Maria Becerra to Perform in Times Square as Part of Univision’s “¡Feliz 2024!”

Posted on December 31, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Maria Becerra will be ringing in 2024 in the Big Apple…

New York City’s Times Square is gearing up to host its annual New Year’s Eve celebration, which includes the televised ball lowering during the countdown to the new year, with the 23-year-old Argentine singer and former YouTuber set to perform.

The tradition, which has been celebrated for 120 years now, will boast Becerra and Mexican reggaeton artist Yng Lvcas will perform a medley of their biggest hits at the Center Stage.

Becerra will perform at 10:04 pm as part of Univision’s ¡Feliz 2024! program.It will air live on Univision and the Times Square New Year’s Eve webcast.

Meantime, Yng Lvcas will perform a medley of his hit songs as part of Univision’s ¡Feliz 2024! Program from 11:02 to 11:07 pm.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Maria Becerra (@mariabecerra)

Mariah Carey to Embark on 13-Date “Merry Christmas One And All! Tour”

Posted on October 2, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Mariah Carey is preparing to spread more holiday cheer…

The 54-year-old half-Venezuelan American Grammy-winning singer/songwriter, the self-proclaimed Queen of Christmas, has announced that she will be embarking on her Merry Christmas One And All! Tour starting in November.

“Yes, the actual defrosting has begun!” the singer shared via Instagram. “Announcing the MERRY CHRISTMAS ONE AND ALL Tour!”

Carey’s 13-date trek will kick off in California’s Yaamava Casino in Highland on November 15, and will make stops in Los Angeles, Denver, Toronto, Chicago, Boston, Montreal, Philadelphia and more before concluding in New York on December 17, just a week shy of Christmas Day, at Madison Square Garden.

For those looking to purchase tickets early, Live Nation’s presale begins on Wednesday, October 4, at 10:00 am local time. American Express card members will have early access to the presale Wednesday through Thursday, October 5, at 10:00 pm local time. General on sale for the shows begins on Friday, October 6, at 10:00 am local time.

Last year, the five-time Grammy winner performed four Christmas shows — two each in Toronto and New York City — in mid December. She also launched the Merry Christmas to All! holiday special, which was filmed in the Big Apple’s Madison Square Garden and aired on December 20 on Paramount+ and CBS.

Ice Spice Among Honorees at Party Celebrating Variety’s 2023 New Power of New York Impact List

Posted on September 29, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Ice Spice will be making a special appearance in New York City…

Variety has announced it will host its annual New York Party on Thursday, October 5, celebrating the 23-year-old half-Dominican American rapper/singer, this year’s cover star honoree, along with the individuals profiled in Variety’s 2023 New Power of New York Impact List.

The New Power of New York Impact List recognizes 50 creatives, executives and entrepreneurs who are making waves in the New York entertainment scene. From film and television to music and theatre, these artists and visionaries personify the spirit of the ever-evolving city and show us what New York offers to the global industry.

The party will celebrate Ice Spice’s meteoric rise over the past year as one of the most exciting rappers in music.

Her recent collaboration with Nicki Minaj “Princess Diana” made history, marking the first time that a track co-billed by two women topped the Hot Rap Songs chart, since it launched 34 years ago.

Her second collaboration with Minaj, “Barbie World,” hit No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and soundtracked the closing credits of Barbie, the summer’s biggest blockbuster, starring Margot Robbie.

“Variety’s annual New York issue is a love letter to the Big Apple and the creativity that it inspires – this year we are thrilled to profile Bronx-born Ice Spice on the cover of our issue,” said Variety’s Co-Editor-in-Chief Ramin Setoodeh. “Our story by Steven Horowitz is not to be missed, as it explores Ice Spice’s meteoric rise in music, friendship with Taylor Swift and recent collaborations with Nicki Minaj.”

Renan Ferreira to Fight Maurice Greene as Part of Professional Fighters League’s Big Apple Semifinal Fights

Posted on July 13, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Renan Ferreira is preparing for a battle in the Big Apple…

The 33-year-old Brazilian mixed martial arts fighter will compete as part of the Professional Fighters League’s final two semifinal dates in its return to New York.

Ferreira, a knockout artist, will take on Maurice Greene in the August 18 main event, a heavyweight semifinal.

A lightweight semifinal between Shane Burgos and Clay Collard will headline an August 23 card.

Both cards will take place at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. The men’s heavyweight and women’s featherweight division semifinals will be August 18, with the men’s lightweight and welterweight semis set for August 23. The August 23 main card will kick off with an amateur bout involving Muhammad Ali‘s grandson, Biaggio Ali Walsh.

The PFL previously announced the men’s featherweight and light heavyweight playoffs, scheduled for August 4 in San Antonio. The winners of the semifinal matchups will fight later this year for the PFL’s $1 million divisional championships.

Ferreira (10-3) is coming off a 50-second knockout of Matheus Scheffel on June 16 in regular-season competition. He has just one loss in eight PFL fights.

Greene (11-8), a training partner of Jon Jones, went 1-1 in the regular season. The 37-year-old New York native is a UFC veteran.

Burgos (16-4) got into the playoffs when the PFL suspended Natan Schulte and Raush Manfio for not fulfilling contractual obligations in a lackluster regular-season bout. Burgos, who is 32 and from New York, is coming off a unanimous decision win over Yamato Nishikawa on June 23.

Collard (23-10, 1 NC), who also has boxing experience, went 2-0 in the regular season, including a second-round TKO of Stevie Ray on June 23. Collard, 30, is 5-2 in the PFL.

Here’s a look at the upcoming PFL cards:

Aug. 18
ESPN card
Heavyweight semifinal: Renan Ferreira vs. Maurice Greene
Women’s featherweight semifinal: Larissa Pacheco vs. Olena Kolesnyk
Heavyweight semifinal: Denis Goltsov vs. Jordan Heiderman
Women’s featherweight semifinal: Marina Mokhnatkina vs. Amber Leibrock
Nathan Kelly vs. Damion Nelson

ESPN+ Card
Chris Mixan vs. Eddie George
Abraham Bably vs. Anthony Wint
Danilo Marques vs. Satoshi Ishii
Laureano Staropoli vs. Ben Egli
Kaytlin Neil vs. Maira Mazar
Louis Sutherland vs. Daiqwon Buckley

Aug. 23
ESPN card
Lightweight semifinal: Clay Collard vs. Shane Burgos
Lightweight semifinal: Olivier Aubin-Mercier vs. Bruno Miranda
Welterweight semifinal: Sadibou Sy vs. Carlos Leal
Welterweight semifinal: Magomed Magomedkerimov vs. Magomed Umalatov
Amateur bout: Biaggio Ali-Walsh vs. TBA

ESPN+ card
Alexei Pergande vs. Shawn Stefanelli
Mostafa Rashed Neda vs. Korey Kuppe
Abigail Montes vs. Michelle Montague
Abdullah Al-Qahtani vs. David Zelner
John Caldone vs. Nathaniel Grimard

Edwin Diaz Agrees to Five-Year, $102 Million Contract with New York Mets

Posted on November 7, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Edwin Diaz isn’t going anywhere…

The 28-year-old Puerto Rican professional baseball pitcher, a star closer for the New York Mets, has agreed to a five-year, $102 million contract, pending a physical, according to ESPN.

There’s an opt-out and a full no-trade clause plus a sixth-year option in the contract, sources said.

The Diaz deal is the first nine-figure contract ever for a closer, and for the first time, it takes the position into the $20 million-plus range.

Diaz, who made $10 million this year, earned the big payday after a dominant 2022 season that saw him finish with 32 saves, a 1.31 ERA and 118 strikeouts in 62 innings for a Mets team that won 101 games.

New York’s bullpen finished 10th in the majors in ERA, and its top relievers in innings pitched (Adam Ottavino, Seth Lugo, Trevor Williams and Diaz) were among the 131 players across the major leagues who were declared free agents Sunday, the day after the 2022 season ended.

Keeping Diaz is a massive move for the Mets to start the offseason, as one of baseball’s top free agents is now off the board.

Diaz was part of a blockbuster trade with the Seattle Mariners in December 2018, one that saw him and veteran second baseman Robinson Cano go to the Mets for a prospect-heavy package.

Diaz had starred in Seattle, leading the majors with 57 saves in 2018 — which tied Bobby Thigpen (1990) for the second most in a single season in baseball history, trailing only Francisco Rodriguez‘s 62 in 2008.

But his early tenure in New York was anything but successful. In his debut season in the Big Apple, he had a 5.59 ERA (seventh worst among relievers), 15 homers allowed and -0.6 bWAR in 58 innings, as Mets fans routinely booed him while on the mound.

Diaz has righted the ship since, culminating with the dominant 2022. And he’s become a fan favorite in New York, with the hit song “Narco,” by Australian musician Timmy Trumpet, played at Citi Field every time he exits the bullpen before an appearance.

Cardi B Releases New Reebok Collection Inspired by the Bright Lights of the Big Apple

Posted on December 29, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Cardi B is lookin’ to kicks it in the New Year…

Following the popular Reebok x Cardi B capsule collection that dropped this summer, the 29-year-old half-Dominican American Grammy-winning rap superstar is releasing another collection, this one inspired by the bright lights of her hometown of New York City at night.

The drop, called “Let Me Be…In My World Nighttime,” comes with a new metallic Cardi B Classic Leather sneaker, as well as an entirely new apparel line-up.

Filled to the brim with luxe materials and bright color blocking, from tight-fitted crops and tights to oversized cargo pants, the collection is “built to carry any hustler through the after hours of New York City nightlife.”

The inclusive sizes range from 2XS to 4X.

The “Let Me Be…In My World Nighttime” collection also features the Cardi B Classic Leather sneaker in several new metallic colorways.

The drop also features a variety of footwear available in children’s sizes.

Shop the whole Cardi B x Reebok collection here.

Endemol Shine North America Options Aaron Sanchez’s Memoir to Develop TV Scripted Projects

Posted on November 18, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Art will soon imitate Aarón Sánchez’s life…

The story of the 45-year-old Mexican celebrity chef, restaurateur, television personality, cookbook author and philanthropist is headed for the small screen after Endemol Shine North America optioned his memoir.

The Banijay-backed production company is developing potential scripted projects with Sánchez, one of the judges of Fox’s MasterChef and MasterChef Junior, whose memoir Where I Come From: Life Lessons From a Latino Chef was released in 2019.

Endemol Shine North America Chief Content Officer, Sharon Levy is leading development efforts alongside Flavio Morales and Lisa Fahrenholt.

In his memoir, Sánchez shares his personal journey, as well as the story of his mother, Zarela Martinez, who took him and his twin brother from El Paso, Texas to New York City at a young age, while she chased her dream of owning a restaurant in the Big Apple.

After overcoming many obstacles, Martinez rose to success in the NYC restaurant scene and is now credited with bringing sophisticated Mexican cuisine to America. After losing his father at a young age, he was sent to work with renowned chef Paul Prudhomme in New Orleans at the age of 16. He is now the chef and owner of Johnny Sánchez in New Orleans.

He joined MasterChef, which is produced by Endemol Shine North America, in season 8, and also joined MasterChef Jr. as a judge in season 7.

He is also creative director of Latin lifestyle online platform Cocina and has starred in series such as Chopped and Taco Trip and written two cookbooks and launched the Cooking in Mexican from A to Z podcast with his mother and is also a partner in tattoo shop and museum Daredevil Tattoo in NYC.

“It’s more important than ever to tell genuine stories of what it’s like growing up bicultural in America. We want to share the nuances that are unique to Mexican-American culture and honor those roots, while also hoping audiences from different backgrounds connect to the similarities we share – the struggles, the celebrations, the food, the comedy, the survival instincts… the relentless pursuit of happiness,” said Sánchez. “I came up at a time when food was making its way into pop-culture and cooking in restaurants was our primary form of creative expression, so having this opportunity to develop in the scripted space is something I’m really looking forward to. And I couldn’t be more excited to do it with my Endemol Shine family.”

“America knows and loves Aarón from ‘MasterChef’ and his myriad culinary accomplishments, but most people don’t know the amazing journey and the obstacles that he and his mother overcame to become pioneers of Mexican-American cuisine in this country,” added Levy. “He has truly lived the American dream and we are excited to now be developing his unique story into a dramatic TV series and exploring additional opportunities with Aarón.”

Pedrito Martinez to Perform at This Year’s Love Rocks NYC Concert

Posted on May 13, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Pedrito Martinez will bring some love to the Big Apple…

The fifth annual Love Rocks NYC concert will feature a performance by the 47-year-old Cuban percussionist, drummer, singer, dancer, bandleader, songwriter, composer, and educator.

Martinez joins a lineup that includes Sara Bareilles, Jon Bon Jovi, Gary Clark Jr., Yola and more, according to the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation.

The benefit concert for God’s Love We Deliver, which was founded during the AIDS epidemic in 1985 in efforts to deliver meals to vulnerable people, will stream on Fans.Live from the historic Beacon Theatre on June 3.

Jeff Garlin, Michael Imperioli and Bernie Williams will host the show this year, with special guest Tina Fey.

Love Rocks NYC will not only support and honor the work of the nonprofit, which is celebrating its 36th anniversary this year, but also NYC frontline workers who have been tirelessly aiding the city throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Interested parties can sign up to receive a free livestream link here, but a donation to God’s Love We Deliver of $20, which equals two meals, is encouraged.

The star-studded lineup for Love Rocks NYC 2021 will also include Joe Bonamassa, Billy Gibbons, Warren Haynes, Emily King, Ledisi, Tash Neal, Fantastic Negrito, Ivan Neville, Robert Randolph, Nathaniel Rateliff and Jimmy Vivino. More performers will be announced at a later date.

Fernanda Valadez’s “Identifying Features” Added to NYC’s New Directors/New Films Series Lineup

Posted on February 23, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Fernanda Valadezis bringing her award-winning new project to the Big Apple.

Film at Lincoln Center and The Museum of Modern Art have announced the complete lineup for the 49th annual New Directors/New Films, which includes the Mexican filmmaker’s Identifying Features.

Valadez’s film, which won two awards at the Sundance Film Festival,tells the story of Magdalena, a mother who embarks on a journey in search of her son who disappeared en route to the US border. Traveling through the foreboding towns and landscapes of northern Mexico, she meets Miguel, a young man recently deported from the United States who is making his way home. The two accompany one another: Magdalena looking for her son, and Miguel eager to see his mother again in a territory where victims and aggressors ramble together.

Other films in the lineup include Amanda McBaine and Jesse Moss’ Boys State; Maite Alberdi’s The Mole Agent; Zheng Lu Xinyuan’s debut feature The Cloud in Her Room; Janis Rafa’s Kala azar; Arun Karthick’s Nasir;Valentyn Vasyanovych’s Atlantis; Brazilian filmmaker Maya Da-Rin’s The Fever;Mamadou Dia’s Nafi’s Father; and Aneil Karia’s Surge.

In all, the iconic series will screen 27 features and 10 short films from 35 countries, with 13 North American premieres and 4 U.S. premieres, 15 films directed or co-directed by women and 15 works by first-time feature filmmakers

“The New Directors/New Films selection is always international in scope, but I’m particularly struck by the sheer breadth of this year’s lineup,” said Dennis Lim, Film at Lincoln Center Director of Programming and 2020 New Directors/New Films co-chair.

“We have everything from speculative war films to intimate dramas, unnerving works of science fiction to political documentaries, hailing from countries often represented on screen as well as some less commonly seen ones. Collectively these films speak to the continued vibrancy and daring of world cinema in an age of political uncertainty and cultural sameness. They prove that cinema still has what it takes to reflect and enhance the moment we live in,” said Lim, who was just named Director of Programming for Film at Lincoln Center’s New York Film Festival.

This year’s New Directors/New Filmsseries will run from March 25 – April 5.

Tom Segura to Take Part in This Year’s New York Comedy Festival

Posted on August 8, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

Tom Segura is ready to crack up the Big Apple.

The 40-year-old half Peruvian American stand-up comedian, writer, actor, and podcaster has been added to the lineup of headliners for this year’s New York Comedy Festival.

The 16th annual edition will take place this November, featuring a roster that includes Segura, as well as late-night TV hosts Stephen Colbert, Bill Maher and Trevor Noah.

More than 200 comedians, sketch performers, TV hosts and podcasters will perform in more than 100 shows at various venues across the city.

Other headliners include Nate Bargatze, Nicole Byer, Comedy Bang! Bang!, Vir Das, Kathleen Madigan, Demetri Martin, Norm McDonald, Randy Rainbow, Benito Skinner, Jenny Slate, Kevin Smithand Jay Mewes, No Such Thing As A Fish, and Betches Media’s U Up? Live.

More performers and shows will be announced in the coming months.

The NYCF this year is partnering with The Female Quotient(The FQ), a woman-owned business committed to advancing equality in the workplace. Through the partnership, the FQ will aim to increase female comedic representation both on and off the stage via its signature pop-up experience, The FQ Lounge. The venue will be inside the flagship Bloomingdale’s department store on 59th Street and Lexington in New York on November 7 and 8.

“As we mark 16 years of the New York Comedy Festival, we celebrate the varied and diverse talent – both up-and-coming and established stars – who continue to come out to put on a great show each and every year,” said Caroline Hirsch, founder and owner of the New York Comedy Festival and Carolines on Broadway. “We’ve always supported and championed those in the industry, and we’re excited to continue to bring the very best comedic talent to entertain comedy fans this November.”

Hispanically Yours

Celebrating the Latino Influence

Tag Archives: Big Apple