Latin Music Exhibit Wows Students

By JOSÉ PATINO GIROÑA

The Tampa Tribune

TAMPA - Hugo Amoedo didn't anticipate being wowed by a traveling exhibit on Latin music.

When he entered the trailer that had paid a visit to Jefferson High School on Friday, he couldn't believe his find.

"I like how they have a little bit of everything," said Amoedo, 17.

There were images and biographic information of Cuban crooner Celia Cruz, purple ankle boots worn by Tejano singer Selena, wardrobe and accessories worn by Ricky Martin, a dress worn by Gloria Estefan that she used for the cover of her compact disc "Alma Caribeña" and a platinum sales award plaque given to Jennifer Lopez for her album "On the 6."

The trailer was decked out in television screens that played highlights of Latin Grammy Awards, guitars signed by artists Marc Anthony and Marco Antonio Solis and instruments and album covers from popular Latin stars. The display explained the changes in Latin music from the 1950s to the present showing examples of salsa to today's popular reggaeton.

"It really helps in the education," said Daniel Gonzalez, field service coordinator for Eventus, a Miami-based marketing and promotions company that manages the exhibit. "The students get a sense how Latin music has been a part of the American culture."

The presentation, called "Fiesta Tour: McDonald's Music Experience," is in its second year. This year it made 18 stops nationwide to cities including Los Angeles, Grand Rapids, Mich., New York, Houston and Miami. Next year, it will have 40 stops at schools and festivals.

Jim Maddrey, foreign language department head at Jefferson High, said the exhibit increases the exposure of the Hispanic artists who are more mainstream in America than in the past. He said 46 percent of the students at the school are Hispanic.

"It is kind of the validation of Hispanic music as equal with rock 'n roll and rap music," Maddrey said. "It is becoming more accepted even by non Hispanics. Even non Hispanics know Daddy Yankee."

Students Ramzy Jawwad and Victoria Jimenez said they were thrilled by the clothes, the music and history.

"I didn't think it was going to be that nice in there," said Jimenez, 17.