The salsa of Verny Varela will headline the
closing concert of the Wheaton TGIF Friday Encore fall series and Montgomery
County Executive Marc Elrich will lead tributes to Latin leaders and employees on
Friday, Oct. 13. The performance is part of a month of concerts that join in
the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month The final event in the series, “Que
Bonita Bandera,” invites community members to wear the colors representing the
diversity of the County.
Marian Fryer Town Plaza is adjacent to the Wheaton Metro
Station. The TGIF party will begin on the plaza at 5 p.m. with a special set by
El Zol Radio. Verny Varela will play at 6 p.m. Parking is
available in the building at 2425 Reedie Dr.
Verny Varela is an arranger, composer, singer and flutist who born in
Cali, Colombia, and raised in the "Barrio Obrero," Verny started
singing and playing with his father's band, El Nuevo Son. In 1996, he
sang with Ismael Miranda, Adalberto Santiago, Pete "El Conde"
Rodríguez and the Fania All Stars, in Cali and in Tulua. In 1997, Verny
became the lead singer in the Gabino Pampini Band, and later toured
Europe and the U.S. with Tito Gomez.
Verny’s album "Amar de Nuevo"
was on the Latin Grammy list of best tropical albums of 2005. Songs like
"Matilde" and "He Vuelto Amar" became hits in Cali. Verny
co-wrote, arranged and released his newest album "Gracias."
The event will feature Master of Ceremonies Karen Vargas
from El Zol Radio, live artist demonstrations by Titanes Salseros,
Einstein High School’s award-winning competitive Latin Dance Team, crafts and
food from local vendors and beverages from Twin Valley Distillers. The Montgomery
County Department of Environmental Protection and other County agencies will have
tables providing community information.
