Highlights from the Billboard Latin Music Conference in San Juan, PR
Zone D'Tambora performing to an outdoor crowd in San Juan, PR photo by: Leslie DJ
The NULIFE ENTERTAINMENT sponsored event was held outdoors overlooking the coast in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Two small stages were erected in between a couple of palm trees, standing side by side with instruments, microphones and stands in place awaiting the musicians.
N’Klabe the Puerto Rican salsa group kicked things off with a rhythmic performance that drew dancing crowds. Playing to an intimate crowd of industry insiders, the press and fan club members of the evening’s headliners the performers shined underneath the neon stage lights and tropical climate.
Winner of this year's Latin American Idol Dominican singer Martha Heredia performing alongside Zone D'Tambora photo by: Leslie DJ
Following in N’Klabe’s energetic footsteps were merengue group Zone D’Tambora who gained popularity after appearing as contestants on reality competition ¡Viva el Sueño! (Live the Dream!). They were joined onstage by another reality show contestant, this year’s winner of Latin American Idol, Martha Heredia. The Dominican singer belted it out during the group’s final number.
The two stage set up proved to be successful. It cut the wait time in half while a group or performer was on one stage wrapping things up, the following act would be setting up in the unlit stage. When the lights dimmed on stage one, stage two’s lights would rise and the next performer would take the mike.
Victor Manuelle draws a dancing crowd during his set in San Juan, PR photo by: Leslie DJ
Then came the time to salsa, the moment the combo got the rhythm section going and Victor Manuelle took center stage the crowd went wild. He got right down to business performing hit, “Mirame” (Look At Me) from his 2009 Tropical album “Yo Mismo.” The sonero (Son is believed to be the foundation on which salsa was created and originated in Cuba and features Afro-Cuban rhythms) was suppose to perform cuts from his upcoming album but stated that he planned on breaking the rules that night, straying from only performing new tracks and singing fan favorites like, “Dile a Ella” (Tell Her) and “Tengo Ganas” (I have the urge). The evening also included performances from Bachata Heightz, Ivan and Elvis Crespo.
