New York State Office of General Services (OGS) Commissioner RoAnn Destito today announced the 2019 Hispanic Heritage Celebration, the state’s annual celebration of Latin cultures, will feature contemporary, high-energy, live music and dancing, as well as delicious foods. This free event will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, September 28 in the Empire State Plaza Convention Center.

“We hope that everyone in the Capital Region will join us at the Empire State Plaza to celebrate the culture and heritage of New York’s Hispanic and Latino community and honor their significant contributions to our state,” Commissioner Destito said. “The evening will be filled with fun activities for the whole family, including dancing, food, and music.”

 

A South Bronx native, headliner Toby Love is a pioneer when it comes to blending smooth vocals with a mix of hip hop, R&B, and traditional Dominican bachata. He began building his musical talents at an early age when he joined a popular local Merengue band founded by his cousins in the South Bronx. At the age of 16, Love was invited to practice with and later joined the Bronx band Aventura. In 2006, he began his solo career and released his self-titled album, “TOBY LOVE,” which received four nominations for the 2007 Billboard Latin Music Awards and won in two categories: Tropical Airplay Song of the Year by a New Artist for his smash hit “Tengo un Amor,” and Latin Rap / Hip Hop Album of the Year.

 

The event will also feature live music by Xtreme, Toby Rivera, and the Cover Girls as well as a dance performance by Los Coristas. DJ Double O will start playing music as soon as the Convention Hall doors open at 5:30 p.m.

 

Food vendors will be selling empanadas, arepas, chicken & rice, sweet plantains, alcapurrias and more. There will also be opportunities to purchase traditional and culturally inspired paintings and well as Latin American and Hispanic-themed merchandise.

 

5:30 p.m.         DJ Double O, house DJ

6:00 p.m.         Cover Girls

6:45 p.m.         DJ Double O

7:00 p.m.         Toby Rivera

7:50 p.m.         DJ Double O

8:00 p.m.         Xtreme

8:50 p.m.         DJ Double O

9:00 p.m.         Toby Love

 

Free parking will be available in the Cathedral and Madison Lots on Madison Avenue and in the East Garage on the corners of Madison Avenue, Eagle Street, and Philip Street. Paid parking is also available in the visitor lot underneath the Empire State Plaza.

For event updates, visit empirestateplaza.ny.gov, @EmpireStatePlaza on Facebook, and @plazaevents on Twitter or call (518) 474-4759.

 

Sponsors include New York State of Health, MVP Health Care, NY’s 529 College Savings Program, CDTA, SONYMA, Price Chopper & Market 32, Hot 99.1, Renaissance Albany Hotel, Albany.com, New York State Museum, and Mildred Elley.