Festival Latino Americano 2003: Clinton Square Syracuse, NY August 16, 17, 2003

Latin Beat Magazine, Oct, 2003

The Festival Latinoamericano of Syracuse 2003 celebrated its 11th edition with an estimated attendance of 6,500 for two days, a new record for the festival. This was a free event for the community of Syracuse/Central New York that threatened to be cancelled by heavy rains. The show went on, the crowds endured some rain and were treated to the talents of headliner Paquito Guzman's orchestra, plus a total of 10 additional bands covering salsa, merengue and bachata. DJ Chris, from a local radio station, provided good music, followed by Grupo Provocativo from Buffalo, and a very hot Latin hip-bop group, Reguetón (directly from NYC) that rocked the house with its performance. For the children, a talent show that featured clowns led by the West Side Youth Center of Syracuse was offered.

The Festival also featured the Latin jazz group Urbano, led by Juan Carlos "El Niño" Colón, plus a return from last year's performance of Grupo Folklorico Afro-antillano ACEREKO, composed of percussionists from PR and Cuba. The crowd and the Festival team organizers were surprised and honored by a surprise visit from a representative of Latin Beat Magazine in the East Coast, Rob Bernberg, and from Newburgh, NY, a visit from R&M productions Inc. president Eddie Ramírez and his staff and family members. The Festival organizing team, including Carlos J. Colón and Rita Paniagua (pictured with Guzmán in top photo) proved to many that the efforts to prepare a festival for the community based on the brotherhood of different Hispanic backgrounds working together is a prime example of pride and dedication for young Hispanics helping each other towards one goal. The organizers wish to thank their many sponsors and the community. For more info, email Carlos J. Colón at: jazzy@poetic.com