Star Gala 2011

August 10, 2011

Pioneer Digital Media Artist Laurence GARTEL creates the official artwork for the Star Gala Event taking place November 12, 2011, Miami, Florida presented by the Film Recording & Entertainment Council (FREC)

Miami, Florida, August 09, 2011- IF "ART imitates LIFE" then the poster created for the Star Gala by Digital Media Art Star Laurence GARTEL is fitting. Mr. GARTEL has lived in South Florida for the last 18 years. He moved down here from New York because he was given a retrospective museum show at the Norton Museum of Art at the tender age of 36.GARTEL known as the "FATHER of DIGITAL ART" since the early 70s working with video guru Nam June Paik has loved the Florida landscape his entire life. He reflects that his father and mother used to bring him down to South Beach for vacation when he was a young teenager. He stayed at the Nautilus Hotel (on Collins) designed by hotel architect master Morris Lapidus that has since defined the art deco style of Miami.

GARTEL in his colorful and iconic approach places two time Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter Jon Secada, this year's Lifetime Acheivement Honoree of FREC right in the middle of all the South Beach action. GARTEL goes on to express "I have watched Jon's song "Just another Day" on YouTube a thousand times." I cannot get over the range and magnitude of his intonation." His writing skills are as powerful as his voice." "Listening and watching gave me "visual clues" to add to the artwork making it complete.""I was guided by his music," says GARTEL.

July 21st 2011 MIAMI - The Welcome Channel announced today that it will be a proud partner once again of The Film, Recording and Entertainment Council's "Star Gala" November 12th, honoring dynamic industry leaders and talent who share a commitment to professional excellence and making a difference in the South Florida community.

"It is a great pleasure to announce that the Welcome Channel has agreed to be our Media Partner.

With their support the 2011 Star Gala is anticipated to exceed our expectation and will be a great success. We are certainly very proud and happy to have the support of the Welcome Channel. We are also welcoming everyone who shares our great passion for the arts and the entertainment industry in South Florida to join us in celebrating the accomplishments of our members and honorees at the 2011 Star Gala" said Miguel Bravo of the FREC

The Film Recording and Entertainment Council Announces its 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree

Miami, Florida, MAY 11, 2011- Three-time Grammy Awards honoree Jon Secada will receive the prestigious FREC Lifetime Achievement Award. This award, which is given to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the betterment of their community and had an economical impact in the development of the entertainment industry of South Florida in their lifetime, is the Film, Recording and Entertainment Council highest honor. In order to be eligible, honorees must have made innovative contributions in their field and community that had an impact on the way South Florida’s entertainment industry develops, putting Miami on the map.

Jon Secada is a true American Dream come true. Secada immigrated with his parents to the United States at the age of nine and has become a multimillion record selling artist. A product of Public School education in Hialeah, FL he discovered his gift for music at an early age in addition to his passion for his community.