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Biography

Mariana “The Sonera of Venezuela and for the world”

Janett Guevara García, artistically known as Mariana “La Sonera de Venezuela”, was born in La Pastora, Caracas on January 19, daughter of Reina García and Vicente Guevara.

Daughter of Reyna García and Vicente Guevara, she is the oldest of six siblings and from a very young age she showed her taste for music; an activity that has been her eternal passion, and has led her to make 12 record productions.

Mariana La Sonera de Venezuela
Mariana La Sonera de Venezuela

She is the oldest of six siblings and from a very young age she showed her taste for music; an activity that has been her eternal passion and has led her to make six record productions.

Educated in a convent school, she always participated and stood out in cultural events, until on one occasion she was suspended for telling the mother superior that there was a song called “La Cárcel” by Septeto Juventud that she wanted to sing at a cultural event.

At the age of 14, during her high school education, she learned to play drums and participated in the choir of the Caricuao Parish church where she lived.

As the years went by, Mariana was invited by Mr. Naty Martinez to a rehearsal, who was impressed when he heard her and decided to make a musical production.

That is when Mariana’s true pilgrimage began, going through stages earning the admiration of salsa greats.

In past years, she received praise from Queen Celia Cruz and has the guarantee and support of the singers of the Fania Stars, the Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, José Alberto El Canario and even her great friend and fellow countryman Oscar D’León.

Oscar El Sonero del Mundo y Mariana La Sonera de Venezuela
Oscar El Sonero del Mundo y Mariana La Sonera de Venezuela

Mariana has been worthy of awards such as “El Congo de Oro” at the Barranquilla salsa festival.

She has been praised by personalities such as Don Tite Curet Alonzo. Mariana alternates her exciting career with the media, where she has a radio program dedicated to our Latin music “Sonsoneando con Mariana” winner of the 2010 Excellence Award, as a popular radio space in the Vargas State Venezuela.

She recently participated in the heartfelt tribute to the 50 years of artistic career of maestro Elio Pacheco, founder of the Latin Dimension, where she recorded an excellent song called “Al Olvido”.

She received praise from the Cuban queen Celia Cruz, and has the support of singers such as the Fania Stars, José Alberto “El Canario”, the Gran Combo de Puerto Rico and even her friend and confidant Oscar D’ León.

“Oscar represents more than a friend to me; he is like a brother. When he has a presentation in Vargas he does not hesitate to call me to see us and talk about our projects. I thank him a lot for his advice, because it has helped me to be where I am. The responsibility of being La Sonera de Venezuela falls on my shoulders.”

Y así quedó esta Sonera para su noche boleros
Y así quedó esta Sonera para su noche boleros

She has managed to release 12 musical productions. Among her best-known songs are “Frases hecha” in 1996, recorded in Peru and “Eres más fuerte que yo” by the composer Enrique Hidalgo.

Awards obtained

La Sonera has been worthy of multiple awards, including the “Congo de Oro” at the Barranquilla Salsa Festival, as well as the nomination three times in a row for the Vargas Excellence.

She has also received plaques as Female New Artist of the Year and Best Sonera in Caribbean Representation.

“I will never forget when they gave me the Catatumbo de Oro in Maracaibo, in the year 2000. It is one of my greatest achievements.”

Mariana La Sonera en el Santuario de La Divina Pastora en Barquisimeto
Mariana La Sonera en el Santuario de La Divina Pastora en Barquisimeto

My family is my life

At just 18 years old, Mariana became a mother for the first time. “It is something that very few people know, but my first husband mistreated me physically, verbally and psychologically. The only thing I can be thankful for from that relationship is the existence of my son.”

She is currently a speaker, producer, and host of her own radio show “SONSONEANDO CON MARIANA,” broadcast Monday through Friday from 12:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Dial Azul 95.9 FM. At the same time, she directs her own group and is part of Jeque y su Banda, the Rumberos Callejón orchestra, directed by the experienced timbalero Carlitos Padrón, where she shares the stage with Rodrigo Mendoza, Wilmer Lozano, among others.

Edgar Dolor, Hayzalex, El Jeque, Janett Trejo, Mariana, Frederick, Carlitos Hurtado
Edgar Dolor, Hayzalex, El Jeque, Janett Trejo, Mariana, Frederick, Carlitos Hurtado

Research Sources:

Djane. Shina Rojas

Luisana Brito, [email protected]

Also Read: “Canelita Medina” Caribbean popular music loses one of its best exponents

Oscar Rojas Oscar Rojas has 54 years of musical career full of passion, rhythm and flavor

Oscarcito Rojas and his unmistakable lump.

In Venezuela, during the years 53-54, there were cold and humid nights in the home of the Rojas Mendoza Family, located in a high area of ​​the Pastora of beautiful Caracas, there the furniture that was outside would wake up damp, particularly a child’s chair with a colonial design, which had the back and seat made of cattle leather, which when heated by the heat of the sun became warm like the leather of a coastal drum.

That is when the restless child Oscar, barely 7 years old, discovered the sounds produced by that cured leather and began that love relationship with percussion without realizing that this would be his life; his livelihood; his passion; his everything.

Oscar Rojas has 54 years of musical career full of passion, rhythm and flavor
Oscar Rojas has 54 years of musical career full of passion, rhythm and flavor

He also devised a pair of congas with two milk cans of different sizes, and thus achieve different sounds in his new instrument.

By the 70s, being a talented young man and wanting to earn his own living, Oscar bought a motorcycle to work as a messenger. Unfortunately, he had an accident on it, which led to his resignation from the company. With the money he generated from the liquidation, he bought a drum kit that belonged to the illustrious Pavo Frank. This is how his foray into rock began.

Later, due to the fractures he suffered in the motorcycle accident, he could not continue playing drums, but he got involved in percussion without a drumstick, which is to say, by hand, and he started playing congas.

Óscar Eduardo Rojas Mendoza is one of the most beloved and respected conga players in the country. He is the third of five siblings (Jaime; Yolanda; Óscar; Freddy and Leibia), son of Óscar Benito Rojas (musician and cabinetmaker) and Cira de los Santos Mendoza (dressmaker).

Loved by all his family, especially by his sons Gabriel ☦️ Osduare☦️ and Enrique; and his granddaughters Gabriela and Daniela.

Familia Rojas Mendoza: Liebia, Freddy, Oscar, Yolanda y Jaime
Familia Rojas Mendoza: Liebia, Freddy, Oscar, Yolanda y Jaime

Born in Caracas on October 18, 1946, he began his musical career in 1970 with Ramón Hernández, continuing with a trail of figures such as: Pablo Schneider, Vytas Brenner, Victor Cuica, Oscar Maggi, Soledad Bravo, Lilia Vera, Frank Hernández (El pavo Frank), Oscar D’Leon, Chuchito Sanoja, Professor Juan Carlos Núñez, Alfredo Naranjo.

He has participated in the best Jazz festivals in the world and in the country such as the Memphis in May International Festival (Tennessee), Varadero International Festival (Cuba), V International Festival of Montreal (Canada), Festival D’te de Québec (Canada), 10 International Festival of Montreal (Canada), Mar de Plata Jazz Festival (Argentina), Curacao International Festival where he was invited by the great saxophonist Paquito D’ Rivera, in the Venezuela Jazz Festival, in the 4 Caracas Jazz Festivals, in the Jazz Festival in El Hatillo editions IV, V and VII, and in festivals in the interior of the country.

He was an active founder of salsa groups such as Oscar D’Leon, where he participated in the recording of the first 3 albums, the group Caribe Libre, Gerardo Lugo’s Incorregibles, Alfredo Naranjo’s El Guajeo, Nano Grant’s Ensemble ll, Pavo Frank and his Orchestra. He was also part of the jazz groups Oscar Maggi (Macoya), Pedrito López, Otmaro Ruiz and Víctor Cuica.

Oscar Rojas y Djane Shina Rojas
Oscar Rojas y Djane Shina Rojas

Among the national and foreign artists he has accompanied are: Trino Mora, Chucho Avellanes, Mirtha Pérez, Estelita del Llano, María Rivas, Nancy Ramos, Nancy Toro, Cheo Feliciano, Ted Cordón, Paquito de Rivera, Eddie Sansson, Aldemaro Romero, Chuchito Sanoja, Jimmy Bosch, the Venezuelan Symphony Orchestra, the Municipal Symphony Orchestra of Caracas, among others. He was the founder of the La Calle Group and the Ensemble de la Calle, ReNueve (rock group), Negros and Aparte.

He currently works as a percussionist for Maigualida and his Ensemble. He also rehearses every Wednesday at Juan Sebastián Bar “El Templo del Jazz y La Salsa” with the new Ensamble de la Calle.

He has been in a musical career for 54 years, full of passion, rhythm and flavor.

Oscarcito Rojas y su mazacote inconfundible
Oscarcito Rojas y su mazacote inconfundible

Research Sources: 

Djane. Shina Rojas

Jaime Rojas

Lutier: Freddy Rojas

Also Read: Djane Shina Rojas a Passion Turned into Reality

Larry Harlow and Ismael Miranda: beginning of the so-called “Salsa Arseniana” in honor of the music of Arsenio Rodriguez, the creator of Son Montuno and “King of Guaguanco”

Extracted from the book called: “El origen y la creación de la Salsa”; creator: Mon Rivera, promoter: Al Santiago.

For sale on Amazon kdp, by clicking on the following link:

With which is attached a complete summary of the musical work of Larry Harlow with Ismael Miranda from its creation in 1966 to 71.

At the end is the original song of Arsenio: “Oiga mi Guaguanco”, with the fabulous musical arrangement of Harlow himself in “Salsa Clasica”, with the exquisite singing of the “Niño Bonito de Puerto Rico” Ismael Miranda.

Larry Harlow and Ismael Miranda: 1966 – 1971 with trombones.

Julio Cesar Galindo Alarcón Diplomático de Peru Ministro (R), Historiador Musical. Autor de Libro sobre Creacion de la Salsa
Julio Cesar Galindo Alarcón Diplomático de Peru Ministro (R), Historiador Musical. Autor de Libro sobre Creacion de la Salsa

Lawrence Ira Khan, better known in the music scene as Larry Harlow, affectionately known as “The Wonderful Jew”, was born in Brooklyn, New York, on March 20, 1939 and died in New York on August 20, 2021, American musician, orchestra conductor, pianist, composer, musical arranger, producer, creator of the so-called “Latin Opera”, in 73 he was one of the most important disseminators of Afro-Cuban Jazz, “Arseniana” Salsa and Classical Salsa, confirming at the highest level the use of the trombone and the USA instrumental technique, corroborated as the two most important characteristics that identify the new American Musical Movement.

The beginning of Larry’s musical work must be analyzed from his return from Cuba in 1959, after having traveled to the island in the mid 50’s, to know and study Cuban music in its different rhythms, but because of the Revolution he had to return to New York; finding the boom and enthusiasm produced by the Pachanga spread by Charlie Palmieri, Pacheco, Quijano, Orlando Marin, Mon, Eddie Palmieri, Ray Barretto, Richie, among others.

At the end of 65 he forms his orchestra with trombones and application of the instrumental technique of Jazz; he signs a contract with the “Fania” label and plans to record his first album.

In 1966 he recorded his first album called “Heavy Smokin” with Felo Brito’s vocals; L.P. little known, in which stand out: “Tu Tu Ratan”, “Maria la O”, “Rica Combinación”, “Mi Guaguancó”, “Orchestra Harlow” and “Adios Mamá”.

In the same year he recorded his second album called “Gettin’ Off” or “Bajándote”, sung by Ramón Quian: “Monguito” el Unico, an excellent full-length album that was a great success.

Some of the highlights are “Bajandote”, “Guarachita”, sung by Vickie; “Tu no lo creas”, “Meta y Guaguancó”, “Coco May May” and “Cienfuegos”.

In ’66, a young teenager appears singing in Andy Harlow y su Sexteto’s group.

Andy gave him to his friend Joey Pastrana at the beginning of 67 to record the album “Let’s Ball”, in which the young singer Ismael Miranda had his first hit with the song “Rumbón Melón”.

Larry Harlow who lacked a good singer, offered the job to Ismael, who without hesitation accepted it immediately; and debuted with Larry on his third album in 67 called “El Exigente” and thus began the WONDERFUL DUPLE OF LARRY HARLOW AND ISMAEL MIRANDA, who together formed a sensational duet, amazing and impressive, in the History of Classical Salsa.

In “El Exigente” with the debut of the “Niño Bonito de Puerto Rico”, the songs “El Exigente”, “Las luces”, “Rumba me llaman” and “El Mejor” stand out.  The following year, in 1968, he recorded the album, “Orchestra Harlow presenta a Ismael Miranda”.  With this unsurpassable combination, the Classic, Brava and Hard Niuyorquina Salsa begins in the unique style of the “Judío Maravilloso” with the singing of the fabulous Ismael Miranda, one of the most attractive, fine and sharp voices in the history of Salsa, in which stand out the songs: “La Contra- ria”, “Jaguey”, “Yo me voy”, “Lamento Cubano”, “Bobby’s Boo-galoo, ‘Rumba a la vida’ and ‘Mi Guajira si’.

In 1969 he recorded his fifth album and third with Ismael Miranda, called “Mi Mono y Yo”, in which he continues the teaching of Classical Salsa with Afro-Cuban Jazz fusion, in which almost all the songs stand out: “El Malecón”, “Voy para la luna”, “Amorcito Ven”, “Jovenes del Muelle”, “Ven Rumbero Ven”, “Para donde tu vas”, “Mi Madre” and “Traigo Guajira”.  With these last two albums, Larry with Ismael had achieved the expected success; and they had become the favorite orchestra in all the Salsa Concerts that had already become customary in the weekends of the Big Apple.   In ’69, the author witnessed for a month these Salsa Dance Concerts that were usually given in the halls of the Hotels of the New York districts.

DIPLOMATICO DE PERU, MINISTRO (R); HISTORIADOR MUSICAL; AUTOR DE LIBRO SOBRE CREACION DE LA SALSA.
DIPLOMATICO DE PERU, MINISTRO (R); HISTORIADOR MUSICAL; AUTOR DE LIBRO SOBRE CREACION DE LA SALSA.

In 1970, Larry introduces the electric piano in his orchestral format; this motivates him to title his album of the same year: “Electric Harlow”.  With the recording of this album really begins the so-called “Salsa Arseniana” of Larry, coinciding with the last year of life of the great Cuban musician Arsenio Rodriguez, the father of Son Montuno and “King of Guaguancó”, Legend and undisputed genius of the development of Cuban music; but, however, having been the most important Cuban musician of the twentieth century, for his contribution of having created the Son Montuno and the modernization of Guaguancó, has NOTHING TO DO WITH THE CREATION OF SALSA:  BUT YES; FOR HIS VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION, WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE MOVEMENT CREATED BY MON.

In “Electric Harlow” stand out: “La Revolution”, the wonderful Salsa arrangement of “Oiga mi Guaguancó”, by Arsenio Rodríguez, “Guasasa”, “Con Dulzura”, “Donde va Chichi” and “Tu Cosita Mami”. In 71 he recorded his album “Abran Paso”, and here we have to refer to Ismael Miranda as a singer-songwriter; because if from his first album recorded with Larry: “El Exigente”; he had already shown his composer’s fiber, having composed some songs together with Harlow; in this 71 album:  “Abran Paso”, he confirms and ratifies his conditions as a singer-songwriter, composing five themes of his authorship, successfully distinguishing the theme of the same name of the album: ‘Abran Paso’, ‘Donde lle- vas el Son’, ‘Abandonada fue’, ‘Oigan bien mi Guaguancó’ and ‘Dolor y Amor’.  Other highlights include: “Se casa la Rumba” and ‘Vengo Virao’, by Tite Curet Alonso.

Orchestra Harlow Vocal Ismael Miranda – Electric Harlow
Orchestra Harlow Vocal Ismael Miranda – Electric Harlow

Having died the penultimate day of 70 Arsenio Rodriguez, Larry Harlow, a few months later had the idea of offering him a posthumous tribute, which materialized with the recording in 71 of an album “Homenaje Póstumo”, which was called “Tribute to Arsenio Rodriguez”, including four hit songs by Arsenio:  “Tumba y Bongo”, ‘No me llores’, ‘Sueltala’ and ‘El Terror’; ‘Arsenio’, Harlow’s theme with Ismael Miranda and ‘Saludos a todos los Barrios’, by Lázaro Prieto.  The Harlow Orchestra in the last two albums was integrated with:  Conductor and piano: Larry Harlow; Singer: Ismael Miranda; Trumpets: Larry Spencer and Ralph Castrello; Trombones:  Lewis Khan, Leopoldo Pineda and Sam Burtis; Bass: Lydio Fuentes; Congas: Frankie Rodríguez; Bongó: Manny Oquendo; Timbal: Phil Newsum; and Tres y Cuatro: Yomo Toro, in “Abran Paso”.

Finally, Larry Harlow participated as pianist in “Red Garter”; and also as pianist and producer in “Chee-tah”.  Ismael Miranda did it as a singer in the two concerts of the “Fania All Stars” in ’68 and ’71.

Julio Cesar Galindo Alarcón

Diplomat of Peru Minister (R), Musical Historian. Author of a book on the Creation of Salsa.

Also Read: Larry Harlow ”El Judío de la Salsa”: innovative and irreverent

Fundación Cultural Madera 15 where Brotherhood, Sports, Dance and Salsa go Hand in Hand

By the end of the 70’s and beginning of the 80’s a group of young people from different parts of the country gathered by chance in the same sector 4 de las Mercedes in La Victoria, Aragua State, began to listen to the new genre of the time, the popular “Salsa”.

Fundación Cultural Madera 15 donde la Hermandad, el Deporte, la Danza y la Salsa van de la Mano
Fundación Cultural Madera 15 donde la Hermandad, el Deporte, la Danza y la Salsa van de la Mano

Each one with different tastes but without leaving the genre, they felt the desire to imitate the Venezuelan and international bands they knew through the Lps, so every weekend they organized themselves to play their instruments with musicians already studied and the guataqueros in an empirical way.

These meetings became more and more frequent and due to the need of an acquaintance of the zone to have a salsa group they decided to form the first salsa group of the sector called “El Quinto Sonero”, then years later with many of the members of the previous group they formed the group “Juancito y su Son” and years later the “Conjunto Sabor”.

It is worth mentioning that the rehearsals of the different groups took place in the homes of some of the members, playing songs by Ray Barreto; Eddie Palmieri; Dimensión Latina; Grupo Mango; Trabuco Venezolano Grupo Libre and of course Grupo Madera, among others.

By the end of the 80’s this same group of young people always supported by their families decided to formalize all the events that took place during the year, thus creating the “Madera 15 Foundation” unifying culture, sports, art and dance all in what was once a “Little Square” and over the years became a court, which would become its main location.

Its name is due to the admiration that everyone felt for Grupo Madera and product of its unexpected accident in which most of its members lost their lives on August 15, 1980.

Fundación Cultural Madera 15
Fundación Cultural Madera 15

For this reason the affection and the interpretation of many of their songs and the attendance to their concerts. Once the tragedy occurred, the passion for the Caracas group grew, specifically in the Marín neighborhood of San Agustín del Sur, which was invited to the inauguration of the Cancha in 1989, an invitation that was accepted and it was possible to enjoy three days of Afro-Caribbean songs and dances among neighbors and people close to the area.

From then on, cultural, recreational and sporting activities are carried out and one of the most important meetings is organized every year on December 31st, where the Guataca de Fin de Año is held, which began as an informal meeting of these young people every year-end, specifically on the 31st of the year, and continued with a soup on January 1st, welcoming the new year.

Currently by decree of the Mayor of the Municipality of Ribas in La Victoria Aragua State, specifically by Mayor Juan Carlos “Jaimito” Sanchez in his 1st term in 2012, the Municipal Day of Salsa is celebrated, and are invited to cultors and musicians from different parts of the country to participate in this special date with all attendees, which enjoy a unique day full of much feeling.

For years, all kinds of musicians, orchestras, groups and salsa characters that have exalted the salsa culture, as well as characters of the gaita and folklore, have passed through the festival.

Today, the tradition of the Guataca is still maintained, paying tribute to the life of its famous characters and remembering those who left for another plane and those who unfortunately emigrated.

Hand in hand with the music was also formed the dance group of the area called in its beginnings “Los Gurrugurru” which performed nationalist dances and sang aguinaldos and parranda every Christmas. Today there is still a dance group called “Danzas Tricolor” also dancing all the national folkloric dances.

Danzas Tricolor
Danzas Tricolor

Through both groups passed the great majority of the young people of the sector and after generations their children and now grandchildren, all under the direction of Griseida and Mileyda Batidas.

It is important to highlight some emblematic names of the foundation among them stand out:

Benilde (RIP), Mercedes (RIP), Ligia (RIP), Aminta (RIP), Alicia (RIP), Carmen (RIP), , Williams (RIP), Santana (RIP), Agustín (RIP), Neptali (RIP), Mileyda (RIP), Ángel Miguel (RIP), Amalia, Dinora, Raquel, Adela, Eugenia, Ángel, Jaime, Nelly, Entre otros.

Participating Families:

Los Bauter, Los Yanes, Los Ascanio, Los Bastidas Salazar, Los Momplasiert, Los Power, Los Anzolar, Los Escalona, Los Guevara and many more.

Memorable sites

La Placita, La Cancha, La Matica de Amalia, La Esquina de los Bauter, and El Terreno.

There the traces of all those who in their time gave their hearts for the good of the most rumbustious sector of La Victoria were captured.

This message goes to them:

MADERA 15 we are all and even those who left.

Collaboration and Main Source:

Lcda. Shinaury Rojas / Publicist for Salsa Escrita

Photographer Nelson Bauter

Actividad con el Septeto Caribe y Nelson Bauter en La Fundación Cultural Madera 15
Actividad con el Septeto Caribe y Nelson Bauter en La Fundación Cultural Madera 15

Also Read: Djane. Shina Rojas una Pasión Convertida en Realidad

Enrique “Culebra” Iriarte, master of the piano and musical composition

Eusebio Enrique Iriarte, “Culebra Iriarte, was born on January 24, 1947 in Maiquetía, in the Republic of Venezuela.

Enrique Culebra Iriarte, master of piano and musical composition
Enrique Culebra Iriarte, master of piano and musical composition

In his childhood, Enrique Iriarte was already taking his first steps in the musical world with his father, who played several instruments.

His name was born in the Sonora Caracas thanks to the vocalist Johnny Perez when he discovered the thinness.

After his incursion in this world, with the inherited talent and the permanent updating and musical practice, has allowed him to treasure a long trajectory full of experiences next to orchestras such as La Sonora Caracas, Federico y su Combo Latino, El Sexteto Juventud, Don Filemón, in the beginnings of La Dimensión Latina for 10 months.

He also accompanied Oscar D’León on piano, for whom he also arranged his songs, among which are: “Mata Siguaraya”, “El Manicero”, “Siéntate Ahí”, “Mi Bajo y Yo”, “Mis Hijos”, “Juanita Morei”, “María”, “Ven Morena”, among many others.

In 1981 he recorded his first long-playing record, standing out with the song “La Ola Marina”, a piece that reached the first place in the music scene. It is worth mentioning that this album earned him a platinum record.

With more than six decades of artistic career, this Venezuelan virtuoso has left an indelible mark on salsa, collaborating with great artists such as Oscar D’León. During his career, the experience gained in iconic groups such as: La Dimensión Latina, Sonora Caracas, Federico y su Combo Latino, among others.

Currently, he continues to perform with his Sonora and has already become an internationally recognized musician.

Enrrique “CulebraIriarte Icon of Salsa is declared Illustrious Son of La Guaira and Cultural Heritage of Venezuela.

“Mr. Felo Bacallao Founder of the Aragon Orchestra, we are very proud to have as Cultural Heritage this distinguished MUSICIAN Maestro Enrique Culebra Iriarte”.

Reconocen trayectoria de “Culebra” Iriarte

September 28, 2019

The outstanding Guairean musician and arranger Enrique “Culebra” Iriarte was honored for his career, being considered one of the best salsa pianist, in an event held in the auditorium of the Bolivar Chavez Square.

Iriarte has stood out as a member of orchestras such as La Sonora Caracas, Federico y su Combo Latino, Sexteto Juventud and Don Filemón.

He was one of the founders of Dimensión Latina, the group that paid tribute to him yesterday and with whom he shared in some of the interpretations made by Rodrigo Mendoza, José and Edie Pacheco.

Culebra accompanied Oscar de Leon for many years as arranger of many of his songs.

The Mayor’s Office of Vargas presented him with the Armando Reverón order, within the framework of the municipal program “Forjadores y Forjadoras de Identidad Guaireña”, which seeks to exalt the work of men and women from Guaire.

Culebra Iriarte's trajectory recognized
Culebra Iriarte’s trajectory recognized

“This is an emotional act with the presence of many musicians of the region, friends and relatives of Iriarte, to exalt the legacy that for years has given us this extraordinary musician. This is the twelfth award to people who have marked the local history”, said Alexis Rumbo, secretary of municipal government.

Percussionist Augusto Felibertt relates: exactly from 1997 to 1999 I was in the ranks of Maestro Enrrique ¨Culebra¨ Iriarte and his Sonora playing the Tumbadoras, at that time the founding members were:

Enrrique ¨Culebra¨ Iriarte: Pianist, Musical Director and Arranger, Eli: Bassist.

Juan Pablo Barrios: Timbalito, Campana and Bongo, Larry Machado: Singer, Perla Tabata: Singer, then Maritza De Quisquella, Cesar Pinto: 1st Trumpet, Yenny: 2nd, 3rd Trumpet a special guest, substitute percussionists: Yomar Mendez (Caballo) and Heyzer Cabrera.

Tremendous experience lived with all these musicians. Fabulous.

Note: The rehearsal studio at No 41 in Caño Amarillo-Caracas.

Augusto Felibertt y Enrrique Culebra Iriarte Foto en Rincon Caribeño
Augusto Felibertt y Enrrique Culebra Iriarte Foto en Rincon Caribeño

Cheo Navarro, Naty and El Maestro Enrique “Culebra” Iriarte Respected Masters and indisputable referents of the sound of Salsa and its history in Venezuela!!!!!

It has been for me immensely pleasing to share and receive with them this valuable recognition from SALSA SUPERIOR INTRNACIONAL!

 

Enrrique “Culebra” Iriarte, Alfredo “Guajeo” Naranjo, Dj. Augusto Felibertt, Elio Pacheco, Cheo “Bailatino” Navarro and Joseito Rodriguez 2nd Edition of the International Award 2022 by Richard Roman Director and Founder of Salsa Superior Miami.

Enrrique “Culebra” Iriarte, Alfredo “Guajeo” Naranjo, Dj. Augusto Felibertt, Elio Pacheco, Cheo “Bailatino” Navarro y Joseito Rodríguez 2da Edición de la entrega de Reconocimientos
Enrrique “Culebra” Iriarte, Alfredo “Guajeo” Naranjo, Dj. Augusto Felibertt, Elio Pacheco, Cheo “Bailatino” Navarro y Joseito Rodríguez 2da Edición de la entrega de Reconocimientos

Also Read: Eddie Palmieri brought salsa for the first time and live from Sing Sing Penitentiary in New York

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International Salsa Magazine (ISM) is a monthly publication about Salsa activities around the world, that has been publishing since 2007. It is a world network of volunteers coordinated by ISM Magazine. We are working to strengthen all the events by working together.