Nashville’s largest-ever Latin Music Street Fair, set for April 23 on the beautiful campus of Belmont University, is shaping up to be a big affair, with a day-long schedule of Latin music performances, 48 vendors supplying authentic Columbian, South American, Hispanic and Caribbean food; traditional folkloric dancers, mariachi bands, piñatas, salsa dance lessons and great kid’s activities such as face painting and inflatables.
All net profits from Musica Caliente are going to underprivileged youth, assisting them in pursuing higher education, training or enrollment at technical colleges. Profits are split between the YMCA Hispanic Achievers program and Belmont University underrepresented/underprivileged student funds.
The Latin Music Street Fair, presented by Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business along with the YMCA Hispanic Achievers program, is sponsored by Pepsi Bottling-Nashville, with additional sponsorships by Fifth and Third Bank, Sprint, Hansen Chrysler Jeep Eagle, La Campana, The Tennessee Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the State Farm-Al Cadenas Agency.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for Nashvillians to enjoy great food and music as well as help raise funds for a great cause such as the YMCA Hispanic Achievers program,” said Musica Caliente organizer David Herrera, instructor of music business at Belmont. “Kids activities, dance lessons, good food and music – it’s a great family event for a good cause. There is no admission fee, attendance is free, so bring a picnic blanket, enjoy the music and have some great food.”
Also on the day’s menu: all-day cooking demonstrations featuring area chefs, and what may be Nashville’s first “Best Salsa Contest.”
Additionally, the finalists of a three-club Salsa Dance Contest will compete, featuring the semifinalists winners from earlier contests at Club Ibiza and Club Tormenta. Contestants will compete for a $500 prize.
The Tennessee Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will be presenting leadership awards to area business leaders who are promoting the local Hispanic Community, with special recognition to several area political leaders. Jaci Velasquez, international Christian/Latin recording artist with Word Records, will also be on hand to present awards 4-7 p.m.
Herrera reports the street fair has attracted interest from vendors “far exceeding our expectations,” and strong interest from financial sponsors as well.
Josias Arteaga, director of the YMCA’s Hispanic Achievers Program, said the event “has already surpassed our expectations” and will be “by far the largest Latin music and food street fair in Nashville.”
“The best part is that we will be helping disadvantaged youth by providing mentoring, English classes, GED programs and other activities within the YMCA and Belmont University,” Arteaga said.
Greg Rodriguez, president of the Tennessee Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said, “This is a chance to help our youth as well as recognize those businesses that have contributed to the Latin community.”
For more information on Nashville’s Latin Music Street Fair or to make a donation or contribution, please contact David Herrera at herrerad@mail.belmont.edu or visit www.latinstreetfair.com.
