Hispanic Heritage Month Gala

Tito Puente, Jr. to speak at Pensacola Hispanic Heritage Month Gala

PENSACOLA, Fla. – Tito Puente, Jr. will be in Pensacola for the annual Hispanic Heritage Month Gala, Sunday, September 29 at the Sanders Beach - Corinne Jones Community Center located at 913 S I St. Hosted by Latino Media Gulf Coast, the formal event includes cultural musical performances, community recognitions, a formal dinner and dancing. This year’s theme is “Legendary Latinos.” Tickets to the 2024 Hispanic Heritage Month Gala are available at www.latinomediainc.com/gala-2024.

Tito Puente, Jr. is son of the world-renowned musician, Tito Puente. Tito Puente Jr. continues to entertain audiences and celebrate the life and music of his legendary percussionist father. While Puente continues to perform at venues around the world, television shows and recording studios, he will speak at our Hispanic Heritage Gala about his experience growing up surrounded by Latino Legends such as his father, Celia Cruz and others.

The annual Hispanic Heritage Month Gala will be an opportunity to recognize some of Pensacola’s own legends, community members that have contributed to the sharing of Latino culture, contributing the growth of the Latino community in the last two decades. Film director Alfie Martin will also make a presentation.

The stage is not the only place where notable participants will be found. The kitchen will also be bustling under the direction of award-winning chef, Manuel Rodriguez. Having cooked for presidents, royalty and celebrities, Rodriguez a slew of impressive awards including Regional Chef of the Year, Embassy Chef Challenge People’s Choice and Judge’s Choice Awards and Top Latin American Restaurants in Washington D.C. He will be accompanied by World Dessert Championship competitor, Agustin Rodriguez (no relation).

The evening’s program is filled with live cultural entertainment by an eclectic lineup of artists including Mariachi Moderno Internacional, Al Alvarado, Grupo Folklorico Mitotiani, Amid Montelongo and the quickly-gaining-popularity South American group, Golpe Latino.

The event will be emceed by singer and songwriter, Miguel Aldahondo. Aldahondo is the director of community programs at the Pensacola Children’s Chorus. He is a lifelong entertainer known for his Latin Music performances in his youth and vocalist and keyboardist for Nobius. With a repertoire blend of Soul, Funk, Jazz, Pop, and R&B, Nobius has been voted “Best Wedding Band” in Pensacola multiple times.

Tickets for the gala are still available as of writing, though hopeful attendees are advised that both previous Hispanic Heritage Month Galas were sold out.