From the first moment Chaka Khan took the stage yesterday in Cancun, Mexico, it was evident she was there to relive the best of her funk and soul years. Accompanied by more than 12 band members, the seven-time Grammy award winner performed for almost two hours singing some of her biggest hits such as “What’s Going On”, “I Feel for You” and “I’m Every Woman” under a full moon in a uniquely designed oceanfront venue. More than 4,000 national and international spectators gathered on the beach in an open-air amphitheatre surrounded by a nonstop display of lights.

Chaka Khan concluded a three-day international music and fashion festival – Cancun in Lights – a first for the destination, which featured top musical performers such as Poncho Sanchez, Little Louie Vega, Venezuela’s Los Amigos Invisibles and Brazilian Bossa Nova singer Claudia Villela. Performances were introduced each night by full-length runway shows produced and televised by Fashion TV. More than 4,000 national and international spectators gathered.

The first evening of the event was kicked off by Latin jazz sensation Poncho Sanchez, who honored Latin heroes such as Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaria as well as his more contemporary R&B idols Ray Charles and James Brown.

Schedule of Performances:
Thursday, November 25:     Bossa Nova singer Claudia Villela and Poncho Sanchez

Friday, November 26: Venezuela’s Los Amigos Invisibles and Louie Vega (plus special guests)

Saturday, November 27:     Mexico City’s Chilango All-Stars and Chaka Khan

Sunday, November 28: After party with DJ Mark Lewis and Louie Vega

About Cancun in Lights
Cancun in Lights was the first on an ongoing series of events designed to showcase the destination’s fine cuisine, exciting nightlife and world-class attractions. The event is part of an ongoing series of events being held by the Cancun Convention and Visitors Bureau in conjunction with the Cancun Hotel Association. Future events will include the World Music Festival in April 2005 and Cancun in Lights II in November 2005. For more information, please visit www.cancuninlights. com