THIS IS YOUR FREESTYLE BLAST #24
In this issue of The Blast, we hang out with a few Kings, as we get ready for a Spectacular Christmas!
And so Christmas is upon us once again, and though I try and slide through the Holidays as fast as I can, only because the world seems to slip into a gear that I don’t like to be in, I do have to keep in mind that I have a family that looks forward to these Holidays.
My children are grown, but I do have four grandchildren, and their Christmas is based around us, so of course making memories with them is important.
I’d like to take a second though, to say thank you to everyone who has been following The Freestyle Blast Newsletter, now closing in on our second year. That’s right, a full 24 issues have been released, and I pray that within these pages I’ve been able to somehow entertain you, educate you, inspire you, or at the very least, give you a reason to love and appreciate the Freestyle music genre even more.
I wish each and every one of you, as well as your families, a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year, and so with that said, let’s get into it!
SANTA vs. THE THREE KINGS
I'm excited to share a bit of my cultural background and holiday traditions with you. My roots are deeply embedded in Puerto Rican heritage, with my mom hailing from Caguas, Puerto Rico, and my dad's family originating from Ponce, although both were raised in the vibrant streets of New York City.
Despite our urban upbringing, the holidays were always a cherished time in our household, especially Christmas. Mom, a single proud Puerto Rican mother, made it a point to emphasize the significance of this festive season. Growing up as the only child in the house, my Christmas mornings were a solo spectacle, with every carefully wrapped gift beneath the tree just for me.
It was a source of confusion for me however when I discovered that other families celebrated on Christmas Eve, distributing gifts the night before Santa would even arrive.
While researching for this article, I unearthed the deep-rooted tradition behind this practice. The Three Kings, bearing gifts for the infant Jesus, inspired the act, and I was fascinated to learn more about their role in my cultural heritage.
Interestingly, Puerto Rico, though celebrating Christmas, has a unique twist. Gifts are exchanged on Christmas Eve, mirroring the moment when the Three Kings presented their offerings to the Infant Jesus. This celebration marks the culmination of the Christmas season for many on January 6th and my only knowledge of this occurrence was when I would watch The Little Drummer Boy every year on TV.
The story of the Magi, or wise men, as recounted in the Gospel of Matthew, resonates across cultures. They followed a star to Bethlehem, offering precious gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the newborn king. However, there’s one question I do have: which one of them brought the gold?
Another thing that I can recall growing up was what is known as "Rosca de Reyes," that ring-shaped bread that popped up during the Holidays, often displayed in store windows. As I delved deeper, I realized this delectable treat was enjoyed on Three Kings Day, January 6th, symbolizing the arrival of the wise men to witness the Infant Jesus.
Peep the Baby Jesus figurine in the photo below, that would be hidden inside the ring and blessing whoever would find it. (Hope they had a good dental plan)
Regardless of your faith, the tale is surely a beautiful one and worth exploring this holiday season. It's a reminder of the universal themes of generosity, hope, and the joy found in giving.
An so as we embark on this festive season, I'd love to hear about your family traditions. Does your household celebrate on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day? Share your stories in the comments below, and in the meantime, I want to wish you all a joyous holiday season filled with warmth and togetherness!
A BRENDA K SPECTACULAR
In the wondrous tapestry of our lives, we find ourselves truly blessed to be integral threads in the rich fabric of a timeless music genre. It's a journey that spans over three decades, and when I say "we," it's because this genre is not just a distant melody; it's a part of my soul, my passion, and the means by which I've crafted a genuine livelihood.
As we traverse the corridors of time, a question lingers: Where do we go from here? It's a query that has dwelled in my thoughts for years, a whisper that few paid heed to during its initial stages. Yet, in the tapestry of our reflections, especially among our cherished artists, there emerges a collective contemplation.
These gifted souls, bearers of names etched in beloved melodies, are setting forth on a transformative odyssey to reinvent their artistic narratives. Among them stands Brenda K Starr, a luminary in our genre, whose musical prowess has left an indelible mark. She enchants audiences not only with her Freestyle track shows and dynamic Latin performances but also with her constant pursuit to reinvent.
However, beyond the spotlight, there is a facet of Brenda's journey that kindles a warmth within my heart, a tale befitting the spirit of this festive Christmas season – her Christmas Spectacular! A joyous event, unveiled in December of 2021.
But to better understand what this is all about, let me take you back, back to those cherished holiday moments before cable, when our beloved TV shows and artists hosted magical Christmas Specials. Classics like Donny and Marie or Sonny and Cher.
And now, in the heart of the Freestyle community, a tradition has blossomed, one to eagerly anticipate and hold dear, thanks to Brenda K Starr, her husband Chris, their children, and the circle of friends and family who have contributed to making it genuinely spectacular.
Brenda graciously opens the doors of her exquisite home, extending an invitation to share in the warmth and love radiating from her charming family. It's an experience that weaves a heartwarming tapestry, adding a special touch to the holiday season year after year.
I invite everyone to embark on this enchanting journey by clicking the banner below, and let the magic of Brenda K Starr's Christmas Spectacular envelop you in the spirit of the season, oh, and remember. It’s the time for giving, so don’t forget to Share!
Erica Lockcuff, Antonio Casale, Trinere V. Farrington, Richard Rich Rich Robles, Stacey Skye, Tony Montes, Diane C Avery-Rosas, Nancy Stamoulis, Flavian Ortiz, Nicole Lenora Bilotta, Samantha Lewis, Krysten Victoria Lewis, Greg Afanador, Cheryl Feliciano, Nicko Yantsios, Margo Urban
To all our Subscribers, Readers, Subjects, and of course our Sponsors, for being a part of this month’s issue of the Freestyle Blast Newsletter, Thank you all so much!
and until next time…
This was your Freestyle Blast!
Latif Mercado has been a part of the Freestyle Music scene for well over 30 years, as well as an integral player behind the genre’s continued success.
As a Booking Agent with a who's who roster of Freestyle Greats, as well as his managerial involvement with such industry icons as Lil' Suzy, Angel OCG, The Cover Girls, and S.A.L. with Lisette Melendez, rarely would you find a Freestyle event happening without Latif somewhere in the mix.
Latif loves hearing from his readers, answering questions, and sharing whatever advice he possibly can, whether it be on writing, or maybe something Freestyle related, so be sure to reach out, even if it’s just to say hi.
So please Follow Him here @LatifMercado
Another great newsletter
In my house in Patchogue LI Noche Buena, Dec 24 Christmas Eve, it was a big party. It was time to have friends and whatever family could come and celebrate the coming arrival of Christmas 🎄. Lots of food and music 🎶 Christmas day was reserved for immediate family to enjoy together. Beautiful memories ❤️