Gigantes come to the Don Haskins

   UTEP Special Events will host a big night of Latin music as it prepares to welcome the GIGANT3S Tour 2012. The tour is made up of Marc Anthony, Chayanne and Marco Antonio Solís, who will perform at the Don Haskins Center on Sept. 9.

Jorge Vazquez, executive director of UTEP Special Events, said the event is expected to be a sell out show with an attendance of over 7,000 people. There is some hope of it coming in second place to the record set by the Enrique Iglesias and Pit Bull concert that drew 9,000 people to the Don Haskins in 2011.

UTEP Special Events has been preparing the accommodations for the event since April of this year. Tickets went on sale this May.

According to Vazquez, the event is not only aimed at the student population but to a wider age demographic that better represents the city.

“El Paso is a market that supports quality events regardless of the genre,” Vazquez said. “We live in a unique market with smart ticket buyers who buy the top acts.”

Valeria Padilla, sophomore digital media production major, said the event offers a unique opportunity to see three excellent singers under one roof.

Padilla said she has been waiting for her chance to see these artists perform, especially Chayanne .

“I grew up with his music. The rhythm and the enthusiasm that he puts in every lyric just inspired me,” Padilla said. “That’s the reason why I cannot pass this amazing opportunity.”

Puertorican singer Chayanne is an international pop star who became famous with hits like “Torero,” “Un Siglo Sin Ti” and “Tiempo de Vals.” Chayanne is back on tour two years after releasing his last studio album “No Hay Imposibles” and his live album released this year “A Solas con Chayanne.”

Luz Rubio, senior geophysics major, said she is excited about seeing Chayanne as well.

“I’ve always loved his music and the way he dances. His shows must be a great event because of the way he has driven his career,” Rubio said. “He is never in any scandals, all you hear about him is focused on his talents and that is something to admire.”

According to Vazquez, there are many variables that determine the success for an event, and a concert that offers three artists who can carry a very successful night on their own is a rare event.

“Special Events has been focusing to increase the quality of events coming to the university venues,” Vazquez said. “We are working to have events that you expect to see in a Tier One institution.”

Marc Anthony is a two-time Grammy-winning artist and the top selling musician in salsa with 12 million copies sold worldwide. The actor, producer and singer is back on tour after his last album “El Cantante,” the soundtrack for the film of the same name released in 2007.

Marco Antonio Solís “El Buki” is widely considered one of the premier performers in his field as he as sold 80 million copies worldwide and is said to have written nearly 300 songs. His part in the GIGANT3S tour comes as a welcomed addition of Mexican heritage and culture.

“It’s good to know that three different artists make a huge social and cultural impact,” Padilla said. “College students have a kind of style and most of them grew up just like me with Marco Antonio Solís, Chayanne or Marc Anthony.”

Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster and the University Ticket Center, prices range from $40 to $200. Event begins at 8 p.m.

For more information visit gigantestour.com.

Mario Simental may be reached at prospector@utep.edu.