It’s been an honor to have served on the Steering Committee for Keep Memory Alive’s annual Power of Love™ gala, these past half dozen years.  It’s an incredible event benefiting an amazing organization.  That said, I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed an event of this size come together, with such a cohesive sense of good cheer, that seeped into the very souls of everyone in attendance.

Perhaps it’s that Gloria and Emilio Estefan, this year’s honorees, are such dynamic, well-respected, and gracious people.  They took the time to speak with every single person who was so inclined, posed for photos, and were just very real. 

Maybe it was the all-star cavalcade of talent?  Things kicked-off with EGOT Rita Moreno’s uproarious take on Miami Sound Machine’s star-making hit, “Conga” (think “Rapping Granny” with a Latina twist – in leather pants and a lace camisole, no less); and kept things moving as we felt the Earth move under Carole King’s feet.  Andy Garcia introduced the great Gloria Estefan, and we basked in her loveliness.  We lived “La Vida Loca” with the irrepressible Ricky Martin; and got taken to church by the fierce Queen Latifah.  Jordin Sparks gave us miles and miles of beautiful smiles to go with her fringed ensemble; and Jon Secada proved what it takes to be an artist with staying-power. 

But my favorite performance would have to have been that of Fantine.  The Estefans’ Russian-born, Australian-raised, multi-lingual protégée has voice, face, body, voice, and charisma for days (yes, I said "voice" twice...), is about to take-over the world, and her talent is coming for us all.  We were there to see her take flight – and boy, did she soar!  Look for her new Estefan-produced album to absolutely kill it (for a preview, check-out her intoxicating 2012 single, “Contra Banda” HERE).

At the end of the affair – well, my feet hurt.  Seriously!  Some of my best friends in the world were here, and all I wanted to do was go home and get to sleep.  But gimme a break…  It was a nine-hour affair, door-to-door!  And the next day (once I’d refreshed), well – I had to pack for my trip to New York, the following day.  But that’s another post for another day, ain’t it?

Keep Memory Alive presents
2014 Power of Love™ gala honoring Gloria and Emilio Estefan
MGM Grand Garden Arena

Get into it!
#OneMemory