The “Ritmo” Is Gonna Get You: A Night of Música Latina at the White House

UPDATE: In light of the September 16 tragic events at the Washington Navy Yard and out of respect for the victims and their families, Musica Latina was postponed to a new date.

As we kick off Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations at the White House, the President and First Lady invited artists to perform at the White House as part of In Performance at the White House series, tonight for an evening of Música Latina. The artists include Gloria Estefan, Prince Royce, Alejandro Sanz, Ricky Martin, Marco Antonio Solis and Arturo Sandoval. This is an opportunity to showcase Latin musical heritage and the importance and influence of diverse Latino across our great country.

Latin music, música Latina, is known for its diversity, marked by its longstanding traditions and continuous creativity. Music has always been central to the Latino culture, a tradition that can be seen in towns and cities across America. In recent years, as the Latino population in the US grows you see a infusion of Latino flair in mainstream music from radio stations to the billboard charts.

Hispanic media widely reported on this star-studded lineup as a very fitting tribute to the vibrant Latino culture. As seen in the past, like the civil rights movement, music embodies meaning, spirit and dreams. For the many immigrants who are learning the new American culture, música Latina serves an important bridge between both cultures. From mariachi to rhythmic salsa to vallenato, música Latina is more than pulsing sounds, it symbolizes the enduring Latin American traditions and impact that immigrant communities have had on the diverse fabric of America.  

This event is meant to celebrate the beauty and culturally rich spirit of música Latina. Some sounds to look out for include salsa, Afro-Cuban jazz and Latin pop; scoping from Central America and Caribbean beats to the beautiful sounds of South America. Tune in on Monday night at 7:00PM ET to whitehouse.gov/live because you don’t want to miss the chance of seeing the President and First Lady grooving to the música Latina.

Música Latina: In Performance at the White House will broadcast Tuesday, October 8 at 8:00 p.m. ET on PBS. It will be streamed live starting at 7:00 p.m. ET on WhiteHouse.gov/live. You can also follow us on @LaCasaBlanca for updates.

Katherine Vargas is Director of Hispanic Media

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