LYNN — The North Shore Latino Business Association and Mayor Thomas McGee have come together to embrace the growing diversity in the city of Lynn.
In his first citation as mayor, McGee welcomed popular Dominican musician Héctor Acosta, or “el Torito” as his fans know him, to his City Hall office on Monday. The presentation and welcoming remarks come just two days before Acosta’s performance at the Lynn Auditorium.
“It’s really exciting to see an entertainer of his caliber coming to the city where there are a lot of people in this community that have followed his career, so to have him singing at the Lynn Auditorium, I think, is exciting for them,” said McGee. “It’s important to the city to know we are able to bring this kind of talent in and utilize what we believe is one of the best venues in the state.”
Acosta, who is known for his performances of merengue and bachata music, has visited Lynn more than 14 times but this will be his first time performing at Lynn Auditorium. The famous singer’s first visit was in October of 1991 during a performance at a local party, the third of his career.
“Where Hector is coming from, Bonao city in the Dominican Republic, there is a lot of small business owners in this city that are also from there, so they are very proud that he is here in Lynn,” said Frances Martinez, the director of the North Shore Latino Business Association (NSLBA).
After the citation presentation, the celebration continued at the NSLBA where Acosta received a plaque given to him by Martinez and the rest of the association’s board members.
“The reason we gave him this plaque is because his concert is also supporting the association and the work that we do,” said Martinez. “As a recognition of his career and the kind of person he is, we want to honor him for that.”
Acosta was accompanied by Porfirio “Popi” De Las Nieves, the owner of Popi’s Productions, as local fans of “el Torito” watched the plaque presentation in anticipation of photos and autographs with their Dominican idol.
“It is a privilege and an honor to come to the city of Lynn,” said Acosta. “For the 26 years of my career, I have received support from this community and it is a blessing for me to be able to come back here for this.”
