LaVida Music Festival at the Ford Sept. 17

Corniche Entertainment proudly presents THE 3RD ANNUAL LAVida MUSIC FESTIVAL, to be held Saturday, September 17th at The Ford Amphitheatre. The famed Louie Cruz Beltran Jazz Orchestra makes their third consecutive appearance as headliners along with special guest, multi-platinum recording artist Al B. Sure. In conjunction with the launch of National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 - Oct. 15), each year the festival celebrates music and artistry influenced by diverse Latin cultures with internationally renowned artists sharing the stage with the finest local talent in an evening of vibrant music and dance with a Latin flavor. This year's artist line-up also features the return of GRAMMY® Award winning Mariachi Divas, Fuego Flamenco and the high energy Chalo Eduardo and the Brazilian Beat. Comedienne Kiki Melendez will serve as emcee.



Louie Cruz Beltran and his Latin Jazz Orchestra have been headlining LAVida since its inception. As the centerpiece of the festival, the master percussionist, whose Afro-Cuban beat and soulful sounds of his native California ethnic background have been captivating audiences throughout the West Coast, truly represents the diversity of the music and its appeal to all demographics. In conjunction with this year's festival, Beltran will release his third album PAINT THE RHYTHM, which will be available first to LAVida FESTIVAL attendees. Among the renowned guest artists featured on the new album are flutist Hubert Laws, percussionist Poncho Sanchez and saxophonist Justo Almario.



It's been nearly two decades since Al B. Sure exploded on to the music scene with his debut album "In Effect Mode,” which sold more than two million copies, topping the Billboard R&B charts for seven straight weeks and yielded four hit singles as well as several GRAMMY® nominations and Soul Train and American Music Awards. In addition to releasing three more hit albums, Sure has a varied career in entertainment and is considered one of the most innovative writer, producer and recording artists in the business today. The multi-platinum artist, producer and composer also graces the airwaves as the popular morning drive host of www.SlowJams.com.



Returning by popular demand is the GRAMMY® Award winning Mariachi Divas, a unique, multi-cultural, all female ensemble imbued with the true flavor of Los Angeles, the exciting and critically acclaimed Fuego Flamenco Dance Troupe headed by Roberto Amaral, and the flamboyant high energy of Chalo Eduardo and the Brazilian Beat. Comedienne Kiki Melendez, best known as the creator of "Hot Tamales Live" a talent showcase that celebrates diversity in America is emcee.



Each year THE LAVida MUSIC FESTIVAL has aligned with various charities as part of their mission. This year they are pleased to announce the following charities: PROGRAM FOR TORTURE VICTIMS (www.ptvla.org ), an organization dedicated to rebuilding the lives of torture survivors from over 65 countries and ONE LEGACY (www.onelegacy.org ), a transplant donor network serving Southern California.