Cultura 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- West Springfield, Mass. -- July 2008
CULTURA 2008
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage at The Big E
The Big E proudly presents Cultura 2008, Celebrating Hispanic Heritage at The Big E, Sunday, Sept. 14.
The day will be dedicated to celebrating the many aspects of Hispanic culture; from food to art, music and dance, Cultura 2008 will represent many of the Hispanic-American cultures that are present throughout Western Massachusetts today. Musical performances by Latin artists, salsa lessons and dance demonstrations are a few of the many activities that will be presented throughout the day.
Salsa, Meringue, Latin jazz and rock, pop and R&B!
Malo, one of the most successful and enduring Latin Rock bands in the world, will appear on the Court of Honor Stage Sept. 14 (and throughout the Fair). Their biggest hit, "Suavecito," reached #18 on the Billboard charts. With 10 albums to their credit, Malo has played all over the world with such greats as The Rolling Stones and Queen. Malo will rock the stage with some of the best sounds this genre has to offer at noon and 6 p.m.
Mariachi Azteca Del Sol, sponsored by Big Y World Class Market®, will bring the traditional sounds of Mexico to the Storrowton Village Gazebo Sept. 14 (and throughout the Fair) at 11 a.m., 2 & 6:30 p.m. Ten musicians led by Director and Musical Arranger Rueben M. Loya keep the art of Mariachi alive combining the familiar trumpet, violin and guitar with traditional Mexican instruments including the guitar-like vihuela and the guitarron, a large, six-string acoustic bass guitar. Enjoy this festive music as one the nation's premier Mariachi groups comes to The Big E.
A Latin celebration of music and dance will fill the Food Court with lively rhythms when the following artists take the mike:
Neury Luciano Y Su Orquesta
Sony Records International recording artist Neury Luciano is a young Dominican singer poised to set the recording world on fire with his first production, "El Mundo Gira" (The World Turns). The CD is packed with energy and a perfect combination of lyrics and beat, great for listening or dancing to. Written and arranged by Neury, the CD consists of both meringues and acoustical songs.
Fedelay
Dominicana-Latin Pop singer, performer, actress, model, woman of style, all terms used to describe Fedelay. She is living her dream of recording artist and entertainer. At the age of five, she sang for her first audience, her parents. At seventeen, right after high school, she auditioned for every talent show and any open mike nights that she could find. And one night, she was discovered by Leon Sevein, CEO of Medallion Records. She composed her first song at the age of 17, which is the title song on her CD, "Amor en la Arena."
Dulce Santana
Venezuela-born Dulce Santana, now based in Springfield, is a strong vocalist and songwriter who writes and sings in both English and Spanish. With a style covering Jazz, Latin Jazz, ballads, Salsa and Pop, this powerful performer has just released her new CD, "Forever."
Jesus Pagan Y Su Orquesta
Armed with a love of his heritage and his culture, Jesus Pagan devotes his whole heart and soul to the music that gave him life: Salsa. An exhilarating entertainer and vocalist, he leads audiences on a journey from New York to Miami and Puerto Rico to the Dominican Republic. With his own distinct brand of "Salsa Dura," he can move his audience to tears or have them dancing in the streets.
DJ Mambo
DJ Mambo delivers a select mix of music sure to fire up the dance floor. His blend of rare and unknown classics with hot new tracks creates an atmosphere that gives dancers just what they need. His music of choice is "Salsa Dura" or what in Puerto Rico is referred to as "Salsa Gorda" or "del la mata."
Also appearing are Jackie Santos & Los Padrotes and Yasmina.
Can you Salsa?
Rafael Velazquez will offer salsa lessons at the Food Court. Dance demonstrations will be presented by Velazquez, the Salsa con Clase Dancers, LHQ Dance Force and Mary Ann's School of Dance.
Latin Flavor
Sample a taste of Latin at Sonia's Latin Grill where you'll find Cuban Sandwiches, Yellow Rice, Fried Pork, Arepas, Plantans and more on Cultura day and throughout the Fair.
The Big E takes place Sept. 12-28 at Eastern States Exposition on Memorial Avenue in West Springfield, Mass. For tickets and more information please visit www.TheBigE.com or call The Big E Info Line at 413-205-5115.
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Editor's Note: All press releases and photos are available on TheBigE.com/media.