"Kristina Lachaga is making her mark with performances across New York state and the Capital District"

ALBANY, NY - On Saturday, September 19th, rising pop sensation, Kristina Lachaga, will arrive in Albany to take the stage at the 2015 Back To School Expo. The Back To School Expo will take place at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany, NY from 10am-3pm and will feature special appearances by Disney stars Calum Worthy ("Dez" from Austin & Ally) and Peyton Meyer ("Lucas" from Girl Meets World).

Lachaga, who writes her own songs and music, has been making her mark across the state of New York this summer with performances at the New York State Fair in Syracuse, Proctors in Schenectady, and had the honor of singing the National Anthem at the Tri-City ValleyCats game at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium in Troy this past Labor Day Weekend (proceeds from the night benefited the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region).

The Back To School Expo, now in its sixth year, introduces kids to the world of STEM in a fun, non intimidating environment. It is the area's largest back to school exposition and over the years a number of Disney celebrities have made appearances including Zendaya Coleman, Bella Thorne, Peyton List, and others. Thousands of families will come together to enjoy ongoing entertainment, science and engineering experiments, exhibitions, giveaways, celebrity appearances, and much more. Attendees can purchase advanced tickets online or at the door: //www.backtoschoolexpo.com/tickets.html

At the Back To School Expo, "The Girl With The Big Pink Heart," as she is known by her fans, will be performing some of her original songs, including "No Doubt" and "Won't Wait Forever," which are now available on iTunes. In addition, Lachaga will perform her soon-to-be-released single "R.S.V.P.," which was inspired by one of Simon and Schuster/Aladdin MIX's newest tween book releases, You're Invited. The book is co-authored by Jen Malone and Gail Nall.

Lachaga is no stranger to the Capital District, first performing at Proctors back in 2007 when she played "Baby Louise" in the National Tour of the Broadway Musical Gypsy during the tour's 9-month-long run. She even attended the Back To School Expo in 2012 and is looking forward to the opportunity to spread her #FollowYourHeartsDream message to kids and teens in the Albany area. "I'm excited to be a part of an event that is empowering kids and teens to take charge of their education, school year, and their futures. This is an amazing opportunity for them to explore their interests during a fun-filled, action-packed day."

Fans will also have the opportunity to meet "The Girl With The Big Pink Heart" following her 11:30am performance.

This year, Lachaga performed at Girls' Life Magazine & iHeartRadio's Z104.3's One Direction Pre-Party in Baltimore, MD and opened for Heffron Drive featuring Kendall Schmidt of Nickelodeon's Big Time Rush. In addition to her New York state appearances this year, she has recently performed at 94.5 PST's Easter Egg Stravanganza, Six Flags Great Adventure, the New Hampshire/Vermont Girl Scouts' Girl Expo, and the Girls World Expo tour, promoting her #FollowYourHeartsDream message in several states across the U.S. She was also invited to visit Ryan Seacrest Studios in Atlanta for an in-studio performance and interview. Additional upcoming appearances this fall include performances at the Susan G. Komen Central and South Jersey Race for the Cure and Girls World Expo in Westchester, NY.

Kristina has remained actively engaged in spreading positive messages and inspiring fans all over the country. In 2013-2014, she performed on a 17-week nationwide concert tour promoting anti-bullying and, more recently, performed at the Girls on the Run Spring 5K and in New York City at the GlamourGals Glammy Scholarship Awards.

Off the stage, Lachaga has kept busy with many charity initiatives, working with the TODAY Show Toy Drive, Ronald McDonald House Charities, and United Way to donate "The Girl With The Big Pink Heart" Holiday Gift Packs to pre-teen and teen girls across the country.

Lachaga looks forward to returning to the Capital District and performing for her growing fan base in the area (she calls her fans #Heartbreakers), "The Back To School Expo is a can't miss event for kids and teens in Albany. It's the perfect way to kick-off their school year!"

Find out more about Kristina Lachaga, "The Girl With The Big Pink Heart," at //www.kristinalachaga.com and on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, & YouTube @KristinaLachaga.

Find out more about the 2015 Back To School Expo and purchase advance tickets online at //www.backtoschoolexpo.com/