Latin Mixx to Honor Several Music Pioneers at 10th Annual DJ Choice Awards in NYC

The Latin Mixx Conference & DJ Choice Awards will return to Manhattan’s Stage 48 for it’s tenth anniversary show on Thursday, July 30th. The event commemorates the contributions of visionary industry leaders and brilliant sound architects who have shaped today’s music and the pop culture landscape.

Special Achievement Awards will be bestowed to talents who have exhibited exemplary contributions to the music industry, community and DJs.

The 2015 honorees include legendary Hip-hop artist “Slick Rick” (“Mixx Cares Humanitarian Award”); syndicated Spanish language radio force, DJ Alex Sensation (“Icon Award”); groundbreaking record executives, Porfirio Piña, Porfirio

Piña Entertainment and Gustavo Lopez, Universal Music Group (“Trailblazer Award”).

Pioneering entertainment impresario, Sal Abbatiello of Fever Entertainment will be honored with the “Lifetime Achievement Award”. He owned and operated the legendary South Bronx hip-hop club, Disco Fever in the late 70s, which played a key role in globalizing Hip-hop and designing the success of Freestyle Music, a fusion of hip-hop, dance and Latin. Abbatiello was instrumental in discovering three of the most influential DJ’s of all time, Grand Master Flash, Little Louie Vega, and Funk Master Flex, as well as developing the iconic freestyle music trio, The Cover Girls. Russell Simmons aligned forces with Abbatiello in 1983 to create the first hip-hop show in Radio City Music Hall, which featured, Kurtis Blow, Whodini, Sweet G, and the Fearless Four. He leveraged the power of his business entities to also raise money for underfunded communities of New York City and various organizations such as the United Negro College Fund.

“Music is a tool for unification. It is prolific and humbling to have the opportunity to celebrate the overwhelming contributions of these hip-hop history makers during our 10th anniversary event”, said Dominican-American entrepreneur and event founder, Kevin “Pills” Montano.

“When my cousin, the late Jason “DJ Threat” Campbell, and I began the concept of LMX, we set one goal: guide, educate and celebrate emerging DJs. I am grateful to our national network of members and esteemed brand supporters for joining us on the journey to deliver upon our mission, helping us serve as an industry pillar, comprised of fearless ambassadors of the command of the DJ.” added Montano.

Past LMX honorees included Rubén Blades, Johnny Ventura, Fat Joe and John “Jellybean” Benitez, among others. Attendees can once again anticipate a sizzling line up of musical performances and surprise celebrity appearances, including the acclaimed off-Broadway comedic troupe, Room 28, returning to delight with the final installment of the hilarious “Hot en el Bloque” skit series.

For a full list of nominees, award categories and celebrity participants please visit LMX’s official website, www.LatinMixx.