Sunday, internationally acclaimed actor Andy Garcia will join hundreds across the country in a symbolic march in solidarity with victims of repression in Cuba.  In Los Angeles, the march will take place in Echo Park at 2:00pm following the culmination of a 12-hour fast in honor of the late Orlando Tamayo Zapata. Tamayo was an Amnesty International prisoner of conscience who died earlier this month after an 85-day hunger strike protesting the deplorable conditions in Cuban prisons.

“We are walking in silence, dressed in the white-the color of peace and absolute freedom-to show solidarity with the Cuban people, and especially the women in white (Damas de Blanco) suffering the abuses and injustices perpetrated by the repressive Cuban government, not only onto themselves, but also towards their husbands and sons, the imprisoned political dissidents fighting for human rights and democracy in Cuba. Please join us in this march in support of the long-suffering Cuban people who deserve to enjoy the liberties that we so cherish.” – Andy Garcia

The march was spurred by recent public beatings and violent harassment of Cuba’s Ladies in White – the mothers, daughters, wives and sisters of prisoners of conscience currently on the island.  Their valiant efforts have inspired celebrities and Cuban-American Icons such as Grammy Award-winning singer Gloria Estefan and Academy ward nominated actor Andy Garcia to raise awareness about the deplorable human rights conditions in Cuba.

“This past week, the violent persecution that the “Damas De Blanco” suffered at the hands of Cuba’s repressive government was such that the President of the European People’s Party (EPP) in the European Parliament, Joseph Daul, declared, ‘It is high time that the European Union clearly defends all those who, in Cuba, risk their lives on a daily basis defending Human Rights and who are working towards a peaceful transition to democracy’.” – Gloria Estefan

The event is centered around the slogan: “This is not a Cuban issue; it’s a human issue,” and calls on the international community to act and condemn the human rights violations on the island. For more information please visit: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=102574439781503

American Idol Season 8 runner-up, Adam Lambert is going to Singapore for an exclusive, by-invitation-only, intimate showcase!

It will be a cosy setting in the newly-opened Resorts World Sentosa.

Date:    12th March 2010, Friday

Time:    8.30PM (Doors open at 7.45PM)

Venue: Hollywood Pantages TheaterTM, Universal Studios Singapore®

Adam Lambert will be the FIRST artist to perform at Universal Studios Singapore. Adam has achieved Gold status and topped the album charts in Singapore for his debut album For Your Entertainment, released in November 2009.

Sony Music Entertainment Singapore will be releasing a Deluxe Edition of his debut album, featuring 5 bonus tracks and additional DVD content, on 5th March 2010.

Fans will stand a chance to be chosen to watch Adam’s exclusive performance at Hollywood Pantages TheaterTM by purchasing the Deluxe Edition of For Your Entertainment. Only announced winners on www.adamofficial.com/sg on 10th March, 8PM, will be able to attend this event.

Log on to www.adamofficial.com/sg for more contest information.

No tickets will be sold for this event.

Sounds From Spain announces SXSW 2010 line-up; Los Planetas, Amaral, Huecco, Tom Cary, The Unfinished Sympathy & Nudozurdo to perform at this year’s SXSW Music Festival March 17-18 in Austin, Texas.

SXSW’s Sounds From Spain showcases, will take place Wednesday, March 17th at 7:30 p.m., at Encore Patio, 611 Red River St., and Thursday, March 18th at 4:30 p.m., at Brush Square Park East Tent.

Both showcases will feature all six artists, and the March 18 event will have all the atmosphere of an outdoor festival, with authentic cuisine and drink – paella, gazpacho, sangría, Spanish beer and wine.

Headlining is Amaral, the transcendent pop-rock duo comprising Eva Amaral and Juan Aguirre. Known for such Latin pop hits as “Sin Ti No Soy Nada” and “El Universo Sobre Mí,” this group recently released an acclaimed live album, La Barrera del Sonido, on EMI Music.

Deftly mastering what he calls “impossible fusions” of musical styles, Warner Music Latina artist Huecco brings a fascinating mix of flamenco, hip-hop and other sounds to his very personal songs.

The five-man group Los Planetas mixes psychedelia and high concept into their organic rock sound. A legend in Spanish alternative music, they’re promoting their new studio album Una Ópera Egipcia.

Founded in 2001, Nudozurdo is an indie foursome whose atmospheric rock and hypnotic sound invite us to get lost in the music.

Based in the multilingual city of Barcelona, The Unfinished Sympathy performs sharp, hook-filled guitar rock in English. Their new album is titled Avida Dollars, an anagram of Salvador Dalí’s name which his critics used as a pejorative, as they accused him of “selling out” for fortune in the Americas.

Tom Cary is not a person but a young foursome from Málaga. Also performing in English, this band mixes blues, punk and emo for a show that’s never boring.

Don’t miss this rare chance to see six of Spain’s most sought-after alternative artists – together in two super showcases!

AVENTURA Dominates Premio Lo Nuestro 2010 – Taking Home Five Awards – Including The New/Top Category Of The Evening: “Entertainer of the Year”

The Kings of Bachata Make Premio Lo Nuestro History By Topping The List of Winners Two Years In A Row

“Aventura sweeps with 5 Premios Lo Nuestro. For the second consecutive year the group Aventura was crowned as the top winner… Amid the shouts of their followers, the kings of bachata, swept the honors on Thursday including Tropical music album of the year” – EFE.

In Addition To The Premio Lo Nuestro For Entertainer of the Year, AVENTURA Reigned Over The Tropical Categories, Garnering Awards For:
Album of the Year- Group or Duo of the Year – Song of the Year & Traditional Tropical Artist of the Year.

Echoing the Success of Their Current Record-Breaking Tour, Aventura Also Delivered A Show Stopping Performance of Both “Su Veneno” And “Dile al Amor” – Which Is Currently The #1 Latin Song In The Country For a FIFTH Week.

“HOPE FOR HAITI NOW: A GLOBAL BENEFIT FOR EARTHQUAKE RELIEF” ANNOUNCES LINEUP OF SUPERSTAR MUSICAL PERFORMANCES

Wyclef Jean, Bruce Springsteen, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, Shakira, and Sting will appear in New York City; Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, Dave Matthews, John Legend, Justin Timberlake, Stevie Wonder, Taylor Swift, a group performance by Keith Urban, Kid Rock, and Sheryl Crow in Los Angeles; Coldplay and a group performance by Bono, The Edge, Jay-Z, and Rihanna in London

All Performances to be Available for Purchase from Apple® iTunes® Store with Proceeds Benefiting Select Haiti Relief Funds

More than One Hundred of the Biggest Names in Film, Television, and Music to Appear on “Hope for Haiti Now,” Along with Wyclef Jean in New York City, George Clooney in Los Angeles, and CNN’s Anderson Cooper in Haiti

Additional Television, Online, and Mobile Partners Make “Hope for Haiti Now” the Most Widely Distributed Global Telethon in History

“Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief,” announced its lineup of superstar musical performances.  The global telethon will feature performances by Wyclef Jean, Bruce Springsteen, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, Shakira, and Sting in New York City; Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, Dave Matthews, John Legend, Justin Timberlake, Stevie Wonder, Taylor Swift and a group performance by Keith Urban, Kid Rock, and Sheryl Crow in Los Angeles; and Coldplay, and a group performance by Bono, The Edge, Jay-Z, and Rihanna in a newly added London location.  All musical performances will be available for purchase for $.99 per song through the Apple® iTunes® Store beginning Saturday, January 23, with all proceeds benefiting Haiti relief funds managed by “Hope for Haiti Now” charities.

In addition to musical performances, Wyclef Jean in New York City, George Clooney in Los Angeles, and CNN’s Anderson Cooper reporting from Haiti, “Hope for Haiti Now” will feature more than one hundred of the biggest names in film, television, and music supporting the cause with testimonials and by answering phones during the telethon.

The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund and United Nations World Food Programme have joined the list of relief organizations that will benefit from “Hope for Haiti Now,” which also includes Oxfam America, Partners in Health, the Red Cross, UNICEF, and Yele Haiti Foundation.  Proceeds from “Hope for Haiti Now” will be split evenly among each organization’s individual funds for Haiti earthquake relief.

“Hope for Haiti Now” will be the most widely distributed telethon in history, both internationally and across media platforms.  The two-hour telethon will air on ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, CNN, BET, The CW, HBO, MTV, VH1, and CMT on Friday, January 22, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT and 7:00 p.m. CT.   “Hope for Haiti Now” will also air on newly added networks including PBS, TNT, Showtime, COMEDY CENTRAL, Bravo, E! Entertainment, National Geographic Channel, Oxygen, G4, CENTRIC, Current TV, Fuse, MLB Network, EPIX, Palladia, SoapNet, Style, Discovery Health, Planet Green, and Canadian networks including CBC Television, CTV, Global Television, and MuchMusic.  The event will be live streamed online globally across sites including YouTube, Hulu, MySpace, Fancast, AOL, MSN.com, Yahoo, Bing.com, BET.com, CNN.com, MTV.com, VH1.com, and Rhapsody and on mobile via Alltel, AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, and FloTV. “Hope for Haiti Now” will also air internationally on BET International, CNN International, National Geographic, and MTV Networks International, which is available in 640 million homes worldwide.  “Hope for Haiti Now” will be the first U.S.-based telethon airing on MTV in China.  Facebook and Twitter have signed on as official social media partners to help drive donations and tune-in to the telethon.

Based on production needs and venue sizes, all “Hope for Haiti Now” studio locations will be closed to the media.  Photos, pool video footage and talent interviews from “Hope for Haiti Now” will be serviced to news outlets immediately following the event.

“Hope for Haiti Now” is produced by Joel Gallen and Tenth Planet Productions, in collaboration with Viacom’s MTV Networks and George Clooney.

CALLE 13 SWEEPS THE 2009 LATIN GRAMMY AWARDS
WINNING IN FIVE CATEGORIES

DRACO

GARNISHES AWARD AT THE 10TH ANNUAL LATIN GRAMMYS FOR ALBUM ‘TEATRO’

“BEST ROCK SOLO VOCAL ALBUM”

TEATRO

Calle 13 and Rubén Blades, David Bisbal, Shaila Dúrcal, Luz Ríos, and Alejandro Sanz are the first performers announced for the 10th Annual Latin GRAMMY® Awards telecast, it was announced by The Latin Recording Academy®. The milestone celebration is set for Nov. 5 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas and will be broadcast live on the Univision Network from 8 – 11 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. Central). For updates and breaking news, please visit The Latin Recording Academy’s social networks on Twitter and Facebook: www.twitter.com/latingrammys, www.facebook.com/latingrammys.

Five-time Latin GRAMMY-winning duo and this year’s leading nominee, Calle 13’s five nods include: Album Of The Year and Best Urban Music Album for Los De Atrás Vienen Conmigo, Record Of The Year and Best Alternative Song for “No Hay Nadie Como Tú” (with Café Tacvba), and Best Short Form Music Video for “La Perla” (with Rubén Blades). Singer/songwriter Luz Ríos has two nods for Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal Album (Aire). David Bisbal, Rubén Blades, and Shaila Dúrcal each have one nomination: Bisbal for Record Of The Year (”Aquí Estoy Yo” with Luis Fonsi, Aleks Syntek, and Noel Schajris); Blades for Best Short Form Music Video (”La Perla” with Calle 13); and Dúrcal for Best Ranchero Album (Corazón Ranchero).

El lunes los mencionaron – y el miércoles estarán en el programa!!!!

No se pierdan el miércoles 16 de septiembre la entrevista de Ocho de Bastos con El circo de la Mega con El Ganster y Funky Joe, en la sección de El Boricuazo!!!!

En la mañana (su participación será entre 8:00-8:30am)

Internet: http://elcirco.net/

Radio: La Mega 106.9 FM (Puerto Rico – área metro)

TV: Canal 161 de Direct TV (Puerto Rico)

En la tarde: (TV Puerto Rico)

Canal 30 (área metro) y Canal 24 (oeste/isla)

MENSAJE DE OCHO THE BASTOS:

Nos sentimos sumamente honrados por participar en uno de los programas de mayor audiencia en nuestro país: PUERTO RICO – mil gracias!!!

Para más información visita http://www.ochodebastos.com/

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Ocho de Bastos will participate in one of the most popular TV/Radio/Internet programs in Puerto Rico: El Circo de La Mega.

The show is a live intervention transmitted by Internet, TV and radio in Puerto Rico but you can watch it by Internet: http://elcirco.net/

(Radio and TV broad casting only in Puerto Rico)

MESSAGE FROM OCHO DE BASTOS:

It will be the first time we are noticed by the Puerto Rican media, and it will be in one of the most popular shows in our country – PUERTO RICO – This is a great honor for us – THANKS!!

For additional information visit http://www.ochodebastos.com/

For the first time Sony Music and Ednita provide all her fans with the opportunity to watch the photo session for her new album via webcam.

TODAY at 12pm (EST) you can access the official artist website and you’ll be able to see Ednita live during her photo shoot!!

The new album will be available on  October 27th.

In recognition of their critically-praised album Los de Atrás Vienen Conmigo, The Groundbreaking Brothers from Puerto Rico receive nominations for:

Best Group or Duo

Best Urban Artist

Best Video (Electro Movimiento)

RESIDENTE OF CALLE 13 Will Also Host The LOS PREMIOS MTV 2009 Broadcast

Event will Air Thursday, October 15th on MTV Latin America and MTV Tr3s in the US

Billboard announced that Beyoncé will be accepting its Woman Of The Year Award at the 2009 Billboard Women In Music Event, taking place on Oct. 2 in New York City.

The honor, given to a female recording artist that has inspired the music business with her success, leadership and new ideas, will be awarded to the singer for her accomplishments over the past 12 months.

In the last year, Beyoncé kicked off her world tour “I Am…” in support of her third solo album “I Am…Sasha Fierce,” which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart in November and features the hit singles “If I Were A Boy,” “Single Ladies,” “Halo,” “Ego” and “Sweet Dreams.”

The tour also showcased Beyoncé’s philanthropic side as she gave 2,500 tickets to families affected by the auto industry crisis in Detroit and joined forces with General Mills Hamburger Helper and Feeding America to deliver 3.5 million meals to local food banks.

“Beyoncé is a multi-platinum artist and a multi-talented woman who clearly embodies the qualities of excellence and achievement that the Billboard Woman Of The Year Award was created to honor,” said Bill Werde, Billboard’s Editorial Director, about Beyoncé, who is the only performer in the 51-year history of the Billboard Hot 100 to top the chart for 10 weeks or more with a group and as a solo artist. “She has not only influenced pop culture with her hit songs and signature dance moves, but has inspired women everywhere with her unique style, business savvy and dedication to charitable causes.”

The Billboard Women in Music Event celebrates the most powerful and talented women in the music business and is also held in conjunction with the Women In Music Power Players List issue, which recognizes the top female music executives who are leading the industry with their artistic and business vision.

Event will Air Thursday, October 15th on MTV Latin America and MTV Tr3s in the US

Miami, Fl. August 28th, 2009 – MTV Latin America announced today that “Residente” from the highly-acclaimed urban/alternative music group Calle 13 will host this year’s edition of Los Premios MTV 2009. This year’s multi-city celebration will air live from the Gibson Amphitheater in Los Angeles on MTV Latin America and MTV Tr3s in the US on Thursday, October 15th. The show will also air on MTVs around the world and on select broadcast stations throughout Latin America, details to be announced.
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“Residente will bring an amazing dynamic to this year’s show,” commented Jose Tillan, Executive Producer for Los Premios MTV 2009. “He is one of the most talented and beloved musical artists in his genre and his irreverent and outrageous personality make him a perfect fit for our event.”
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“As a Latino I am very happy to be able to participate in Los Premios MTV Latin America,” commented Residente. “Participating in these awards is a tool for me to communicate in ‘living color’ what I truly feel. In other words, thanks to MTV I’ll be able to tell millions of people whatever I want all at once … ha, ha, ha. This is the first time – and probably the last – that I will appear as host so don’t miss it. Afuego!”
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Comprised of brothers René Pérez (’Residente’) and Eduardo Cabra (’Visitante’), Calle 13 is one of the most sonically innovative and socially outspoken groups in Latin music today. With a distinctive style that unites unrivaled lyrical wit with an adventurous fusion of urban, alternative and numerous world music influences, the Puerto Rican duo has become a globally recognized voice of Latino youth.
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In a career span thus far of just four years, Calle 13 has already won extensive critical acclaim and wide award recognition – including a GRAMMY, five LATIN GRAMMY awards, a Billboard Music Award and a Los Premios MTV Tongue for “Most Promising Artist”. Calle 13 has likewise become highly in-demand among their musical peers, having already recorded collaborations with artists such as Shakira, Cafe Tacvba, Ruben Blades, Alejandro Sanz, Mala Rodriguez, Vincento, Mercedes Sosa and Nelly Furtado.
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Nominees for Los Premios MTV are selected by a “Music and Video Academy” comprised of music industry professionals and fans. Winners for most of the categories are chosen by viewers’ votes through MTV Latin America’s website www.MTVla.com. Last year alone, over 12.5 million viewers logged on to vote for their favorite artists across all categories, breaking the previous year’s record by more than 1 million users.
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Los Premios MTV reflects the music and attitude of youth in Latin America today. The show brings together a variety of artists from different genres from Latin America and other parts of the word — making it a truly unique multiplatform music experience.
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MTV has a long history of creating exciting music events with 19 locally produced award shows annually around the world in countries such as Australia, Germany, India, Japan and Russia, among others.

Last night, during one of the year’s most exciting live international television events, a star-studded panel of judges chose Miss Venezuela, Stefania Fernandez, as MISS UNIVERSE® 2009 live from Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas.

Miss Venezuela, Stefania Fernandez, is 18-years-old and she is interested in International Relations.

The judging panel for the 2009 Miss Universe Pageant included: Dean Cain, actor and producer best known for his TV portrayal of Clark Kent/Superman; Colin Cowie, author/television personality/designer to the stars; Gerry DeVeaux, award-winning producer, songwriter and style guru; Farouk Shami, Founder and Chairman of CHI Hair Care; Heather Kerzner, Ambassador for Kerzner International and their resorts, including Atlantis, Paradise Island; Richard LeFrak, Chairman, President and CEO, LeFrak Organization; George Maloof Jr., professional sports mogul and hotelier;  Valeria Mazza, international supermodel; Matthew Rolston, leading photographer and director; Andre Leon Talley, award-winning writer and editor; Tamara Tunie, actress, “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit;” and Keisha Whitaker, fashion maven and founder of the Kissable Couture lip gloss line.

Throughout the two-hour event, contestants from over 80 countries and territories around the world competed in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and personality interview. Dayana Mendoza,  Miss Universe 2008, crowned her successor at the conclusion of the two-hour primetime telecast before an estimated worldwide viewing audience of approximately one billion viewers.

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FINAL RESULTS:

First Runner-Up: Miss Domincan Republic, Ada Aimee De La Cruz; will assume the duties of MISS UNIVERSE 2009 if the titleholder for some reason cannot fulfill her responsibilities.

Second Runner-Up: Miss Kosovo, Gona Dragusha.

Rest of Top Five: Miss Australia, Rachael Finch; Miss Puerto Rico, Mayra Matos Perez.

Rest of Top Ten: Miss South Africa, Tatum Keshwar; Miss Czech Republic, Iveta Lutovska; Miss Switzerland, Whitney Toyloy; Miss USA, Kristen Dalton; and Miss France, Chloe Mortaud.

Rest of Top Fifteen: Miss Albania, Hasna Xhukici; Miss Belgium, Zeynep Sever; Miss Croatia, Sarah Cosic; Miss Iceland, Ingibjorg Egilsdottir; and Miss Sweden, Renate Cerljen.

Miss Photogenic Universe™ Award: Miss Thailand, Chutima Durongdej. The general public voted on www.nbc.com for the delegate who exemplifies beauty through the lens of a camera. She was awarded a $1,000 cash prize and a gift from pageant sponsor Diamond Nexus Labs.

Miss Congeniality Universe™ Award: Miss China, Wang Jingyao. This award reflects the respect and admiration of the delegate’s peers, who voted for her as the most congenial, charismatic and inspirational participant. She was awarded a $1,000 cash prize and a gift from Diamond Nexus Labs.

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The MISS UNIVERSE® 2009 prize package includes: the Miss Universe tiara and jewelry designed by Diamond Nexus Labs; a two-year scholarship from the New York Film Academy worth more than $100,000 dollars to its acting or film-making programs;  an eveningwear wardrobe from Carlos Alberto; a custom swimsuit wardrobe from BSC Swimwear Thailand; a shoe collection from Nina Footwear;  an assortment of Luxe Collection video cameras from DXG USA; a six-day/five-night vacation for two at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas with air travel accommodations by JetBlue Airways; a year-long supply of Farouk Systems products, makers of CHI, the original Ceramic Technology tools; a Skype kit featuring a laptop computer, webcam, speakers and a one-year Unlimited World plan to talk to friends and family;  membership to Gravity Fitness and pampering at John Barrett Salon; a fashion portfolio by leading fashion photographer Fadil Berisha; dermatology and skincare services by Dr. Cheryl Thellman-Karcher; consultations with personal stylist Billie Causieestko and access to an event wardrobe from leading fashion designers; a New York City apartment for the year of her reign including living expenses and professional representation by the Miss Universe Organization to further her personal and professional goals.

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ABOUT THE MISS UNIVERSE ORGANIZATION

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The MISS UNIVERSE®, MISS USA® and MISS TEEN USA® Pageants are a Donald J. Trump and NBC Universal joint venture. Utilizing its nationwide grass roots infrastructure, the Miss Universe Organization is committed to increasing HIV/AIDS awareness by focusing on women’s health and reproductive issues. By forging relationships with organizations committed to research and education such as the Latino Commission on AIDS, God’s Love We Deliver, PSI/YouthAIDS and Gay Men’s Health Crisis. For more information, visit: www.missuniverse.com