2012 Latin GRAMMY Acoustic Sessions Kick Off with Gilberto Santa Rosa

After a highly successful first year in 2011, last night in New York, The Latin Recording Academy® and Eventus officially kicked off this year's Latin GRAMMY® Acoustic Sessions with a captivating performance by three-time Latin GRAMMY® and GRAMMY® winner, Gilberto Santa Rosa. The exclusive, upscale, invitation-only music series will take place in top Hispanic markets in the U.S. through November 1 and feature intimate performances by some of the music industry's most distinguished artists. Confirmed performers include Gilberto Santa Rosa in Chicago; Shaila Durcal in Dallas; Beto Cuevas in Los Angeles; and Issac Delgado, Lena Burke, Amaury Gutierrez, Cachao's Mambo All Stars, and Celia Cruz All Stars in Miami.

"Continuing our mission of sharing the Latin GRAMMY experience, we are excited to present this highly regarded and intimate concert series for a second year," said Gabriel Abaroa Jr., President/CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. "This one night event allows talented and acclaimed artists an opportunity to interact and entertain their fans across the country in an elegant and festive atmosphere."

Following its grand kick off in New York, the 2012 Latin GRAMMY® Acoustic Sessions will continue with visits to Chicago on September 27; Dallas on October 10; Los Angeles on October 18; and Miami on November 1, leading up to the biggest night in Latin music, the XIII Annual Latin GRAMMY® Awards telecast. The concert series is designed for intimate venues catering to an exclusive audience invited through sponsors and The Latin Recording Academy®.

"Last year's unprecedented success motivated us to secure a select array of artists representing various genres, as well as to search for exclusive venues for these captivating encounters of artist and audience," states Eventus President and CEO Nelson Albareda. "We look forward to continue elevating the quality and essence of this unique series."

The XIII Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards will be broadcast live from Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Thursday, November 15, 8 – 11 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. Central) on the Univision network. In addition to its U.S. broadcast, the XIII Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards will be broadcast in more than 100 countries worldwide.