Latin Dance Fest Set for Jorgensen, April 10

UConn's Latin Dance Fest 2010 is set to sizzle on Saturday, April 10, at 8 pm at Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts on the University of Connecticut campus in Storrs. The show starts with DJ Wil G and a performance by UConn's B.A.I.L.E. dancers (Bringing Awareness Into Latino Ethnicities) who will perform Latin dances that underscore the importance of heritage in the contemporary music scene. Then headliners Tony Vega and Andy Andy will move the crowd to an irresistible beat.

Internationally known salsa singer and bandleader, Tony Vega was born in Salinas, Puerto Rico. Emerging as one of the new breed of salsa performers in the ‘80s, he has worked with the genre's greats from its beginnings to the present. Vega defines his music as "salsa with class and swing, a fresh sound, modern and uncomplicated, with a romantic flair and with traditional roots." His 1988 solo debut album, Yo Me Queda (I Will Stay), was followed by Lo Mio es Amor (My Thing Is Love), including the songs "Ella" ("She") and an English language track "Love is Forever." The album earned his first Gold Record, and in 1991 he went Platinum with Uno Mismo (Yourself), which garnered the 1992 Agüeybaná award for Best Orchestra of the Year, followed by performances in Spain, Chile, Colombia and the U.S.

Tony Vega's riveting voice and his innate ability to perform contemporary salsa in the best tradition of the classic soneros has been refined over 19 years, first as a percussionist and then as a singer. Thus far, he has participated in recording 17 albums, including the last four on the RMM label with his own band.

 

A member of the famed Villalona family, Andy Andy entered the world of professional music as a merenguero, before emerging at the cutting edge of the increasingly popular bachata style. His debut release, Aqui Conmigo, was released in 2002 and nominated in 2003 for Billboard's Best New Artist in the Tropical category. His second effort, Necesito un Amor, was nominated at the Latin Grammys for Best Contemporary Tropical Album.

In 2005, Andy Andy established the Wepa Music label, releasing his third record, Ironía. Its hit single "Que Ironia," popular on radio in bachata, balada and reggaeton formats, hit #1 on Billboard's Top Tropical Albums charts in both 2005 and 2006 and placed #10 for Top Independent Albums. The artist's fourth original release, Tu Me Haces Falta, again hit the charts in a variety of categories in 2007.

So, enjoy a fun evening in a nightclub setting, with candlelit tables and an open dance floor. Latino dinner fare and desserts are available for purchase, as well as a cash bar, and music that is high-octane hot. Semi-formal attire is required. Doors open at 7 pm. Tickets are $25, $30 and $35. For tickets and information, call the Box Office 11 am-5 pm, Mon-Fri at 860.486.4226, or order online at: www.jorgensen.uconn.edu. Free, convenient parking is available across the street in the North Garage.

 

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