It’s safe to say that Terminal E at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) always has a cosmopolitan feel to it.

Serving as a hub for international travel in and out of the Houston area, it’s a facility that’s constantly buzzing with the sights and sounds associated with various cultures coming together in one location. But the multi-cultural sounds were definitely easier to hear in mid-November when the Latin GRAMMY Awards Ceremony came to Houston for the very first time.

The ceremony recognizes excellence in musical styles ranging from Mexican conjunto to Cuban habanero, and just about every genre in-between.

The event, televised in more than a hundred countries has generated millions of dollars for its host city in years past.

“The estimated economic impact number, based off of previous host cities, is between $25-30 million", according to Holly Clapham-Rosenow, vice president of marketing for the Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau.

And for guests and entertainers arriving to Houston for the event, the musical celebration began almost immediately. The Houston Airport System (HAS) was proud to provide musical entertainment in the days leading up to the awards ceremony.

The Houston Airport System (HAS) was proud to provide musical entertainment in the days leading up to the awards ceremony.

Things got kicked off in Terminal E on November 10, just outside the Federal Inspection Station (FIS) with the musical group “Toque Rojo.” The three-piece band featured a variety of different music, ranging from contemporary jazz, to R&B and Salsa.

Using a drum set, synthesizer and a host of different horn instruments, “Toque Rojo” immediately brought the multi-cultural experience to life for visiting international music fans, and even a few entertainers.

“We did get a chance to see fellow musicians who were in town for the Latin Grammy event,” said Group Director Samuel Dinkins. “Several of these musicians stopped to listen to our music and also acknowledged our performance as they passed through the terminal.”