San Juan, Puerto Rico, is the site of a unique artistic opportunity: the SESAC MASTERCLASS, an event meant to uplift the creative community, songwriters, singers, producers, arrangers, studentsand journalists in the Isle of Enchantment.
This year’s edition took place Wednesday, April 25th, at the Raúl Juliá Theatre, in the Puerto Rico Museum of Art. Leading the MASTERCLASS were SESAC Latina-affiliated artists Erika Ender, Echo, and Leo James. Upon conclusion of the masterclass, Erika Ender performed her live set “EriKa AcústiKa” accompanied by her band.
Albert Ramírez III, Associate Director of SESAC Latina for Miami and Puerto Rico, notes, “SESAC MASTERCLASS is one of the most effective methods of musical development. All of the attendees had the opportunity to hear true stories of the panelists’ successes, struggles and achievements. During a Q&A session, they shared their own experiences. With practical advice, the instructors offered tips on best practices and how to avoid certain technical errors. What made this class worthwhile is that the attendees, including the instructors, all benefited.”
He adds that one of the main objectives of this class was for the three instructors to speak about their careers, emphasizing their compositions that have been recorded by such great artists, such as Gilberto Santa Rosa, Gloria Trevi, Chayanne, Luis Fonsi, Víctor Manuelle and Ednita Nazario (Erika); and Wisin y Yandel, Daddy Yankee, Flex, Pitbull, Tego Calderón, Ivy Queen and Don Omar (Echo).
By the same token, Leo James discussed his body of work, emphasizing his hits “Una Vez Más” (One More Time) performed by Victor Manuelle and Reik, and “Dándole” (Bringing It) performed by Gocho with Omega & Jowell. The latter song made him the winner of the Premio SESAC Latina for the most-played song on the radio in 2011-12.
The EriKa AcústiKa set showcased the music of the Panamanian/Brazilian star herself, which included performances by Christian Pagan, Melina León, Pedro Capó, and Marilyn Pupo, as special guests.