For the inaugural concert at the Santa Ana Star Center, Global Entertainment is bringing in a singer with a large international audience.

Juan Gabriel, a native of Juarez, Mexico, will be the first performer to grace the stage at The Star and will with him a plethora of songs he made famous when he appears in Rio Rancho on Nov. 4.

Roger Swanson, a Global vice-president working at the arena, said it was important for the inaugural concert to bring international flavor to the Star Center. Global's Yajaira Flores said that in four years of organizing concerts, Gabriel's was among the best.

"When you see him live, he just gives himself to the public," she said.

Flores said that comparisons between Gabriel and American legend Frank Sinatra would be accurate. Like the Chairman of the Board, Gabriel has recorded many songs that have since become Mexican standards. His songs have been covered by many artists, including Ana Gabriel, Rocio Durcal, Isabel Pantoja, Raul di Blasio and Marc Anthony.

Gabriel's sound, however, is dramatically different than Old Blue Eyes, reflecting many of the Latino music influences that have been popular in his native country.

Flores said this concert is an attempt to draw fans from outside of Rio Rancho.

"We don't want the Santa Ana Star Center to be just Rio Rancho," she said. "We want everybody. This type of event ... sells out worldwide."

Swanson said Gabriel was a good choice for the first concert event, which will help determine the character of that facility.

"The inaugural event stays with the building," he said.

Gabriel is famous for songs like his first hit "No Tengo Dinero," and has appeared in the films "Del Otro Lado Puente" and "Nobelza Ranchera." He has received six Grammy nominations and was named the ASCAP Songwriter of the Year in 1995.

Gabriel has also produced albums for Rocio Durcal, Lucha Villa, Lola Beltran and Paul Anka.

Tickets for the concert go on sale July 29 and cost $45, $65, or $85 each.

The Star previously announced Blue Man Group, a Las Vegas headliner, will perform Nov. 8. Tickets for that concert are already on sale to Fan Club members and will be available to the general public Sept. 16.

Prices for that show range from $39.50 to $75.