Tu Sello Latino gala in Long Branch to feature stars of culture as Jersey influence grows
Latin music is heard on big New York City radio stations, car decks on the roads, and venues in northern Jersey like MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford and the Prudential Center in Newark.
Yet the big Latin music stars rarely come to the Jersey Shore. That will change in due time, said Virgilio Lozano of the Long Branch-based Tu Sello Latino marketing company. It's hosting a Latino Heritage Month gala on Saturday, Sept. 17, at the 10PRL event space in Long Branch.
“Music is the universal language,” said Lozano, who has produced Tu Sello Latino festivals at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, which have drawn thousands. “When you hear the rhythms of the Latino culture, the music, you find out that we are the same because Latin music has a connection to everybody, no matter where you're coming from.”
There are more than 1.8 million Latinos in New Jersey, according to the U.S. Census, with large communities in Long Branch, Freehold, Asbury Park and Lakewood.
“The next step is to bring the big shows here because the people are ready for this music at the Jersey Shore,” Lozano said. “It's just a matter of time and entrepreneurs to push more dollars to this market, not just for Hispanics but for everybody to join.”
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Language is not a barrier.
“Years ago, a Spanish artist had to do a crossover to be recognized by the English audience, but today's Spanish artists don't really need to speak English anymore ...,” Lozano said. “Bad Bunny doesn't speak English and he's No. 1.”
There will be music and entertainment at the Latino Heritage Month gala, recognition of area Latino businesses, House of Mexico founder Enrique Morones, and a few celebs, too, including actor and human rights activist Jesus Nebot and wrestling legend Tito Santana.
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“Everybody grew up with Tito Santana,” Lozano said. “He was our hero.”
Go: Tu Sello Latino Gala, 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, 10PRL, 515 Bath Ave., Long Branch. $75; tusellolatino.com.
Barry Manilow's Newark gift
Barry Manilow left more than fans singing along to his classics when he played at the Prudential Center in Newark on Aug. 5.
He gave Thaddeus Expose, a teacher at East Side High School in Newark, a $5,000 cash award, and another $5,000 in “Manilow bucks” to purchase instruments for his students as part of his Manilow Music Project initiative.
The Prudential Center matched it with an additional $10,000 donation to East Side.
“It is wonderful to partner with our concert venues to identify schools and music teachers in their neighborhoods that deserve this small token of my gratitude,” said Manilow in a statement. “Many school music programs have either been terminated, or their funds have been severely depleted. I always want to do my part through the Manilow Music Project to keep music in schools.”
Expose was awarded the prizes after a vote via the Manilow Music Project, and he received it backstage at the Manilow concert in Newark.
Visit www.manilowmusicproject.org for more information.
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Chris Jordan, a Jersey Shore native, covers music and entertainment for the USA Today Network New Jersey. Contact him at @chrisfhjordan; cjordan@app.com.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Tu Sello Latino gala in Long Branch to feature Latin culture
