County Executive Elrich Will Lead Tribute to Latin Leaders and Salsa of ‘Verny Varela’ Will Be Featured at Wheaton TGIF Encore Concert on Friday, Oct. 13

For Immediate Release: Thursday, October 12, 2023

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.

For more information on the TGIF Encore concert series, go to https://www.wheatonmd.org/.

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Release ID: 23-450
Media Contact: Neil H. Greenberger 240-205-1915