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Hialeah Park Racing & Casino will present a star-studded musical tribute to the legendary percussionist and vocalist Carlos Oliva on Saturday, May 6 at 9 p.m. The festival-style free concert will take place outdoors in the beautiful Paddock Gardens at Hialeah Park, with concert-goers encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets.

Oliva, the Cuban-born musician who first came to the United States from his island hometown of Sancti-Spiritus over 50 years ago, is credited by Time magazine as being “the Father of The Miami Sound.” His lengthy list of accomplishments as a percussionist and vocalist includes decades of success with Los Sobrinos Del Juez (The Judge’s Nephews), the band he first formed in 1961, as well as production and direction for The Miami Sound Machine and an Emmy award for his promotional work with Univision.

Hialeah Park will salute Oliva’s immeasurable contributions to the music industry in America and around the world in a concert that will feature talented artists Lucy Grau, Hansel y Raul, Roberto Torres, and a special appearance by Hialeah Park’s “favorite son” Willy Chirino.

“Carlos is much more than a dear friend to me, he is a part of my family and my life,” says Chirino. “We grew up together as musicians and as individuals. There is an enormous debt of gratitude that this community owes him. Miami would not have been the capital of Latin music if not for his creativity and contributions.

“That is why I am very happy to be part of this celebration that my friends at Hialeah Park are hosting in his honor…long live King Carlos!”

Zeta 92 radio personalities Leo Vela and Adrian Mesa will host the tribute and Hialeah Park mainstay DJ EL Russo will be on hand to provide pre-concert music and banter. As part of a new partnership with Hialeah Park, the Cuban Guys Mobile Unit and other food trucks will be on site in the Paddock Gardens to offer concert fans a variety of food and beverage options.

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