Ticket prices for the exhibit are $18 for adults, $13 for children and $16 for students and seniors. Miami-Dade county residents will receive 15% admission prices with proof of ID. The museum is located at 3280 South Miami Avenue, Miami.

Music Musica’s “American Sabor: Latinos in U.S. Popular Music” is the first major Museum exhibition designed to tell the story of the profound influence and impact of Latinos on American popular music. The other component of the exhibit is “Music: Access All Areas,” which analyzes the physics and technology of music alongside the art form’s creators and audience. While both sections have already appeared separately in various parts of the world, Music Musica’s term at the Miami Science Museum marks the first co-presentation of these intellectually complementary exhibitions.

On Wednesday, October 22, BMI songwriters Nestor Torres and Ed Calle will perform at a private preview of the exhibition for museum guests and donors. Tickets can be purchased through the museum.

On Thursday, October 23, Latin superstars Albita and Pitbull will perform at the museum’s celebrity premiere. Ticket prices are $40 and include beverage, food, the exhibit preview and the showcase. Proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Miami Science Museum’s programming.

On Saturday, October 25, BMI will present Enrique Hidalgo y Botija (1 p.m.), Brendan Ohara (1:30 p.m.), Origen (2 p.m.), Sito (2:30 p.m.), Alih Jey (3:15 p.m.), Javier Garcia (4:15 p.m.) and Tatiana Klauss (5:15 p.m.) at a free street festival and concert for patrons of the Miami Science Museum. The festival will be held on South Miami Avenue, in front of the museum and will include live musical performances, a variety of popular foods, community booths, giveaways, rides and a children’s activity area.

"The Miami Science Museum is delighted to bring an exhibition of this caliber to south Florida, particularly due to the universal level of interest in music and the event’s cultural relevance to the local Hispanic community," says Gillian Thomas, President and CEO of the Miami Science Museum. "With our new museum in downtown Miami on the horizon, we are dedicated to bringing the most interesting and exciting exhibitions to our current location’s loyal membership and visitor-base.”

About the Miami Science Museum

The Miami Science Museum continues to bring special traveling exhibits to South Florida such as Amazon Voyage,Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition and The Dinosaurs of China. The Museum aims to make a difference in people’s lives by inspiring them to appreciate the impact that science and technology can have on every facet of our world. The museum is accredited by the American Association of Museums and is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution.

For more information about the Museum, visit www.miamisci.org or call (305) 646-4200.

About the Performers

Nestor Torres- nestortorres.com

If a flute could talk and sing, it would certainly be in the voice of Nestor Torres, for he speaks through his instrument. Equally fluent in jazz, classical and Latin idioms, his fluid versatility sets him apart. Nestor’s total command of his instrument allows him a freedom of expression that is at once captivating and liberating, powerful and genuine. In his new album, Nouveau Latino, Nestor returns to his Latin roots with a fresh approach, impeccable musicianship, and irresistible improvisations. Featuring songs from stars like Celia Cruz and Ruben Blades, Torres’ interpretations of these great Latin hits appeal to those discovering the songs for the first time as much as those who remember them.

Ed Calle- edcalle.com

Saxophonist Ed Calle is known for his extraordinary ability to play bebop, Latin and contemporary jazz, and pop. Born in Caracas to Spanish parents, it was obvious from the start that he was a natural player and now, Calle can be heard on hundreds of recordings both as a sideman and soloist. He appears on Grammy-award-winning albums by Frank Sinatra, Vicky Carr, Arturo Sandoval, and Jon Secada, as well as on numerous television and motion picture soundtracks. He also has recorded and performed around the world with such artists as Gloria Estefan, Julio Iglesias, Michael Bolton, Bob James, Bobby Caldwell, Rhianna, Extreme, and Vanessa Williams. Among his many solo recordings, Ed Calle Plays Santana garnered a Latin Grammy Award nomination in 2005. His latest release In the Zone (2006) features original compositions and jazz standards and earned a Latin Grammy nomination in 2007.

Albita- albitaonline.com

Albita began her artistic career at a very young age, coming from a home of parents who were famous singers. As a young artist she turned heads as a revivalist and renovator of traditional Cuban music, composing, arranging and singing with very personal style. While performing in Little Havana she began to attract the attention of celebrities including Gianni Versace, Quincy Jones, Madonna, Sly Stallone, Paco de Lucia, Marco Antonio Muniz, Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, among others, which led to her first contract with Emilio Estefan and Sony Music. In 2004, she created her own label dubbed Angel’s Dawn Records, under which she recorded and produced Albita Llego. The project was a critical and commercial success, winning two Grammys for Albita as artist and producer in the Best Contemporary Tropical Album of the Year category.

Pitbull- planetpit.com

When the Southern-flavored party rap called crunk took over urban radio in 2004, Miami rapper Pitbull decided it was time to seek stardom. The way Pitbull sees it, "crunk ain't nothin' but bass music slowed down" - Miami bass music, that is. His parents were first-generation Cuban immigrants who didn't let their son forget about his culture. They required him to memorize the works of Cuban poet José Martí, and Pitbull understood the power of words right away. In 2002, a Pitbull freestyle landed on Lil Jon's platinum-selling Kings of Crunk album, and the rapper's "Oye" track appeared on the 2 Fast 2 Furious soundtrack in 2003. Pitbull unleashed his debut, M.I.A.M.I., in 2004 on the TVT label with the Lil Jon-produced single "Culo" leading the way. Soon Pitbull was making guest appearances on tracks by everyone from the Ying Yang Twins to Elephant Man. The 2005 compilation Money Is Still a Major Issue collected the best of these collaborations along with some remixes and unreleased tracks. In 2006, the single "Bojangles" prepared fans for his next album, El Mariel. As the album landed on the shelves it was announced that his next effort would be entirely in Spanish and titled The Boatlift.

Alih Jey- myspace/alihjey

Singer, songwriter and vibrant musical bon vivant Alih Jey is very proud of her newly released independent EP Necia, a high-octane, six-song mini-compilation of material written over the past two years. It has now garnered a 2008 Latin Grammy nomination for Best Rock Solo Vocal Album. Alih Jey started singing when she still wore diapers. By the age of two, she was traveling all over her native Dominican Republic with her parents and sisters, singing in harmony ("it was like a Dominican version of The Partridge Family"). She began writing songs at an early age, too. Her wit and musical dynamism is amply displayed in song “Ingrata.” Edgy, seductive, intoxicating, and totally original, "Ingrata" is a no-holds-barred, hear-me-roar performance. Its snarky lyrics spawned a fun metaphor of a soon-to-be-released video that's sure to please. "I like to think of it as the ultimate homage to cattiness," Alih says with a smirk.

Tatiana Klauss- tatianaklauss.com

Leading the way with a desire to conquer the world, Tatiana Klauss wakes you up with a painless slap in the face. With a mix of sweet irony and tender aggressiveness, this 18-year-old bewitches you and makes you an accomplice in her distorted world. Tatiana’s project is being developed and managed by Ramón Arias (peermusic), Germán Ortiz (producer – Rayito, Fulano, Sacha Nairobi, Social Klash) and Sebastián Krys (associate producer – multiple Grammy® award winner, including the 2007 Latin Grammy for “Producer of the Year” – JD Natasha, Jeremias, Carlos Vives, Luis Fonsi). Tatiana is presently writing for the Sony BMG / Sony Entertainment Television program, Prom 1001, as well as for her own debut album scheduled for release in 2009.

Javier Garcia- javiergarcia.net

To explain why he isn't afraid of naming his second album 13, Spanish rocker Javier García brings up something Stevie Wonder says: “When you believe in things that you don't understand and you suffer, that's not the way, superstition ain't the way.” García firmly believes that the feared number can bring him good luck, explaining, “Sometimes those things that people fear are quite interesting to me.” Lately, García has seen the number 13 almost everywhere. His sensitivity to the number is heightened, especially considering that his frenzied friendship with the late singer Rodrigo, a popular Argentinean cuarteto (danceable folk songs) artist, still continues, somehow, and has left a scar on his soul. Javier simply talks about “repeated coincidences” after the car accident that took his friend's life in 2000, and says that since the fatal event, the number 13 has rolled over and over in front of his eyes.

Origen- origenweb.com

After the successful launch of their first album this summer, Origen has been accurately described as "a gateway drug into rock in Español". Origen's four members represent three different countries and cultures coming together to fuse their varied influences into pop-rock of the highest order. Their first single, "Te Quiero," debuted on CNN En Español, and was covered by both local, and national Hispanic media outlets and radio. "Coexiste," their second single from the self-titled debut, will be released in early 2009.

Sito- gosito.com

Sito’s infatuation with music was inspired by his father and four uncles, who were all musicians and singers in a salsa band in the late seventies. Having music in his life at such a young age made an impact on his life, and being raised around the multi-cultural streets of Miami have also influenced Sito’s diverse style. “I experienced the best of both worlds. Having a father who’s a percussionist led to my early education in the sounds of my Hispanic roots, and growing up in the streets of south Florida in the early 80s introduced me to the world of hip-hop,” he says. “I learned to appreciate all styles of music and was motivated by it all – I guess that’s why I feel my style is versatile.”

Brendan O’Hara- myspace.com/brendanohara

Brendan O’Hara makes music meant to move the masses: Whether that movement is out of their seats and on to the dance floor or into the streets to stand up for things worth fighting for, movement is, and will always be, O’Hara’s goal. A versatile singer/songwriter, Brendan beat boxes, plays the piano, guitar, harmonica, percussion, and even mimics a pretty good trumpet while delivering cleverly calculated lyrics and simple honest hymns. His vocal approach is soulful yet straightforward and at times, spoken with spitfire articulation. Borrowing from many genres including jazz, blues, folk-rock, and hip-hop, he wields an amalgamated a style all his own, original yet familiar. Brendan performs regularly along the eastern seaboard, comfortable on stage as an ingratiating storyteller, or a brash, badass bandleader.

Enrique Hidalgo- myspace.com/enriquehidalgo

Originally from Venezuela, poet and songwriter Enrique Hidalgo is the co-founder of Botija. Along with band members Yuly Asfar, Alejandro Lopez, Veleda Giron, Natalia Lovera and Jesus Rodriguez, Hidalgo explores Venezuelan folklore and embraces his Latin roots, creating expressive and innovative jazz-infused musical explorations of the everyday experience.

At the conference, BMI presented a certificate of recognition to Adolfo and Omar Valenzuela (also known as “The Twiins”) for their influential work as producers in the Regional Mexican genre of music. BMI also sponsored a demo critique, moderated by BMI Assistant Vice President of Latin Music Delia Orjuela and Director of Latin Writer/Publisher Relations and Media Licensing, Joey Mercado. BMI Associate Director, Latin Music, Marissa Lopez also spoke on the digital music panel, “La Revolucion Digital Para Llenar Tu Bolsillo.”

The conference celebrated the success and influence of many of BMI’s songwriters, including members of Los Buitres, members of Tierra Cali and singer/songwriter Yolanda Perez.

(from L to R) BMI’s Joey Mercado; Adolfo Valenzuela (songwriter/producer); BMI’s Delia Orjuela; Omar Valenzuela (songwriter/producer) and BMI’s Marissa Lopez.

(from L to R) Jesus Eulogio Soza Felix (Los Buitres); BMI’s Marissa Lopez; Eduardo Sanchez Reyes (Los Buitres); BMI’s Delia Orjuela; Juan Carlos Ochoa Reyes (Los Buitres); Luis Gerardo Sanchez Reyez (Los Buitres); and BMI’s Joey Mercado.

BMI’s Marissa Lopez; Yolanda Perez; and BMI’s Joey Mercado.

Homero Patron (Songwriter/Producer); BMI’s Marissa Lopez; Yvonne Gomez (Creative Director, Peermusic); BMI’s Joey Mercado; Juan Carlos Hidalgo (President, Monitor Latino); BMI’s Delia Orjuela; Omar Valenzuela (Songwriter/Producer) and Nelson Medoza (Label Manager, Fonovisa).

BMI’s Joey Mercado; Nelson Mendoza (Fonovisa), Yvonne Gomez (peermusic); Omar Valenzuela (producer/songwriter); Bruno Danzza (Songwriter); Adolfo Valenzuela (producer/songwriter); BMI’s Delia Orjuela; Salvador Homero Campos (Bustos Media). Front row: Homero Patron (Producer/Songwriter) and BMI’s Marissa Lopez.

BMI’s Marissa Lopez; Humberto Plancarte (Tierra Cali) and BMI’s Joey Mercado.

BMI’s Marissa Lopez; recording artist Gabby Villanueva; Val Valdez (Avatar Digi); Angela Sanchez (Sr. Director of Direct Marketing/Digital, Universal Music Group); Peggy Dold (former VP at Univision Records) and Javier Farfan (Latino Marketing Director, Zune).

BMI held its 15th annual Latin Music Awards Thursday, June 12 at the Beverly Wilshire in Los Angeles. Esteemed composer and producer Gustavo Santaolalla was named a BMI Icon; Juan Luis Morera Luna and Llandel Veguilla Malavé, better known as reggaetón duo Wisin & Yandel, and singer/songwriter Espinoza Paz comprised the three-way tie for Latin Songwriter of the Year; “De Rodillas Te Pido” garnered Song of the Year honors for writer José A. Sosa; and Editora Arpa Musical received the Latin Publisher of the Year crown. Hosted by BMI President & CEO Del Bryant and Assistant Vice President, Latin Music, Delia Orjuela, the black-tie dinner also touted the writers and publishers of the past year’s 50 most-performed Latin songs on U.S. radio and television.

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The BMI Icon award is bestowed on creators who have had a “unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers.” An all-star musical tribute paid homage to the achievements of Gustavo Santaolalla, who joins an elite list of past honorees that includes Latin music titans Los Tigres Del Norte, Juan Luis Guerra and Carlos Santana, along with legends Willie Nelson, Brian Wilson, Isaac Hayes, Paul Simon, Dolly Parton and the late James Brown.

Artist, talent scout, producer, documentarian and composer, Gustavo Santaolalla’s genius spills over into numerous disciplines. The Argentina native helped define the nascent Latin rock movement of the 1970’s with his innovative Latino folk/rock band, Arco Iris, and later as a solo artist. Santaolalla has mastered Andean string instrument the ronroco and filmed Pan-American, indigenous folk musicians. His transformation to producer was inevitable; the subsequent cultural unification was historic. Along with partner Anibal Kerpel, he united the traditionally separate Mexican and Argentine rock spheres, gaining recognition for production work on numerous platinum and gold-selling projects. The duo achieved a new level of visibility with band Café Tacuba, whose collaborations with Santaolalla/Kerpel garnered multiple Grammy nominations and a Latin Grammy win. Santaolalla triumphantly entered the world of cinema, where he has composed numerous BMI, Golden Globe and Oscar award-winning original scores for films including Brokeback Mountain and Babel. His work on Babel and the critically-acclaimed Motorcycle Diaries also earned BAFTA honors. Through the creation of his label Surco, Santaolalla has also launched and sustained marquee artists, including international star Juanes.

Chart-dominating reggaetón duo Wisin & Yandel and charismatic troubadour Espinoza Paz shared the prestigious Latin Songwriter of the Year title. The win marks the second consecutive Songwriter of the Year crown for Wisin & Yandel’s Juan Luis Morera Luna and Llandel Veguilla Malavé. Three of the co-writing pair’s infectious hits rested comfortably on BMI’s most-performed list: “Noche De Entierro (Nuestro Amor)” (Los Benjamins featuring Wisin & Yandel, Daddy Yankee, Héctor "El Father,” Tonny Tún Tún and Zion), “Pam Pam” (Wisin & Yandel) and “Pegao” (Wisin & Yandel featuring Los Vaqueros). Mexican singer/songwriter Espinoza Paz earned his first Songwriter of the Year trophy by also contributing three songs to the top 50: “Mil Heridas” (Banda Cuisillos), “Prohibido” (El Coyote y su Banda Tierra Santa) and “Te Compro” (Duelo).

“De Rodillas Te Pido” earned BMI Latin Song of the Year honors for award-winning songwriter José a.k.a. “Pepe” A. Sosa. Published by Siempre Music and recorded by renowned group Alegres de la Sierra, “De Rodillas Te Pido” shot to the top slot of Billboard’s Latin Regional Mexican Airplay Chart and reached the Hot Latin Tracks’ top ten ranks. The combination of José A. Sosa and Alegres de la Sierra proved potent, as Sosa also took home an award for composing the band’s hit “Y Si Volviera A Nacer.”

With the highest percentage of copyright ownership of the year’s most-performed songs, Editora Arpa Musical garnered the Latin Publisher of the Year crown. Hits including Mariano Barba’s “Aliado Del Tiempo”; La Banda Pequeños Musical’s “Reencuentro” and “Me Encantaría”; El Chapo de Sinaloa’s “Detrás De La Puerta”; and Songwriter of the Year Espinoza Paz’s compositions catapulted Editora Arpa Musical to the top.

The ceremony also featured the presentation of the BMI Foundation's fifth annual peermusic Latin Scholarship to Boston’s Simmons College student Daniela Blau. The 21 year-old Costa Rica native will receive a $5,000 scholarship for her song “Y Si No Lo Sabes.” Established by the BMI Foundation and funded by the generosity of Ralph Peer II and the peermusic companies, the scholarship is awarded annually through a competition for original Latin songs and instrumental compositions. The 2008 competition was open to college students between the ages of 16 and 24 currently attending school throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

BMI also honored beloved Mexican troupe La Banda El Récodo with a commemorative plaque celebrating the prolific group’s 70th anniversary. Recognized as the first recorded banda, La Banda El Récodo also ranks among the most eclectic, combining Latin dance, jazz and classical music to produce an inimitable sound.

Premier Latin songwriters Manuel Eduardo Castro (SACM), Agustín Cejudo, Edgar Cortázar, Héctor Delgado "El Father,” Cuauhtémoc González García, Don Omar, Luis "Louie" Padilla and Julieta Venegas (SGAE) took home two awards each. Additional big winners included Mariano Barba for “Aliado Del Tiempo”’s second award; Ramón González Mora for “Voy A Llorar Por Ti”; Adrián Pieragostino for “Me Duele Escuchar Tu Nombre”; Kike Santander for “¿Quién Me Iba A Decir?”; Sergio Vallin for “Bendita Tu Luz”; and Luigi Giraldo and A.B. Quintanilla III for “Chiquilla.”

Publishers claiming two or more songs among the top 50 were Universal Music Publishing Group (Universal Music-Careers/Universal-Música Unica Publishing/Universal Music Publishing SA [SGAE]); EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.; SER-CA Publishing, Inc.; Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.; Máximo Aguirre Music Publishing, Inc.; Blue Kraft Music Publishing; Crown P. Music Publishing; Peer Music Group (Peer International Corp./peermusic III, Ltd.); and Rompediscoteca Music Publisher.

Latin rock superstar, Juanes noted the contest's importance in supporting and encouraging young Latin musical talent. "This contest is an amazing opportunity for young composers/lyricists to compete against the best talent in the USA and Puerto Rico and earn money to further their education. I am glad to be a part of something that promotes and celebrates the emergence and growth of Latin musical talent," he sais.

According to Porfirio Pina, Director of the competition, the program is open to students between the ages of 16 and 24 who are enrolled in any college or university located in the United States and Puerto Rico. All words and music must be original. The postmark deadline for entries is February 8, 2008. Competition rules and applications are available online at www.bmifoundation.org.

Founded by Ralph S. Peer in 1928, peermusic is a global network of music publishing companies operating from 33 offices in 27 countries. With well over a quarter of a million titles in the company's catalogue, and songs that vary from country, blues, jazz and pop to Latin, concert and rock 'n' roll, peermusic is the largest privately owned company of its kind in the world.

The BMI Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation founded in 1985 to support the creation, performance, and study of music through awards, scholarships, commissions and grants. Tax-deductible donations to the Foundation come primarily from songwriters, composers and publishers, BMI employees and members of the public with a special interest in music. Because both the Foundation staff and the distinguished members of the Advisory Panel serve without compensation, over 95% of all donations and income are used for charitable grants.

“Samantha and Porfirio are exemplary musical citizens who care deeply about music education and about assisting young composers and songwriters” said BMI Foundation President Ralph N. Jackson. “Clearly their leadership and vision will be central to the Foundation’s continued vitality and growth.”

Samantha Cox, Senior Director of BMI Writer/Publisher Relations, will serve as the Foundation’s Director of the John Lennon Scholarship Program, a national competition for young songwriters.

Porfirio Piña, Director of Latin Music at BMI, has served as the BMI Foundation’s Director of the peermusic Latin Scholarship, a national competition for Latin songwriters, since 2006.

Reelected Directors and Officers include Ralph N. Jackson, President; Robbin Ahrold, Vice President; Gary F. Roth, Vice President; Jean Banks, Secretary; Angelo Bruno, Treasurer; Tom Annastas, Evelyn Buckstein, and Linda Livingston.

The BMI Foundation, Inc. is supported by tax-deductible donations from songwriters, composers and publishers, BMI employees and members of the public with a special interest in music. Because both the Foundation staff and the distinguished members of the Advisory Panel serve without compensation, over 95% of all donations and income are used for charitable purposes. More information about the BMI Foundation is available at www.bmifoundation.org.

Guest speakers included Jerry Vila, BMI’s Associate Director Latin Music, Puerto Rico; Alex Hernandez, Sun Trust Bank, Sports & Entertainment-Music Division; Yvonne Gomez, peermusic West Coast/Mexico Latin Creative Director; entertainment attorney Heather Nelson,; and Andres Meneses, President Latin Street Music, Inc.

The “early-bird” $100 registration fee has been extended until the end of May. For more information, including a list of the songwriters and top industry representatives expected to attend and to register for the Festival, visit kauaimusicfestival.com. Unlike many other expos and conferences, registration to the Kauai Music Festival is limited to allow our small group of registrants more personal attention.  As a result, it will fill up quickly... so early registration is strongly suggested to guarantee participation.

The staff of songwriters and executives participating are among the best in the business, including multi-platinum writers who have penned hits for Christina Aguilera, Rascal Flatts, Hinder, Avril Lavigne, Daughtry, Faith Hill, Brandy, Meredith Brooks, N'Sync, Joss Stone, and Jojo, plus executives from Interscope, A&M, Atlantic Records, peermusic, BMI and more. BMI is proud to support the festival, which will feature Jason Blume, Charles Brotman, Barbara Cane, John Cruz, Beau Dozier, Adam Gorgoni, Brian Howes, Tony Kilbert, Michael Laskow, Myles Lewis, Steven Melrose, William G. Meyer III, Mollie Moore, David Pack, Shelly Peiken, Jeff Peterson, Jeffrey Steele, David Tickle, Harry Witz and more.

Songwriter Of The Year Accolades Go To Wisin & Yandel, Francisco Saldaña “Luny” And Manuel Eduardo Toscano

‘La Tortura’ Takes Song Of The Year And Ringtone Of The Year Awards; EMI-Blackwood Music Inc. Named Latin Publisher Of The Year

BMI held its 14th annual Latin Music Awards tonight, with top honors going to BMI Icons Los Tigres del Norte; Songwriters of the Year Juan Luis Morera Luna and Llandel Veguilla Malavé of duo Wisin & Yandel, songwriter/producer Francisco Saldaña “Luny” of producing duo Luny Tunes and corrido master Manuel Eduardo Toscano (SACM); Song of the Year “La Tortura” written by Shakira and Luis F. Ochoa; and Publisher of the Year EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc. Hosted by BMI President & CEO Del Bryant and Assistant Vice President, Latin Music, Delia Orjuela, the awards were held at the Venetian Resort Hotel in Las Vegas. The black-tie dinner honored the writers and publishers of the past year’s 50 most performed Latin songs on U.S. radio and television.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation and musical tribute to legendary norteño group Los Tigres del Norte. Honored as Icons, they were presented silver BMI Icon buckets for their “unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers.” The longest-running and most influential Norteño music group in the history of the genre, “Los Jefes de Jefes” (“the bosses of the bosses,” the nickname affectionately given to them by their loyal fans) are renowned for their “corridos,” which depict timeless stories of the Mexican people and culture as well as the lives and struggles of Hispanic immigrants in the United States. They join an elite list of previous BMI Icons that includes Juan Luis Guerra, Carlos Santana, Crosby, Stills & Nash, James Brown, Dolly Parton and Brian Wilson.

The group was honored with an all-star musical tribute. Mexican pop singer Reyli performed “La Puerta Negra,” Regional Mexican singer-songwriter Mariano Barba covered “Ya Te Velé” and Latin pop singer Christian Castro belted out “Golpes En El Corazón.” Los Tigres themselves also jumped up onstage to perform a medley of their songs for the standing-room-only house.

BMI’s Songwriter of the Year title was a four-way tie, shared by Wisin & Yandel’s Juan Luis Morera Luna and Llandel Veguilla Malavé; Francisco Saldaña “Luny” of production duo Luny Tunes; and Manuel Eduardo Toscano. The four-way tie represents the first BMI Latin Award for each member of this elite cross-section of Latin hit-makers. To earn this honor, all four writers contributed three songs to the top 50. The Puerto Rican Reggaetón duo Wisin & Yandel and acclaimed producer “Luny” of Luny Tunes co-wrote “Llamé Pa’ Verte ‘Bailando Sexy’,” “Mayor Que Yo” and “Rakata,” which were all hits for Wisin & Yandel. Premier Mexican songwriter Manuel Eduardo Toscano’s award-winning corridos — “La Sorpresa,” “Señor Locutor” and “Socios” — were signature hits for Icons Los Tigres del Norte.

“La Tortura” took home BMI Song of the Year and the inaugural BMI Latin Ringtone of the Year honors for its two songwriters—international superstar Shakira and Luis F. Ochoa. “La Tortura” is Shakira’s second Song of the Year win; “Suerte,” which she also co-wrote and performed, snagged the honor in 2002.

With nine songs among the year’s top 50, EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc. nabbed its first Latin Publisher of the Year award. Songs including “Algo Está Cambiando,” “Enséñame A Olvidar,” “Llamé Pa' Verte ‘Bailando Sexy’,” and “Rakata” catapulted EMI-Blackwood to the top.

The ceremony also featured the presentation of the BMI Foundation's fourth annual peermusic Latin Scholarship to Berklee College of Music student Daniel F. Díaz. The 23 year-old Mexico native will receive a $5,000 scholarship for his song “Todo Lo Que Necesito.” Established by the BMI Foundation and funded by the generosity of the peermusic publishing companies, the scholarship is awarded annually through a competition for original Latin songs and instrumental compositions. The 2007 competition was open to college students throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

Some of the night’s other big winners included songwriters Josias De La Cruz “Nely,” Don Omar, Ramón Ortega Contreras (SACM), Martha “Ivy Queen” Pesante, Shakira and Ricky Vela, all boasting two awards each. “No Me Queda Más,” written by Ricky Vela, took home its third BMI Latin Award, while “¿Qué Me Vas A Dar?,” composed by Alfonso García Santillana (SACM) and Ramón Ortega Contreras (SACM), took home its second honor.

Publishers claiming two or more songs among the top 50 were SER-CA Publishing, Inc., Tigres Del Norte Ediciones Musicales, Universal-Música Única Publishing, Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp., Blue Kraft Music Publishing, Editora Arpa Musical, Peer International Corp./peermusic III, Aniwi Music LLC, LGA Music Publishing, Lone Iguana Music, Mexican Music Copyright, Inc. and Songs of Univision, Inc.

‘LA TORTURA’ ES CANCIÓN DEL AÑO Y “RINGTONE DEL AÑO EMI-BLACKWOOD MUSIC INC. ES NOMBRADA EDITORA DEL AÑO.

BMI presentó esta noche su décimo cuarta entrega de Premios Latinos. Los máximos reconocimientos fueron entregados a Los Tigres del Norte, como Icono de BMI; Compositor Del Año fue un cuádruple empate entre Juan Luis Morera Luna y Llandel Veguilla Malavé, del dúo “Wisin & Yandel”; Francisco Saldaña “Luny” compositor y productor del dúo de productores “Luny Tunes” y Manuel Eduardo Toscano (SACM), maestro del corrido. La Canción del Año, fue “La Tortura” escrita por Shakira y Luis F. Ochoa; y La Editora del Año, EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.

La gala fue presentada por el Presidente & CEO de BMI, Del Bryant y la Vice Presidenta Asistente de Música Latina Delia Orjuela; los premios se realizaron en el Venetian Resort Hotel en Las Vegas. La cena de gala honró a los compositores y editores de los 50 temas Latinos más interpretados en la radio y televisión de Estados Unidos.

El momento central de la noche fue la presentación del tributo musical a la legendaria agrupación Los Tigres del Norte quienes fueron honrados como Icono BMI de la Música Latina.

Los integrantes de Los Tigres del Norte recibieron este magnífico reconocimiento por su “única e indeleble influencia en las generaciones de los autores de música”

Los Tigres del Norte, grupo norteño de mayor importancia y trayectoria en la historia del género, “Los Jefes de Jefes, apodo creado por sus fieles seguidores, se han distinguido particularmente por sus “corridos”, los cuales cuentan anécdotas de la gente y de la cultura mexicana, además de las vidas y batallas de los inmigrantes hispanos en los Estados Unidos.

Así, Los Tigres del Norte se integran a la distinguida lista de anteriores Iconos de BMI que incluye a notables de la industria como Juan Luis Guerra, Carlos Santana, Crosby, Stills & Nash, James Brown, Dolly Parton y Brian Wilson.

El grupo Los Tigres del Norte fue homenajeado con un tributo musical por reconocidos artistas Mexicanos: Reyli interpretó “La Puerta Negra"; Mariano Barba, presentó “Ya Te Velé” y Christian Castro, interpretó “Golpes En El Corazón”.

En el momento más emocionante de la noche, los mismos Tigres del Norte, decidieron subir al estrado e interpretaron un popurrí de sus temas más conocidos ante una multitud que los ovacionó de pie.

El premio Compositor del Año de BMI terminó con un empate entre Juan Luis Morera Luna y Llandel Veguilla Malavé (Wisin y Yandel); Francisco Saldaña “Luny” (Luny Tunes); y Manuel Eduardo Toscano. Para cada uno de los ganadores en esta categoría, significaba su primer Premio Latino de BMI. Para lograr este honor, cada uno aportó 3 canciones a la lista de las 50 canciones más interpretadas del año.

El dúo puertorriqueño de Reggaetón, Wisin y Yandel y el aclamado productor “Luny” de Luny-Tunes co-escribieron “Llamé Pá Verte Bailando Sexy,” “Mayor Que Yo” y “Rakata”, éxitos interpretados por Wisin & Yandel.

El compositor mexicano Manuel Eduardo Toscano fue premiado por sus afamadas piezas musicales “La Sorpresa”, “Señor Locutor”, y “Socios” – convertidas en éxitos en las voces de Los Tigres del Norte.

“La Tortura” se llevó el premio como Mejor Canción del Año y el trofeo que se otorga por primera vez como El Ringtone Latino del Año; los honores fueron para sus dos autores, la superestrella internacional Shakira y Luis F. Ochoa.

“La Tortura” es la segunda vez en la que Shakira se lleva este honor. La primera ocasión fue en el año 2002, con la Canción del Año “Suerte" la cual también co-escribió y grabó.

Con nueve de los 50 temas más tocados, EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc. se adjudicó el título de Editor del Año. Los temas que lo llevaron al triunfo incluyen “Algo Está Cambiando”, “No”, “Enséñame A Olvidar”, “Noviembre Sin Ti”, “Llamé Pa' Verte Bailando Sexy","Rakata”,“ Mayor Que Yo” entre otros

Durante la ceremonia la Fundación BMI presentó, la cuarta beca Latina de Peermusic. El ganador fue el joven Mexicano estudiante del Colegio de Música de Berklee, Daniel F. Díaz. Daniel de 23 años, recibirá una beca de $5,000 por su tema “Todo Lo Que Necesito”

Establecida por la Fundación BMI y apoyada económicamente con la generosidad de la casa editora Peermusic, la beca es ofrecida anualmente a través de una competencia para el tema Latino o composición instrumental más original. La competencia se llevó a cabo entre estudiantes de todo Estados Unidos y Puerto Rico.

Otros grandes ganadores de la noche incluyen a Josías De La Cruz “Nely”, Don Omar, Ramón Ortega Contreras (SACM), Martha “Ivy Queen” Pesante, Shakira y Ricky Vela, todos ellos se llevaron dos trofeos. La canción “No Me Queda Más”, escrita por Ricky Vela, ganó su tercer Premio Latino de BMI, mientras que “¿Qué Me Vas A Dar?”, compuesta por Alfonso García Santillana (SACM) y Ramón Ortega Contreras (SACM), se adjudicó su segundo Premio Latino de BMI.

Otros editores que contaban con dos temas o más entre los 50 más interpretados fueron SER-CA Publishing, Inc., Tigres Del Norte Ediciones Musicales, Universal-Música Única Publishing, Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp., Blue Kraft Music Publishing, Editora Arpa Musical, Peer International Corp./Peermusic III, Aniwi Music LLC, LGA Music Publishing, Lone Iguana Music, Mexican Music Copyright, Inc. y Songs of Univision, Inc.