May 6, 2009. After receiving a personal invitation from Mr. Henry Jimenez the musical producer and Co-Producer of the movement of “Esto Es Merengue” the unification of Merengue artists and its community came together at 809, a chic restaurant located in Washington Heights, New York.

More than 150 artists and Latin music industry folks showed up to be part of the event. The event is considered a success for the “Esto Es Merengue” movement as more than half of the attendees signed up to become voting members of the Academy and many others submitted their productions to be considered for the Latin GRAMMYS, airing November 5, 2009.

Mr. Porfirio Piña, Co-Chariman of the Academy of the Naras and Laras New York chapter committee was present on behalf of the GRAMMYS and Mr. Jimenez moderated the multitude of informative discussions which included the process currently used by the academy for selecting productions and artists for nomination, as well as, detailed explanation of the requirements for becoming a voting member and how to submit productions to be considered for nomination. Mr. Piña answered all of the public questions clearly and was straight forward with his answers, something that was much appreciated by everyone.

All present participated in the recording of the “YO SOY MERENGUE” campaign. The campaign is part of the Merengue movement which demonstrates the diversity of Merengue artists and the diversity of the public who loves this genre unified by the same purpose, the love of Merengue. The public happily responded to the news of the launch of TRADIGITIAL MEDIA. A company who has formed a new distribution service for Latino Artists and their market by distributing Latin productions in major retail outlets such as Best Buys, Wal-mart, Target, the traditional Latino stores such as Rincón Musical, the Tenth Avenue outlets etc., international stores and provides digital distribution via the Internet. The companies Co-Founders and owners Manny Berríos, Eric Kahle and Ingrid Mayi we among those who attended the event.

Requirements to be a member of the GRAMMYS:

• You must have a minimum of 6 songs released in a physical format that has sold publically.
• If your CD was digitally distributed you must have a minimum of 12 songs that sold publically.

For those who don’t meet the requirements but are still working in the industry as managers, booking agents, DJ’s and radio personalities, etc., you can still become an associate member, and vote in the genre since it is just as important to have enough voting members to maintain our category valid.

For more information please visit.

                 www.ESTOESMERENGUE.COM or Henry@ESTOESMERENGUE.COM 

For more information about TRADIGITAL MEDIA Ingrid@tradigitalmedia.com

Thank You,

Henry Jiménez