a lovely time with the latins

It was quite a social and varied time last week. With a million things going on in this town there is never any shortage of distractions and activites to see and do. One night you've got your earplugs in and being audio massaged (along with having your organs churned) by ridiculously loud metal bands and the mighty Boris then the next you find yourself attending the Latin Grammys.

Apparently this year's show was scaled back due to declining ratings but I still found it rather entertaining and fun even though it was all in spanish (a first for the show).

The funny thing about these award shows is that although they are supposed to be about the awards, no one wants to sit through three hours of speeches, so they've basically become all star concerts of the past years hits complete with merchandise tables and concession stands serving nachos and hot dogs in the lobby. Worked out great cause since it was being broadcast live, the commercial breaks gave you time to get some food or a beer.

The performances were good as well. Along with the usual pop fare and the currently hot reggaeton action, there were great rock performances (like the popular La Ley's farewell performance, pictured above) as well as some jazz and regional mexican groups (yes, even the "polka" groups sounded stellar!). I did discover a few new acts that I want to add to my music library which is always nice.



After the show we headed to the afterparty. A party that had so much corporate sponsorship presence that there was no escaping it. As soon as you walked in there were young runway models from a major makeup company passing out the exclusive Latin Grammy lip gloss. And if you wanted a drink, the models from the beer and vodka sponsors could have directed you to the nearest open bar. Or, if you had been thinking of getting a new cell phone, the models from one of the wireless sponsors could have let you check out their new phones. I don't really blame them though. Why put up a lot money for these parties when you can get others to pay for it?

Apparently the official party we were at did not compare to Univision party as far as celebrity sightings go but did notice a few familiar faces in the crowd. Some of them were from bands, some just freaks, like the enormous Jose Canseco wearing a very sheer, very tight black shirt. The most interesting sighting of the night though had to be the Mayor of Los Angeles. I can't really explain it well but his whole vibe is very much of a guy that grew up in the streets of LA. I kept watching his body language and he definitely is not your average stiff, vanilla politician. He was giving out street handshakes like a rapper and with his body guards around him and his sharp suit on, you'd swear he was some kind of mafia don. Or as the General so eloquently put it, "the mayor is a PIMP!".

We left the party just as they were shutting it down, incredibly heavy gift bags in hand. In it was more products from sponsors - chocolates, liquers, hair products, magazines, etc., and a curious new mint flavored bottled water. Give it a try if you like the the taste of toothpaste.