock Stadiumin Miami.

The 50-year-old Puerto Rican superstar and the 43-year-old Colombian superstar teamed up for an electrifying Super Bowl halftime show.

Shakira & Jennifer Lopez

J.Loand Shakimade history at Super Bowl LIVon Sunday as the first two Latina women to co-headline the coveted halftime show gig, and they each brought their unique styles to a worldwide audience, performing a combined 20 songs in 14 minutes. (Gloria Estefanwas part of the 1992 and 1999 halftime shows, and sent her support for Lopez and Shakira, both of whom she has written songs for.)

Shakira kicked things off with her hit “She Wolf,” then seamlessly transitioned into her track “Empire,” where she showcased her ability to shred on the guitar.

After a brief dance interlude, Shakira — who rocked a sparkly red two-piece — broke into “Whenever, Wherever” and a cover of Cardi B’s “I Like It,” with an assist from Puerto Rican Latin trap and reggaeton singer Bad Bunny, who appears on the original singer.

Shaki, who celebrated her 43rd birthday on Super Bowl Sunday, then showed off her dancing skills once again before singing “Hips Don’t Lie,” during which she crowd-surfed atop a group of enthusiastic fans.

Then, Lopez took over the program, taking the stage atop a skyscraper-like pole for a high-energy performance of “Jenny from the Block” and “Ain’t It Funny,” and then transitioned into “Get Right.”

After shedding her studded black leather bodysuit for a sparkly silver one, Lopez showed off her Hustlersmoves own on a stripper pole, while singing “Waiting for Tonight.”

J.Lo was then joined by J. Balvin, who assisted her on “Love Don’t Cost a Thing.”

Lopez continued to flaunt her moves to “Mi Gente” before moving on to a high-octane version of “On the Floor.”

The performance then transformed into a family affair as Lopez brought out her 11-year-old daughter Emme, who hit the stage singing a slowed-down rendition of “Let’s Get Loud” — with Shakira on drums — before her mom came back out wearing a large jacket made of feathers that featured the American flag on one side and the Puerto Rican flag on the other. It was a show of support to the territory, which has been affected by natural disasters in recent years, including Hurricane Maria and a recent damaging earthquake.

Emme briefly sang Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.” while the set design featured glowing cages housing child performers, a marked gesture of solidarity toward the Latin community and those impacted by anti-immigration policies.

Then Shakira joined Lopez to sing “Let’s Get Loud” together.

The duo then moved on to Shakira’s hit “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” before switching back to “Let’s Get Loud,” at which point they closed out their set with impressive synchronized shimmiesas fireworks went off behind them, before wrapping their historic performance with a hug.

Luis Fonsi Feted with AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s SOMOS Humanitarian Award

Luis Fonsi iis being heralded for his philanthropic endeavors…

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation recently hosted its fifth annual SOMOS gala in Miami to raise awareness around AIDS prevention and HIV in the Hispanic community and honored the 41-year-old Puerto Rican singer with the SOMOS Humanitarian Award.

Luis Fonsi SOMOS Awards

“As a Puerto Rican, as a Latin living in the U.S., it is my responsibility to use my voice not just to sing, but also to ensure that the voices of those who need it the most are heard,” said Fonsi, accepting his award during the gala held at the Fillmore Beachon Sunday.

Fonsi was honored for his philanthropic work with St. Jude Children’s Hospital and the efforts of his Luis Fonsi Foundationto help victims of Hurricane Maria.

“I’m honored to receive this award,” said Fonsi. “But the real award is seeing the face of a healthy, happy child. … That’s my prize. My prize is to help. To be useful to others. To alleviate the pain some people carry.”

Hosted by iHeartMedia’s Enrique Santo sand TV host Jessica Carrillo, the SOMOS gala also featured DJ Africaand performances by Reykon and Grupo Niche.

Cinema Libre Studio Acquires North American Rights to Esai Morales’ Indie Drama “Imprisoned”

Esai Moralesis facing (im)prison(ed)time this September…

Cinema Libre Studio has acquired the North American distribution rights to Imprisoned, the indie drama starring 56-year-old Puerto Rican actor.

Esai Morales

Morales stars alongside Laurence FishburneJuana AcostaJuan Pablo Raba and Edward James Olmosin the Paul Kampf-directed film.

Imprisoned was filmed entirely in Puerto Rico in 2017, and was among the last productions to shoot before Hurricane Mariahit and devastated the island. 

Cinema Libre will now return the film there for its world premiere on September 10, followed by a 15-theater rollout on the island September 12. 

The film will be released in select cities in the U.S. beginning September 13.

“It was important for us to hold theImprisonedpremiere in Puerto Rico, as the film has a powerful Latin cast including Juan Pablo Raba, Juana Acosta, Jon Huertas, Esai Morales and Edward James Olmos,” Kampf said. “Imprisoned was the last project filmed on the island before hurricane Maria hit in 2017 and we are proud to support and celebrate the revival of this special location.”

In the thriller, Raba plays Dylan Burke, who attempts to move on from his former life as a criminal with his true love Maria (Acosta). He soon realizes his past will continue to haunt him when he learns the new local prison warden, Daniel Calvin (Fishburne), has not forgiven him for a previously committed crime. Calvin frames him for a murder he didn’t commit, landing him back in jail. When the prison erupts into a riot, they are forced to make a choice between righteousness and revenge.

Equitas Entertainment Partnersproduced the film, and as part of their social impact aims included more than 30 formerly incarcerated and a dozen currently incarcerated men as part of the production. Eight of the current inmates will receive a pass to leave the jail and attend the premiere.

Equitas and Caribbean Cinemasare handling the Puerto Rico rollout.

Lin-Manuel Miranda Bringing Jimmy Fallon & “The Tonight Show” to Puerto Rico

Lin-Manuel Miranda is helping Jimmy Fallon take his show on the calle 

The Tonight Show will air a special episode from Puerto Rico on January 15, during the 24-show run of the 38-year-old Puerto Rican composer, lyricist, playwright, rapper, and actor’s Hamilton on the island to raise relief funds in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.

Lin-Manuel Miranda

The news was announced during an interview with Miranda on The Tonight Show.

The January show, on which Miranda will be a guest, will highlight the nation’s efforts to rebuild after the hurricane that struck in September. The episode will feature an exclusive performance of the musical’s new touring cast along with Miranda, who is reprising his lead role.

Hamilton will run from January 8-27 at the University of Puerto Rico to raise money for the Flamboyan Arts Fund to benefit the arts, artists and arts institutions in the recovery.

Miranda also wrote the book, music and lyrics and starred in the original, which won 11 Tony Awardsand the Pulitzer Price.

Ricky Martin Hands Over Keys to New Homes to Three Hurricane-Devastated Families in Puerto Rico

Ricky Martin is making a special delivery on his native island…

Taking advantage of his time in Puerto Rico, the 46-year-old Puerto Rican superstar visited the town of Loíza to continue to hand over keys to new homes for three families left homeless by Hurricane Irma and Hurricane María last year.

Ricky Martin Foundation

“Thanks to each of your contributions to our fund, we rebuild homes, provide protection and hope to hundreds of families,” Martin said in a press release.

The Ricky Martin Foundation, a nonprofit organization named after the superstar, has handed over homes that are being rebuilt after the losses. Identifying and reconstructing the homes began in March, and the goal is to give keys to some 225 families by the fall of 2019.

In the reconstruction project, there are over 30 Loíza residents working, and each recipient, apart from collaborating in the reconstruction of your home, choose the color of your paint, slabs and other elements. They also receive workshops at the Tau Center as part of this initiative.

Part of the funds have been raised thanks to the viral campaign selling a black shirt with the Puerto Rican flag stamped on it, which was designed by Martin twins, Valentino and Matteo.

The campaign has received the support of many superstars, including MalumaLuis FonsiBad Bunny, Will SmithMarc Anthony.

Lin-Manuel Miranda Teams Up with Frankie Negrón for Latinx Voter Mobilization Coalition ‘Respeta Mi Gente’

Lin-Manuel Miranda is doing his part to get out the vote…

The 38-year-old Puerto Rican composer, lyricist, playwright, rapper, and actor, best known for creating and starring in the Tony Award-winning Broadway musicals In the Heights and Hamilton, has joined forces with salsero Frankie Negrón to support the voter mobilization coalition Respeta Mi Gente, which is focusing on inspiring voters in Puerto Rican communities in Central Florida to get out to the polls in less than two weeks.

Lin-Manuel Miranda 

“There was such a massive influx of Puerto Ricans to the mainland after Hurricane Maria,” Miranda said during a media call, according to a statementannouncing the effort.

“One of the most important things they can do is vote for the candidates [who] have been paying attention to what’s been happening on the island.”

That’s why Miranda and Negrón joined the drive spearheaded by the non-profits Alianza for Progress and Hispanic Federation to get Latinx voters to the polls with a series of television and radio ads as well as Negrón’s song “Respecta Mi Gente.”

The remix take on Hector Lavoe and the Fania All Stars‘ 1975 hit “Mi Gente” is an attempt to lift spirits after a difficult 12 months. “We’re using Hector Lavoe’s song and voice to address what a difficult year this has been for Puerto Ricans, and for all Latinos in general,” said Negrón in a statement.

Respeta Mi Gente has a few key goals, some of which include helping Puerto Rico recover from the devastation of HurricanesIrma and Maria, and encouraging Puerto Ricans in Florida to vote in order to give a voice to their family and friends on the island — who are American citizens, but are not allowed to vote in national elections. The organization has a full calendar of events planned over the next few weeks, from a senior voting drive on Friday (October 26), to a Scary Phone Bank event on Halloween (October 31) and a Boricua Vota auto show on November 3.

An estimated 5.4 million Puerto Ricans live in the United States, including 30,000 who moved to the mainland after being displaced by Maria in 2017. Florida has the highest concentration of Puerto Rican residents in the country, concentrated in Central Florida, one of the key battleground spots in this year’s midterms, according to the organization.

Gilberto Santa Rosa Celebrating His Long Career in Music with HBO Latino Special “40…Y Contando”

Gilberto Santa Rosa is celebrating his long musical career with a bang…

The 56-year-old Puerto Rican singer, known as “El Caballero de la Salsa,” has partnered with HBO Latino to celebrate 40 years in music with the premiere of his special 40…Y Contando, chronicling the last concert he performed in Puerto Rico.

Gilberto Santa Rosa 

Gilberto Santa Rosa: 40… Y Contando will premiere on Friday, September 15 at 8:00 pm ET across all the channel’s platforms, including HBO GO, HBO NOW and free On Demand channels.

“I’m extremely honored with this invitation,” Santa Rosa tells Billboard. “When I started my career it was in an orchestra, I spent 10 years with them and the other 30 years as soloist.”

During all these years, he says has not finished learning, but the most thing he has enjoyed is having collaborated with many of his idols.

The concert, taped live at the Coliseo José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan, Puerto Rico, a few months after Hurricane Maria, will feature many of his greatest hits, like “Conciencia,” “Que Alguien Me Diga” and “Déjate Querer,” as well as many musical guests, including Luis EnriqueVictor Manuelle, Vico C, Tito Nieves and Pirulo Y La Tribu, among others.

In addition to the concert, HBO Latino will also air a 15-minute special during which Santa Rosa shares the greatest moments of his career from the biggest salsa landmark in New York City, the Copacabana.

Gilberto Santa Rosa’s HBO Latino special will also celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which starts Friday. “The best thing about being Latino is that we have the ability to connect with various cultures and interpret art more easily,” said Santa Rosa.

YouTuber Michael Korte Creates “Evolution of Lin-Manuel Miranda” for Hurricane Maria Relief

Lin-Manuel Miranda is getting a special tribute… And, it’s all for a good cause.

Nearly a year after the deadly Category 5 Hurricane Maria hit the Caribbean, Puerto Rico is still trying to rebuild.

Evolution of Lin-Manuel Miranda

Moved by the disastrous aftermath, L.A.-based YouTuber Michael Korte gathered a group of talented artists and brought to life the “Evolution of Lin-Manuel Miranda” to celebrate Miranda’s trajectory and raise funds for the victims in Puerto Rico.

Filmed in the Boyle Heights area of Los Angeles with the participation of Korte, Aaron Encinas,Brooke Simpson, Jasmin Cruz, Jessica Muchow, and Mark Joseph, the mashup features songs from In The HeightsBring It OnHamilton, and Moana, to name a few.

The decision to honor Miranda was simple, according to Korte. “Lin is so actively working to remind us all that Puerto Rico still needs our thoughts, aid, and heart,” he tells Billboard. “Lin’s work deserves the celebration!”

One hundred percent of the proceeds from the video will be donated to The Hispanic Federation to support hurricane relief in the island.

“Knowing that there are people in Puerto Rico still without power, still struggling with ramifications from the Hurricane is equal parts heartbreaking and infuriating,” Korte says. “These are our brothers and sisters.”

Lin-Manuel Miranda & Ben Platt’s March for Our Lives Charity Single “Found/Tonight” Headed for No. 1 Debut on Billboard’s Digital Song Sales Chart

Lin-Manuel Miranda is making his mark on the digital song charts with an important single…

The 38-year-old Puerto Rican singer, actor and Broadway star’s March for Our Lives charity single with Ben PlattFound/Tonight” appears headed for a No. 1 debut on Billboard‘s Digital Song Sales chart (dated March 31).

Lin-Manuel Miranda

Based on preliminary data for next week’s charts, the song, released on March 16 via I Know Another One/Atlantic Records, could launch atop Digital Song Sales with more than 50,000 downloads sold in the week ending March 22.

It should also draw more than 1 million U.S. streams, sparking a mid-chart debut on the streaming-, airplay- and sales-based Billboard Hot 100.www.youtube.com, or enable JavaScript if it is disabled in your browser.

The single is a mash-up of two songs from the artists’ respective Tony-Award-winning musicals: Hamilton‘s The Story of Tonight” and Dear Evan Hansen‘sYou Will Be Found.”

Miranda wrote and starred in Hamilton, while Platt starred in Dear Evan Hansen, whose “Found” was written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.

A portion of all proceeds from “Found/Tonight” benefit the March for Our Lives initiative, and Miranda and Platt will perform the song at the March for Our Lives in Washington, D.C., on Saturday.

The event, one of 800 marches that will take place that day, will stream live on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

Miranda is aiming for his second Digital Song Sales No. 1, following fellow charity single “Almost Like Praying,” featuring Artists for Puerto Rico.

Released in response to Hurricane Maria, the track debuted atop the chart dated October 28, 2017. It also became Miranda’s highest-peaking song (of three) on the Hot 100, debuting at its No. 20 peak that week.