From career milestones and new music releases to major announcements and more, Billboard editors highlight the latest news buzz in Latin music every week. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week:
Selena Gomez to Be Honored at the Hispanic Heritage Awards
The Hispanic Heritage Foundation announced that Selena Gomez will receive the ARTS Award during the October 6 PBS broadcast of the 33rd Annual Hispanic Heritage Awards. Selena Gomez will join Bad Bunny (Vision Award), Jessica Alba (Business Award), and America’s essential farmworkers (Heroes Award) on the telecast, with additional honorees and performers set to be announced over the upcoming weeks.
“The Hispanic Heritage Foundation is thrilled to recognize Selena Gomez with the Arts Award for her impact on American and global culture through her music, movies but also for her courage as an advocate for mental health,” said Jose Antonio Tijerino, president and CEO of HHF. “There’s power in vulnerability and Selena has made it okay to talk about difficult issues we all deal with, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Selena is a role model for so many for so many reasons. We are proud to highlight her inspiring story through the Hispanic Heritage Awards.”
Star Pairings for Latin Music Week
J Balvin and Deepak Chopra, Pharrell Williams and Rosalía, Gustavo Dudamel and Carlos Vives and Ozuna and Afo Verde will be featured as part of Q&A conversations during the 30th Anniversary Latin Music Week. This year’s event will take place virtually on its new dates October 20-23.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary as the longest-running and biggest Latin music industry, the three day immersive experience dedicated to Latin Music, culture and entertainment, will feature intimate artist conversations, industry panels, workshops and performances. Additional participants and schedule will be announced in the coming weeks. To reserve a spot and receive updates, RSVP here.
Baja Beach Fest Gets a Second Weekend
Baja Beach Fest announced a second weekend for 2021, headlined by urbano superstars Anuel AA, J Balvin, and Ozuna. Weekend number two of the three-day fest will take place Aug. 20-22, 2021 (the first weekend is slated to run Aug. 13-15, 2021). Last month, organizers announced that they had sold all available tickets for the festival. In total, 35,000 three-day passes starting at $329 were sold in about four weeks making it one of the first sellouts of a 2021 festival during the pandemic.
El Grito’s Virtual Telethon
El Grito is going virtual for its 2020 edition amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Traditionally held at the steps of City Hall in Los Angeles, the first-ever virtual telethon will feature musical performances by artists like Los Tucanes de Tijuana, La Santa Cecilia, Ozomatli and El Conjunto Nueva Ola, among others. The telethon will also highlight the many contributions that the Latino community has made to Los Angeles’ culture, history and economy. Find more information about the televised event here.
Carlos Santana’s ‘New Hampshire Rocks!’
Carlos Santana is set to bring music education to 13 New Hampshire schools thanks to his Milagro Foundation‘s partnership with the New Hampshire Department of Education, Little Kids Rock and Graystone Builders. Raising $85,000 for the “New Hampshire Rocks!” statewide program, the initiative aims to expand students’ educational opportunities by allowing them to create, perform and connect through music. Read more about “New Hampshire Rocks!” here.
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