Photos: Claudia Calle
Once I got to Las Vegas, I knew something good was on the way. The Mandalay Bay was well branded by the Latin Grammy and all the sponsors involved. A sin city that was truly devoted to Latin Culture and music.
A whole bunch of slot machines, buffet, and luxury where in the crowd you could spot big artists like Franco De Vita, Novalima, Draco Rosa, Oscar D’ Leon and so many more that I couldn’t identify but where followed by fans that seems to be more into their artists than going to work.
Then, I finally got to the place where the afterparty was supposed to happen, and what I had in mind as a party, was blown away by a 4000+ salon with a stage that looked more like a presidential event than an “afterparty”. Very professional production and sound. I got to setup and test everything. Lots of security points, badges, security and undercover.
I got assigned a person to take us backstage to the Latin Grammy event to see the pre-telecast. The stage, again, was amazing with huge LED screens, lights and a backstage production bigger than the actual stage.
Later at night we went back for the televised Latin Grammy show filled with artists, producer, celebrities and industry people that seemed bored about the whole event, but nothing out of the ordinary.
Anyways… The opening was just spectacular with Laura Pausini singing and a bunch of dancers with an installation very cirque do soleil-like.
I didn’t get to stay until the end becase I had to get back to the afterparty ballroom.
El Gran Combo was backstage and I got to hang with this cool salsa rebel abuelitos. Abuelitos??? yeah right! They are more active than any 20-year-old kid on stage!
I got to play a cool selection of world music, new cumbia and and Afro Peruvian beats.
There was an opening band that won an AXE contest to play at the afterparty. In my opinion, a great idea but bad managed because the band that won didn’t even had original songs on their set. They will remember this chance for ever and I really hope they take advantage of it in order to grow as a band.
El Gran Combo was just classic and pure fun where Gilberto Santarosa jumped to jam with them. People where dancing and having fun celebrating Latin culture.
I got to play afterwards too to extend the party after 1am on what was a long day of activities.
Great vibe, amazing stage and a professional environment. The best? The experience! The worst? The flight!
Thank you Latin Recording Academy!
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