The 3rd Annual Viva Laughlin! Salutes Hispanic Heritage Month With Top Latin Stars

Laughlin, Nev. (August 4, 2006) - From Oct 6-9, Laughlin will play host to the 3rd Annual Viva Laughlin! a celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. The four-day citywide festival is presented by the Laughlin Tourism Committee and Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority, and is produced by Pochteca Media.

“Viva Laughlin! has delivered more Hispanic tourists and repeat business than we previously thought possible. With a wide variety of entertainment options, it’s clear Viva Laughlin has assisted in making Southern Nevada the #1 tourist destination for Hispanics,” said Kerry Boz, Director of Player Development, Ramada Express and event chairperson.

“It’s an honor to continue our partnership with the Laughlin Tourism Committee and Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority for our 3rd Annual
Viva Laughlin,” says Mario Cobian, CEO of Pochteca Media. “Viva Laughlin! showcases the best of Latino cultural trends and unites people of all
backgrounds.”

This year’s star-studded cast includes two Latin Grammy-winning artists: La Mafia and Little Joe y La Familia.

Norteño heavyweights La Mafia have received Grammys for Best Tejano/Mexican-American Performance for their albums “Un Millón de Rosas” in 1997 and “En Tus Manos” in 1998. In 2005, La Mafia won the Latin Grammy for Best Grupero Album for “Para El Pueblo.” Their music is sure to rock the house, moving and grooving the soul of all ages.

Tejano pioneers Little Joe y La Familia won a Grammy for Best Mexican-American Performance in 1991 for their album “Diez y Seis de Septiembre” and have been delighting crowds for more than forty years with their mix of Norteño, Country, Blues and Rock styles.

"Viva Laughlin” is proud to welcome two legends of Latino Soul/Funk – Tierra and Malo. Well-known for its smooth and soulful sounds, Tierra’s music showcases a blend of Rock, Pop, Jazz, R&B and Salsa. They have been named the Best R & B

Group by Billboard Magazine. Malo combined Latin Rock and Salsa beats to create a style that is unparalleled and internationally recognized. Their hit song “Suavecito” is a demonstration of the fusion of music that this band has to offer creating a sound that people of all ages enjoy.

Also on the roster for Viva Laughlin 2006 are the twin sisters of Las Florecitas who will perform Tejano, Cumbia, and Norteño styles of music; Ambixion, whose new self-titled album features Rancheras, Polkas, Cumbias, and Tejano flavored country tunes; Mexico Vivo sharing the heritage traditional richness of the Mexican and Latin-American folk dances; trick roper Floreador; Black Jack - singing popular English and Spanish cover songs and DJ Fernando G, who has remixed tracks for such artists like Paulina Rubio and Moenia.

International Cumbia sensations La Internacional Sonora Show are also scheduled to perform this year. Founded in 1992, the band skyrocketed to fame in 1993 with the release of their album Escandalo.

The stunning Miss Hawaiian Tropic Latin Pageant returns for all three nights of Viva Laughlin! Nine Latin beauties from fives states in the Southwest compete in three categories: swimsuit, summersaults, and best tan.

Highlighting some of past years activities and talent were renowned Latino pop music star Cristian Castro, Latino songstress Jennifer Peña, the legendary Freddy Fender, Alex Reymundo and Joey Medina from the “Original Latin King of Comedy”, the beautiful Hawaiian Tropic models, top rank boxing and more.

Located 90 miles south of Las Vegas, Laughlin is a unique resort destination with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere that welcomes over 5 million visitors annually. This city by the river has grown to host nine resorts with affordable first-class accommodations and a multitude of recreational activities. Laughlin has also become one of the leading special-events destinations in the Southwest, offering the adventurous spectator everything from world-class rodeo action, daring off-road racing to an amateur longest drive golf competition.

For more information visit: www.VisitLaughlin.com and www.pochtecamedia.com.

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About the Laughlin Tourism Committee
The Laughlin Tourism Committee, a division of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, provides the strategic vision for the destination of Laughlin. It is responsible for marketing Laughlin to the Southwest and the world.


About Pochteca Media
Pochteca Media is a Multicultural Communications Agency specializing in the gaming and tourism industry. The company has successfully initiated and branded some of the countries most important Hispanic events such as The Edward James Olmos Latino Book & Family Festival, Fiesta Broadway, Fiesta del Sol Chicago, The Alex & Joey Comedy Tour and Las Vegas Caliente. Pochteca Media is also a member of the Nevada Hotel & Lodging Association.

About Hispanic Heritage Month
In 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim a week in September as National Hispanic Heritage Week. The observance was expanded in 1988 to a month long celebration (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15). During this month, America celebrates the culture and traditions of U.S. residents who trace their roots to Mexico, Spain, and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean. Sept. 15 was chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively.