Jesse & Joy Win Big at the Latin Grammys…

Posted on November 16, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

There’s plenty of joy in Jesse & Joy’s world this week…

The Mexican pop/rock duo proved to be the ultimate victor at Thursday night’s Latin Grammy Awards show.

The 29-year-old Jesse Huerta and his 26-year-old hermanita Joy Huerta picked up four awards during the show, including best record, song and contemporary pop vocal album.

“Thanks to the best fans in the world,” said Jesse, who with his sister picked up the Best New Artist award at the 2007 Latin Grammys. “It feels incredible. We’ve not been at the Latin Grammys since 2007, so this feels like a great comeback.”

Jesse & Joy, who recently released the music video for the duo’s latest single “¿Con Quién Se Queda El Perro?”, also won the award for best short form music video for their single “Me Voy.”

Meanwhile, Colombian pop-rock singer Juanes, who will launch a tour next May, took home two awards for his MTV Unplugged set, including album of the year and best short form music video. When asked if he gets nervous before an awards show, he said that he definitely thinks about the entire process.

“I don’t suffer,” said Juanes. “You think maybe it’s there, maybe it’s not. These wins are much more than I imaged.”

Cuban jazz trumpeter, pianist and composer Arturo Sandoval won two trophies for best Latin jazz album (“Dear Diz – Every Day I Think of You“) and best tango album (“Tango – Como Yo Te Siento“).

“I’d like to dedicate this award to my father who turned me on to the tango,” said Sandoval as he received his award. “He was a mechanic, but when he spoke about the tango he knew all of the melodies.”

Mexico’s Carla Morrison, one of the year’s most celebrated indie pop acts, took the prize for best alternative song for her emotionally-driven “Déjenme Llorar,” a song about breaking up, which has helped the singer/songwriter become a YouTube sensation. Later she also won for best alternative music album.

“This is also for all the kids who have broken hearts,” Morrison said.

Mexico’s DJ collective 3BallMTY won the best new artist trophy in an acceptance speech that left the teen act in tears.

“We’re very happy and we really wanted this,” said a tearful Albert Presenda, aka DJ Otto. “We especially want to thank our families who have put up with so much of our traveling.”

Other winners included Pepe Aguilar for best ranchero album, Milly Quezada for best contemporary tropical album for “Aqui Estoy Yo,” Fonseca‘s Ilusion+ for best tropical fusion album — beating out Prince Royce — and Tucanes de Tijuana‘s 365 Dias for best norteño album.

Hosted by actress/singer Lucero and actor Cristian de la Fuente, the first round of awards included a prize for Spanish pop singer David Bisbal, who won for best pop traditional vocal album.

Earlier in the day during the Latin Grammy pre-telecast, more than 30 awards were given in a ceremony at the House of Blues at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, including producer of the year to Juan Luis Guerra.

For a complete list of winners, go to latingrammy.com.

Juanes to Launch North American Tour Next May

Posted on November 15, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

Following his highly successful MTV special, Juanes is taking his unplugged show on the road in North America…

The 40-year-old Colombian rockero will be performing in smaller U.S. and Canadian venues next spring.

The U.S. leg of Juanes’ Loud and Unplugged Tour will kick-off on Sunday, May 26 at Humphreys Concerts By the Bay in San Diego. The Colombian singer-songwriter will then continue on to Grand Prairie, Texas; Toronto, and Montreal, and performs at Philadelphia’s historic Trocadero Theatre on June 21. Additional dates in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York and others cities are expected to be announced soon.

The tour follows the success of Juanes MTV Unplugged special, which received five Latin Grammy Award nominations. The Unplugged special, released last May, returned the soul to a spectacular career that Juanes had acknowledged was “at a crossroads.”

“I’m trying to remember who I was,” he said during a Q&A at SXSW last March. “All those dreams and all those ideas I had when I started in music.”

The Loud and Unplugged concerts will echo the intimate yet celebratory tone of the record, on which Juanes is joined by his Latin roots rock band, as well as guests likes tropical music star Juan Luis Guerra, who produced the album, and legendary Spanish balladeer Joaquin Sabina.

Last week, Juanes and Guerra announced that they’ll donate 100% of the proceeds of their previously planned November 24 concert at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn to The American Red Cross to help victims of Hurricane Sandy.

Juanes Concert Dates (and Venues):

May 26: San Diego (Humphrey’s Concerts By the Bay)
June 6: Grand Prairie, TX (Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie)
June 15: Toronto, (Massey Hall)
June 16: Montreal (Metropolis)
June 21: Philadelphia (Trocadero Theatre)

Guerra Leads Pack of Latin Grammy Nominees

Posted on September 25, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

He’s one of the most internationally renowned Latin artists in the world… And, now Juan Luis Guerra is this year’s most recognized Latin musician, at least when it comes to receiving Latin Grammy love.

During a special press conference at the Belasco Theater in downtown Los Angeles, it was announced that the 55-year-old Dominican singer, songwriter and producer has earned six nominations for this year’s Latin Grammy Awards, receiving the most nods of any of the artists nominated for the awards show’s thirteenth installment.

Guerra—a 12-time Latin Grammy winner for his distinctive blend of merengue, bolero, bachata and rock—is nominated for record and song of the year for his gospel-tinged single “En El Cielo No Hay Hospital.”

The veteran music star also scored a nod in the Producer of the Year category for his work on Juanes’ MTV Unplugged album, among other musical projects.

Meanwhile, Mexican brother-sister pop duo Jesse & Joy, winners of the best new artist Latin Grammy in 2007, earned five nods heading into Latin music’s biggest night.

The duo earned nods in the big three categories — album, record, and song of the year — for their third studio set ¿Con Quién Se Queda El Perro? and their song “Corre!”

Guatemalan singer Ricardo Arjona, Colombian rocker Juanes, Cuban musician Arturo Sandoval, Brazilian singer-songwriter Ivete Sangalo and Brazilian singer-composer Caetano Veloso joined music engineer Edgar Barrera and Mexican pop singer Carla Morrison with four nominations each.

The Latin Grammy Awards will take place on November 15 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The show will be broadcast live on Univision from 8:00 – 11:00 pm ET.

Click here for a complete look at this year’s Latin Grammy nominees.

Santana to Pen His Memoir

Posted on September 13, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

He ranks as one of the greatest guitarists of all time… And Santana could soon find his name on the New York Times bestseller list.

The 65-year-old Mexican-born rock guitarist has signed an agreement with Little, Brown and Co. to write a tell-all memoir, according to The Associated Press.

Santana, who has won 10 Grammy Awards and three Latin Grammy Awards, learned to play the violin at age five and the guitar at age eight while living Mexico. Following his family’s move to San Francisco, he was also introduced to a variety of new musical influences, including jazz and folk music, and he witnessed the growing hippie movement centered in San Francisco in the 1960s.

“The ’60s were a leap in human consciousness. Mahatma Gandhi, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Che Guevara, Mother Teresa, they led a revolution of conscience,” once said Santana. “The Beatles, The Doors, Jimi Hendrix created revolution and evolution themes. The music was like Dalí, with many colors and revolutionary ways. The youth of today must go there to find themselves.”

Santana, currently locked into a two-year headlining gig at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, is expected to dish on the likes of Eric Clapton and Herbie Hancock as he recounts his mammoth career.

Santana’s book is expected to be released in 2014.

Calle 13 Recognized by Argentina’s National University of La Plata

Posted on June 3, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

Calle 13 picked up a record nine awards at last year’s Latin Grammy Awards, including song and record of the year awards for “Latinoamerica,” a tune that celebrates la cultura latina. And, now the Puerto Rican urban act has been recognized for their global influence.

The hip-hop duo, comprised of step brothers Eduardo Cabra and Rene Perez, has been honored by Argentina’s National University of La Plata for its contributions to popular communication and culture.

“It’s a very big honor” to receive the Rodolfo Walsh prize, which “many musicians in Argentina and Latin America deserve as much or more than I do,” said Perez, a.k.a. Residente, after receiving the award Friday in a ceremony at the university’s School of Journalism.

The 34-year-old Perez, who said he feels like an “Argentine at heart,” received the prize.

“Don’t be afraid. The social networks and a ton of mechanisms now exist for getting the truth out. Like (slain writer) Rodolfo Walsh said: ‘Journalism is either free or it’s a farce,’” the artist said at the ceremony.

“We reward popular expression, popular culture, the defense of Latin America and therefore we’re acknowledging Calle 13, which is not just another band: it’s a group that stands up to the powerful with its rhythms and uses alternative communication channels,” the school’s dean Florencia Saintout said.

The band, which has won a record 19 Latin Grammy awards, is known for its outspokenness on socio-political issues and favors Puerto Rico’s full independence from the United States, a minority position on the Caribbean island.

Rodolfo Walsh was an Argentine writer, leading critic of the country’s 1976-1983 military regime and one-time militant who died on March 25, 1977, in a shootout with government commandos who ambushed him on a street in Buenos Aires, one day after publishing his bitter “Open Letter” to the military junta on the first anniversary of the armed forces’ seizing power.

Sanz: Spain’s Golden Boy…

Posted on November 28, 2011 by Tom Castaneda

It’s back to work on Mexico’s version of the hit singing competition The Voice for Alejandro Sanz after a royal affair in his home country…

The 42-year-old Spanish singer received la Medalla de Oro al Mérito en Bellas Artes (Gold Medal for Merit in the Fine Arts) during a special ceremony in Madrid this weekend.

Spain’s King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia delivered the medal of distinction to Sanz and his fellow honorees at the ceremony attended by fellow artists, including David Bisbal, Sanz’s friend and compatriot.

The medal is awarded annually by the Spanish monarchy—with help from the country’s Department of Culture—to recognize the people and entities/companies that positively impart the country’s rich artistic and cultural influence around the world.

This week Sanz—who has won 15 Latin Grammy Awards and three Grammy Awards—is releasing a compilation of his music that highlights his incredible 20-year career, entitled Colección definitiva.

Alborán & Lovato Highlight the Stellar Performances at the Latin Grammys

Posted on November 11, 2011 by Tom Castaneda

The Latin Grammys aren’t solely a night to recognize the exceptional work of Latin musicians; they’re also a platform for showcasing the incredible talent of Hispanic artists to the entire world. And, this year’s awards show was no exception.

From international superstars like Calle 13 and Shakira—who took home awards for their great work in the past year—to rising stars like Sie7e and Pablo Alborán, the 12thAnnual Latin Grammy Awards featured high-octane performances by the brightest stars in Latin music,
including some powerhouse duets. Even English-language artists like Demi Lovato and Usher made special guest appearances during the show.

Here’s a look at the night’s best live performances:

Calle 13
This year’s big winners with a record-shattering nine awards kicked off the show with a electrifying performance of their smash hit “Latinoamerica,” which ended up winning the Puerto Rican urban hip-hop group the on the Song of the Year award. The show-stopping performance included a full orchestral accompaniment, which elevated the song to new heights.

Shakira
She’s this year’s Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year, so it’s no surprise Shakira performed twice during the three-hour show. During the Colombian singer’s first appearance, she looked flawless in a crystal-encrusted strapless gown with peach chiffon skirt as she performed her latest single “Antes de las seis,” a powerful and heart-wrenching ballad. Looking all the rockera, Shakira returned later in the broadcast to perform “Devoción,” and then busted a move with her backup dancers while singing her big hit “Loca.”

Pablo Alborán & Demi Lovato
Spanish singer Pablo Alborán, nominated for best new artist, performed a duet with 19-year-old part-Mexican singer/actress Demi Lovato. The pair performed his heart-wrenching ballad ” Solamente Tú” to perfection.

Wisin y Yandel & Sean Kingston
In another spectacular presentation, the Puerto Rican hip-hop duo sang their hit “Estoy enamorado.” Wisin y Yandel first appeared on the TV
screens in black and white, before breaking out in technicolor—with rapper Sean Kingston joining them.

Pitbull & Marc Anthony
Talk about a show-stopping moment—complete with a ever changing cast of sexy back up dancers. Call Pitbull and Marc Anthony’s high-energy of “Rain Over Me” an ode to Las Vegas, where this year’s show took place.

Mana & Prince Royce
The legendary Mexican band rocked the show during the performance of Mana’s hit “Lluvia al corazon,” before being joined by rising star Prince Royce to sing a tropical remix of the band’s current single “El verdadero amor perdona.”

Other outstanding performances: Los Tigres del Norte and Paulina Rubio singing “Golpes en el Corazon”and Romeo Santos performing his hit “Promise” with Usher.

So which performance do you think stole the show?

Shakira Gets the Big “Star” Treatment…

Posted on November 8, 2011 by Tom Castaneda

There’s no denying Shakira’s star power, especially now that she’s got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Surrounded by her family and hundreds of fans waving Colombian flags, the 34-year-old international singing sensation and noted philanthropist revealed her star on the legendary walkway.

“This is incredible,” exclaimed the “Hips Don’t Lie” songstress in front of the multitude of supporters at her star, located in front of the W Hollywood Hotel. “I want to thank all of you!”

Shakira— the first Colombian to receive a star on the legendary walkway—recalled a conversation with her mother and a friend at the age of 7, while walking near the Walk of Fame.

“Shaki, one day you are going to have your star here,” her mother told the two-time Grammy winner.

“If someone would have heard that conversation, they would’ve thought she delirious,” expressed Shakira during the ceremony, which her parents attended.

Shakira is the first Colombian and the 2,454th celebrity to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

But the accolades continue for Shakira, the highest-selling Colombian recording artist of all time

She’ll receive the Latin Recording Academy’s “2011 Person of the Year” award for her incredible talent and selfless philanthropic activities tomorrow. Then she’ll perform at the Latin Grammy Awards, where she’s up for three awards—best album, best pop vocal album and best short music video.

Images courtesy of Getty Images and Shakira.

Shakira Getting a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Posted on November 1, 2011 by Tom Castaneda

There’s no denying Shakira’s star power, especially now that she’s getting her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce will honor the 34-year-old Colombian singer with her own star on this month in front of the W Hollywood Hotel on the renowned corner of Hollywood and Vine.

It’s a much-deserved honor. After all, Shakira has won two Grammy Awards, seven Latin Grammy Awards, 12 Billboard Latin Music Awards and has received a Golden Globe nomination. The Latin Recording Academy named her the 2011 Person of the Year, an award she’ll receive later this month.

Having sold more than 60 million albums worldwide, Shakira is the highest-selling Colombian artist of all time and the second most successful female Latin singer of all time after Gloria Estefan.

But Shakira is also a humanitarian… At the age of 18, she launched her Pies Descalzos Foundation, which provides education and nutrition to more than six thousand impoverished children in Colombia. The organization is expanding its work to other countries, including Haiti and South Africa.

Shakira has also become a leading advocate for universal education, speaking to world leaders on the topic and advocating policy change to governments around the world. Last month, she was named to a White House education commission.

Shakira’s special star ceremony will be held next Tuesday, November 8 in Hollywood.

Shakira Tops A Stellar Latin Grammys Lineup…

Posted on October 24, 2011 by Tom Castaneda

This year’s Latin Grammy Awards show is shaping up to be a star-studded event with high-octane performances by Puerto Rican superstar act Calle 13, Mexican crooner Marco Antonio Solis and international singing sensation Shakira, who will receive 2011 Person of the Year honors during the telecast.

Calle 13, comprised of Eduardo Cabra and Rene Perez, received a record 10 nominations this year, including nods for Album of the Year for “Entren Los Que Quieren” and Record of the Year for “Latinoamerica.” Solis’ “A Donde Vamos a Parar” is up for Song of the Year, while Shakira’s “Sale el Sol” is nominated for Album of the Year.

But those aren’t the only top-notch acts taking the stage…

The Latin Recording Academy has locked in a duet with Venezuelan troubadour Franco de Vita and Mexican rockera Alejandra Guzman; a special performance by Mexican rock group Mana of the remake of the band’s current singe, “El Verdadero Amor Perdona” with rising star Prince Royce; and a performance newcomer Sie7e.

Meanwhile, Hollywood actress Zoe Saldana and telenovela star Adamari Lopez have been added to the list of award presenters.

The Latin Grammys will be hosted by Mexican singer/actress Lucero and Chilean actor Cristian De la Fuente.

Univision will broadcast the awards show live from Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay Events Center on November 10.

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