Scoot over, Ricky Martin

Berklee showcased its own at the Latin Billboard awards.

June 23, 2008

Berklee continued to increase its visibility in the international Latin music scene with a showcase during the Latin Billboard Conference and Awards in April.

The first of its kind, the showcase at the Jazziz Bistro in Fort Lauderdale, Florida attracted not only alumni but industry figures like A&R professionals, producers, Billboard executives, songwriters, record label executives, and fellow musicians. All enjoyed an evening of music by Berklee's most talented Latin performers, demonstrating that there's plenty of new talent at the place where superstar Juan Luis Guerra '82 went to college.

Alumna Natalia Bernal delivers the opening speech at the Berklee Latin Showcase, addressing advancements at Berklee and the growth of the Latin community.

Photo by Javier Samayoa

Students tour Miami's Hit Factory/Criteria Studios with alumna Alexandra Velez.

Photo by Javier Samayoa

Panelists and student coordinators from the successful panel. From left: Edgar Cortazar, hit songwriter; Javier Samayoa, student coordinator ; Pedro Guzman, alumnus and A&R rep for Universal; Ricardo Gaitan, songwriter/producer; Luis Fonsi, multi-platinum singer; Aleks Syntek, multi-platinum singer/songwriter and producer; Daniel Diaz, student coordinator; Porfirio Piña, director of BMI Latin; Peter Alhadeff, Berklee faculty and panel moderator; and Pablo Latapi, student coordinator.

Daniel Diaz, a student singer/songwriter, performs at the Berklee Latin Showcase, backed up by a talented Berklee student band. Diaz also co-coordinated the showcase and other events held during the week.

Photo by Javier Samayoa

The student group enjoyed performances and celebrity appearances with a screaming crowd at the Latin Billboard Awards.

Photo by Mayo Obregon