Artists

Yasser Peralta and his musical experience

Latin America / Argentina / Buenos Aire

We have the opportunity to meet the dancer and teacher Yasser Peralta, who is dedicated to teaching Son and Rumba in the Cuban style, being something very striking due to the naturalness of his classes and we can believe that it is because his Cuban blood flows through his veins, giving the essence and flavor to the dance. He tells us that the development of his profession as a dancer and instructor began when he was little, since he was dedicated to dancing at parties, being a very common characteristic for most Cubans.

When he moved to Argentina, that did not stop him and in order to maintain his firm roots in his native land and to have his beloved culture very close, he went dancing, where he took advantage of every trip to Cuba to take classes, of which he was with:

Julia Fernández Regisseur of the National Folkloric Ensemble.
The Aspirins: Rumberos majors of Regla.
Luis Roblejo, professor of Modern Cuban Dance.

He tells us that he not only took classes, he also took training courses in both Cuba and Argentina; in Cuba he was in Cubadanza and in FolkCuba. In Argentina he was with two great dance masters of various genres and musical styles including the Cuban style such as the Mambo in 2 L.A. styles. All this made him increase his knowledge and resume of his musical career, being expanded by studying music, where he learned to play piano, guitar and percussion. And over time he began to organize events through his production company “AhíNaMá!”.

Of all his life journey, he tells us that “it was not only learning and having a profession, he enjoys dancing and teaching the genres of popular Cuban roots such as Afro-Cuban dances, Son and Rumba, because I understand that you have to go to the basis to better interpret current Cuban music…

On the other hand, I am from the Timba generation and I apply all of the above”, that is, dancing and teaching Cuban popular root genres are 2 of the things that I enjoy a lot, especially since In the future, he sees the possibility of traveling to, meanwhile, dedicate himself more to the production of cultural events of these Latin genres.

Photo - Workshop with Yasser Peralta — Photo – Workshop with Yasser Peralta

Yasser tells us that he has an event production company called “AhíNaMá!” where they hold workshops and teach at other academies:

La Viruta

AhíNaMá!

Vibra Dance

Tuesday: 20.30hs. $140

Thursday: 20.30hs $150

Wednesday: en Feeling 21.30hs más baile Social $120

Friday: 21.30hs más baile Social $150

Yasser expresses himself to all of us and above all recommends that lovers of Latin rhythms, whether they are dancers or artists who want to expand in the artistic area, “open your studio to other genres, other styles.” “Everything nourishes and gives resources to personal dance and there is nothing more difficult (but sublime) than achieving one’s own style; especially that they study the music they dance to, understand its structure and the “root” sub-genres that make it up. That is what makes the detail, and the difference is in the detail”.

For more information:

Facebook:
- https://www.facebook.com/yasser.peralta/
- https://www.facebook.com/ahinamaproducciones/

Class:
- Cuban Style : https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=822097507972681&id=402506703265099
- AhíNaMá en Feeling: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=877213132439763&id=739677559526655
- Son: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=886905821470494&id=739677559526655
- Rumba: https://youtu.be/BiTCxVsVeag
- Musicality: https://youtu.be/ypUe_CYHRfk
- La Viruta: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=809590925890006&id=402506703265099
- Vibra: https://youtu.be/yRo9ZI1D1r0

Dominican trumpeter Wilson Portuondo talks about La Sonora Nuyorkina

As shown in the most traditional media and digital platforms, Dominican artists belonging to diverse musical genres have been working hard for many years to finally be recognized in the world. That is the case of talented bandleader and trumpeter Wilson Portuondo, with whom we managed to contact to know much more about his life and career.

How Wilson became interested in music

Wilson, our protagonist in this story, became interested in the musical world shortly after his 15th birthday in his native Dominican Republic, which was already well known for various types of merengue at the time. The young man frequently attended concerts performed in parks on weekends, which were free of charge, allowing him to enjoy the bands from his town without representing excessive expenditure for his family.

This was awakening in the boy a great desire to imitate the musicians he saw on stage and be as great as them someday, so he wanted to start studying music and see what he could achieve with that knowledge.

Professional beginnings

Wilson’s first experience as a professional musician came from the hand of the town’s municipal band in the city of Santiago. He also got to play in the municipal band of the firemen and the municipal band of the Dominican National Police, which had a headquarters in the aforementioned city.

Thanks to these groups and others, he specialized in playing classical music and merengue, but things changed greatly when he decided to move to New York as a young adult who was about to celebrate his 20th birthday.

Wilson playing — Wilson Portuondo playing the trumpet live

Wilson as a trumpeter

The instrument for which Wilson is best is the trumpet, which he confesses he began playing almost by accident. His fascination with the trumpet started when he was studying at the Culture and Art Institute while still in Santiago, as it was the first instrument he came in contact with that caught his attention at the institution.

At that time, he would never have imagined that he would play it, but he ended up feeling an enormous love for it and now considers it his favorite instrument among all others. However, he does not limit himself to this, as he can play the piano and is learning to play percussion, which includes the conga, bongo, Dominican tambora, güira and many more.

Once he arrived in New York, he continued committed to learn as much as he could about music and studied at various institutes such as the Harlen School of the Art and later at the State University of New York (SUNY), where he studied classical trumpet for four years until he graduated.

He has learned to play the rest of the instruments through practice and lessons with other musician friends.

Arrival in the United States

When he arrived in New York, Wilson had to take an extra year in high school and, thanks to his studies, he was able to make friends with music students who invited him to enroll in the Harlem School of Art, a place where he had contact with many other people linked to the environment who began to call him to play with them as a freelancer.

Wilson at an event — Wilson Portuondo at the social dance event ”Salsita Social Pa’l Pueblo”

In parallel to this, he was taking dance classes in New York style, which allowed him to attend many social dances and such live music events. Something that the artist noticed at that time was that the groups he saw always played the same songs like ”El Cuarto de Tula”, ”Soy Pilongo”, ”No le pegue a la Negra”, ”Rebelión”, among others. In addition to notice that they did not meet to rehearse, but played together the same as always.

To some extent, he feels that these mistakes on the part of so many orchestras inspired him to create his own project which he would baptize as La Sonora Neoyorkina, since he wanted to offer the public a fresh and new repertoire that did not include the same old thing. However, he always makes sure that he and his musicians rehearse as much as possible so as not to make the same mistakes as other groups.

Among the musicians who are currently in the group, we can mention Anthony Almonte, Osay Calvo, Nestor Villar, Carlos Mena, Carly Maldonado, among others. Venezuelan percussionist Robert Quintero, Luisito Quintero’s cousin, has also played in the band.

However, although they usually do covers of various classic songs, they have also strived to create their own original music, so they already have original songs such as ”Sonora Llegó” and ”Summertime”. Also, the group is making preparations to complete their first studio album next year.

Great Christmas salsa songs and their stories

Christmas is a time of joy where one of the most important elements is music, so we believe this is the best opportunity to feature some of the best Christmas salsa songs that we can remember. Here are the most cheerful songs in Latin music to listen to during the most beautiful time of the year.

Aires de Navidad by Héctor Lavoe and Willie Colón

”Aires de Navidad” is a great song which is part of the Christmas album ”Asalto Navideño Vol. I” from 1971. In the same year, Lavoe and Colón were already making preparations to record an album entirely dedicated to the festivities, indeed, they already had some songs recorded, but they knew that there were still details to finish.

Then, Héctor asked musician Roberto García to join the project that was underway, as they needed a guitarist to accompany them. Garcia accepted the proposal almost immediately and got excited about the project that he even proposed Yomo Toro to join them, to which Hector and Willie agreed with no problems.

The day they agreed to record the material, Toro came in first and began playing a Puerto Rican cuatro when he was scheduled to play the electric guitar. However, Johnny Pacheco, upon hearing the sounds, liked the arrangement and approved it without question.

That is how the four artists set out and recorded what would soon become one of the greatest Christmas hymns in recent times, and it will surely be in thousands of homes around the world this month.

One of the photos taken during the recording of ”Aires de Navidad”

La Fiesta de Pilito by El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico

”La Fiesta de Pilito” is included in the album ”Nuestra Música” by El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, which was recorded in 1985 as a tribute to the most beautiful and endearing of the Island of Enchantment during the Christmas holidays. Back then, any musical work created by El Gran Combo always became a resounding success once it was released and its members were sure that this would be no exception.

It is then when the composer of one of the main songs of ”Nuestra Música” came on the scene, and we are talking about Luis ”Pilito” Cruz, who would become part of the internationally acclaimed salsa group that same year.

What is known in the first instance about the song is that it did not have a specific name, so it was baptized as ”La Fiesta de Pilito” honoring the composer of its first two verses. Subsequently, the piece was completed with pregones and soneos created by the rest of the orchestra members.

Additionally, they received the support and collaboration from ‘‘El Caballero de La Salsa” Gilberto Santa Rosa, who served as a guest artist for the legendary recording.

Nuestra música at Christmas — Cover of the Christmas album ”Nuestra Música”

Bembé en Casa de Pinki by Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz

”Bembé En Casa de Pinki” is a Christmas song written by the famous duo Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz, which was released in 1971 and is the first single from the Christmas album ”Felices Pascuas”.

The song’s title comes from someone who would be very important in the career of the two aforementioned artists and that was the Panamanian-born diplomat named José Rogelio ”Pinki” Arias. The gentleman was a close friend of Richie and Bobby and, at the same time, director of the Panamanian Institute of Tourism. He used his friendship with the vocalists to invite them to various events in his country, knowing that they would be a complete success with the presence of the duo.

Such was the affection both exponents had for ”Pinki” that they dedicated to him two songs from their extensive repertoire, which were ”Bembé en Casa de Pinki” and one belonging to the album ”El Diferente”.

Among other songs, ”Felices Pascuas” also includes tracks such as ”Bomba en Navidad”, ”Mi Niñez”, ”San José”, and ”Aguinaldo Navideño”.

Felices fiestas at Christmas — Cover of the Christmas album ”Felices Fiestas”

Estelita by La Sonora Ponceña

Another group that never misses a chance to offer their talent to please their fans and make them enter the Christmas atmosphere during the holiday season, leaving great classics that can not be missing every year in our homes and one of them is ”Estelita”.

Something that can never be missed in a Christmas album is that colorful character who always brings playfulness and good humor to the atmosphere. In this case, it is Estelita, who is a party neighbor who always sneaks into the Christmas parrandas in her neighborhood, something that many people will surely feel identified with in various parts of Latin America.

The song was written by the late maestro Joe Torres and was part of the album ”Otra Navidad Criolla!” along with ”Opera Gandinga”, ”Vamonos Pa’l Campo”, ”La Vengo Siguiendo”.

Luis Medina

Norte America / USA / San Francisco

Luis Medina, Con Sabor

During his tenure as the KPFA 94.1 FM Music Director, Luis Medina was a staunch advocate for the station music programs. His vast knowledge of different genres of music kept the music programming strong and relevant.

Through his direction, the station was recognized as a leader in innovative World Music programs that bolstered the genre’s popularity in the market. He also expanded the diversity of voices on-air by placing more women, Latinos and people of color as program hosts and producers.

Luis raised the visibility of the radio station through successful event sponsorships, including contract negotiation, live event marketing and promotion with the following partners: Live Nation, Another Planet Entertainment, SF Jazz, San Francisco Jazz Festival, Yoshi’s Jazz Clubs, Cal Performances, Monterey Jazz Festival, Stern Grove Festival, SF Flamenco Society, La Bohemia Productions, Slims/Great American Music Hall, Bimbos 365 Club and others.

Luis has tirelessly contributed to the station’s on-air fundraising campaigns as well as voice overs for public service announcements and in-house station promotions. He currently continues to work behind the scenes as music consultant for the station.

In his radio program Con Sabor, he has interviewed hundreds of renowned artists and musicians. His interview with the legendary Israel Lopez “Cachao” is featured in the PBS documentary film “Cachao, Uno Mas” produced by actor/producer/director Andy Garcia.

Luis was Entertainment Director for MECA (Mission Economic and Cultural Association) from 1986-1998. He managed the Cinco De Mayo, Carnaval San Francisco and the 24th Street Festival De Las Americas events during his tenure, coordinating programming for up to 3 simultaneous stages. He featured varied music from Rock to Brazilian to Salsa, as well as DJs and entertainment.

He was also an Entertainment Consultant and Director for SFCAT (San Francisco Cultural Arts and Traditions) from 2011 to 2012, which was organizing the SF Carnaval.

Other events and clients he has worked with include The San Francisco Giants, the Oakland Museum, the NFL Super Bowl Party, U.S. Navy Fleet Week Events, Cultural Music Productions, A.S.R.P. Productions, Terry Pimsleur & Associates, Salsa Dulce Productions, ARAM Productions and San Francisco State University.

Awards

The Armando Peraza Award for community service to the Latin and Music community, Voices Of Latin Rock Autism Awareness Benefit, 2012
Certificate Of Honor, City & County Of San Francisco for many contributions to Latin Music in radio and media as Music Director and Radio Producer/Host 2010.
Certificate Of Recognition, California Legislature Assembly for contributions to Latin Music through his work as radio host, producer and DJ 2010.
Achievement in Outstanding Lifetime Service in Radio – Western Region Puerto Rican Council 2008
Achievement In Latin Music Promotion-Lifetime Award-San Francisco Salsa Congress 2001
Espíritu De La Música Latina Award of the Marta Martinez Fund for Radio Programming excellence and positive contribution to the Northern California Latino Community, Marin County Foundation 1999

All this information was provided from Luis Medina official website http://luisemedina.com/

Luisito Rosario

North America / USA / New Jersey

Luisito Rosario was born and raised in Hoboken, New Jersey and currently resides in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He belonged to the legendary Larry Harlow’s orchestra of the “Fania AllStars” as vocal leader in 1996.

For this same year, Luisito decides to join the “Grupo Hechizo” to develop in the salsa movement of New York. Five years later, Rosario embarks on her musical career as a soloist, releasing his first romantic salsa album “Jurame” with arrangements by Soto and Lucho Cueto under the record label Mambo City Music Ltd to the national and international musical market.

In 2005 he promotes his second CD titled “Rumba del Barrio” where it brings different styles of salsa: Charanga, Mambo, Guajira and the style of the old Salsa school.

In 2010, Luisito presents his third album “Casino Rueda” where he demonstrated his talent as a composer and producer. The CD includes three versions of English Salsa, three romantic songs and four singles Salsa Dura. ”

Vengo a Mi Modo” was his fourth CD (2014) focused on the Big Band with an orchestra and 16 pieces. A dream for collectors! Three years later, he published “Si me Amaras” an album that includes Romantic Salsa as well as a Hot Salsa focused on the sounds of the Classic Salsa of the 70s. In 2018 this artist with 23 years of trajectory releases in the musical market El Primer Montuno featuring Andy Harlow on the flute, after the great success of this single in the 70s.

For this recording Luisito invited important musicians from several well-known Salsa international bands and incorporated Trumpets, which gave it a more current sound to your first promotional theme of this year. Please, visit him https://www.facebook.com/LuisitoRosarioOficial/