GLORIA ESTEFAN
If you think Gloria Estefan comes to SA as a nostalgia act, wait until you hear her next album.
Produced by her husband Emilio, The Standards comes out September 10 through Sony Masterworks and it’s her most ambitious album since her masterpiece Mi Tierra (1993). It includes guest vocals by Dave Koz, Joshua Bell and Laura Pausini and a gorgeous English-language version of Carlos Gardel’s classic tango “El Día Que Me Quieras” (The Day That You’ll Love Me).
9pm Sat, Aug 31
KAT DAHLIA
On July 29, fiery Cuban-American singer-rapper Kat Dahlia turned 23 and, apparently, had a hell of a time—the next day she was arrested in Miami on DUI and resisting arrest without violence charges.
But give her a break: she’s the U.S. response to Spain’s Mala Rodríguez. Her debut album, My Garden, comes out on February 2014, but check her videos for “Gangsta” (both the English and Spanish versions) and tell me if you don’t want to catch her live at the fest in the meantime.
8:30pm Sun, Sept 1
(Also: Free performance 12:45pm Sunday at the Convention Center.)
DEMI LOVATO
Former teen actress/singer Lovato has gone through the usual hell-after-premature-fame syndrome, but she survived it all and is still standing strong: Demi, her fourth album, debuted at number three on the Billboard charts and earned generally positive reviews. She stole the show at recent Festival People en Español press conference in San Antonio without even being there—both Mayor Castro and Chris Pérez expressed their admiration for her music.
“I love her music, I think she’s great,” said Pérez, “but my daughter is a superfan, so I’m even more excited for her.”
9:30pm Sun, Sept 1
ALEJANDRO FERNÁNDEZ
The son of ranchera legend Vicente Fernández is one of the few singing heartthrobs who can credibly jump back and forth from mariachi music to pop.
10:30pm Sat, Aug 31
WISIN & YANDEL
The world’s number one reggaetón duo is also Billboard’s Latin Rhythm charts record-holder with nine number one hits since 2005.
10:30pm Sun, Sept 1
3BALLMTY
Pronounced as “Tribal Monterrey,” these young Mexican deejays won the 2012 Latin Grammy for Best New Artist thanks to their infectious but smart mix of Mexican-styled cumbia and electronic beats.
They were at the festival last year, but this time they return to close the show.
11:45pm Sun, Sept 1
