June 29, 2009

By By Leila Cobo, Miami

Authorities estimate some 150,000 fans showed up for singer Alejandro Fern?ndez's "Jalisco en Vivo" show in his hometown of Guadalajara, Mexico on June 27.

The free show was the second of two staged by Fern?ndez - who is tourism ambassador for the Mexican state of Jalisco - to spur interest in Mexico, where tourism has dropped precipitously due to fears of swine flu. Fern?ndez, one of Mexico's premiere stars, invited artist friends from around the world to perform free concerts June 20 in Puerto Vallarta and June 27 in Guadalajara.

Approximately 20 acts, including Enrique Iglesias, Paulina Rubio and Luis Fonsi performed in each of the shows, which lasted for hours. On June 27 in Guadalajra, Fern?ndez's father, fabled ranchera singer Vicente Fern?ndez, made a surprise appearance and performed with his son onstage.

The two shows will be condensed into a two-hour TV special that will air July 18 and 19 on Televisa in Mexico and may be exported to other countries as well. The "Jalisco en Vivo" shows were funded in their entirely by the Sate of Jalisco's tourism office, at a cost of approximately $1.8 million. All artists performed free of charge.

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