Union City hosted the inaugural celebration of the 2008 Latin Grammy Street Parties, a month-long national Latin music tour, near the intersection of 32nd Street and Bergenline Avenue last Sunday.
Street parties will also be held in Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Hialeah, Fla. Festivities will conclude with the Ninth Annual Latin Grammy Awards show, which will be broadcast live on Univision from Houston on Nov. 13 at 8 p.m.
“Our city has the honor and privilege of being the first stop that will be a multi-city tour,” said Union City Commissioner Christopher Irizarry.
The festival included musical performances on stage, kids’ games, a barbeque, and toys and crafts for sale.
“I think it is great for Union City, great for the area, and it is super exciting,” said Megan Fernandez, the wife of Union City Commissioner Lucio Fernandez. The couple also gave a dance performance early in the afternoon. “To be part of something like this and to have it come to Union City is fabulous,” she said.
During the celebration, Union City officials presented Latin music icons Ralph Mercado and Gilberto Santa Rosa with keys to the city and stars in the Walk of Fame at Celia Cruz Park, near the intersection of 31st Street and Bergenline Avenue.
Celia Cruz herself is a recently deceased Latino music legend.
“Every person that is in the park had something to do with her, either here or in Cuba,” said Emilio del Valle, a lead organizer of the event. “They keep her legacy; we keep her name up there, and that is what’s great about it. She is a figure that has been known all over the world.” He added that new stars are usually inducted as part of the annual Cuban Day Parade celebration, but Union City made an exception for this special event.
“The reason we are doing it this year is for the Latin Grammy Street Parties,” said del Valle. Renowned Latin music artist and producer Johnny Pacheco also attended.
A pioneer for Latin music Ralph Mercado has been a leading Latin music producer for more than 30 years, and is credited with helping Celia Cruz gain international fame while he managed her career. Mercado has also promoted other famous artists, such as Marc Anthony, La India, and the rock group Juanes.
Due to his medical condition, his eldest daughter spoke on his behalf.
“It’s with much pride that we are here this evening,” said Debbie Mercado.
In attendance were Ralph Mercado’s wife, Cynthia, and his three younger children, Damaris, Melissa, and Ralphie.
“He managed [Celia Cruz] for 30 years, and through his efforts, he was able to take Latin music worldwide to many venues,” said Debbie Mercado.
Del Valle explained, “He produced her biggest concerts here in New York City and the metropolitan area for many years.”
Debbie Mercado added, “Because of his dedication and contributions to Latin music, he launched the careers of many artists, which include Gilberto Santa Rosa.”
She also thanked the Latino community for keeping music as a central part of the culture.
The gentleman of salsa Gilberto Santa Rosa, known as “El Caballero de la Salsa” or the gentleman of salsa, started his career in his homeland, Puerto Rico, in 1976 as a singer for the Mario Ortiz Orchestra. He went on to sing for several other orchestras, including La Grande Orchestra and El Gran Combo, eventually forming his own band in 1986.
“His hard work, determination, and incredible talent would, in the years that followed, lead him to have a very notable career and earn him much deserved praise and recognition,” said Irizarry. “Throughout his very impressive and noteworthy career, Gilberto Santa Rosa has been part of countless, extraordinary, and striking productions.”
Santa Rosa is said to have created his own style of salsa music and is seen as one of the most exceptional singers of his time.