Photo credits: Marlene Amaya Vazquez, press4yourevent.com
The 2014 Latin Mixx Conference and Awards came out with a grand one-two punch. This past Wednesday July 9th they held their Showcase at Lexicon. The DJ Turntables Showcase started things off with DJ’s Boi Jeanius, Gridz, M. Ortiz, D-Man, Frank Roth, and Skeem. This was an example of what LMX, which has 3,500 DJ’s on their roster, posesses in technology, music trends, and business.
The opportunity to see emerging talents from the Voces de SYNC event followed as acts like Renzo, El Dusty, Milkman, Los Rakas, Eptos Uno, Nando Chang, Chino Aguakate, El Chevo, Danay Suarez and Marlyn made for an electrifying opener.
The following night, July 10th, the annual Latin Mixx DJ Choice Awards entertained to a packed Stage 48 in New York.
The Awards was well-paced and exciting throughout. Led by several hosts, surprise presenters, and hilarous comedy skits, this award event, which celebrates the DJ, has truly arrived. Among the celebrities from television, radio and print media that appeared included Erica Mena. Steffi Chacon, Jessenia Vice, Frankie Negron, Jaylah Sandoval, A&X, Kim Osorio, George Lamond and K-7, who all took turns presenting the various categories.
Two awards were presented this year. John “Jellybean” Benitez, was honored for his 40 years as a musician and producer, DJ, and radio personality, which includes work with music icons like Michael Jackson, Madonna, Whitney Houston, and others, with the LMX ICON AWARD.
Johnny Ventura received the LMX Lifetime Achievement Award. The Latin Grammy winning merengue composer and singer from the Dominican Republic has been a music presence since 1959 and an essential part of the history of merengue.
Comedy was top notch as the LMX Production “Hot on the Bloque” video spoofs, was a major highlight of the evening. These included some of the “Socialebrities” that were nominated in that category and LMX President, Pilz Montano.
The event closed with Raul Acosta of Oro Solido fame who presented the 74 year old legend from the Dominican Republic who practically developed and brought the merengue sound that is enjoyed today but was first recorded by Johnny in the 60’s. His six decades in the business spans a who’s who of Latin music history.
We look forward to next year and the tenth anniversary of Latin Mixx.
Here below are more of the signature moments at the Latin Mixx Awards and Showcase.
