A Brooklyn music artist will be performing at the Dominican Day Gala and parade this weekend.
The year 2021 is going to be big for Bryan Bautista.
"I've been able to step into what I've always wanted to be my whole life, which is an artist," Bautista says.
The Brooklyn-born singer is also debuting new music.
"My new song is called 'Para mi,' which means 'For me,'" Bautista says.
Bautista says he feels honored to perform at an event he has known about his entire life.
"I've known about the Dominican Day parade since I was a baby," he says. "We used to go to the festivals and the parades. Coming back as an artist doing what I love and being able to share that with people is one of those full-circle moments for me."
Bautista's rise to fame started in 2014 when he sang the National Anthem at Barclays Center as an employee.
"I said if you guys let me do it in my uniform, I think it'll go crazy, and it did!" Bautista recalls.
After that, he became a contestant on season 10 of NBC's "The Voice." He then made it all the way to the semifinals with his coach, Christina Aguilera.
Bautista says despite how far he's come, his music still reflects where he's been.
"Very west Indian, very rhythmic, the vibes are just everywhere growing up in BK," Bautista says and shares advice for other aspiring music artists. "It sounds cliche but follow your dreams and remain consistent."
Bautista says his dream is to perform as a headliner or opening act at Barclays Center, where it all began.