Footlighters of South Florida to Honor Trini Lopez as 2016 “Entertainer of the Year”
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (Jan. 4, 2016) – The Footlighters Club of South Florida will transform Valentine’s Day 2016 into “ValenTrini Day” when it honors singer, musician and actor Trini Lopez with its Entertainer of the Year Award.
An all-star tribute is planned for the performer who rocked the music world with plenty of hits during the 1960s and 1970s, and created two classic guitars for Gibson that are considered classics today.
The spectacular will be held Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016 starting at 6 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, FL 33314.
In addition to receiving Entertainer of the Year honors, Lopez will be presented with the Connie Francis Lifetime Achievement Award, named for the famed vocalist whose hit records included “Stupid Cupid,” “Who’s Sorry Now?” “Mama” and “Lipstick on Your Collar.” Connie is scheduled to attend to present the awards.
“Ever since this all-star tribute was announced, the response has been overwhelming,” said Footlighters of South Florida President Errol Dante.
In addition to honoring Trini Lopez, the event will also be a fundraiser for the Footlighters Foundation for Indigent Entertainers and Musicians.
That same evening, the “Footlighter of the Year” Award will be presented to Stanley Seidenberg. He has been the talent coordinator for a number of club events, including the tribute to Trini Lopez.
Born in the Little Mexico neighborhood of Dallas, Texas, Trinidad Lopez III, nicknamed “Trini,” was discovered performing at a club in Hollywood, Calif., in 1962. Record producer Don Costa signed him to Reprise Records, Frank Sinatra’s record label.
He scored 13 chart singles through 1968, including “If I Had a Hammer,” his own version of the traditional Mexican song, “La Bamba,” “Lemon Tree,” “I’m Coming Home, Cindy” and “Sally Was a Good Old Girl.”
Beyond his success on records, he became one of the country’s top nightclub performers of that era, regularly headlining in Las Vegas, Nevada. He also appeared in several films and on TV programs.
His popularity led the Gibson Guitar Corporation to ask him in 1964 to design a guitar for them. He ended up designing two. Both were in production from 1964 until 1971 and are now highly sought-after among collectors.
Since the 1970s, Lopez has performed, done charitable work and received honors such as being inducted into the International Latin Music Hall of Fame in 2003.
Guests stars scheduled to appear at the Feb. 14, 2016 tribute will be announced at a later date.
Tickets are: $250 each for Platinum Circle; $200 each for Golden Circle; $150 for non-members of Footlighters and $100 for members.
Checks should be made payable to Footlighters Club and mailed to: Leo Goldner, 19333 W. Country Club, Drive, Aventura, FL 33180.
Call 305-651-3823 for additional information.
