DIRECTV Más launches Óptimo Más Bilingual Programming Package.

Carlos Mencia and a host of English and Spanish language television stars will join DIRECTV Más as it sponsors a star-studded benefit for East L.A. Classic Theatre (ECT), and launches Óptimo Más, a bilingual Latino-focused programming package, on Sunday, May 17, 2009 from 5-8 p.m. at The Conga Room @ L.A. Live, located at 800 West Olympic Blvd. in downtown Los Angeles.

The event will begin with a red carpet VIP reception from 4-5 p.m. followed by top-line entertainment featuring comedian Carlos Mencia, other guest performances, hosted by Tony Plana and with appearances by celebrities including Maria Conchita Alonso, Sergio Arau, Yancey Arias, Yareli Arizmendi, Ed Begley, Jr., Nestor Carbonell, Charytin, Culture Clash (Richard Montoya, Rick Salinas, and Herbert Siguenza), Wanda de Jesus, Hector Elizondo, Lina Esco, Andy Garcia, Chris Gorham, Louis Gossett, Jr., Felicity Huffman, William H. Macy, Harry Lennix, Mario Lopez, Maridalia, Esai Morales, Rob Morrow, Edward James Olmos, Carlos Peña, Elizabeth Peña, Teresa Quevedo, Michael Richards, Adam Rodriguez, Freddy Rodriguez, Antonio Sabato, Jr., Tony Shalhoub, Jimmy Smits, Wilmer Valderrama, Lauren Vélez, Vivian Wu, Yasmin and Crash (“The Chicas Project”), and many more to be announced. Surprise legendary artists from classic Chicano bands will perform their signature hits. All proceeds from the event will support ECT’s innovative literacy programs and adapted Shakespeare productions to underserved youth throughout the greater Los Angeles area. These programs use theater to facilitate language acquisition and develop literacy skills while cultivating an appreciation for classic literature.

In alignment with ECT’s purpose of strengthening Latino communities through arts and education, DIRECTV created DIRECTV Más to offer Spanish-English programming services to Latino viewers. Now, DIRECTV Más announces Óptimo Más, the bilingual programming package that combines the best Spanish and English programming available for today’s Latino household. Altogether, the Óptimo Más bilingual programming package includes more than 50 Spanish-language channels, over 100 English-language channels, and 15 HD channels.

“Our Óptimo Más bilingual programming package is about bringing the best programming from the Spanish and English language world to our customers,” said John De Armas, vice president of WorldDirect and the head of DIRECTV Más. “This is in perfect alignment with what Tony has created with ECT, so supporting his efforts to touch the lives of our bicultural youth made all the sense in the world to us at DIRECTV Más.”

“Our partnership with DIRECTV Más represents a perfect union,” said ECT Executive Artistic Director and Founder Tony Plana. “DIRECTV’s Óptimo Más programming attempts to reach across language and cultural barriers allowing them to complement each other much like our Beyond Borders literacy program uses theater to address the educational needs of our at-risk, bilingual/bicultural children. Both our missions mirror each other’s passionate dedication to authentically reflect and celebrate the diversity of American society.”