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From 1940 to 1957, he was in charge of the arrangements, rehearsals, repertoire, hiring of the vocalists and that very particular sound, so imitated but never equaled that the “Dean of the Conjuntos” possessed.

All that sonority is due to this pianist, composer and arranger born in Matanzas, Cuba, on June 2, 1903.

Severino Ramos Betancourt was born on June 1, 1903 in Matanzas, Cuba. He was a composer, pianist, orchestrator and arranger, one of the great Cuban musicians, he worked as pianist and arranger in the Conjunto Sonora Matancera, later he founded the Sonora Cubana.

Since he was a child, music, musicians and instruments were his passion. In his family, grandparents and uncles, had to do with the bungas of Matanzas (a bunga was a small group that included piano, violin, clarinet and flute). As a child he met Cheo Jiménez and Eduardo Betancourt, trombonist of Miguel Failde’s orchestra.

Later he went to Havana where he worked successively as a tailor’s assistant, insurance collector, doorman in a cabaret, traveling salesman, substitute musician in theaters, radio stations, and a thousand other occupations that appeared along the way before becoming a professional musician, during that time he received lessons from Felix Covarrubias.

Sonora Matancera

Severino Ramos joined the famous Conjunto Sonora Matancera in 1942, as a pianist, after unsuccessful attempts to occupy positions in the Sexteto Mikito (later Conjunto Casino), replacing Enrique Rodriguez, and in other Havana groups.

Severino’s character does not go with the style of intense and nocturnal work of the group, presentations in radio stations, dances (preference of Rogelio Martínez its director), contracts in La Tropical, Cabaret Tropicana, regional Centers: Asturian Center, Galician Center and trips to provinces; so he decides at the request of the director of the Sonora to look for another pianist for the group and he stays to make the arrangements, rehearsals, preparation of repertoire, etc…, From that moment on, the star of the Conjunto Sonora Matancera really began to shine in the firmament of popular acceptance.

He became, in keeping with his calm character, an orchestra man performing all these tasks and some others, such as visiting radio stations, theaters and other places to obtain contracts for the group.

The fruits contributed by Severino Ramos between 1940 and 1957 are of extraordinary value, perhaps what makes his work more visible are his arrangements and the preparation of the regular and guest singers that accompanied the Sonora such as: Bienvenido Granda, Daniel Santos, Myrta Silva, Celia Cruz, Leo Marini, Bobby Capó, Nelson Pinedo, Estanislao Laíto Sureda, Carlos Argentino and Celio González, among others.

After the Sonora Matancera

The last days of Severino Ramos in favor of Cuban Music were as musical director of Radio Progreso since 1957, when he left the Sonora, simultaneously with the prolific and very important work at the head of the many record labels he created.

After 1959, in that first decade, 1960, many record labels emerged in Havana, plus those that came from before and he multiplied himself making arrangements, forming momentary groups, forming groups to accompany Orlando Contreras, Blanca Rosa Gil, Orlando Vallejo, Ñico Membiela, many more. He formed the Sonora de Severino Ramos and helped create the Conjunto Caney.

The following is a small sample of songs that were arranged by Severino Ramos for the Sonora Matancera:

El Tíbiri Tábara with Daniel Santos

Qué corto es el amor, with Mirtha Silva

Burundanga, Yerbero Moderno, Tu Voz, Luna sobre Matanzas, with Celia Cruz

Who will be? With Nelson Pinedo

Yo no soy guapo with Vicentico Valdes

Sujetate la lengua, with Bienvenido Granda

Aunque me cueste la vida, on the 19th, El negrito del Batey with Alberto Beltrán

El gallo, la gallina y el caballo with Manuel Licea

Piel Canela with Bobby Capó

Maringá, with Leo Marini

Who will it be? With Nelson Pinedo

Las Muchachas, with Carlos Argentino

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

Severino Ramos died in Havana on November 2, 1969.

 

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A Salsero Festival and Tour will be the stars of the summer in the main cities of Europe

Europe welcomes Latin music events in the last month of summer this year with two impressive Salseras parties. During these events, the safety of the attendees will be guaranteed, will be an unbeatable festive atmosphere and lots of fun. So, don’t miss the opportunity to attend the Salsa Latina Istriana Festival in Croatia and the Cuban artist Maykel Blanco y Su Salsa Mayor’s European Tour, and enjoy the heat of August with your favorite Latin music.

Salsa Latina Istriana Festival 2022

DJ Sergio, DJ Marc “El Mágico” and DJ Julián Duke will be in charge of mixing the greatest Salsa hits during the Festival

Salsa Latina Istrian Festival began in 2004 as a free dance workshop with 100 dancers who love and dance enthusiasts to promote Salsa and other Caribbean dances.

This year the eighteenth edition of this festival with tradition and support for the community of European dancers arrives from August 26^th to August 29^th with four Bootcamps, workshops (Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba, Semba, and Urban Kiz), international instructors, Masterclasses, night parties, boat and beach parties (the farewell party on Monday will be free), 12 famous DJs, two free social dances on four floors, and much more.

Salsa Latina Istriana Festival 2022 http://www.salsalatinaistriana.com will be held under the precautionary measures agreed for events and dance academies.

The workshops, as well as the night parties, will take place over three days at Dom Hrvatskih Branitelja, Leharova 9, in the center of the coastal city of Pula, Croatia, and the cost of the gold pass is €150.

Maykel Blanco y su Salsa Mayor

The singles Qué Hace Que Te Mueve and Ya Tú No Coronas belong to the “Qué Hace Que Te Mueve” album released in 2019

Cuban artist Maykel Blanco and his orchestra will continue their tour of Europe (Part 2) on Saturday, August 27^th, at London’s iconic auditorium Electric Brixton with a special six-hour Cuban Salsa show. Javier La Rosa and Dr. Jim will be the evening’s Cuban DJs, while Osbanis and Anneta (Cuban Salsa Dancers and UK and World Champions) will lead a Cuban Salsa class for all levels.

On Sunday, August 28^th, they will visit Glasgow (United Kingdom) at The Garage (nightclub) and will end their tour on September 9^th at the Transformatorhuis event venue located in Amsterdam (Netherlands).

Maykel Blanco y Su Salsa Mayor made their way into the Havanera capital’s music scene more than a decade ago. This popular band in Cuba combines catchy lyrics with irresistible arrangements that get dancers, fans, and onlookers moving on the dance floor.

They currently have two great hits playing on the popularity charts of the most important radio stations on the Afro-Caribbean Island, Ya Tú No Coronas (2019) and Qué Hace Que Te Mueve (2019).

“Maykel was born in San Leopoldo, a neighborhood of the Centro Habana municipality in the Cuban capital, on January 21^st, 1981, the year that began a decade of splendor for Cuban popular music. With academic training at the Guillermo Tomás Music Schools and the Amadeo Roldán Conservatory, at the age of 17, he joined the orchestra “Abel y la Seducción” and a year later created, “Suprema Ley”, thus starting his outstanding career professional.

At this stage, he arouses the interest of the Spanish record label Envidia Record with which he signed his first international contract. With this record company, he managed to produce more than ten phonograms for his group and various other artists, including Tirso Duarte. He also participated in the recording of 40 albums as a percussionist in various productions and created music for various “Latin Jazz” groups, such as “Havana Express”.

Maykel decides on October 10^th, 2004 to make his big debut with his new orchestra “Maykel Blanco y Su Salsa Mayor”, made up of talented musicians, who graduated from various art schools in the nation.

Since then and up to the present, he has devoted his energy, creation, and musical talent to this interesting project. Thus, allowing his professional career to continue on the rise, as a pianist, percussionist, composer, music producer, arranger, and cultural promoter reaching a high level of popularity and prestige, in Cuba and the world”. Fragments extracted from Maykel Blanco biography. http://www.maykelblanco.com/

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Summer of Love’22 will be the main theme of the event that will paralyze the popular German capital

Berlin Salsa Congress invites you to celebrate the passion for Salsa during the summer.

Berlin Salsa Congress is back! Germany’s longest-running high-level social dance-focused event celebrates two decades with the Salsera family from Thursday, August 25th to Sunday, August 28th, and ticket prices range from €94.35 to €229. 65.

Berlin Salsa Congress in continuous operation since 2001 continues to unite dance lovers worldwide, and although in this edition they will not offer parties on the beach, sea, or pool, attendees will be able to enjoy amazing choreography Bootcamps for the Super Advanced level. To these pieces of training were added a series of workshops (during the day and outdoors) for those who want to improve their skills.

Likewise, they will also present the best Stargate shows at night-inside on three dance floors. The high-level social dance will take place from noon to midnight (and Saturday will be intensive), while on Sunday, they will present the results of the bootcamps and the winner of the Stargate Shows.

Also, during the weekend of this Salsero Congress, you will meet an incredible lineup of DJs from the world community in Berlin, who will rock the dance floor and keep you dancing until dawn.

And as usual, there will be Heroes of the Dance Floor. A group of the best social dancers gathered to make you learn some of the best dances of the moment.

The atmosphere will be incredible and just memorable!

Stargate Shows

Stargate shows offer the opportunity for student teams and any artist to showcase their talents to an international audience. The winners are chosen by the public and will be a winner every day. The winners of each day will be presented at the only showcase on Sunday at 9 PM.

Like last year, the Stargate Shows will be broadcast LIVE on the Internet. In 2021, they had about 1,200 daily viewers, and this year they will upload all Stargate shows to their official YouTube channel. Through this platform, an online survey will be conducted where they will select an additional Online Stargate Winner who will grant an extra chance to win. The winners of this online poll will get free access to the 2023 event.

Are you looking for your ultimate challenge?

On Sunday night will be a mixed final choreography of Salsa and Bachata

In Berlin Salsa Congress https://berlinsalsacongress.co/ will be single choreography training with Brenda Liew (Singapore) dedicated to Bachata for Ladies. This Bootcamp will give you energy, style, technique, and passion for eight intensive hours. The required level is Advanced.

The Price of this Bootcamp is €129, and it will take place from Friday, August 26th to Sunday, August 28th. The final rehearsal is on Sunday, August 28th from 7 PM to 8 PM, and the presentation will be at 9 PM.

Berlin Salsa Congress will take place in the Tempodrom (main venue) located in the heart of the city with a total of approximately 1,800 m2 of the dance floor and almost 3,000 seats for shows. Registration, social events from Friday to Sunday afternoon, some workshops, seminars, and discussion panels will take place here. Its address is Möckernstrasse 10, 10963 Berlin.

And the second venue will be Mövenpick. The rest of the workshops will be held in this hotel. Mövenpick – Siemenssaal (a 3-minute walk from Tempodrom) is located on the second floor and has a wooden floor and natural light perfect for the needs required. Its Address is Schöneberger Strasse 3, 10963 Berlin.

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We bring you the 5 best Salsa clubs and events so you don’t miss any opportunity to continue dancing in the city of lights

Every year is a unique opportunity to make Salsa resound throughout the city of freedom and lights. Here, several prestigious places monthly immerse attendees in a Latin atmosphere. It is why in this August edition, we will take you on a journey into Latin American culture with a dream destination of Salsera fun in Paris.

La Pachanga

La Pachanga derives its name from the Cuban rhythm of the 60s

The Bar/Restaurant/Club La Pachanga https://www.lapachanga.fr/ is a place of reference for Salsa lovers, and is located near the Eiffel Tower at 8, rue Vandamme 75014. This club is designed in a cozy and Caribbean style. At the bar, you can enjoy various types of cocktails, Mojitos, Caipirinha, or Cuba Libre as well as a Latin American menu at the restaurant.

At the Pachanga, you can attend classes for beginner and intermediate levels with different instructors who will make you live two hours of Salsa Cubana and Salsa Puertorriqueña dance from Tuesday to Thursday from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM continuing with social dancing and DJ set until 2 AM. On Saturdays, there are also two-hour Salsa lessons at the same time, and La Pachanga closes its doors on this day at 5 AM. The cost of entry is 12 euros.

Le Balajo

You must present a Vaccination Certificate and an identity document to access the club.

Le Balajo nightclub https://www.balajo.fr/ open since 1936 brings Salsa and Bachata classes every Tuesday from 7:30 PM to 2 AM for beginners and intermediate-level dancers. Amateur Salsa lessons start at 7:30 PM, while Intermediate Salsa lessons begin at 8:30 PM, followed by a Latin party hosted by DJ Karim until 2 AM.

The fees to attend this weekly event of joy and good humor are €8 and include non-alcoholic drinks and €12 if the beverage is alcoholic, but if you want to enjoy the bar and its atmosphere, the entrance fee is €5. The address is 9 Rue de Lappe, 75011 Paris, France.

Cubana Café

It is a restaurant, bar, and smokehouse for cigar enthusiasts with a quiet atmosphere in the evening.

The Cubana Café Bar/Restaurant https://www.cubanacafe.com/ is a cozy, exotic place with a 100% Cuban atmosphere. Every weekend they organize Latin Nights until dawn. Starting on Fridays and Saturdays with a DJ set from 9 PM to 5 AM and ending on Sundays from 12:30 PM to 3 AM, if you consume one of the three traditional Cuban dishes with a cocktail with or without alcohol, you will only pay €17.90. Cubana Café opened its doors 22 years ago and is located at 47 Rue vavin in the 6th district. Decoration made in Cuba, warm colors, Salsa, and a dynamic atmosphere at night await you at Cubana Café.

Pachamama

The decoration is influenced by the regions of South America with glamorous and bohemian touches that converge.

Pachamama Parisian Restaurant/ Bar/ Nightclub https://www.pachamama-paris.com/index.php/en/home-alt-2/ is located at 46-48 rue du Faubourg Saint Antoine, 75012, Paris, in a historic building from the 19th century designed by Gustave Eiffel in the neo-vintage colonial style. It has three levels inspired by the myths and sacred symbols of the pre-Columbian peoples influenced by the Latin traditions of the New World. It is open from Thursday to Saturday from 8 PM to 5 AM, with resident DJs on stage lighting up the dance floor (Lower Floor) with harmonious mixes between Latin Music, Soul, Pop, and Deep House.

La Terrasse Latino

Around 1,000 lovers from the Latin American continent enjoy gathering at the Terrasse every Friday in the summer.

The largest open-air Latino gathering in Paris continues on the terrace of Cabaret Sauvage this summer in August. La Terrasse Latino https://www.cabaretsauvage.com/work/la-terrasse-latino-du-cabaret-sauvage-3  located at Parc de la Villette 59 Boulevard Macdonald, 75019 will offer Salsa Caleña lessons every Friday with instructor Francy Barahona de Calisabor (8:45 PM – 9:30 PM). It will also have Latin American cuisine, and DJ El Dany, DJ Nybra, DJ Barbas and DJ Capitán Cumbia will be present until 5 AM. Admission is free from 8 PM to 10 PM and after that it will cost €15 per box office.

Paris Salsa Weekend 

Paris Salsa Weekend is organized by passionate DJs and followed by a large Salsera community.

The capital of France is a dream destination for Salsa dancers. Here, magic happens, that’s why in this edition, we bring you three regular Salsa parties in a row that will take place during Paris Salsa Weekend 2022, https://www.lesalsaclub.com/psw from September 9th to September 11th. So, don’t miss the opportunity to attend because they are rarely held.

Sal’Sounds 70’S Party in Paris. You will hear Salsa only on Vinyl by DJ Mulato on Friday, September 9th from 9 PM to 2 AM. The address is Salle Colonne, 94 Bd Auguste Blanqui, 75013, Paris, and admission is €13. Party strictly on vinyl is the sound that dictates the law!

LeSalsa’Club Party. You will dance at the biggest monthly Salsa social party on September 10th from 3 PM to 8 PM. You can meet national and international instructors specializing in On1 and On2 styles here. LeSalsa’Club will take place in the 13th arrondissement, at the Maison des Associations de Solidarité (MAS), 10-18 rue des Terres-au-Cure, 75013 Paris. The cost of admission is €13.

Sunday Night – O’Sulli Sauce. The Paris Salsa Weekend culminates with the party on the night of Sunday, September 12th at O’Sullivans By The Mill located at 92 Bd de Clichy from 9 PM to 2 AM, and the ticket will have the same value as the previous ones.

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The Lombardy Metropolis will continue impregnated with Latin American Culture until August

Milano Latin Festival opens its doors at 5:30 PM, and concerts start at 9:30 PM

The most important annual festival of the summer in northern Italy dedicated to celebrating Latin American culture will continue bringing Salsera fun to the 190,000 visitors of the Foro Mediolanum in the town of Assago located in ASSAGO Viale Milano Fiori parking Metropolitan 20100 Assago, Lombardy, Italy.

Milano Latin Festival founded almost a decade ago (2013), maintains the format of its beginnings with concerts by artists with a trajectory in tropical genres, urban rhythms, and traditional music, tasting of Latin American cuisine, art exhibition, and sale of crafts with a wide variety of Natural ethnic products for health and nutrition with organic and fair trade. Likewise, you can find the Salone Delle Nazioni (Nations Hall), especially for Diplomatic Missions of Latin America, organizations, and institutions.

This reopening that began on June 9^th and will end on August 16^th puts the magnifying glass on the public that loves Latin dances, residents, tourists, experts, connoisseurs, or simply curious about Latin rhythms after two years of cessation due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

This edition has featured presentations by artists from the Tropical genre such as Marc Anthony (June 10^th), Frank Reyes (June 11^th), and Habana D’ Primera (June 12^th).

The Van Van derives their name from the jargon of the cane collectors to say Come on, Come on.

This month brings Prince Royce (July 1^st) and continues with the presentation in a single evening of Maelo Ruíz, Alex Magan, and David Pabón with Salsenato Vol. 2 (July 2^nd). Oscar D’ León (July 14^th), Tony Vega (July 23^rd), Tony Succar (July 30^th), and ends on August 7^th with the performance of the most prolific group in Cuba, Los Van Van.

This prolific Cuban orchestra is still in force with its peculiar sound. “Their texts are considered by many to be true chronicles of Cuban society. They have an extensive recording career with more than 40 albums, many of them nominated and awarded. They obtained a Grammy (2000) with the production “Permiso que llegó Van Van” and were nominated with the album “Fantasia”, a tribute to Juan Formell in 2017”. Fragment extracted from the Milano Latin Festival website. https://www.milanolatinfestival.it/

For the Salone Delle Nazioni program, there will be a rich calendar of cultural events on the occasion of paying tribute to the various countries with the celebration of their national holidays. This tribute begins with the Day dedicated to the second generation: A challenge for everyone! (July 1^st). During this celebration, there will be reflections and testimonies of the “New Italians” with themes inspired by the encyclicals of Pope Francisco, Laudato Si, and Fratelli Tutti. In the same way, this tribute to each country will continue with Los Kunas de Panamá (July 4^th), the national day of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (July 5^th), and then there will be the pictographic exhibition of the Environment in tribute to the Holy Father Pope Francis from July 6^th to 8^th. The celebration of the national days of Argentina, Peru, Colombia, Cuba, El Salvador, and Bolivia will continue.

So, July is the best month to vacation in Milan thanks to the most complete Festival that celebrates Latin American culture with more than five honored countries, concerts by internationally renowned artists, dance schools with great instructors, performances by folk groups and DJs, exhibitions photo booths, ethnic restaurants, and a street food area, musical plazas, cocktail bars, and a concert area. Milano Latin Festival is the largest three-month event celebrating Latin American culture in Italy.