Hispanic Heritage Month: Cabaret highlights Latin music on American culture

INDIANAPOLIS — Latin music has played an integral role in American culture for hundreds of years. From movies and television to radio and sold-out arenas, we are surrounded by its influence, but it often goes undetected.

The creator of the show, “Cabaret Latinos, Songs of the Americas,” hopes to display that influence through his latest creation. Tom Alvarez pulled from his own life, split between two cultures, to create the show, which he describes as “a spectacle.”

The show hopes to be a window into Latin influence on American culture.

Latin music is ingrained into American culture, from artists like Selena and Ricky Martin to Shakira, J-Lo and Bad Bunny. Its influence is undeniable.

“In the United States, when we say Latino music, there is this automatic assumption that we are talking about the music we are listening to when we are eating tacos at a restaurant. But really, there is so much more breath to it,” said Eric Salazar, the music director for “Cabaret Latino, Songs of the Americas.”

“Cabaret Latino, Songs of the Americas” is a performance that shows the impact of music by Latin artists and how the essence of Latin music has become an integral part of American culture through songs the audience likely knows and loves.

“If you haven’t heard the Spanish language, you have certainly heard Latino artists. Who can resist the rhythm and the beat? It is part of our American culture,” said Tom Alvarez, the creator, director and writer of “Cabaret Latinos, Songs of the Americas.”

Alvarez pulled from his own life experience when creating the concept: “This creation is very personal to me. I am Mexican-American. I grew up between two cultures. I consider myself 100% American but also 100% Mexican.” Alvarez said. “Eventually, I figured out that I don’t have to make a choice. This is uniquely me, this is my life experience and the music is sort of a soundtrack of my own life.”

While it’s a personal experience for Alvarez, the people performing the music also feel a special connection to its message.

“A lot of this is music that I grew up with as well. So, I am sharing how I grew up with my family and the kind of music that surrounded us,” said Heva Luna Espay, singer.

The three-act show is filled with Latin-inspired hits, played by an eight-piece band, four singers and accompanied by five dancers. 

“We hope with the show to build bridges of understanding, especially during this time when immigration is such a cultural flash point. We want to do something positive. Offer a safe space for Latinos to come and be prideful and celebrate their music,” said Alvarez.

While the audience is encouraged to get up and dance and sing along, Alvarez hopes they’ll leave with a newfound understanding as well: “I hope that people will stop and think about the origins of our country and all of the immigrants who came here and made this country the way it is. We can benefit from each other’s differences; we always have.”  

Tickets for “Cabaret Latinos, Songs of the Americas” can be purchased online or at the door.