Martinez to Star in DirecTV’s MMA drama “Kingdom”

It’s kingdom come for Natalie Martinez

The 30-year-old Cuban American actress has been cast as a regular on the upcoming second season of DirecTV’s MMA drama Kingdom.

Natalie Martinez

The series, from creator/showrunner Byron Balasco, follows the story of Alvey Kulina (Frank Grillo) who owns and runs a mixed martial arts gym called Navy St. Gym in Venice, California, with his girlfriend, Lisa (Kiele Sanchez).

Martinez will play Alicia Mendez, described as a woman who is damaged with self-destructive tendencies. Although talented, she is fairly inexperienced fighter who takes a meeting with Lisa (Sanchez).

Nick Jonas and Matt Lauria also star.

Kingdom, from Endemol Shine Studios, just started production on Season 2 in Los Angeles.

Manzanero Launches New Program “La Música Con Manzanero”

Armando Manzanero is heading back to television…

The 78-year-old Mexican musician and composer is launching the new show La Música Con Manzanero.

Armando Manzanero

Manzanero, whose career spans more than five decades, has penned more than 400 songs. At a recent event to promote the new program, the legendary singer/songwriter said he was thrilled to be launching a show that highlights other songwriters through performance and interviews.

Canal 22 International, the arts and entertainment channel based in Mexico, is producing the new show, which is seen both in Mexico and the U.S. The network features everything from documentaries to Mexican movies and news programs and is seen in the U.S. through DirectTV.

Throughout the show’s 13 episodes, Manzanero will guide viewers through the musical history of romantic music from Mexico with guests such as Aleks Syntek, Ely Guerra, Celso Piña and Alex Lora, among other artists.

During a recent presentation at the Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles, Manzanero and Canal 22 executives introduced the new program before the guest of honor took to the piano and performed a few of his classics. His songs have been performed by everyone from Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett to Andrea Bocelli.

“I’m very thankful for this opportunity,” Manzanero said. “It’s also about [Mexican] roots and it’s something that’s meaningful to me. When I see the kind of programming that Canal 22 provides, it gives me pride because it’s important to keep bringing these shows to people.”

The program, Manzanero said, first took place about a decade ago, but it was short-lived. He didn’t have to think twice, he added, to jump on a chance to be part of the new show, which explores different styles of music.

“Mexican music is what best presents us in Mexico,” Manzanero said. “It’s really beautiful music and it’s important that the rest of the world continue to see what we do through art.”

La Música Con Manzanero airs Sundays at 10 p.m. ET.