Billboard Latin Music Award finalists El Cata, Dyland & Lenny, Cultura Profética and 24 Horas are set to perform at the highly anticipated 2011 Billboard Bash. Very accomplished in their own right, the group of talented artists represents an eclectic sample of Latin music genres. They will be joined by upcoming acts Rakel and Abel Ullón who will also perform as part of Billboard Bash’s New Artist Showcase. Another exciting performance at the event is the winner of the Western Union “Love in Any Language” contest that will be announced April 19. In addition, the Bash will honor for the first time “The Best Live Show of the Year,” an award created by Billboard and leading digital service Eventful, to give fans a voice in determining their favorite show. The Billboard Bash is the official pre-celebration to the 2011 Billboard Latin Music Awards presented by State Farm® and will take place at 8:30PM on Wednesday April 27th at Mansion in Miami Beach, Florida. The glamorous event is part of the 22nd annual Billboard Latin Music Conference Presented by State Farm in Association with AT&T. Visit www.BillboardLatinConference.com for more information.
Performing at this year’s Billboard Bash is Dominican singer and songwriter El Cata, who is up for two Billboard Latin Music Awards for his collaboration with Colombian singer-songwriter Shakira on the Spanish version of her single “Loca.” El Cata defines his music style as “Electronic Merengue” infused with the sounds of everyday life in the Dominican Republic. He has also collaborated with Pitbull and other artists. Also performing is Dyland & Lenny, finalists in the category of Latin Rhythm Airplay Artist of the Year, Duo or Group at the Billboard Latin Music Awards. The reggaeton duo began their career in 2009, and their musical hits include “Nadie Te Amará Como Yo,” “Quiere Pa’ Que Te Quieran” and “Caliente.” Gifted athletes in their own right prior to joining forces in music, the duo has gained notoriety all over Latin America, the U.S. and their homeland of Puerto Rico.
With strong reggae roots, Cultura Profética (Prophetic Culture) explores the musical spectrum infusing harmonies of Jazz, funk, electronic, hip hop, ska, Brazilian and Afro-Caribbean. The Puerto Rican band is famous for their lyrics that rely mostly on socio-political and ecological issues, and their signature sounds have earned them acknowledgement in the industry and international notoriety. Their album “La Dulzura,” released in 2010 is a finalist for a Billboard Latin Music Award in the category of Latin Pop Album Artist of the Year, Duo or Group. Bachata sensation 24 Horas, up for a Billboard Latin Music Award in the Tropical Album Artist of the Year, Duo or Group category, originated in New York, but is full of Dominican flavor. The three young, but talented band members released their album “Los Inolvidables” and its single “Mami dame un beso” in 2010.
The New Artist Showcase at the Billboard Bash will feature performances by Rakel, a multitalented artist who explores many artistic expressions. An accomplished painter, photographer and fashion designer, Rakel fuses her diverse talents when she writes, sings and creates music. Her maiden album is scheduled to release in 2011. Another performer of the evening is Abel Ullón, the winner of “Alcanza La Fama”, a national talent contest created by Time Warner Cable. As the winner, Abel recorded two new songs and is featured in a brand spot developed for Time Warner Cable’s Spanish-language advertising campaign. Also performing at the Bash will be the winner of the Western Union “Love in Any Language” contest that will be announced on April 19. On Western Union’s online campaign, consumers were invited to upload videos expressing their love for their friends or family, no matter the language or distance. The winner will be chosen from the top 10 videos with the most votes.
For the first time, Billboard and Eventful are joining forces to honor Latin artists via the fan’s choice award titled “Best Live Show of the Year.” Billboard and Eventful are giving fans a voice in determining the Best Live Show of 2011. The artist and shows have been selected based on box office and ticket data provided by Billboard to Eventful. The campaign launched on Tuesday, February 15th, giving fans the opportunity to vote, and the winner will be announced at the Billboard Bash on Wednesday April 27th.
The Billboard Bash is part of the 22nd annual Billboard Latin Music Conference Presented by State Farm in Association with AT&T. The event, taking place on April 26 – 28 at the Eden Roc Renaissance in Miami Beach, will unite today’s top Latin music artists and key industry executives for informative panel discussions, live musical showcases, networking receptions and The Billboard Bash – a pre-Billboard Latin Music Awards show celebration featuring performances by some of this year’s finalists. Latin super stars confirmed to date include: Maná, Gloria Trevi, Camila and Pitbull. For details on The Billboard Latin Music Conference, visit: www.BillboardLatinConference.com.