2009 was the year of the international financial crisis. In the DR, the Department of Taxes said there was a marked reduction in tax collections, reflecting a decline in sales in the formal sector. It was also a year when corruption in government scandals, drug trafficking and money laundering scandals also made frequent headlines. But it was also a boom year for many.
Reflecting the bonanza concentrated in a smaller sector, the press is reporting how 2009 was a record year of the most expensive international performances. The number of entertainment companies also multiplied. Among the leading companies bringing international artists were: Cesar Suarez, Saymon Diaz, Luis Medrano, Cesar Suarez (Cesarito), Evempro, Pedro Garcia, Francisco Lluberes, My Entertainment, Buena Vista Entertainment, Hard Rock Cafe. Also EME Productions, Alberto Bernabe Television, Cerveceria Nacional Dominicana, Top Music, Antonio Espaillat, Thony Tomas, Taina Medina, AmBev Dominicana, Return to Burn Events, Frank Global Beats Productions and others.
In 2009, 96 foreign leading artists took Dominican stages.
On the list of shows:
Ace of Base
Adolescentes
Alex Santek
Andrea Boccelli
Arcangel
Armando Manzanero
Aterciopelados
Axel
Axel Hit5
Backyardigans
Beto Cueva
Black Theater of Prague
Cabas
Caledon Scottish Tenors
Calle 13
Carlos Santana
Cheo Feliciano
China Acrobatic Troupe Splendid
Daddy Yankee
Daniel Calventy
Danny Daniel
Danny Rivera
Disney on Ice
DJ David Tavare
DJ FatBoy Slim
DJ Steve Porter
DJ Tiesto
Don Omar
Dora the Explorer
Emmanuel
Enrique Iglesias
Fanny Lu
Gilberto Santa Rosa (3 times)
Gloria Gaynor
Grupo Niche
Iron Maiden
Ismael Miranda (twice)
Jerry Rivera
Jesus Adrian Romero
Jose Feliciano
Jose Jose
Jose Luis Perales
Jose Luis Rodriguez
Joseph Fonseca
Julio Iglesias
Kanny Garcia
La Quinta Estacion
Laura Pausini
Lazy Town
Luis Enrique
Luis Fonsi
Manny Manuel
Marc Anthony
Marco Antonio Muniz
Marco Barrientos
Mariachi Vargas
Metalica
Moenia
Olga Kern
Oscar de Leon
Paloma San Basilio
Paquito Guzman
Patito Feo
Rakin y K
Raphael
Raul Di Blasio
Reik
Ricardo Arjona
Richard Clayderman
Riche Rey & Bobby Cruz
Rosario Flores
Show de los Perros
Swing
Taiwan Female Orchestra
The Jonas Brothers
The Killers
Tito Nieves
Victor Manuelle (twice)
Wisin y Yandel
Yolandita Monge (twice)
Zeta Bocio
Also tribute bands for Abba, the Bee Gees, Police and others.