LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Latin Music is a melting pot of different genres with a Spanish origin. All with a signature sound unique to their culture.
Israel Cuenca, president of the Latin Music Awards Kentucky, said there are dozens of genres of Latin music in the local community.
“We have Samba, we have Bosa Nova, we have Mozambique, we have Sango,” he said, just to name a few.
The sixth annual Latin Music Awards Kentucky is on Saturday, Sept. 21 at Fourth Street Live. It begins at 7 p.m. with a red-carpet entrance, and the awards ceremony begins at 8 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
"[It] not only shows off the region’s Latin music but supports the community," Cuenca said. "We can give scholarships, we can support different organizations, we can award these great artists, and we can create a community and space where everybody can come, welcome, and celebrate music."
Cuenca said Latin music in Kentucky goes far beyond the Commonwealth, but the ceremony is unique to Kentucky.
“Surprisingly, we are the only Latin Music Awards. Kentucky is the only one in this region. There is no other in Ohio and Tennessee or in Indiana. It should be, but there is none," he explained. "I'm sure in the future, we will start seeing more of that. But so far, we are the only one in Kentucky and in the region."
The sixth Annual Latin Music Awards Kentucky has 15 categories with over 60 artists nominated. It will also feature live performances from local artists Emily Albrink Katz, Daniel Whit, Yariel, and Magda Sanchez.
"The headliner will be Frankie Ruiz Jr. His father was a very famous salsa singer in the 80s and 90s, very well known with great songs like 'Tu Con El,' 'Desnudate mujer,' as well as salsa hits. His son is coming. He's going to be playing with a local salsa band."
Also, performing will be Grammy Award winners Con Moto Quartet, a group of musicians from the Louisville Orchestra.
Cuenca invites everyone in the community to come out and experience Kentucky's biggest night of Latin Music.
“We want to connect and show to the world the great music that we have in our community," he said. "And we want to have this space to connect, you know, with different communities, cultures, ethnicities, and just celebrate music. I think is that the best way to connect with the world with other people is through music to food. So, this is a great way to connect with others.”
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