Please fill up the form below:
Please fill up the form below:
You don't have an account? Please Register here
I have an account? But Lost Password
Professional Record: 29 wins: 14 Knock Outs; 2-loss/1 draw
Height: 5’5
Weight: Featherweight
Stance: Orthodox
Birthplace: Guadalajara, Jalisco, MX
Residence: Los Angeles, CA
Abner Mares is a former three-division World Boxing champion, Olympian and tenacious fighter known for strategy, execution, calculated power and a wicked inside punch. As the second youngest fighter to be a three–time World Champion, Abner’s 29-win/14 knockouts, 2 loss/1 draw record speaks for itself and continues to grow. He holds IBF Bantam Weight, WBC Super Bantam weight and WBC Featherweight titles, as well as being a member of the Mexican Olympic Boxing team.
Born in Guadalajara, MX he was raised in both Mexico and the United States with his parents working multiple jobs to provide for their 10 children. Abner’s father introduced him to boxing at a young age, with Abner starting his training professionally at age 12. Abner’s story of his family’s struggles both in Mexico and the U.S. has been well documented, and he credits boxing’s core tenants of strength, focus and dedication in helping him change his life.
“Boxing has meant everything to me,” he said. “It’s allowed me the financial opportunities to rise out of poverty as a child, and through commitment and determination I’ve set a statement for hard work and educating yourself in the sport.”
Described as, “…One of the most popular young fighters today…” and representing a new generation of Mexican athletes, his August 29, 2015 fight against Leo Santa Cruz delivered the largest boxing audience on ESPN since 1998 and was the highest rated and most-watched boxing telecast to ever air on ESPN Deportes.
Continuing to fight in the Featherweight division, he will be fighting for the WBA Featherweight title on Saturday, June 23 when he meets Jose Cuellar in the ring. Adept at dissecting punches and position in the ring, e trains with Robert Garcia out of his Riverside facility.
Abner is a boxer who takes hard fights, and whose gritty determination and confidence does not allow him to back down, he is, as he puts it, “One who never gives up.” A formal boxer who is adept at all positions, his main strength is in punching – specifically the inside – and a keen sense of strategy in the ring. His brain buzzes during a fight, able to read his opponent and respond before the swing is taken.
“Strategy and science is my focus, using my past pain inside the ring is a weapon,” he said. “I let the power and mechanics of my training speak for itself when I win. I fight for myself, my family, the Mares name.”
One of the sports most followed millennial fighters, he not only brings a unique fashion style to the sport but his love for Regional Mexican music is well known and shown. Abner incorporates live music at each fight from bands performing in his dressing room during his warm up to accompanying him in the ring walk. He’s had such regional Mexican music stars as Banda Limon, El Komander, Martin Castillo, Regulo Caro, Los Nueves Rebeldes and Ariel Camacho y Los Plebes del Rancho perform as part of #TeamMares at each fight.
Afrodiziaq was born in the New York borough of Brooklyn in 1990. At the age of seven his family moved to Long Island, NY where he grew up. His parents were avid church-goers and strongly influenced Afrodiziaq to join the church choir. It was in church choir where he fell in love with music and singing.
Afrodiziaq followed his passion and became involved with music at school. He first took up the clarinet in grade school, until high school where he made the switch to bass clarinet. His interest grew beyond the bass clarinet and he began exploring different instruments. It was on a Christmas eve that Afrodiziaq was given the best present of all, a bass guitar that sparked his love for Bachata music. Keen on always growing as a musician, he continued his musical development immersing in different genres of music such as Merengue, Rock and Jazz.
Today, Afrodiziaq is a true musician and songwriter. He has combined his musical knowledge to the life lessons and tribulations of his career. He is ready to show his music to the world. An eclectic sound exposition of his influences and experiences with a mysterious and soulful style. Afrodiziaq is focused and excited for the future that lies ahead.
Andrés Ordóñez is a proven creative leader and a force for innovation at Energy BBDO. He has over 15 years of experience in integrated marketing, helping some of the most successful brands in the world achieve creative greatness.
Andrés was recently named Chief Creative Officer at Energy BBDO where he overseas the agency’s diverse range of clients in the US and globally. Since joining Energy in 2014 he has led the platform-driving emotional engagement on Extra and global creative on Orbit and 5 Gum. For Pearle Vision, he has helped to transform the brand into a local neighborhood eye care center by innovating through every consumer touch point. Andrés’ impact is felt agency-wide through his efficiency with Total Market Solutions: creative work designed for both the general and Hispanic markets. He has also been a driver for new business initiatives. Andrés consistently ignites creativity across the agency, bringing energy to everything he does.
Andrès started his career at Ruiz Nicoli in Spain, after which he made his way to BBDO Puerto Rico. He rose through the creative ranks there from Art Director to General Creative Director, working on large, multi-national clients, including Mars/Wrigley, Bayer and PepsiCo. Subsequently, he came to the States in creative leadership roles for two multi-cultural agencies, Zubi (Miami) and The Bravo Group (Chicago), where he was Creative VP & Managing Director. His work and awards span a diverse range of categories and brands, ranging from automotive (Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Mitsubishi), banking (Chase, BMO Harris), CPG (Tampico, Campbell’s, Hormel, Smucker’s), Retail (Winn Dixie, Olive Garden, Pizza Hut, Famous Footwear), Travel (American Airlines, Berlitz, Hotels.com).
Originally from Colombia, Andrés brings a unique global perspective to the US and Chicago markets. When he’s not busy being CCO or Papa to his girls Mia and Sol, this triathlete can usually be found traversing miles and miles along Chicago’s lakeshore path by foot, paddle or bike.
Combining soulful, soaring vocals, a fiery Spanish guitar, and bilingual compositions that mix her Spanish gypsy roots with American Pop and Soul, Double Platinum Songwriter Angélica Rahe truly embodies what it means to be a “world artist.”
Having grown up traveling the world, from a young age she was able to capture how powerful music was in unifying people from all walks of life. Angélica spent her childhood between Japan and her native Spain, so it’s no surprise that this experience has influenced her sound. At 5 she was playing Flamenco with gypsies in the alleyways of Andalucía; by 14 she was writing her own songs; soon after she began to teach herself to play guitar, using old Joan Manuel Serrat, Tom Jobim, and Lightnin’ Hopkins’ records as inspiration.
Angélica has now shifted focus on her very own artist debut, showcasing her Soul and Flamenco roots in a Pop-driven, “Spanglish” representation of the “hybrid-child” experience, inspired by her bicultural background and extensive travels. Look out for her new single, “Pa’lante,” premiering April 2016.
Bryant Pino is Director of Latin Music Programming for SiriusXM satellite radio. At SiriusXM, he has created Latin music channels that offer great variety of genre-specific Latin Music for SiriusXM subscribers to choose from. SiriusXM’s array of Latin channels includes: Caliente, plays a mix of salsa, bachata, merengue and tropical pop; La Kueva, plays classic and today’s best Latin Rock and alternative artists; Viva, plays the best in Pop, Rock and Ballads; Flow Nación, plays Latin Urban music; Rumbón: features music by legendary singers of salsa’s golden era and more. Mr. Pino also ensures that the Latin channels have presence and interaction in social media. SiriusXM music channels are content-driven so, Mr. Pino ensures today’s most prominent artists visit the SiriusXM studios for interviews, in-studio performances, live broadcasts, and other specials. Most recently, he programmed and presented specials with Latin music superstars Juan Luis Guerra, Maná, Tego Calderón, Rubén Blades, Diamante Eléctrico and Alex Cuba, to name a few. In 2015, Mr. Pino was included in Billboard’s Latin Power Players issue.
Catarina Gutierrez, better known as Catarina, is a 17-year-old singer, who resides in the city of El Paso, Texas. She has been singing since she was 18 months old, at which point she realized that music was her vocation.
With all the experience gained throughout the years, Catarina has signed an artist development contract with Sound Stage 9, a record label associated with RED/Sony Music, which have worked together to launch her first single named ‘Mírame’ which has captivated many new followers and even captured the attention the King of Cumbia, A.B. Quintanilla, who even shared her single in his social media.
Catarina’s sound is characterized by mixing cumbia with EDM and pop sounds, offering a new concept that is covering ground slowly and is liked by all her Latin followers and even in the anglo market.
At her young age, Catarina has received numerous awards for her vocal quality and will be present at the Latin Billboards 2016 in Miami, Florida, where she will share her music and all her energy to continue reaching more people with her melodies and lyrics that have made her audience feel identified.
Christine Maggiore-Escribano was named Senior Vice President, Integrated Marketing, NBCUniversal for the Portfolio and Hispanic Group in January 2016. In this role, Escribano is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of strategic and creative marketing initiatives for advertising clients across NBCUniversal, which consists of the Telemundo Network, NBC Universo cable network, digital, social and mobile. In addition, she now oversees NBCUniversal Portfolio Integrated Marketing for advertising clients interested in leveraging the scale of NBCU for marketing campaigns. By working with cross-channel and cross-platform sales teams, she creates, develops and executes marketing solutions to drive top-line revenue and operating income growth for NBCUniversal, which concurrently provides measurable results for advertising clients.
A seasoned industry executive with 20 years of marketing experience, Escribano previously served as SVP, Integrated Marketing, Hispanic Group since July 2012 and as Vice President of Integrated Marketing Solutions since 2009. She joined NBCUniversal from Home & Garden Group, Readers Digest Association. As Associate Publisher, Marketing, Escribano handled the brand development and marketing for six of the Home & Garden brands. She was responsible for building corporate branding and marketing structure, handling partnership developments, and implementing digital sales and marketing strategy.
Prior to Home & Garden Group, Escribano was Brand Director for People en Español magazine and PeopleEnEspanol.com, where she oversaw brand development, integrated and digital marketing, concert production and red carpet events, mobile and online content creation and research initiatives for both properties. Earlier in her career, Escribano was Director, Sales Development at People magazine, Sponsor Integration Director at Real Simple, held various posts at TEEN People and prior to her work in media she held posts at The Media Edge and McCann Erickson advertising agencies.
Escribano led her team to 19 distinguished recognitions in marketing, branded and native content from 2011 – 2016 including NAMIC EMMA, Portada, IAB Mixx, HMPE and Social TV Industry Awards.
David Lopez Cendros began their wanderings in the world of music by booking local bands until I became part of the team of Ediciones Musicales Clipper’s as A & R Manager. You could say that Ediciones Musicales Clipper’s is the largest independent music publishing company in Spain in which I work since 16 years ago signing writers, catalogs and doing song plugging . Nowadays I am responsible of Clipper’s Sounds, the record label of the Clipper’s Group that specializes in Dance music, having a strong presence in the most important radio stations in the country. We started 5 years ago Clipper’s Live where we organize one of the most important festivals in Spain http://www.caproigfestival.com among others as music promoters.
I have daily contact with writers, musicians, producers, artists and labels developing new projects and new ideas, in an industry where music business has Become 360º.
How can you explain the continued popularity, the staying power and the artistic relevance of this great Latin star, considering the fickleness of the international entertainment industry? Few singers – in any language – are able to generate the international, multi-generation appeal enjoyed by this artist of artists. Her stage presence is mesmerizing and seductive; her voice is rich and melodious; her professionalism unquestioned, which is why she is admired by colleagues and fans alike. Like every great story, her life had auspicious beginnings…
Little Ednita: A baby destined for stardom
Most humans babble before they speak, crawl before they walk. To the amazement of her family this blue-eyed, curly-blonde baby walked spontaneously at nine months of age. Moreover, at eleven months, her startled father recorded baby Ednita singing for the first time! That was before she could even speak…
One day, when she was two, Gudy, her mother took her shopping. In the blink of an eye, the restless toddler disappeared amongst the throng of shoppers. Desperate, Mrs. Nazario called on the shopping mall’s security and the Puerto Rico police for help. After a frantic search of the premises, the officers noticed a circle of enthusiastic adults laughing and applauding. In the center they found little Ednita singing and dancing on top of canned soup boxes… Under protest of what would some day be her fans, Mrs, Nazario was able to extricate her baby from the crowd.
Her discovery was a hit.
Avid baseball fans, Ednita’s older brothers Tito and Alberto, ask for their parents permission to go to an important game in their hometown of Ponce – “On condition that you take your little sister”…- which they reluctantly did.
It was an exciting game, Ednita, now six, was playing with her older brother’s baseball glove when suddenly the batter hits the ball towards them. Everyone tries to catch it, Ednita cowers under the glove… and the ball lands right in the middle of it! The bleachers burst into cheers and applause at the coincidence, including Ernest Herger, one of Puerto Rico’s top recording producers, who was seated right next to the Nazario brothers…
“Wow, are you going to be a great baseball player when you grow up?” ,he asks.
“No, I’m going to be a singer”, answers the sprightly Ednita.
“Well then, sing something for me” challenges Herger.
Said and done, Ednita launches into her rendition of a local salsa hit that leaves both the producer and the surrounding fans astounded at the rhythm and power and richness of her voice. When she finished, there was complete silence, then everyone burst into applause and cheers!
Two months later, Herger visits the Nazario household with a recording and concert contract. Under the pressure of the family’s enthusiasm, her father Don Domingo gives in…
Ednita records her first hit single, a Spanish version of My Boy Lollipop at just seven years old!
After an initial period of personal presentations in local theatres, Ednita forms her own band: The Kids From Ponce, that played at numerous teen-oriented events, dances and parties. Soon, the most important TV shows vied to have them as regular guests. The reaction was swift and the group became the rage, the idols of Puerto Rican youth.. After a few of seasons the group breaks up and Ednita was offered to star in her own prime-time TV variety show.
The future megastar was only 14…
Although already a small screen personality, she had never recorded an album! The pressure was on, her adoring public clamored and Ednita records her much awaited first album: Al Fin…Ednita! (At last…Ednita!) The first single Te Quiero y No Me Importa ( I Love You and I Don’t Care ) becomes a #1 hit. She also wins Best New Artist & Record of the Year…
Being in a prime time slot, Una Noche con Ednita (A Night with Ednita) catapults her standing as Puerto Rico hottest teen idol. Her show is then syndicated to a number of international Latin markets including the mainland Hispanic market. Numerous awards follow as TV Program and Artist of the Year. The show runs for four years during which Ednita hosted many international stars, among them Liza Minelli, Tommy Dorsey, Charles Aznavour, Morey Amsterdam and the unforgettable Oscar-winning Puerto Rican actor Jose Ferrer, Captured by her talent and freshness, Ferrer designs a nightclub act for both of them.
Even the mentor was surprised by the reception given the vivacious teen by both the sophisticated variety/night club audience and the entertainment media. Their joint tours thru the major hotels in the Caribbean and the eastern seaboard are an astounding success paving the way for the up and coming starlet to shine at such demanding venues as Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas. She is booked to follow Barbra Streisand at the famed Grossinger Hotel in New York. Later, becomes the youngest Latin performer to star at the legendary Persian Room of NYC’ Plaza Hotel. Even Monaco’s own Royal Family, is swayed by her passionate talent. Ednita does several command performances at the principality and lands highly successful engagements at The Sporting Club and the famous Casino of Monaco.
The French press dubs her “La Femme de Feu”
The singer and now songwriter shines at OTI.
There are two songs that mark Ednita’ incursion into the prestigious Iberic-American Song Festival:
As a singer of Cadenas de Fuego (Chains of Fire), which was to become a hymn in her native Puerto Rico and as a songwriter of Contigo Mujer , (With You, Woman) which won the festival, sung by now Univision presenter Rafael Jose.
After a 3-year recording hiatus, Ednita launches her album Al Rojo Vivo, (Red Hot) which recaptures the major Latin American markets with the Mega Hits A Que No Le Cuentas (I Bet You Won’t Tell Her), La Prohibida (The Forbidden), Tu Sin Mi (You Without Me), Me Quedo Aqui Abajo (I’m Staying Down Here), El Dolor De Tu Presencia (The Pain Of Your Presence), Alma de Gitana (Gypsy Soul) and the runaway soap opera hit Mi Pequeno Amor, (My Little Love).
After extensive touring of Latin America, Ednita concentrates in the all important Mexican market, which embraces her talent and her beauty with a passion rarely exhibited towards international stars.
In 1987, Ednita weds noted Argentina singer-songwriter Luis Angel Marquez. The following year beautiful daughter Carolina is born. The change of lifestyle helps the star mature, giving her a new center of gravity and stability.
Hence, the name of her next CD: Fuerza de Gravedad (Force of Gravity). Contrary to what one might expect, the sound is more pop; the lyrics hopeful. The now classic Aprendere (I’ll Learn) heads this deluge of hits that includes Mi Corazon Tiene Mente Propia (My Heart Has A Mind Of Its Own), rock Fuerza de Gravedad and the memorable De Todos Modos (Anyway) recorded as a duo with Air Supply’s lead singer Russell Hitchcock. Record-breaking concerts followed.
The rambunctious Carolina takes precedent in Ednita’s life; stimulating as yet undiscovered facets of her talent. Under the Capitol-EMI Latin label, she renders a relaxed, conversational production called Lo Que Son Las Cosas (The Way Things Turn Out), whose title hit song was written by her husband Luis Angel. Also included are the classic hit Eres Libre ( You’re Now Free) and Italian Eros Ramazotti ‘s Por Ti Me Casare,( I’ll Marry For You)??
The Club de Amigos de Ednita, the star’s international fan club is founded in 1991 both to celebrate her talent and actively participate in many worthy civic and community causes close to the star’s heart.
Winds of change head towards Ednita. Her relationship with Luis Angel comes to an end…but only on a romantic level. Her music takes on a fiery, assertive tone…
Refocusing her career, Ednita breaks all concert attendance records in Puerto Rico, with historic multiple performances at the majestic Roberto Clemente Coliseum. This occurs after the successful debut of the Metamorphosis Album. Mirame (Look At Me), Un Corazon Hecho Pedazos (A Heart Torn To Shreds), Metamorfosis (Metamorphosis) and the dance mega hit Tres Deseos (Three Wishes) head this international music evolution.
Incredibly, coming at the heels of the Metamorphosis series, with the Pasiones CD and corresponding concerts, Ednita again breaks her previous CD sales and ranking records placing all the cuts # 1 on the charts. She does a marathonic 13 – performance concert series never seen at the prestigious Centre of Fine Arts. Later, a whirlwind Latin tour, ensued . It included Chile, where Pasiones went Gold.
Espiritu Libre, Ednita’s next CD, distributed by EMI-Latin, goes Platinum in a couple of weeks. The sensuous Atada a Tu Volcan (Tied To The Volcano), the hopeful Espiritu Libre and joyfest Lloviendo Flores (Raining Flowers), recorded in two versions; as up-beat pop and heart rendering soul.
Ednita became the first female performer to sell out the gigantic Hiram Bithorn Stadium.
The opening concert was the first ever transmitted from Puerto Rico thru the Internet to over 5 million users worldwide.
In 1998, Ednita is casted for the lead female role of Esmeralda in Paul Simon’s controversial Broadway musical, The Capeman. The lead male role was shared by singers Marc Anthony and Ruben Blades. For her demanding character, Ednita had to age Esmeralda from 25 to 65 years during the story. Her astounding performance earned her a Drama Desk Best Supporting Actress Nomination and won her the prestigious Theatre World Award in the same category. Ednita had never acted in theatre before!
Following her triumphant Broadway debut, Ednita records Corazon (Heart), an intimate compendium of contemporary rock ballads that went Platinum in just a week. Headed by cuts such as Tu Sabes Bien (As You Well Know), Pienso En Ti (I Think About You) and the dark & gritty super hit Mas Grande Que Grande (Grander Than Grand) penned by Robi “Draco” Rosa, this CD garners Tu Musica Awards Album of the Year and two Billboard Nominations.
The concert was magical and overpowering. Ednita even revived Esmeralda from The Capeman using the original Broadway costume and scenery. As a surprise guest she brings Luis Angel, her ex, to share some musical memories. The reaction was delirious.
Ednita and Sony Music Sign Sin Limite (Without Limits)
Ednita sets sights for her music in all Latin markets and reaches an exclusive recording agreement with Sony Music. She recruits talented Tommy Torres as producer and together they create an edgy rock sound for the Sin Limite CD. Some of the continental hits in this album are: Dime (Tell Me) and Hielo Bajo El Sol (Ice Under The Sun) and the unforgettable Devuelveme la Vida (Give Me My Life Back) The concerts that follow prompt Panama and Miami to honor her lifetime achievement with stars on their Walks of Fame.
Always innovative, Ednita realizes her fantasy of inviting a few friends to witness the recording process. She reproduces a recording studio onstage at the cavernous Centre of Fine Arts Concert Hall, then she called a few friends, 300 of them to share the moment.
Sharing it was. During a space of two days Ednita revisits some of her greatest hits and reinvigorates them with new vocal renditions, arrangements and instrumentations. Two CD’s come out of the effort: Acustico I & II (Acoustic I & II). Released to popular and critical acclaim, they include a superb duo with Beto Cuevas of the famed Chilean rock group La Ley. She also records four new songs, one composed by Latin Superstar Luis Fonsi.
“It was like having an intimate chat in my living room with 55,000 friends”…mused Ednita.
As a result, the 2002 edition of the Tu Musica Awards are dedicated to her, the artist with the most awards and nominations in their history! Billboard nominates her twice in the same category for this recording gem.
Por Ti (For You) Ednita Does What She Does Best.
This grand diva focuses the Por Ti CD to dwell into human emotions and motivations. With Tommy Torres in charge of production, she travails the mundane and the controversial; Mas Mala Que Tu (Meaner Than You) where a husband confesses his infidelity to his wife only to be told she has a lover also. Luis Fonsi again weighs in, penning the sensuous Si No Me Amas (If You Don’t Love Me). Superstar Ricky Martin writes and does guest vocals in Quimica Ideal (Ideal Chemistry). El Privilegio de Dar (The Privilege of Giving) turns into a popular hymn that inspires numerous civic and social welfare causes.
The Por Ti concerts break all attendance records of any artist in the history of Puerto Rico. It obtains the Best Ballad/Pop Recording,; Album of The Year and Best Pop/Ballad Album in Tu Musica Awards and two nominations for the Grammy.
Not satisfied with all the accolades, including ASCAP’s 2004 Latin Heritage Award, that read: …” whose songwriting and vocal artistry enrich the world of Latin music.” The Latin diva has embarked on her 21st album: Apasionada (Passionate). Her award-winning creative team again includes her Platinum Disc producer Tommy Torres and composer Claudia Brandt.
The first single, Vengada (Avenged), penned by Brandt
Santana and Josh Groban hit the airwaves on April 25, 2005. Also included, are Por Hoy (For Today) by Brandt and Fonsi and A Que Pides Mas (Bet You’ll Ask For More) by Brandt and Sin Banderas Manuel Schagris. Another record setting production for this grand Artiste d’Artistes.
The Rewards of Stimulating Creative Experiences
The Mexican Republic honors Ednita’s artistic contribution and international popularity by including her in their famous Plaza of the Stars in Mexico City. Nazario, eager to explore, decides to gather a diversity of creative talent from across the Americas and Europe to work on a new CD called Real . She records in Los Angeles, Miami, New York, London, Mexico, Buenos Aires and Puerto Rico. Achieves a truly international sound and along the way does No, a runaway hit duet with famed Spanish singer Natalia Jiménez. For her record-breaking concert she draws on her broadway experience and performs on a huge rotating stage segmented to show rural and urban settings. Superstar Richy Martin is her surprise guest…
The Understated Persona Shines
Maybe as a counterpoint to traditional show trappings, Nazario decides to show her inner self in a new work titled Soy (I am). The sound is romantic, the lyrics seductive. As examples are super hits Sin Querer (Didn’t Mean To) by Mexican singer-composer Samo and Confesados (Confessed) by her soul mate Tommy Torres. The corresponding concert was widely acclaimed through out domestic and international Hispanic markets.
It definitely showcased the intimate, unpretentious nature of this international superstar.
Ednita Dares
She goes even further in her next CD Desnuda (Naked). Mega hit Para El Peor Amante (For The Worst Lover) headlines this bearing of raw, forbidden emotions that then spill into an action-packed show that rocks audiences everywhere. Legion dance to the rhythm of Sin Pensar (Without Thinking) and show-stopper Voy (Here I Come).
The Evolution of an Artistic Vortex
Far from it being about her, the generosity of this grand star has served as a platform to stimulate new generations of singers and composers, who regardless of genre, adore and respect her. Ednita’s heart has space for all of them. That’s why she titled her most recent CD El Corazón Decide (The Heart Decides). Here she includes the assertive feminism of La Más Fuerte (The Strongest) by Kanny García and Llorar Por Tí (Cry For You)
by idol Pedro Capó ( Son of late singing legend Bobby Capó). This inclusive mind set leads her to new horizons; Philanthropy and charitable events to help the needy hand-in hand with her friends Ricky Martin and Tommy Torres; artistic and business independence thru her company Entertainment Unlimited and the production of new artists such as her new project Anima.
That’s why, after three decades, Ednita Nazario is still the grand latin star…
She’s always evolving, she’s always relevant…
Emily White is the associate director of charts at Billboard, where she manages social and streaming initiatives, working to ensure the brand’s properties accurately reflect the evolving state of music consumption. She also develops new data endeavors for Billboard and its sister publication, The Hollywood Reporter.Since joining Billboard in 2013, Emily has introduced new periodical lists with data from Shazam and LyricFind, managed the production of Billboard’s first interactive chart visualization, as well as written and spoken on the evolution of music discovery and consumption. Emily is a West Virginia native and graduate of American University, where she managed the student-run radio station, WVAU.
Gente de Zona, formed in 2000, is one of Latin music’s most unique groups. Through one and a half decades of exploring and refining sounds, the aggrupation has evolved from grassroots rap collective to the chart-topping fixture of today.The duo we know today is comprised of Delgado and Randy Malcom Martinez, whose complementary vocals and writing styles have brought them to the forefront of international attention. Their launch into the high-profile Latin music universe began with “Bailando”, the Gente de Zona – Descemer Bueno – Enrique Iglesias collaboration that became the biggest hit of 2014. In 2015, Gente de Zona released their own back-to-back critically acclaimed, “La Gozadera” and “Traidora,” in collaboration with Marc Anthony. The group is welcoming new audiences with these recent hits, and will be making their major label album debut this coming spring under Magnus/Sony Records.
Hector Trejo, better known on Social Media as “Bully,” is a pioneer of the digital world who became an influencer way before the term was created. Bully created a digital platform of scientific and cultural content on YouTube under “Bullysteria,” and since its creation in 2008, he has garnered over 1.8M followers on all his Social Media accounts. Having dominated the tech world with his Social Media influence, Bully is now using his influence to dominate the music world by launching his music career this year. His talent has been recognized by winning and being nominated for multiple awards such as a bronze in the IAB Conecta 2013 Awards for his Nokia campaign (#Celvaivor) and a nomination in “Best Use of Digital” at the Festival of Media LATAM 2014 for his Bubbaloo campaign. Last year, Bully was a panelist in the Hispanic Influencer Summit 2015, organized by LatinWE and Telemundo which featured the top 50 Hispanic Influencers.
Cruz currently stars as “Flaca” on Netflix’s critically-acclaimed series, “Orange Is the New Black,” a dramedy series based on Piper Kerman’s memoir Orange Is the New Black: My Year In a Women’s Prison. The original series, created by Jenji Kohan and also starring Taylor Shilling, Uzo Aduba and Laura Prepon, will return for its fourth season in June 2016. Cruz, a two-time SAG Award winner, was named one of the “Top Latino Powerhouses under 40” by The Hollywood Reporter in 2013, joining such distinguished names as Eva Longoria, Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato. Jackie has recently been inspiring college students around the country with her story and delivered her first TED Talk in the summer of 2015. Her music career continues to evolve as well and she is currently working on new material in both English and Spanish.
Third-generation music exec, Jamar Chess – grandfather,Leonard, founded Chess Records and father, Marshall, started Rolling Stones Records – is continuing the tradition,of his musically-inclined lineage. After joining family company, ARC Music, Jamar earned a Creative A&R International position, managing global operations and promoting the catalog to new areas of exploitation. He found his niche in digital and synchronization licensing and cofounded the Sunflower Entertainment Group in 2002. In 2016, Jamar – named among Billboard’s “30 Under 30 Power Players”.He is currently working on Netflix’s original series, Narcos, consulting and licensing over forty songs from the Sunflower catalog.
Julian Serrano is an Argentinian singer who got his start 5 years ago as a famous YouTuber. Having generated over 158M views on his YouTube channel, Julian decided to use his social influence to launch a music career as Jota Esse. His catchy songs and strong fan-base helped him go from digital talent, to a star performing for thousands throughout Latin America.Julian’s success in music and Social Media gained him an invite to perform at Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards (Argentina), where he also won “Favorite of the Web.” This year, he was nominated at the Kids’ Choice Awards (United States) for “Favorite Latin Star,” a category that featured the very top Hispanic Social Media influencers. His music videos already have over 17M views and counting as he continues on his path as musician and top Hispanic influencer.
Producer, pianist, and composer, Julio Reyes Copello’s ability to transform the complexity and spectrum of human emotions into melodies and songs allow him to work effectively through all musical genres, nationalities and languages, all with the same capacity, intensity, and grace.
His accomplishments include over twenty nominations, eight Grammy and Latin Grammy Awards won and over twenty #1 songs on various Billboard Charts with his compositions and productions over the last fifteen years. In film he has composed scores for Reach For Me, directed by Levar Burton, and Fighting for Freedom by director Farhad Mann, released at the Cannes Film Festival in 2013 starring Academy Award for Best Actor nominee Bruce Dern. For TV he has produced and composed music for TV series Hawthorne (Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith, Sony Pictures) and earned an India Catalina international film award for best original soundtrack.
He has also had the opportunity to produce and compose music for several of the biggest artists from around the world (Marc Anthony, Ricky Martin, Il Divo, Jennifer Lopez, Nelly Furtado, Alejandro Sanz, Laura Pausini and more), conduct and record the London Symphony Orchestra (“Amar Sin Mentiras” -Marc Anthony and “Como Ama Una Mujer” -Jennifer Lopez), and arrange and orchestrate Our Favorite Things featuring Placido Domingo, Tony Bennett, Vanessa Williams and Charlotte Church, performed by the Vienna Philharmonic.
He has launched his own studio/label, Art House Records, and developed up-and-coming artists like Latin Grammy for Best New Artist nominee Juan Pablo Vega and blog darling Brika. It is certain that Julio Reyes Copello will continue to stamp his mark in the entertainment industry at a global scale, creating dreams with his music and inspiring a whole new generation of artists.
Kate Ramos, a native of Australia, has been working in the music industry for the past 25+ years. Ramos is a manager at Red Light Management based in LA where her expertise in global touring serve her personal clients as well as the RLM roster of 200+ artists. Prior to joining RLM she worked for 12+ years at Live Nation. She started with the company in Miami under the Clear Channel/Televisa partnership where she ran the Miami office then the national operation finally moving to Los Angeles to head up the Latin touring division. Her start in the music industry began in Latin America and Spain where she worked with artists in capacity as both agent then manager before moving to the US where she moved into a new area of the business as a promoter. Ramos’ has worked with some of the biggest global touring artists including Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Ricky Martin and Enrique Iglesias and has been involved in the development and execution of marketing platforms around music for many major brands including Pepsi, 7UP, Corona, and Visa to name a few as well as the successful branded tour “Juntos en Concierto” which starred Marc Anthony, Alejandro Fernandez and Chaynne in its debut year.
The multi-faceted singer/songwriter and multi-platinum selling artist has been entertaining millions since his debut in 2006 as one half of the successful duo RKM & Ken-Y. He performs effortlessly across multiple musical genres from Reggaetón, Tropical to Pop and Dancehall all while maintaining his Latin Urban influences. Throughout his career he has won 3 Billboard Latin Music Awards, 7 Premio ASCAP, been nominated for a GRAMMY award, multiple Premio Lo Nuestro and has charted 10 #1’s across various Billboard charts. In January of 2016, he released his highly anticipated first solo album, THE KING OF ROMANCE. The album debuted #1 on the Billboard Latin Rhythm Albums chart and contains the chart toppers, “Como Lo Hacía Yo” and “Sentirte Mía”.
Through High school played guitar (not well) , went to college for sound recording at the University of New Haven. After College, decided I wanted to further education and open up field of employment. Was fortunate enough to be accepted to University of Miami grad school for Music Business. Moved back to New England in 1993 and while catering a luncheon at ESPN took a name off the wall and forwarded my resume. To my surprise I was called to come in for an interview. Was hired as a temp to type cue sheets and got a second job at Borders Books & Music. Found my niche in pitching and editing music. Worked my way up to where I am now and feel I am very fortunate to work in the music business in my hometown and all the while getting to entertain millions of fans and work with so many amazing creative people at ESPN , Disney and throughout the industry from editors, composers and artists.
Colombian-American journalist, event/ concert/artist promoter. President of BOOM Media, Marketing & Promotions, a Miami based promotions company now in it’s 20th year of operation. Posada is the official reporter for www.LatinGRAMMY.com Music critic for WSUA 1260AM Radio Caracol Miami. Founder, in 1996 of Latin music webzine www.boomonline.com Author of the book “El Quijote De La Musica”. Selected “an influential personality in the realm of music for the 21st century” by The Miami Herald. Awarded the ASCAP Ampt for his support to Latin music. [email protected]
Luis Coronel has conquered the Billboard charts, become a fixture on top-rated television shows, tours consistently to sold-out venues and has recorded signature love songs that have catapulted him into the hearts of America and beyond. Luis has become a social media phenomenon with followers in the millions and a highly-spirited fan base and rapidly-rising career. The charming star embodies and inspires the best of the youthful, smart and savvy millennial generation. Luis is one of Billboard’s 21-Under-21 music stars of today alongside Lorde, Justin Bieber and Becky G. Luis navigates two cultures, dominates a bilingual and bicultural way of life and is continually connecting to a diverse and fast-growing demographic with his young spirit, witty persona and a treasure trove of romantic songs that often leave concertgoers swooning for more.
Luis Miguel Messianu has played a respectable and influential role in the most important developments in the U.S. Hispanic market during an advertising career that spans three decades. Born to Romanian parents and raised in Mexico City, he has worked in both the Latin American and U.S. Hispanic markets. His professional trajectory is defined by a conscious effort to help pioneer the melding of marketing niches into a nuanced and evolving total market. His award-winning work for multinationals such as ;McDonalds, State Farm Insurance,Clorox,Anheuser-Busch,Sprint, General Motors, and Coca-Cola among others, is a testament to that effort.Twenty years ago, when advertising to U.S. Hispanics was an afterthought in a business plan, Luis Miguel had the foresight to target this vast and untapped market. In 1994 he started his own Hispanic agency, winning soon after the McDonalds and State Farm Insurance accounts.
Program Director, Latino Music & Video Channels – Music Choice
Luis Rivera, Program Director for Latino Music & Video Channels, oversees all the Latin video and audio content for Music Choice’s free On Demand network, its dozens of audio channels, its free online music service and the Music Choice app. He develops and oversees the creation of compelling multicultural content; in addition to managing the video and audio music programming that has made Music Choice’s Latin content – one of the network’s most popular music formats. Luis works closely with record labels, artists and their managers, industry representatives and our cable affiliates to demonstrate the power of Music Choice to expose both emerging and established artists to millions of consumers via their televisions, online and mobile devices.
Luis spearheads Music Choice’s programming efforts to bring the most extensive collection of Latino music videos and original artist content ever On Demand to multiple cable providers, including Comcast Xfinity, Verizon FiOS, Time Warner Cable and Charter Communications. The collection includes a total of 500+ music videos and features a wide variety of Latin music genres and artists, including Pop Latino, Musica Urbana, Bachata, Rock Latino, Romances and Banda.
Lynn Fainchtein has taken her musical experience to an ample range of mediums, which include film, television, radio, journalism and recording. She has worked as producer and musical supervisor on numerous films. One of her long-standing contributions has been with the acclaimed Mexican Film Director Alejandro González Iñarritu on his six films: Biutiful(nominated for the Academy Award), Babel, 21 Grams, and Amores Perros(nominated for the Academy Award). More recently the worldwide acclaimed Birdman and The Revenant.In addition, Lynn has collaborated with Lee Daniels on his award winning film, Precious (Winner at The Sundance Film Festival).
This cartagenero settled early in Bogota; composer, singer and guitarist. He has become the sensation of music in our country. Manuel Medrano not only writes songs, he created harmonies, poems that have given life to hymns and compositions that will last for generations.Manuel Medrano has become a phenomenon of social networking and music charts. His videos accumulated millions of views, well placed in the top positions of the most important digital platforms.
Currently his single “Outside the planet ‘has more than 18 million views and the video for her second single ‘Under water’ now exceeds 12 million views.
Medrano is on the promotional tour for his first self-titled album and is considered one of the most promising artists in the world music scene.
Marc Anthony is one of the most influential performing artists of his time, and an ambassador of Latin music and culture at a global level. He has 26Billboard chart hits like “Vivir Mi Vida” with more than 350 million views in you tube and “Flor Pálida,” with more than 80 million views on Vevo. In May 2015 Marc Anthony received his second Vevo PL certification for 100 million views of his video “A Quien Quiero Mentirle”. Marc holds the Guinness World Record for best-selling tropical/salsa artists and the most number-one albums on the Billboard Tropical Albums year-end charts.
Marco Antonio Solis, known as “The Poet of the Century,” is one of the most influential Latin music songwriters in the world. A career that spans over 40 years, having recorded more than 300 songs and released over 20 albums, is proof of Marco Antonio Solis’ success. Among his achievements, he has sold more than 35 million albums, garnered multiple GRAMMY and Billboard awards, named ‘Latin artist of the Decade’ in 2009 by Billboard and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, to mention just a few.
He holds the record for most No. 1s on the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart, with 12. He has earned 11 No. 1s on the Hot Latin Songs chart, most recently in 2014 as a featured artist on Enrique Iglesias’ “El Perdedor.” But apart from the numbers, the success of Marco Antonio Solis is also supported by the loyalty and affection of his millions of followers around the world, and the large number of performers who have recorded his songs, in ranchera, pop, cumbia, salsa, merengue, bolero, duranguense and including reggaeton, demonstrating his talent and versatility. In addition, his songs have been translated to multiple languages including English and Portuguese. Considered a living legend, romanticism in Latin American pop music could not be understood without Marco Antonio Solis.
Marco Antonio Solis began 2016 earning top honors at the Viña del Mar Song Festival: The Gaviota de Oro and the Gaviota de Plata; after an unforgettable concert performance of the iconic songs of his career. He also recorded the official song to welcome Pope Francis in his native Michoacan during his Holiness’ latest trip to Mexico. Solis is about to embark in a newly produced tour slated to reach the U.S., Mexico, Argentina and Chile.
Over the past 15+ years, Matthew Maysonet has built an impressive career in brand marketing, tour and live event production, digital/mobile strategy and talent relations.After several years at the Warner Music Group with Atlantic and Elektra Records, working with artists such as The Roots, Jason Mraz, Common, Kid Rock, TI, and Matchbox 20, Maysonet began his tenure in the Global Digital Division of MTV Networks. His marketing efforts for MTVN’s worldwide brands and wireless properties helped solidify the company in the digital realm.In March 2015, Maysonet joined YouNow to spearhead Music & Entertainment partnerships. He now works alongside major and independent recording artists and labels, publicists, publishers, and artist management firms across the globe to develop the live broadcasting careers of talent and establish media partnerships that broaden an already highly engaged, captive audience on the YouNow platform.
In 2015 Michel Vega co-founded Magnus Media, LLC in partnership with Mr. Marc Anthony, and currently serves as its Chief Executive Officer. In this role Mr. Vega oversees all operating units of the diversified entertainment and sports enterprise which include an artist and athlete management division, recording label, music publishing company, television and digital content creation operation, and an entertainment-centric marketing practice. His responsibilities include strategic and financial planning, acquisition and development of new business interests, as well as overseeing all day-to-day operations.
For the previous 15 years Mr. Vega was a Talent Agent and Head of the Latin Music Department for WME, the largest talent agency in the world. In 2003 he co-founded the newest William Morris office in thirty years, in Miami, making history as the first major talent agency to open a full service office dedicated to the Hispanic market. He then went on to establish the most prestigious roster of Latin artists in the industry, personally representing dozens of the genres most successful artists including Alejandro Sanz, J Balvin, Juan Luis Guerra, Juanes, Luis Miguel, Paulina Rubio, Pepe Aguilar, Pitbull, and Prince Royce, among many others.
Prior to this Michel Vega spent over ten years as a theatrical booking agent, overseeing the representation of more than 100 Broadway tours, family shows, dance companies and music groups.
Mr. Vega began his efforts in the Latin market as early as 1989, serving as manager for legendary bandleader Mario Bauza, whose career resurgence he orchestrated. In 1996 he produced the US tour of the Cuban National Folkloric Dance Ensemble, which at the time was the largest cultural exchange between Cuba and the US in over thirty years.
Mr. Vega began his career in the music business in 1986 as a Production Assistant for New Audiences, a New York concert production company. There he worked with such luminaries as Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Sarah Vaughan, and Sonny Rollins. He later worked in the Artist and Repertoire Department at EMI and Blue Note Records in New York.
Michel Vega received his Bachelor of Music from New York University in 1988.
La artista ganó terreno en la industria abriéndose amplios caminos en el mercado Latino con participaciones en varios proyectos discográficos, como fue la compilación de temas “Love Is Pain / Mixtape”, dirigida y apoyada musicalmente por quien se habría convertido en su mentor, Don Omar. En este disco también salió una primera versión del hit internacional “Dutty Love” (Don Omar Feat. Natti Natasha), sencillo que le hizo el honor de ganar su primer Billboard Latino.
A raíz de su éxito su voz fue incluida en otros MP3’s y remixes tales como: “Tu Recuerdo” (Syko Feat. Natti Natasha, Link-on), “Juntos Podemos Volar” ( Henry Santos Feat. Natti Natasha), “Beyond 3000” (Syko Feat. Kendo Kaponi, Natti Natasha), “Hold Yuh Remix” (Don Omar Feat. Natti Natasha, Gyptian), “Te Dijeron Remix” ( Plan B Feat. Don Omar, Natti Natasha, Syko) y “Carta Al Cielo” (Don Omar Feat. Syko, Natti Natasha), entre otros, que hicieron más notable su presencia en la música Latina.
Tras firmar como artista oficial de Orfanato Music Group, sello discográfico fundado por su padrino musical Don Omar y que tenía a Universal Music Latin Entertainment como distribuidor, se liberan los sencillos que incluyen su contagiosa voz: “Dutty Love” (Don Omar Feat. Natti Natasha / MTO2: New Generation Album) y “Tus Movimientos” (Don Omar Feat. Natti Natasha / MTO2: New Generation Album); siendo estos dos (2) de los temas más populares del mencionado álbum, el cual se convirtió en la saga de álbumes (MTO1 / MTO2) más vendidos de la historia del género urbano en Latinoamérica e incluyó su talento como artista femenina.
En Junio del 2012 Apple Music®, en aquel entonces iTunes®, le dio la bienvenida al EP ÁLBUM de “Natti Natasha – All About Me”, siendo este su primer material (en inglés) de compilación musical que sale a la venta en toda su carrera. En medio de una pegada notoria en la industria Natti Natasha saca provecho a su voz y forja una colaboración de amor junto a Farruko tiempo después: “Crazy In Love” (Farruko Feat. Natti Natasha / Independiente), para más tarde concluir su contrato con Don Omar y entonar a dúo su último hit de la mano de su mentor “Perdido en Tus Ojos” (Don Omar Feat. Natti Natasha / The Last Don II Album).
La artista que incurrió en el Reggaetón y Pop Latino durante su desarrollo artístico ha sido premiada en Reggaeton Italia Awards, Billboard, Premio Tu Mundo, entre otras importantes celebraciones que reconoce el talento Latino. Natti Natasha y sus duetos (“Dutty Love” / “Tus Movimientos” / “Crazy In Love” / “Perdido En Tus Ojos”) han generado elevadas cifras numéricas de ventas en iTunes®, lo cual la adentra entre las cantantes que han logrado o están cerca del codiciado ‘millón’ de copias con mezclas populares. Los MP3’s en los que se incluyen su voz han sobrepasado 200 millones de tocadas en cuentas alojadas en plataformas de servicio Streaming como YouTube.
Faceta como Solista / Actualidad:
Al finalizar su contrato con su mentor artístico, la estrella urbana Natti Natasha continúa su éxito perfilándose como la posible sucesora de la histórica estrella e icono en la música urbana “Ivy Queen”, a quién asegura admirar desde sus inicios. En su posición de intérprete bajo un manejo artístico independiente, ha realizado interpretaciones como “Yo Tengo lo Mio” (Feat. Messiah “El Artista”), “Magia” (Lápiz “Conciente” Feat. Natti Natasha / Latidos Album) y “Amor de Locos” (Ken-Y Feat. Natti Natasha / The King of Romance Album).
Posee un sencillo como solista titulado “Grind” que incluye una nueva versión (remix), y que ha entrado en el playlist de estaciones radiales en Estados Unidos tales como Zol y La Mega en Miami. Su dueto con Messiah “Yo Tengo lo Mío” ha sido una de sus nuevas pegadas en la industria, el cual incluye un audiovisual que va directo hacia el millón de tocadas en YouTube y posee una nominación como videoclip.
Su primera producción discográfica o disco como solista lo define como “algo que ya está en camino”, ya que en la actualidad se encuentra en los estudios de grabación dando los toques finales a lo que sería la continuación de su rotundo éxito en la industria apoyado por su talento y grandes estrellas del mercado.
Nicky Jam reached the height of his career to achieve several radio hit’s: yo no soy tu esposo, me voy pal party, fiel a tu piel, la combi completa, among others … which led him to travel the world Full and become one of the greatest exponents of the genre worldwide.In 2013 presents its new image and return stronger than ever again achieving more than 5 consecutive radial Hit’s with songs like piensas en mi, Curiosidad, juegos proividos, boy a beber and Travesuras. Given an increase in their social networks over 3000%. Which positions it in late 2014 as one of the greatest and most beloved by the public in the urban genre artists.In 2015 the artist launches his most acclaimed single “El Perdon” which got him a record 1,000,000 visits on launch day for his Youtube channel, outlining this song as a musical anthem for the world.
His compositions are fresh touches of love with its different nuances that touch the heart pouring a gamma deep feelings of anyone who listens. Obie Bermudez efforts were rewarded when he was hired to act as opening act at different concerts held in the United States with leading stars of Latin music as Juanes, Paulina Rubio and Juan Luis Guerra.In 2004, it was when the record company EMI US Latin released her second album, Confesiones. Which it was a pop album with traces of tropical rhythms, the album was a bestseller and became a Gold Album. In late 2014 Obie met with other artists including Michael Stuart, John Secadaand Jennifer Pena to a Latin tribute to Michael Jackson called “UNITY THE LATIN TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL JACKSON” that its output reached # 1 selling iTunes and Amazon. After nine years of not recording presented in 2016 with his album Cambios production of Argentine Sebastian Krys and executive produced by Hugo Johnson, Kee Records
Panacea Project is a musical duo based in New York City, popular for its strong acoustic roots and melodic sound, formed by the Dominican singer Luis Castro and producer / musician Colombian Carlos Bermon. The group was born in 2011 when Luis and Carlos decide to re-connect and collaborate independently after trying to break into the music scene in Neva York. The musical chemistry between them was instant. In an effort to share their music and ideas with the world, the duo decided to shoot videos of their own songs and some of his favorite songs by other artists and publish them on YouTube. Some of the first videos were released acoustic versions of songs such as “Mi Santa” Romeo Santos, “Lluvia Al Corazón” Mana and “Fuistes Tú” Ricardo Arjona, among many others. The vision of Panacea Project has been very clear from the beginning.
Raúl Alarcón is the Chairman, CEO and controlling shareholder of Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS), a publicly-traded multimedia corporation serving Latino audiences and advertisers throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Under his direction, SBS has grown from a single AM radio station in 1983 to a portfolio of media assets that include a radio division comprised of heritage FM outlets (including America’s most-listened-to Latino station, WSKQ in New York City) in the top Hispanic markets of New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, San Francisco and Puerto Rico; the 100+ affiliate AIRE Radio Networks; Mega TV, a network television owner/operator with over-the-air, cable and satellite distribution; SBS Entertainment, the largest independent producer/promoter of Hispanic concerts and events; and LaMusica, a music and video streaming app catering to Hispanic millenials.
“Reykon “El Lider” can be credited as one of the pioneers of the Latin urban revival from Colombia. His music has been heard all over the world reaching millions of fans in countries like Venezuela, Argentina, Mexico, USA and Europe. With many hits under his belt like “Secretos”, “La Santa”, “Señorita” and “Imaginándote”, (both featuring Daddy Yankee), and most recently “El Error”, from his beginnings Reykon obtained an unstoppable momentum, reaching the top spots in TV and radio throughout North and South America. “El Lider” has succeeded in internationalizing Colombian music, reaching the peaks of the urban genre alongside other major reggaeton stars. His first studio album “El Parcero” promises to revolutionize the urban genre by merging the new reggaeton sound with his enchanting persona.
Ismael Chacon better known in the music industry as RHINO a Costa Rican artist born on June 24, 1989 in the city of Alajuela who at the age of 8 moves to West Palm Beach, Florida. At the age of 14 finds a lot of interest in urban music such as hip hop/reggaeton/reggae & dancehall, at the age of 19 moves back to Costa Rica to begin and find a career in the music industry, were he begins and creates his own music label WHYTE RHINO MUSIK & O2 Musik Productions.
In the beginning Rhino starts to find interest in music production because of his brother Rachid Chacon a Drum N Bass DJ/Producer in Costa Rica then finds his talent as a songwriter and begins to record himself making his own productions from his home studio. Later on he comes across a well-known Reggaeton artist from Nicaragua “El Fantasma” and records a few singles, he then meets “Mauris” a Costa Rican artist who’s been in the music industry for over 10 years with a few hit singles ex-member of LA REAL SITUACION CREW , Rhino & Mauris start recording reggaeton more in depth leaving reggae and other genres apart and begin to start working with producers from Colombia, Chile, Venezuela after a few singles. He then meets GONIN a well-known Costa Rican artist and record their first hit single QUIERO TENERTE y ALAJUELITA ANTHEM. A year later he then records with singer/model MELISSA MORA, and well known international artist such KILLA y TOLEDO, with their first hit single “MUEVETE” it starts creating a buzz and acceptance in National Radio and the video which starts getting heavy rotation on VMLATINO. Rhino’s future plans is to go to Medellin Colombia to work a production with international producers Kevin Adg y Chan el Genio actual producers of international artist Maluma in ATLANTIC MUSIC and film his new video for his next single “ME SEDUCE”.then travel to Miami to perform at the Official Kick-off party “Mas y Mas Musica” Shocase in the Latin Billboards Music Conference with Melissa Mora.
Rocio Guerrero joined Spotify when it was little more than a start-up, finding early success as a curator whose playlists eventually became some of the World’s most influential Latin Music channels. Her most popular brands, Viva Latino and Baila Reggaeton, have amassed huge audiences in the Latin community. Baila Reggaeton is particularly notable as the most streamed Latin playlist in the World, boasting more than two million followers and acting as one of the foremost leading sources for today’s biggest Latin Urban hits. As the Head of Content Programming & Editorial for Latin Globally, Rocio draws on her own experiences – having lived in London, Madrid, Stockholm, New York, and Rio de Janeiro – to expand the ‘Spotify Latino’ brand worldwide, which she created from scratch.
Rodrigo Belmonte comes to Shazam Entertainment with over 15 years of international and multicultural experience leading sales,marketing, and digital initiatives. As the lead for Shazam Latam, he oversees the company’s commercial operations in the region and aims to position the company among the top apps with which to promote artists and advertising. Prior to joining Shazam,Belmonte worked for companies such as Havas Media, Clear Channel, Telecinco, and eBay. He has developed his career in progressively senior roles and has delivered profitable solutions and increased sales to ultimately build stronger brands. In his spare time, Belmonte likes to discover new artists and try to go as many festival and concerts as possible.
2015 FIGHT BY FIGHT — Fighting for the first time in New York City on October 17, 2015,
Gonzalez faced off against former four-time world champion in two weight divisions and United
States Olympian, Brian Viloria, 36-4-0 in a bout telecast on HBO Pay-Per-View as the co-feature
to the Middleweight World Championship between Gennady Golovkin and David Lemieux.
Dominating the action from the opening bell using a full array of punches, Gonzalez dropped Viloria
in the third round and battled on to a ninth round stoppage in front of a sold-out crowd of 20,548 at
Madison Square Garden.
Wrote Dan Rafael for ESPN.com. (excerpts), “Flyweight champion Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez
strengthened his claim as the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world with his one-sided, ninthround
destruction of former unified titleholder Brian Viloria on Saturday night at sold-out Madison
Square Garden.”
“Gonzalez dominated, much to the delight of a raucous cheering section of fans from his home
country of Nicaragua, as he retained the title for the third time.”
“In the wake of Floyd Mayweather’s retirement last month, most anointed Gonzalez as the new
pound-for-pound king, and he showed it is a crown he is worthy of with the way he took apart
Viloria, one of the top three flyweights in the world.”
“It was virtually target practice for the 28-year-old Gonzalez in the ninth round as he landed a wideopen
right hand that snapped Viloria’s head to the side. Finally, with Viloria, 34, a 2000 U.S.
Olympian from Hawaii, taking tremendous punishment along the ropes, referee Benjy Esteves Jr.
stepped in and stopped the fight at 2 minutes, 52 seconds.”
Gonzalez made his HBO debut on May 16 at the Forum in Inglewood, California with a second
round knockout of former world Edgar Sosa, 51-8-0. Dropping Sosa three times in the second
stanza, Gonzalez was awarded the victory as referee Wayne Hedgpeth called a halt to the action
at the 2:37 mark of the round.
Wrote Kevin Iole for Yahoo.com (excerpts)..” Flyweight Roman Gonzalez made his HBO debut on
Saturday a spectacular one, dumping Edgar Sosa three times en route to a successful WBC title
defense at The Forum, forcing referee Raul Caiz Sr. to stop it at 2:37 of the second. It raised
Gonzalez’s record to 43-0 with his 37th knockout and burnished his reputation as an elite
champion.”
“He may not be the best in the world yet, but there aren’t but a very few fighters who are better than
he is at this stage. Gonzalez has been one of the world’s elite for a while, but because American
television has had a bias against smaller fighters, he didn’t’ get an opportunity to fight on the big
stage before Saturday.”
“He took full advantage, pummeling a quality fighter in Sosa. He dropped Sosa three times in the
second, forcing Caiz to halt it. He could have stopped it at any point in the final 45 seconds, as
Gonzalez was overwhelming Sosa with hard, accurate shots to the body and head.”
He credited the late Hall of Famer Alexis Arguello, his countryman and one of the greatest fighters
who ever lived, for helping him get to this point.
On February 28, 2015, Gonzalez knocked out Valentin Leon, 38-28-3, in the third round (2:27) in
Managua, Nicaragua. Gonzalez dropped Leon once in the second and twice in the third stanza
before referee Onofre Ramirez stopped the scheduled ten round non-title bout.
2014 FIGHT BY FIGHT — Gonzalez defended his WBC Flyweight World Title on November 22,
2014 with a sixth round stoppage of Rocky Fuentes, 35-7-2, in Yokohama, Japan. Time of the
stoppage by referee Len Koivisto was 2:11.
Wrote Dan Rafael/ESPN.com (excerpts).. “Gonzalez, 27, of Nicaragua, is a former strawweight
and junior flyweight titleholder who moved up to flyweight in 2013 and got a shot at the legitimate
world championship on Sept. 5. He was brilliant in knocking out Japan’s Akira Yaegashi in the ninth
round to win the title and returned to Japan, where he was fighting for the third time in a row and
has fought frequently during his career, to make his first defense against the Philippines’ Fuentes,
28, who lost his second fight in a row after having dropped a decision for a vacant version of the
title to Amnat Ruenroeng in January.”
“One of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, Gonzalez pounded Fuentes in the onesided
win. He unloaded numerous combinations to the head and body in the sixth round before
knocking him down face-first with a right hand to the head. Fuentes beat the count but Gonzalez
was all over him in the follow-up attack, forcing referee Len Koivisto to step in at 2 minutes, 11
seconds.”
On September 5, 2014, Gonzalez stopped champion Akira Yaegashi in the ninth round (2:24) in
Tokyo, Japan, earning the WBC Flyweight Title. Gonzalez dominated Yaegashi, putting him down
the first time in Round 3. After the second knockdown in the ninth, with an uppercut, the referee
stopped the bout.
Wrote Robert Aaron Contreras/BleacherReport.com (excerpts)… Roman “Chocolatito”
Gonzalez made his way to Tokyo to seize the WBC flyweight title from Akira Yaegashi via Round 9
TKO. Following in his hero Alexis Arguello’s savage fists, Gonzalez became just the second fighter
from Nicaragua to claim world titles in three separate weight divisions. Gonzalez’s ninth-round
drumming of the excellent Yaegashi not only demonstrated the most polished two-fisted attack in
the sport but also consummated his place atop the 112-pound weight class: the best division in
boxing.
“The end came by way of a five-punch series of hooks and uppercuts. Yaegashi fell to his bottom,
with his face dazed in the worst possible way. He made a frail attempt back to his feet. He always
does. But, for once, no one wanted him to. This included referee Michael Griffin, who justly called
the bout with 36 seconds to go in Round 9.”
At only 19 years, Saak is the new teen idol whose strong voice wowed top artists Ricky Martin, Laura Pausini, Yuri, and Julion Alvarez on Mexico’s hit reality show, “La Voz.”
Before reaching the big stage, Saak already had a digital platform in which he shared his music with his fans,“Saakmaniacs.”Along with working on his own songs, Saak has produced music for many top Hispanic influencers including Mario Bautista and Sebastian Villalobos. With over 488K followers on Social Media, and more than 3.6M views on YouTube channel, his influence has led him to attend the MTV Millennial Awards, Nickelodeon’s Kid’s Choice Awards, and the premiere of Disney’s Star Wars Rebels series. His musical talent has landed him an invite to play piano for international artist, Austin Mahone, and sing alongside Alejandro Sanz in Mexico’s famous National Auditorium. Saak is already preparing his first album which is due out later this year.
SayVerse Bio:
SayVerse, a pop rock band, originated in El Paso, Texas. Members Andrea Miguel, Roger Argenis, Manny Martinez, and Juan Arellano came together to create a musical proyect that offers a fresh touch to the Latin Pop music industry, and with the experience that each of the members has, this dream is becoming a reality. With many radio and TV interviews and a video that has gathered more than 1 million views, SayVerse’s first single, “Lo Siento”, has given them recognition from audiences in Colombia, Mexico, Venezuela, Honduras and many other Latin American countries in less than one month of its release.
At only 20 years old, Sebastian Villalobos is the Hispanic YouTuber with the highest engagement on Social Media, with a following of almost 12M and YouTube videos reaching over 3M views each. His massive influence has landed him the MTV Millennial Award for “Most Liked Male Influencer,” a gig as host for the Kids’ Choice Award (Colombia) where he also won “Favorite of the Web,” and most recently, a Kids’ Choice Awards (United States) nomination for “Favorite Latin Star,” which features the top Hispanic influencers. Along with recently competing in the primetime show, “Dancing with the Stars (Colombia),” and guest starring in the upcoming Disney Channel (Latin America) show, “Soy Luna,” Sebastian is taking his digital fame to new heights this year by launching a music career.
Jesus Lara is an accomplished senior digital media and music executive who has spent the last 25 years working at the intersection of technology and content, leading efforts with creative business leaders. Lara is currently the EVP, Digital Media Strategy at Spanish Broadcasting Systems Inc. (SBS). The largest publicly traded Hispanic-controlled media and entertainment company in the United States. At SBS Lara is charged with leading the company’s digital strategy including the development of LaMusica. Previously Lara was the Founder & CEO of Amusse, a technology and entertianment company that developed an edutianment product built to democratize language learning for global youth audiences, based in San Francisco.
A thought leader in every sense of the word, Kevin “Pills” Montano began promoting Hispanic DJs since the early 1990’. Given his focused vision of the impact that DJs hold on the music industry, Kevin teamed up with his cousin, the late Jason “DJ Threat” Campbell and began to explore the untapped marketing opportunities these musical innovators held. During this time, Kevin was taking evening classes to earn a Masters degree while teaching within a reputable school district in Long Island, New York. Kevin and his cousin became an unstoppable force to be reckoned with, forming a DJ crew known as The Turntable Assassins. Today the crew consists of over 35 DJ’s nationwide. The importance of ongoing leadership and success has and always will be important to Kevin and forming the Turntable Assassins provided the ideal conduit for guiding and educating the young and talented DJs in the industry.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Yvonne Drazan has been an active participant in the music industry for over 25 years.
Yvonne joined peermusic in 2003 and is currently the Vice President Latin Division, West Coast where she discovers, mentors, and signs talented songwriters, artists and producers at every stage of their careers, as well as oversees catalog acquisitions, and maintains a deep, wide-spanning roster of Latin, Pop, and Urban writers for the US and Mexico including Prince Royce, Gloria Trevi, El Komander, the production team of Alcover and Xtassy (aka A&X) Mickey Huidobro (Molotov), Chayanne, ChocQuibTown, A Band of Bitches and writer/ producers Luigie Gonzalez, Ahmed Barroso, Pedro Dabdoub and Junior Cabral.
Prior to peermusic, Yvonne was Label Manager of Gustavo Santaolalla’s imprint Surco/Universal, she handled A&R for Juanes’ album Un Dia Normal, Molotov’s album Dance And Dense Denso, and Bajo Fondo Tango Club, all winners of multiple Latin Grammy Awards. Prior to Surco, Yvonne worked as the National Manager of Media Relations at Rhino Records and had previously been a road manager for various Latin Rock artists including Caifanes, La Maldita Vecindad, Miguel Mateos and La Castañeda among others. In 1991, Yvonne entered the music industry at EMI Latin under the direction of Latin industry great, Jose Behar. Behar mentored Yvonne in marketing, promotions, and merchandising, for the label’s stellar roster which included the late Selena.
A renowned Senior Executive in the music industry, Jeff’s involvement and leadership have been instrumental in the expansion and growth of a number of multinational Music companies: He was Director, Vice President and Executive Vice President of companies such as: Capitol / EMI Latin / SBK, Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Latin Entertainment, Disa Records, Univision Music Group and Crescent Moon, the latter owned by the icon and top Latin Music Producer, Emilio Estefan.
Jeff has been the key factor in the successful careers of singers such as Chayanne, Ricky Martin, Shakira, Marc Anthony, Gloria Estefan, Jennifer Lopez, Selena, Alejandro Fernandez, Son By Four, Elvis Crespo, Carlos Vives, Paulina Rubio, Ednita Nazario, Ana Gabriel, Montez de Durango, Marco Antonio Solis and Los Tigres De Norte, among many others.
In 2008 he established his company Venetian Marketing Group to service and fill a niche in the industry, by providing independent artists and boutique music labels with specialized Sales and Marketing advice as well as overall label consulting, planning, setup and execution of an artist musical release. What he calls a “Label within a Label”, to focus on and implement the necessary details to launch a successful release/career.
Since the inception of VMG he has worked and played a key role in developing and growing the careers of Prince Royce, Jencarlos Canela, Los Temerarios, Luis Enrique, Victor Manuelle as well as artists from the upstart Independent Mexican Label, ReMex Music.
With his passion and devotion to Latin music, Jeff managed to set new standards of excellence and achievements in his career. He continues to shape the business and make a difference in an industry that continuous to evolve.
Rob Light is Head of the Music department, a Partner, and Managing Director of leading entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Under Light’s leadership, CAA’s Music department represents many of the world’s most popular and talented musical artists and comedians. Light oversees all of CAA’s music agents, providing strategic counsel on concert tours and event bookings worldwide, as well as advising clients on their overall career development.
Respected throughout the industry for his innovative deal structures and ability to foresee and adapt to changes in the business environment, Light has led CAA’s music department to new heights by implementing an integrated services model that leverages CAA’s expansive and deep resources. This inter-departmental approach has taken clients into soundtracks, theater, feature films, television, documentaries, sponsorship, endorsements and licensing.
Florencia Mauro is Music Coordinator at the Music Department of Telefe (Argentina´s top-rated network). Ms Mauro works as industry liaison seeking musical artists for all Telefe programs and telefe.com, as well as everything the network needs regarding music. She also collaborates in the search of new businesses and she is an international music executive producer and music correspondent. Florencia spent more than twelve years working in Telefe Internacional as a producer of the TV show Especial Musical and twenty years working in different places, always linked to Latin music.
Pioneros en su concepto, Félix Ortiz (Zion) y Gabriel Pizarro (Lennox) unieron sus talentos para establecer lo que hoy día es uno del los dúos mas importantes del genero urbano.
En sus comienzos, innumerables éxitos logran la atención de la reconocida compañía discográfica y de manejo Pina Records presidida por Rafael Pina.
El binomio ha gozado de la oportunidad de llevar su música a el mundo dominando carteleras radiales a nivel internacional con mas de cincuenta éxitos.
Su versátil propuesta musical romántica y bailable, sin lenguaje obsceno u ofensivo a la mujer, y con una lírica atractiva para los amantes de la música son su complemento para ser uno de los dúos mas consistes en el genero urbano.
Artistas de reconocimiento internacional han colaborado con el binomio tales como J Balvin, Pitbull, Nicky Jam, Don Omar,Daddy Yankee,Tego Calderon, Akon, J Alvarez, Farruko, Arcangel, entre otros.
En los últimos años Zion y Lennox han arrasado en el genero urbano con temas como “La Botella” y su mas reciente exitazo, “Pierdo La Cabeza”, tema que ha dominado totalmente los listados radiales US, el Caribe y toda Latinoamerica.
A principios del 2015, Zion y Lennox ofrecieron un concierto sold-out en el legendary Choliseo (Coliseo Jose Miguel Agrelot) en Puerto Rico. Esta presentación se suma a los innumerables conciertos masivos que constantemente ofrece el dúo.
Su alcance en las redes sociales también es un factor que suma a la gran popularidad de Zion y Lennox, quienes cuentan con millones de fieles seguidores los cuales afectuosamente los apodan, Los Diamantes Negros.
David Alvarado is Vice President of Entertainment Publicity for Telemundo. In this role, Alvarado is responsible for leading the publicity efforts for Telemundo’s alternative and prime time programming and productions. He works closely with the network’s talent department to strategically position its prime time stars across print and online media platforms. Alvarado is in charge of developing cross-functional efforts in partnership with Telemundo Studios and the non-scripted production teams, as well as the execution of internal cross promotions efforts among network shows, Telemundo stations and affiliates, digital media, and NBCUniversal properties. Additionally, he oversees publicity strategies for all network program launches, including press events and tours aimed at maximizing exposure and visibility for Telemundo properties across multiple media outlets.
Mario Ruiz was appointed Senior Vice President of Music and Entertainment Projects for Telemundo Network in March 2016. In this new role, Ruiz brings his expertise and vast experience in the music industry to develop new business opportunities within and beyond existing platforms. He leverages the network’s existing music talent efforts in Live Entertainment and Scripted Programming to develop new opportunities on broadcast and digital, finding opportunities to develop new music content and lines of business. With the growth of Telemundo’s live and reality programming, and the broad appeal of its Super Series™, Ruiz positions Telemundo as the incubator for music innovation, launching new careers and promoting the stars of today. Beyond just music, Ruiz will help develop new commercial offerings, leveraging the resources of NBCUniversal.
Previously, Ruiz developed and executed Telemundo and NBC Universo’s overall on-air talent business strategy, as well as led the on-air talent positioning strategy in partnership with key stakeholders within Telemundo Studios, Alternative Programming, Sports, News, Telemundo Stations, Telemundo International, Marketing, Sales, Digital, Business Affairs and NBC Universo.
Ruiz joined Telemundo from the Latin Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (LARAS), where he was a consultant and executive producer since 2011. At LARAS, Ruiz worked on “Person of the Year 2012,” a tribute event honoring Brazilian superstar Caetano Veloso and “Person of the Year 2011,” a star-studded extravaganza honoring Colombian superstar Shakira. He also produced two “Latin Grammy Acoustic Sessions” featuring major artists, Juanes and Reik in Mexico City, and Milton Nascimento and Toquinho in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Prior to the Latin Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, Ruiz worked at Univision Networks as Vice President of Talent, where he centralized main functions for major on-camera talent amongst the three networks, Univision, TeleFutura and Galavision, by providing full-service support to all entertainment shows and newscast programs. Ruiz signed Mexican actress Blanca Soto and Venezuelan host and actress Chiquinquira Delgado, among others. During his tenure at Univision, the seasoned executive was also recognized for bringing the Latin Grammy Awards to the network.
Before Univision Networks, Ruiz held several international executive posts at EMI Music Group, where he worked with some of music’s biggest stars including Garth Brooks, Sir Paul McCartney, Jon Secada, Janet Jackson and many more. From 1994-1999, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer at EMI Mexico and broke seven new artists to Gold/Platinum status in a single year, an unprecedented industry record. During that same time period, Ruiz also signed Latin pop icon Thalia and broke her to an international, superstar level. From 1992-1994, he was the Vice President, Marketing of EMI Music International in London, England, and from 1987-1992, he was Director Artist & Repertoire (A&R) and Marketing for EMI Music Latin America, where he signed some of Latin music’s biggest artists including the legendary Selena, Paulina Rubio and Aleks Syntek. Ruiz also executive produced Placido Domingo’s album of Latin love songs titled “De Mi Alma Latina,” which sold over 1 million copies.
Over the last decade, and as Global Copyright and Publishing Manager based in London, I contributed to the international expansion of West One Music Group, currently the largest independent production music company, by setting up a global publishing infrastructure and joining 34 collection societies worldwide to date.
Currently as VP of Business Development, and with a solid expertise in international music licensing and rights management, I am committed to establishing partnerships and new licensing opportunities in the US and Latin America, with special focus on the growing US Hispanic and Latin American broadcast and advertising markets.
I relocated to New York City early this year to continue growing our presence in these markets from our new US offices, as well as contribute to the development of our new, authentic Latin American label, SOMOS.
Born in Barcelona, Spain, Alfred is a pioneer /visionary technology executive who started the .COM era in 1999 with latinchat.com when internet chatting and web-mail did not exist.
As Co-founder & CEO of Beeping, Alfred is back with a new technology that transmits digital content through sound.
Alfred and his team have developed a new channel for communication called “beeps,” allowing transmission of embedded digital media content thru sound waves and transmit data – from any audio device to any mobile device that is in the range of the sound and has the app open.
With Beeping, you can send any kind of digital content (videos, photography, custom messages, or any piece of multimedia) directly to all the smart phones in the room, thereby creating a multi-sensory, second screen experience that will revolutionize the way your audiences interact with your content.
He will share how to apply this technology in live concerts, and how musicians are able to publish their “beeped” songs to all streaming music/video internet services.
You can get your own magic experience at http://beeping.io
Michael Huppe is the strategic and visionary leader of SoundExchange, the organization at the center of digital music that distributes over $800 million annually in digital royalties.
Huppe has built the organization into a global leader in the recorded music industry, while developing music business solutions for the 21st century.
Leila Cobo
A Fulbright scholar from Cali, Colombia, Leila Cobo is the executive Editor for Latin Content and Programming for Billboard as well as a classical pianist and successful novelist and biographer.
Ms. Cobo is considered one of the country’s leading experts in Latin music and under her tenure, Billboard has expanded its coverage of Latin Music to unprecedented levels both on its print and digital platforms, including the launch of Spanish-language website Billboardenespanol.com. Ms. Cobo also works closely with broadcast partner Telemundo on the Billboard Latin Music Awards and programs the yearly Billboard Latin Music Conference, the largest gathering of the Latin music industry in the U.S.
Ms. Cobo is also host and executive producer of “Estudio Billboard,” the TV show that features in-depth interviews with artists like Gloria Estefan, Pitbull, Laura Pausini, José Feliciano and Maná, among many others.
A classical pianist and novelist, Ms. Cobo has degrees in piano performance (from Manahttan School of Music) and journalism (Bogota’s Javeriana University). She also holds a master’s in communication from the Annenberg School at the University of Southern California.
She has published two award-winning novels with Grand Central Publishing/Hatchette (“Tell Me Something True” and “The Second Time We Met”) and her biography on Jenni Rivera, published in March,, 2013, was the top-selling Spanish-language book in the country for nearly two months. She also published “Apunta a las estrellas,” a guide for aspiring Latin artists, in 2014.
Prior to Billboard, Leila wrote for the Los Angeles Times and was later the pop music critic at the Miami Herald. She’s written liner notes for Ricky Martin, Shakira, Julio Iglesias and Selena among others.
Background on Allen S. Furst
Allen S. Furst has spent over 35 years of his professional career working in the world of sports and entertainment. While currently managing the business affairs of high profile professional athletes and entertainers as President of ASF Consulting, Allen is also the President and co-founder of Agency 21 Consulting, LLC, a firm that provides event management & marketing services for both non-profit organizations and corporate sponsors. Some of Agency 21’s clients include the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival (which supports FIU School of Hospitality), the New York City Wine & Food Festival (which benefits Share Our Strength and the Food Bank), Reid & Fiorentino Events (which benefits Lauren’s Kids and Dade Schools Athletic Foundation), Wade’s World Foundation (which benefits underserved children in both South Florida and Chicago), The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, eMerge Technologies and many other high profile events that benefit well deserving non-profit organizations. Allen has also been the Miami Campaign Manager for the National Women’s Healthy Heart Campaign and Health Fair and serves on the Board of Athletes for Hope and several local charities, including the Mourning Family Foundation and the Overtown Youth Center.
Allen started his career with ProServ, Inc., formerly a Washington, DC based international sports marketing and management company where he represented and managed the business affairs of such well-known athletes as Arthur Ashe, Stan Smith, Michael Jordan, Patrick Ewing, Payne Stewart, Boomer Esiason and Jimmy Connors. Allen was also one of the founding partners D&F Group, a national event marketing and sponsorship agency formed in 1989, which he and his partner further expanded in 1999 by bringing together insiders in the fastest growing segments of sports and entertainment.
Allen has worked with a number of well-known companies over the years, including Budget Rent a Car, Chrysler, Coca-Cola, Evian Waters, Hershey Chocolate, McDonald’s, Marriott, Nissan, the U.S. Postal Service and VISA. In addition, Allen had been active in creating national television specials and national tour sponsorships of sports and entertainment properties for his clients. Allen is considered a leading authority in sports business and corporate event sponsorships. He has been featured in articles in the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Advertising Age, BrandWeek, and the IEG Sponsorship Report. Allen has been a guest speaker at various conferences and college sports management programs and has contributed articles to industry publications on various topics.
Allen received his B.S. in Economics in from the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business, his J.D. from the Catholic University School of Law, and is also a Certified Public Accountant. Allen and his wife Arlene reside in Coconut Grove, FL. Allen enjoys playing all sports, traveling and spending time with his family daughters and grand-daughters.
As a journalist and DJ, Michael Paoletta has been part of the music industry since the 1980s. Joining Billboard in 1998, Paoletta held down several posts, including Brand Marketing Editor, Dance/Electronic Music Editor, and Album Reviews Editor.
In 2009, Paoletta accepted a position with the critically acclaimed music agency Comma, where he is Executive Producer, Music Supervision and Licensing. Comma works with advertising agencies and brands on all their music needs. Comma’s work—both original and licensed music—is featured in commercials for numerous brands, including McDonald’s, Adidas, Hershey’s, Payless ShoeSource, Bayer, and Kellogg’s.
Throughout, Paoletta has been interviewed on numerous networks, including NBC, CBS, VH1, and the BBC—as well as been quoted in such publications as the New York Times—offering insight and knowledge on all things pop culture. Most recently, he was featured on NPR All Things Considered discussing music in advertising. Paoletta is also a voting member of the Recording Academy, the organization responsible for the annual Grammy Awards.
Mezzanine Level
Lapidus Lounge, Mezzanine Level
Speakers:
David Lopez Cendros, MD/A&R Manager, Clipper’s Sounds
Yvonne Drazan, VP Latin Division – West Coast, peermusic
David LaPointe, Founder/CEO, LP Marketing & Promotions
Mia Nygren, Managing Director, Spotify America Latina
Bryant Pino, Director – Latin Music Programming, SiriusXM Radio
Kevin “Pillz” Montano, President, Creative Media Group
Kike Posada, President, Boom Media, Marketing & Promotions Inc.
Luis Rivera, Manager – Latino Music & Video Channels, Music Choice
Jeff Young, CEO, Venetian Marketing Group
Jeff Young, CEO, Venetian Marketing Group
SALON 1 & 2, Mezzanine Level
Hosted and Catered by Wingstop
Performances by:
Piñata Protest
TBT Machine
Presented by: Musical Rhythms Promotions & Emporia Entertainment
E11EVEN MIAMI
29 NE 11th Street
Miami, FL 33132
Hosted By: Isabella Castillo & Jonathan Islas of Telemundo
Special Guest Performances By: KEN-Y & NATTI NATASHA
Special DJ Performance By: RALPHIE MERCADO
Live Performances By:
SAY VERSE
AFRODIZIAC
MELISSA MORA & RHINO
CATARINA
BIANC
DJ ALLEN WISH
DJ HAPPY COLORS
DJ MALCRIAO
DJ PREZ TAINO
DJ R1 & DJ FLACO FRESH (LMP)
Mezzanine Level
Salon 1 & 2, Mezzanine Level
Leila Cobo, Executive Director, Latin Content & Programming, Billboard
Presented by The Latin Recording Academy
Perspectives of Live Latin Music; Domestic & International
Salon 1 & 2, Mezzanine Level
Moderator:
Gabriel Abaroa Jr., President/CEO, The Latin Recording Academy
Speakers:
Rob Light, Managing Partner & Head of Music, CAA
More and more productions are touching upon Latin themes and characters. Who is behind their music and how are choices being made?
Salon 1 & 2, Mezzanine Level
Moderator:
Tomas Cookman, Director, Nacional/Cookman
Speakers:
Jamar Chess, Music Publisher, Sunflower Entertainment Group (Narcos)
Lynn Fainchtein, Music Supervisor, Casete (The Revenant, Birdman, Y tu Mamá También)
Florencia Mauro, Music Coordinator, Telefe Argentina
Jeimy Osorio, Actress
A conversation with top social influencers with their finger on the musical pulse.
Salon 1 & 2, Mezzanine Level
Moderator:
Raúl García, Journalist
Speakers:
Saak
Julian Serrano
Héctor “Bully” Trejo
Sebastián Villalobos
Presented by FIMI & ITA-Italian Trade Agency
Our annual urban panel features the top names on today’s Billboard’s charts.
Salon 1 & 2, Mezzanine Level
Moderator:
Rocio Guerrero, Head of Content Programming & Editorial – Latin Globally, Spotify
Speakers:
Gente de Zona
Juan Magan
Ken-Y
Reykon
Saga WhiteBlack
Zion y Lennox
Presented by NBCUniversal Hispanic Group, Telemundo and NBC Universo
Salon 1 & 2, Mezzanine Level
Introductory Remarks by:
Christine Escribano, SVP – Network Partnerships, NBCUniversal Hispanic Group
From Shazam to Spotify, LaMusica and YouNow, these services are defining what music we listen to.
Salon 1 & 2, Mezzanine Level
Moderator:
Emily White, Associate Director of Charts – Social/Streaming, Billboard
Speakers:
Rodrigo Belmonte, Latam Commercial Manager, Shazam
Rocio Guerrero, Head of Content Programming & Editorial – Latin Globally, Spotify
Jesus Lara, EVP – Digital Media, Spanish Broadcasting System/LaMusica
Matt Maysonet, Entertainment Content & Brand Partnerships, YouNow
Salon 1 & 2, Mezzanine Level
Moderator:
Isabel Gonzales-Whitaker, Deputy Editor, Billboard
Speakers
Andrés Ordóñez, Chief Creative Officer, Energy BBDO
Michael Paoletta, Executive Producer – A&R/Music Supervision, Comma Music
Luis Miguel Messianu, Creative Chairman/CEO, Alma
Presented by American Airlines
Gallery – Ballroom Foyer, Mezzanine Level
As Latin music increasingly intersects with sports, a conversation with top executives, athletes and artists on who the two disciplines come together for mutual benefit.
Salon 1 & 2, Mezzanine Level
Moderator:
Michel Vega, CEO, Magnus Media
Speakers:
Luis Coronel, Recording Artist
Allen S. Furst, President, Agency 21 Consulting, LLC
Román “Chocolatito” González, Professional Boxer
Abner Mares, Professional Boxer
Kevin Wilson, Music Director, ESPN
Presented by NBCUniversal Hispanic Group, Telemundo and NBC Universo
There is a tectonic shift happening in Latino culture and music. From the rise of streaming music services to social media, artists are engaging music fans in new and exciting ways. Learn from a panel of music and entertainment experts how they are revolutionizing their approach to marketing Latino artists and giving them a holistic media solution to share their art.
Salon 1 & 2, Mezzanine Level
Moderator:
Christine Escribano, SVP – Network Partnerships, NBCUniversal Hispanic Group
Speakers:
David Alvarado, VP – Entertainment Publicity, Telemundo
Mario Ruiz, SVP – Music & Entertainment Projects, Telemundo
Andres Wolff, Associate Director – Marketing – US Latin, Sony Music Entertainment
Presented by Buchanan’s
Starr Bar, Poolside (In-case of rain: Salon 3, Mezzanine Level)
Speakers:
Cristina Bellido, VP – Business Development, West One Music
Master Chris, Producer
Florencia Mauro, Music Coordinator, Telefe Argentina
Amaya Mendizabal, Latin Charts Manager, Billboard
Silvio Pietroluongo, VP – Charts & Data Development, Billboard
Bryant Pino, Director – Latin Music Programming, SiriusXM Radio
Kike Posada, President, Boom Media, Marketing & Promotions Inc.
Alfred Rivas, CEO, Beeping
Luis Rivera, Manager – Multicultural Programming, Music Choice
Emmanuel Zunz, Founder/CEO, ONErpm
Luis Rivera, Manager – Multicultural Programming, Music Choice
Yuca
501 Lincoln Road, 2nd Floor
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Performances by:
Obie Bermúdez
Manuel Medrano
Panacea Project
Angélica Rahe
The Fillmore Miami Beach
1700 Washington Avenue
Miami Beach, FL. 33139
Hosted By:
Juan Manuel Cortes and Cynthia Bagué from the hit Telemundo show “Suelta La Sopa”
Performances by:
A&X presents The Rise ft Natti Natasha, Mark B., Jhoni The Voice, 24 Horas
Christian Pagán ft Mr. Sonic
Soledad Pastorutti
Proyecto Uno
Kerreke ft Jorge Luis Chacin
Bardot
3456 N Miami Ave
Miami, FL 33127
Performances by:
TOM & COLLINS
Santiago Caballero
Pirate Stereo
*First 100 conference badge holders get free entrance
Mezzanine Level
Salon 1 & 2, Mezzanine Level
Isabel Gonzales-Whitaker, Deputy Editor, Billboard
Presented by SoundExchange
Salon 1 & 2, Mezzanine Level
Moderator:
Michael Huppe, President & CEO, SoundExchange
Speakers:
Leslie Grace, Recording Artist
Chiquis Rivera
Salon 1 & 2, Mezzanine Level
On the launch of SBS’ new groundbreaking streaming service, LaMusica; the strategy behind his top-rated radio stations; and expanding a media company built on music.
Leila Cobo, Executive Director, Latin Content & Programming, Billboard
Presented by Sony/ATV Music Publishing
Salon 1 & 2, Mezzanine Level
Leila Cobo, Executive Director, Latin Content & Programming, Billboard
Salon 1 & 2, Mezzanine Level
Moderator:
Speakers:
Paty Cantú
Jackie Cruz
Fanny Lu
Natti Natasha
Ednita Nazario
On the eve of their first-ever joint tour, the two biggest names in urban music share a stage and a conference for the first time.
Salon 1 & 2, Mezzanine Level
Moderator:
Leila Cobo, Executive Director, Latin Content & Programming, Billboard
Speakers:
Don Omar, Recording Artist
Daddy Yankee, Recording Artist
Presented by Magusa Logistics
From Concept to travel, the ultimate guide.
Salon 1 & 2, Mezzanine Level
Speakers:
Romy Maguina, President, Magusa Logistics
Rob Markus, Partner/Agent, WME
Lazaro Megret, President, Latino Events Marketing, Inc.
Kate Ramos, Manager, Red Light Management
James G. Sammataro, Esq., Managing Partner, Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP
Presented by American Airlines
Gallery – Ballroom Foyer, Mezzanine Level
Salon 1 & 2, Mezzanine Level
Moderator:
Marc Anthony
Speakers:
Sergio George
Julio Reyes
Motiff
Celebrating the Superstar’s 40-years in music
Salon 1 & 2, Mezzanine Level
Moderator:
Leila Cobo, Executive Director, Latin Content & Programming, Billboard
Presented by: American Airlines, Lexus, Pepsi, Orgullosa
Performance by Gente de Zona
The Filmore Miami Beach
1700 Washington Ave
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Mezzanine Level
Buses will depart from the Ritz-Carlton at 5pm and 5:30pm bound for the BankUnited Center.
Porte Cochere, Lobby Level on Collins Avenue
Produced & Broadcast Live by Telemundo Live from the BankUnited Center
Mezzanine Level
Lapidus Lounge, Mezzanine Level
Speakers:
David Lopez Cendros, MD/A&R Manager, Clipper’s Sounds
Yvonne Drazan, VP Latin Division – West Coast, peermusic
David LaPointe, Founder/CEO, LP Marketing & Promotions
Mia Nygren, Managing Director, Spotify America Latina
Bryant Pino, Director – Latin Music Programming, SiriusXM Radio
Kevin “Pillz” Montano, President, Creative Media Group
Kike Posada, President, Boom Media, Marketing & Promotions Inc.
Luis Rivera, Manager – Latino Music & Video Channels, Music Choice
Jeff Young, CEO, Venetian Marketing Group
Jeff Young, CEO, Venetian Marketing Group
SALON 1 & 2, Mezzanine Level
Hosted and Catered by Wingstop
Performances by:
Piñata Protest
TBT Machine
Presented by: Musical Rhythms Promotions & Emporia Entertainment
E11EVEN MIAMI
29 NE 11th Street
Miami, FL 33132
Hosted By: Isabella Castillo & Jonathan Islas of Telemundo
Special Guest Performances By: KEN-Y & NATTI NATASHA
Special DJ Performance By: RALPHIE MERCADO
Live Performances By:
SAY VERSE
AFRODIZIAC
MELISSA MORA & RHINO
CATARINA
BIANC
DJ ALLEN WISH
DJ HAPPY COLORS
DJ MALCRIAO
DJ PREZ TAINO
DJ R1 & DJ FLACO FRESH (LMP)
Mezzanine Level
Salon 1 & 2, Mezzanine Level
Leila Cobo, Executive Director, Latin Content & Programming, Billboard
Presented by The Latin Recording Academy
Perspectives of Live Latin Music; Domestic & International
Salon 1 & 2, Mezzanine Level
Moderator:
Gabriel Abaroa Jr., President/CEO, The Latin Recording Academy
Speakers:
Rob Light, Managing Partner & Head of Music, CAA
More and more productions are touching upon Latin themes and characters. Who is behind their music and how are choices being made?
Salon 1 & 2, Mezzanine Level
Moderator:
Tomas Cookman, Director, Nacional/Cookman
Speakers:
Jamar Chess, Music Publisher, Sunflower Entertainment Group (Narcos)
Lynn Fainchtein, Music Supervisor, Casete (The Revenant, Birdman, Y tu Mamá También)
Florencia Mauro, Music Coordinator, Telefe Argentina
Jeimy Osorio, Actress
A conversation with top social influencers with their finger on the musical pulse.
Salon 1 & 2, Mezzanine Level
Moderator:
Raúl García, Journalist
Speakers:
Saak
Julian Serrano
Héctor “Bully” Trejo
Sebastián Villalobos
Presented by FIMI & ITA-Italian Trade Agency
Our annual urban panel features the top names on today’s Billboard’s charts.
Salon 1 & 2, Mezzanine Level
Moderator:
Rocio Guerrero, Head of Content Programming & Editorial – Latin Globally, Spotify
Speakers:
Gente de Zona
Juan Magan
Ken-Y
Reykon
Saga WhiteBlack
Zion y Lennox
Presented by NBCUniversal Hispanic Group, Telemundo and NBC Universo
Salon 1 & 2, Mezzanine Level
Introductory Remarks by:
Christine Escribano, SVP – Network Partnerships, NBCUniversal Hispanic Group
From Shazam to Spotify, LaMusica and YouNow, these services are defining what music we listen to.
Salon 1 & 2, Mezzanine Level
Moderator:
Emily White, Associate Director of Charts – Social/Streaming, Billboard
Speakers:
Rodrigo Belmonte, Latam Commercial Manager, Shazam
Rocio Guerrero, Head of Content Programming & Editorial – Latin Globally, Spotify
Jesus Lara, EVP – Digital Media, Spanish Broadcasting System/LaMusica
Matt Maysonet, Entertainment Content & Brand Partnerships, YouNow
Salon 1 & 2, Mezzanine Level
Moderator:
Isabel Gonzales-Whitaker, Deputy Editor, Billboard
Speakers
Andrés Ordóñez, Chief Creative Officer, Energy BBDO
Michael Paoletta, Executive Producer – A&R/Music Supervision, Comma Music
Luis Miguel Messianu, Creative Chairman/CEO, Alma
Presented by American Airlines
Gallery – Ballroom Foyer, Mezzanine Level
As Latin music increasingly intersects with sports, a conversation with top executives, athletes and artists on who the two disciplines come together for mutual benefit.
Salon 1 & 2, Mezzanine Level
Moderator:
Michel Vega, CEO, Magnus Media
Speakers:
Luis Coronel, Recording Artist
Allen S. Furst, President, Agency 21 Consulting, LLC
Román “Chocolatito” González, Professional Boxer
Abner Mares, Professional Boxer
Kevin Wilson, Music Director, ESPN
Presented by NBCUniversal Hispanic Group, Telemundo and NBC Universo
There is a tectonic shift happening in Latino culture and music. From the rise of streaming music services to social media, artists are engaging music fans in new and exciting ways. Learn from a panel of music and entertainment experts how they are revolutionizing their approach to marketing Latino artists and giving them a holistic media solution to share their art.
Salon 1 & 2, Mezzanine Level
Moderator:
Christine Escribano, SVP – Network Partnerships, NBCUniversal Hispanic Group
Speakers:
David Alvarado, VP – Entertainment Publicity, Telemundo
Mario Ruiz, SVP – Music & Entertainment Projects, Telemundo
Andres Wolff, Associate Director – Marketing – US Latin, Sony Music Entertainment
Presented by Buchanan’s
Starr Bar, Poolside (In-case of rain: Salon 3, Mezzanine Level)
Speakers:
Cristina Bellido, VP – Business Development, West One Music
Master Chris, Producer
Florencia Mauro, Music Coordinator, Telefe Argentina
Amaya Mendizabal, Latin Charts Manager, Billboard
Silvio Pietroluongo, VP – Charts & Data Development, Billboard
Bryant Pino, Director – Latin Music Programming, SiriusXM Radio
Kike Posada, President, Boom Media, Marketing & Promotions Inc.
Alfred Rivas, CEO, Beeping
Luis Rivera, Manager – Multicultural Programming, Music Choice
Emmanuel Zunz, Founder/CEO, ONErpm
Luis Rivera, Manager – Multicultural Programming, Music Choice
Yuca
501 Lincoln Road, 2nd Floor
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Performances by:
Obie Bermúdez
Manuel Medrano
Panacea Project
Angélica Rahe
The Fillmore Miami Beach
1700 Washington Avenue
Miami Beach, FL. 33139
Hosted By:
Juan Manuel Cortes and Cynthia Bagué from the hit Telemundo show “Suelta La Sopa”
Performances by:
A&X presents The Rise ft Natti Natasha, Mark B., Jhoni The Voice, 24 Horas
Christian Pagán ft Mr. Sonic
Soledad Pastorutti
Proyecto Uno
Kerreke ft Jorge Luis Chacin
Bardot
3456 N Miami Ave
Miami, FL 33127
Performances by:
TOM & COLLINS
Santiago Caballero
Pirate Stereo
*First 100 conference badge holders get free entrance
Mezzanine Level
Salon 1 & 2, Mezzanine Level
Isabel Gonzales-Whitaker, Deputy Editor, Billboard
Presented by SoundExchange
Salon 1 & 2, Mezzanine Level
Moderator:
Michael Huppe, President & CEO, SoundExchange
Speakers:
Leslie Grace, Recording Artist
Chiquis Rivera
Salon 1 & 2, Mezzanine Level
On the launch of SBS’ new groundbreaking streaming service, LaMusica; the strategy behind his top-rated radio stations; and expanding a media company built on music.
Leila Cobo, Executive Director, Latin Content & Programming, Billboard
Presented by Sony/ATV Music Publishing
Salon 1 & 2, Mezzanine Level
Leila Cobo, Executive Director, Latin Content & Programming, Billboard
Salon 1 & 2, Mezzanine Level
Moderator:
Speakers:
Paty Cantú
Jackie Cruz
Fanny Lu
Natti Natasha
Ednita Nazario
On the eve of their first-ever joint tour, the two biggest names in urban music share a stage and a conference for the first time.
Salon 1 & 2, Mezzanine Level
Moderator:
Leila Cobo, Executive Director, Latin Content & Programming, Billboard
Speakers:
Don Omar, Recording Artist
Daddy Yankee, Recording Artist
Presented by Magusa Logistics
From Concept to travel, the ultimate guide.
Salon 1 & 2, Mezzanine Level
Speakers:
Romy Maguina, President, Magusa Logistics
Rob Markus, Partner/Agent, WME
Lazaro Megret, President, Latino Events Marketing, Inc.
Kate Ramos, Manager, Red Light Management
James G. Sammataro, Esq., Managing Partner, Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP
Presented by American Airlines
Gallery – Ballroom Foyer, Mezzanine Level
Salon 1 & 2, Mezzanine Level
Moderator:
Marc Anthony
Speakers:
Sergio George
Julio Reyes
Motiff
Celebrating the Superstar’s 40-years in music
Salon 1 & 2, Mezzanine Level
Moderator:
Leila Cobo, Executive Director, Latin Content & Programming, Billboard
Presented by: American Airlines, Lexus, Pepsi, Orgullosa
Performance by Gente de Zona
The Filmore Miami Beach
1700 Washington Ave
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Mezzanine Level
Buses will depart from the Ritz-Carlton at 5pm and 5:30pm bound for the BankUnited Center.
Porte Cochere, Lobby Level on Collins Avenue
Produced & Broadcast Live by Telemundo Live from the BankUnited Center
Please sign up for our mailing list to be notified when registration opens!
Room Block available at the Ritz-Carlton South Beach.
Reservation information is included in your registration confirmation email.
For Press Credentials for the 2016 Conference
please email
For Award Show credentials please contact: [email protected]
For questions or group and student discount codes please contact
