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It was only a matter of time before the invasion became official,
before that up-tempo mix of reggae and hip-hop -- popularized
by Caribbean musicians in the late '90s -- arrived in Southwest
Florida.
Live reggaeton is here, and it has Pedro Perez beaming.
The buzz is building around the first installment of the Latin Fusion
Concert Series, a two-day event this weekend at the Sarasota-Bradenton
International Convention Center.
"This is the initial step of a movement that has been forming for
years," said Perez, event organizer. "And now it's time
to take it out of the shadows and let everyone in the community hear
live Hispanic bands play."
Latin Fusion kicks off tonight with performances from dance-pop duo
Nina Sky and Miami rapper Pitbull. Saturday's show features reggaeton
sensations Glory and Wisin y Yandel. Each night, DJ Willie and DJ
Casper open for the headliners.
The series (organizers are planning on making it monthly) spotlights
various Latin-music styles, such as merengue, cumbia and salsa, with
an emphasis on local live performances, Perez said.
"The Hispanic community is looking for a place to dance and have fun
that doesn't close at midnight, and without having to drive to Orlando
or to Miami," he said.
"There are a lot of underground, Spanish-type music, and a lot of
groups have come into the area, but no one has really brought in
the local Hispanic community."
Venues such as Café of the Arts in north Sarasota, 15 South
on St. Armands Circle and Club Heat in Bradenton feature popular "Latin
Nights," and have proved that Latin entertainment can thrive
in the area, Perez said.
Bringing in national acts such as Pitbull and Nina Sky will undoubtedly
get fans' attention.
Pitbull's debut album, "M.I.A.M.I.," topped Billboard's
Top Independent Album charts last year, while Nina Sky's hit single "Move
Ya Body" reached No. 4 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart.
Organizers expect Latin Fusion to draw about 4,000 people each night.
"We brought in headliners, and that adds substantial weight," Perez
said.
In addition to the music, the convention center boasts a large dance
floor measuring 200 by 200 feet, as well as separate areas for the
under-18 crowd, drinking-age adults and VIP guests, Perez said.
The next concert series is planned for Dec. 16 and 17 and features
Fulanito, Joe Baby Q, Zion y Lennox, Guanabanas, Checka and DJ Casanova.
Organizers are also planning an "American Idol"-type competition
for local groups, with the winner opening a concert.
"This concert series is not about going to the Van Wezel and sitting
down while music is playing," Perez said. "We want people
to dance."
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