When a creative community comes together, magic happens. And this past week in Las Vegas, that magic came full circle. High above the Strip on the 70th floor of the Cosmopolitan Hotel, we opened the doors to La Cueva at Hotel Tigre, our artist-led sanctuary created for artists by artists. La Cueva is a space created with intention and a home where our favorite creatives can gather, breathe, create, and celebrate one another during one of the most important weeks in Latin music. What unfolded ahead of the Latin Grammys was nothing short of electrifying. We arrived in Sin City with an open invitation to our community and left overflowing with inspiration.
Throughout the day, Hotel Tigre transformed into a creative haven in the sky; an oasis where the skyline served as our backdrop, but the artists were the ones who illuminated the room. Musicians, producers, vocalists, and cultural storytellers poured in and out of the space, each carrying their own stories, hopes, and emotions ahead of Latin Music’s biggest week. The energy shifted constantly: soft in moments of reflection, electric during bursts of reunion, and deeply honest in the conversations that unfolded around the room. From the bubble bath photo moment with Adrián Quesada to the candid, heartfelt exchanges scattered throughout the day, the sense of community was unmistakable.
Among the first to arrive was Spain’s Flamenco powerhouse, Kiki Morente, whose presence immediately grounded the wrap-around terrace in something visceral. To Kiki, the ocean separating Spain and Latin America is nothing more than an imaginary line. “Estoy súper feliz… poder compartir con tantos compañeros,” he told us — grateful simply to be surrounded by fellow creatives. Then he added, “En mí provoca que la sangre hierva… venimos de la misma raíz… como humanos.” His words echoed through the suite, reminding us that the bonds between our cultures are as real as the rhythms that connect us.
Shortly after, Judeline stepped into La Cueva ready to embark on the precipice of a defining career moment. Fresh off three Latin Grammy nominations for her album Bodhiria, she was both excited and intentional: focused, grateful, and wide-eyed with possibility. “It was a dream since I was a child to be nominated to sing in the Latin Grammys,” she shared. She spoke about preparation, grounding herself, and letting the experience shape her with humility. “Even if I don’t win any Grammys,” she added, “I will be so grateful.” Reflecting on the creative process behind the album, she admitted she always sensed it would change her life. “The nominations are a win for me.” And when speaking about working with Trent Reznor, she recalled the awe of being in the room with such an iconic creative force: “I was participating in something huge… They were so nice to me and made me feel so comfortable.”
Later in the afternoon, Daymé Arocena arrived carrying a different kind of purpose, not one tied to nominations this year, but to legacy. She had been invited by the Academy to honor la reina de la salsa, Celia Cruz, the luminary of Cuban music and spiritual pillar for countless artists. “This is a very special week for me,” she said, her voice rich with emotion. “She deserves to be celebrated every single way that we can.” Then she proclaimed: “As a Black descendant woman… Celia Cruz is an inspiration of resilience. Every time I think about Celia I think, ‘It’s possible.’” In that moment, lineage, roots, and identity converged.
The day continued to unfold with unmistakable soundmaker Adrián Quesada, who brought his signature warmth and curiosity as he moved throughout La Cueva. He reflected on the release of Boleros Psicodélicos II, a project that reconnected him with the intimacy of collaboration after creating the first edition during the solitude of the pandemic. “I get inspired and learn so much from the way other people work,” he said, emphasizing how the artists on his album — people he now calls both collaborators and friends — helped him shape something both rooted in tradition and forward-looking. He added: “Musica Latina right now is just in this incredible place… Everybody’s pushing forward but reconnecting with their roots… There’s just so much talent.” It was a patriotism felt by everyone in the room.
Other soulful drop-ins included Tato Marenco, Trooko, Mr. Naisgai, Dav Julca, Janeiro and Las Migas, who took home the Latin Grammy for Best Flamenco Album the day after. As afternoon slipped into evening, the lights dimmed, the sounds rose, and anticipation built while the day evolved into Electrónica Secreta, powered by Total Wireless and Relevant+. What began as an intimate creative haven transformed into a late-day pulse. Miluhska led the way with her signature latintronic groove, setting the tone for a night of sonic expression. Then, the illustrious Ela Minus appeared with a surprise performance, sending the room into a surge of mystique. Friends danced next to producers, artists next to their peers, and the entire Cueva swayed like a single body.
La Cueva at Hotel Tigre Las Vegas became a reminder of why these gatherings matter and why community fuels creation. To every creative soul who shared the day with us: thank you. To TBA Agency, for helping bring this vision to life, and to our partners at Total Wireless and Relevant+, for believing in the power of these moments, we are endlessly grateful.
Photos by Val Chaparro and Maria Juliah.
