DOWNEY – Grammy winner Willy Chirino, an international Latin-flavored pop star for the past 40 years, is scheduled for two performances at the Downey Theatre, April 1-2, at 8 pm.

Credited as one of the creators of the famed "Miami Sound Machine," Chirinos's current high-energy tour combines salsa and meringue and has recorded over 20 albums, several of which have attained platinum and gold status. In 2006, his album "Son del Alma", won a Grammy for Best Salsa/Merengue Album.

In addition to his world-wide tours and numerous gold and platinum albums, Chirino won a Grammy in 2006 for Best Salsa/Merengue Album and in 2007 he was nominated for a Latin Grammy for Best Salsa Album.

Chirino has recorded over 30 albums, including a tribute to the Beatles and a Christmas collection.

Known as humanitarian, in 1976 the Willy Chirino Foundation was accorded special recognition from UNICEF and was also presented with the United States Legion of Honor award, in addition to being presented with Billboard Magazine's Humanitarian Award.

Chirino is a legend in his hometown of Miami, where there are several streets and plazas named for him.

To purchase tickets or for more information, call the Downey Theatre Box Office at (562) 861-8211 or visit online at www.DowneyTheatre.com.

Box Office hours are Tuesday through Friday from 11 am to 5 pm and one hour before showtime.