La Banda El Recodo Teams Up with Heineken as Heineken Green Ribbon Ambassador for the 9th Annual Latin Grammy(R) Awards

WHITE PLAINS, New York, Nov. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Heineken, the official beer sponsor for the 9th Annual Latin GRAMMY(R) Awards, named popular Mexican group, Banda El Recodo, as ambassadors of the Heineken Green Ribbon Initiative. Banda El Recodo will aid in raising awareness for the program, which has been providing funding to emerging Latin artists and music education programs in Hispanic communities across the country since 2003. On behalf of Banda El Recodo and everyone who wears a Green Ribbon during the Latin GRAMMY(R) Awards, Heineken will make a donation to the National Association of Latino Arts and Culture (NALAC) and Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts (MECA).

"Heineken is proud to be a part of the Latin GRAMMY(R) Awards for an incredible ninth consecutive year and is looking forward to shining a spotlight on the talented Latin musicians and art organizations in Houston that are making valuable contributions to Latin music," said Marime Riancho, Heineken Senior Brand Director, Multicultural Markets. "We are thrilled to collaborate with Banda El Recodo which has nurtured talent over many generations. Their talent, passion and experience will make them fantastic ambassadors for the Heineken Green Ribbon Initiative."

Heineken will continue its relationship with NALAC to create the Heineken Green Ribbon Master Artist Music Grant -- a $20,000 grant to help further the artistic work of an adult Hispanic musician in the Houston area.

In addition, the Heineken Green Ribbon contribution will support MECA's adult Mariachi program, which includes instruction in violin, vihuela, guitarron, trumpet, guitar and voice, and their Jazz Improvisation series of concert and workshop programs. The series has exposed Houston to some of the greatest artists in the field of creative music since 1997.

"We are passionate about supporting emerging Latin talent and look forward to making a positive impact for the Heineken Green Ribbon Initiative this year," said Luis Alfonso Lizarraga, of Banda El Recodo. "Programs like the Heineken Green Ribbon initiative open doors for up-and-coming Latino musicians who don't always get the exposure they need and support they deserve. We're thrilled about the opportunities the Heineken Green Ribbon donation will create for all the talented musicians and arts organizations in the Houston area and beyond."

Four-time Latin GRAMMY award winning Banda El Recodo de Don Cruz Lizarraga, also known as the "Mother of all Bandas" ("La madre de todas las bandas"), is a living music legend. Seventy years since its inception, the band has earned countless recognitions and awards, including Certified Gold and Platinum albums in the United States and Mexico and multiple GRAMMY Awards, Premio Lo Nuestro and Latin Billboard Awards. The band is nominated this year for a Latin GRAMMY Award in the "Best Banda Album" category.

Banda El Recodo will present the program awards to NALAC and MECA at a private press breakfast at the MECA Community Cultural Center in Houston on Tuesday, November 11th. To attend please call Isabel Siegel at (212) 206-8668. Space is limited.

About Heineken USA

Heineken USA Inc., the nation's premier beer importer, is a subsidiary of Heineken International BV, which is the world's most international brewer. Brands imported into the U.S. include: Heineken Lager, the world's most international beer brand; Heineken Premium Light; Amstel Light, a leading imported light beer brand; Newcastle Brown Ale, the leading imported ale in the United States; and Buckler non-alcoholic brew. Heineken USA is also the exclusive USA importer for the Tecate, Tecate Light, Dos Equis, Sol, Carta Blanca and Bohemia brands from FEMSA Cerveza of Mexico. Please visit EnjoyHeinekenResponsibly.com.

About NALAC and NALAC Fund for the Arts

The National Association of Latino Arts and Culture (NALAC) is a national arts service and advocacy organization whose mission is to preserve, promote and develop the cultural and artistic expressions of the diverse Latino populations in the United States. Through its signature programs, NALAC serves as a catalyst for the ongoing vitality and diversity of Latino cultural and artistic production. Launched in 2005, the NALAC Fund for the Arts is the only national arts fund in the country that provides support specifically for Latino artists and arts organizations working in music, dance, performance art, theatre, visual arts, media and literary art.

About MECA

Multicultural Education & Counseling through the Arts (MECA) is a community-based, non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the healthy social, cultural and academic development of Houston area neighborhoods through education in the arts and music. MECA offers classical and ethnic arts education, sports and recreation, and support services through the In-School, After-School, and Summer Arts Programs. MECA has served Houston's First and Sixth Wards, Near Northside, and Heights Districts, providing a variety of arts education opportunities, community performances, public art and cultural celebrations.

About The Latin Recording Academy(R)

The Latin Recording Academy is an international, membership-based organization comprised of Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking recording artists, musicians, songwriters, producers and other creative and technical recording professionals. The organization is dedicated to improving the quality of life and cultural condition for Latin music and its makers. In addition to producing the Latin GRAMMY Awards to honor excellence in the recorded arts and sciences, The Latin Recording Academy provides educational and outreach programs for the Latin music community. For more information about The Latin Recording Academy, please visit http://www.grammy.com.

SOURCE Heineken