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Events

Salsa Dance Festivals Europe in July, 2016

All Europe
Salsa Dance Festivals Europe in July, 2016
Salsa Dance Festivals Europe in July, 2016

Salsa Stras Festival – July 1st- 3rd

Rue du Stade, 67450 Lampertheim, Alsace, France

3 days & 3 nights of parties – The best DJ’s 3 atmospheres – Workshops in 3 rooms 1000 m2, outside program Cuban salsa, rumba. latin music, kizomba, merengue, bachata, zouk, kuduro Shows – Non stop animations Live Cuban music Mambo group (Cuba-France) And many other with the Men surprises

Salsa Stras Festival - July 1st- 3rd
Salsa Stras Festival – July 1st- 3rd

www.salsastrasfestival.fr

http://www.passionspartagees.fr/

https://www.facebook.com/events/240048919695052/

Summer Fresa Dance Festival 2016 – July 6th – 10th

Kouty, Ledeč nad Säzavou, Czech Republic

Summer Fresa Dance Festival 2016 – July 6th – 10th
Summer Fresa Dance Festival 2016 – July 6th – 10th

They will offer many workshops for beginners as well as for intermediate and advanced dancers with great instructors of salsa, bachata, ZOUk, kizomba. lambada. west coast swing and others.

Fresa Dance Festival
Fresa Dance Festival

Be prepared for 5 days of never-ending entertainment, more than 30 workshops, night dance parties, live bands, DJs, sun, swimming pool, cocktails and relaxed, smiling people. dance shows, interesting contests and much more!

7th Greek Salsa Bootcamp – July th – 10 th

Valis Resort Hotel Stathmos Agrias, Volos 37300, Greece

7th Greek Salsa Bootcamp – July th – 10 th
7th Greek Salsa Bootcamp – July th – 10 th

Their aim is to give you the opportunity to combine dancing and vacations during July, which is the best month to visit this beautiful country and enjoy the sun, the sea and their hospitality for 4 days or more.

You can book your accommodation in the Valis Resort, their main hotel and venue so you can enjoy even more all the classes of Salsa, Kizomba, Afro, Dancehall, Styling during the day and party till the morning.

Attend even more specialized workshops by taking part in their Choreography Bootcamps, learn from the best and perform on stage on Saturday night. Enjoy a great Competition on Thursday 7th of July ! ! !

The GSB is proud to host the Eliminations for the Africadancar International Kizomba Championship through which, the couple that will be selected, will have to opportunity to travel to the World Championship of Kizomba straight to the finals of 2017 with all the expenses covered

http://www.salsabootcamp.gr/

https://www.facebook.com/events/574553359366366/

Hungarian Summer Salsa Festival – July 7th – 11th

Hungary, Balatonfüred

Hungarian Summer Salsa Festival – July 7th – 11th
Hungarian Summer Salsa Festival – July 7th – 11th

Parties, competitions, classes and concerts are at: Norte Balaton Regional Conference Center.

Classes in 5 rooms. Parties in 3 rooms: first 2 days: salsa-bachata-kizomba and another 3 days: salsa-sensual-kizomba. Friday, July 8th: Bachata, Kizomba and Rueda Competition Saturday,

July 9th : Live concerts -Grupo D&C, Latin Combo Septeto- and Shows. Sunday, July 10th: Pool party Monday, July 1 lth: Wine tour with party.

  • http://en.hssf.eu/
  • https://www.facebook.com/HungarianSummerSalsaFestival/

Salsa … feel the heat SUMMER SALSA WEEKENDER – July 8th – 10th

The Daresbury Park Hotel & Spa Daresbury Park, Warrington, WA4 4BB United Kingdom

The Daresbury Park Hotel & Spa Daresbury Park, Warrington, WA4 4BB United Kingdom
The Daresbury Park Hotel & Spa Daresbury Park, Warrington, WA4 4BB United Kingdom

Over 50 hours of workshops and 3 sizzling party nights including Shows and Animation hosted by Sue (Salsa… feel the heat). Workshops in Cuban Salsa, Reggaeton, Rumba, La Rueda, Son, Cha Cha Cha, Salsa Suelta, Bachata, Kizomba, Kuduro. Samba & Styling.

http://vw.vvvsummersaIsaweekender.com/Welcome.html

14th International Salsa Festival Hamburg – July 22nd – 24th

Emporio Haus & Laeiszhalle Theater Dammtorwall 15, 20355 Hamburg, Germany

14th International Salsa Festival Hamburg – July 22nd – 24th
14th International Salsa Festival Hamburg – July 22nd – 24th

As in the previous years you will again be allowed to expect an incredibly fascinating event with spectacular shows and tons of various workshops given by the best of the best.

More than 60 Workshops for various groups and styles.

Salsa on I /on2 – Cuban – Kizomba- Bachata

The best teachers from all over the world and top international DJs.

http://www.salsafestival-hamburg.de/

https://www.facebook.com/lnternationale-Salsa-Festival-Ham- burg-197526416956261/

 

Frankfurt Summer Festival 2016 – July 28th – 31st

65719 Hofheim, Germany

Frankfurt Summer Festival 2016 – July 28th – 31st
Frankfurt Summer Festival 2016 – July 28th – 31st
  • 100 Workshops – Extra Workshops
  • 4 Parties – 4 Dance- floors – Parquet
  • Salsa – Kizomba – Bachata – SDC
  • 7 Workshop rooms with daylight
  • Stargate Shows – Premieres
  • Long Afterparties as usual
  • Olu Olu’s Coffee Lounge
  • New: Bigger Social Dance Corner
  • New: 2 Kizomba Floors + SDC
  • New: Improved Bus Schedule

 

  • https://Salsa-Trips.com/shop/frf-fickets
  • https://www.facebook.com/Frankfurt.Festival/
  • https://www.facebook.com/e- vents/ 1457351644590592/

Salsa Live in Europe’s Festivals July 2016

All Europe

La Candela Salsa Orchestra – At Benidorm Summer Festival in Spain

Thursday July 7, 1:30h Sala Palacio Cristal

La Candela Salsa Orchestra - At Benidorm Summer Festival in Spain
La Candela Salsa Orchestra – At Benidorm Summer Festival in Spain

http://www.benidormsummerfestival.com/

You can read more about La Candela in February 2016 ISM issue:

http://issuu.com/internationalsalsamagazine0/docsfismedition62february2016/54

La Candela Salsa Orchestra is a youth, but experienced orchestra, who is seeking a place among the preferences of Salsa dancers. Their proposal aims to “hook” the dancer with the primal rhythms and note of salsa like the son montuno, guaguancé, mambo and Cha Cha Cha. Therefore they have fried to compose a group to recover the sound of the era when Salsa was forging.

The band consists of seven musicians based in Tenerife (Canary Islands) including youth and seniority mix. Some of them are still studying at the music conservatory and the veterans have been part of bands sharing stages with international figures such as Tito Nieves, Tony Vega. Adalberto Santiago, Cheo Feliciano, Luisito Carrion, Manolifo Simonet, Pedro Brull, etc.

The intention is, above all, to make people enjoy the most direct way possible, and this is only achieved with live music.

Their target audience is the Salsa dancer, great consumer of this kind of music.

It´s members are:

  • Rafa “Richie” Rodriguez- Singer
  • Jordi Arocha-vibraphone
  • Alejandro Fuentes-bass. chorus y musical directo
  • Fonsi Rodriguez-piano
  • Alberto Martin-timbal, piano y composer
  • Fran Martin-conga, choros, Singer
  • José Brito-bongos, covebell.

Tromboranga Salsa Orchestra – At Benidorm Summer Festival in Spain

Friday July 8, 1:30 h – Sala Palacio Cristal

Tromboranga Salsa Orchestra - At Benidorm Summer Festival in Spain
Tromboranga Salsa Orchestra – At Benidorm Summer Festival in Spain

http://wvw.benidormsummerfestival.com/

As part of the new generation of independent latin orchestras, Tromboranga is the pure essence of “Salsa Dura”.

Tromboranga’s spicy ingredients are the trombones sound, solid and strong percussion, and they recover the essence of “soneos” (voice improvisation among the chorus). With influences from the salsa music from the 60s and 70s, maintaining a raw, strong and a very danceable sound. His original songs like “Humildad”, “Palo pa la campana”, “Amigo el ratón”, “Adios que te vaya bien”, talks about stories that can describe the life of any of us, and they have become number one in Latin radios and dance floors worldwide.

Tromboranga is made up of musicians from the Caribbean and Europe, all residents of Barcelona, Spain.

Its members are:

  • Joaquin Arteaga-band leader, Timbal and composer
  • Diego Coppinger- traditional “Sonero”.
  • Freddy Ramos- singer and arranger
  • Rafael “Madagascar” Arciniegas-piano and arrangements
  • Lorenzo “El diablo” Barriendos-bass, tumbaos.

In the trombone section: Vladimir Peha, Josep Blanes and Albert Costa, Cristian Niho” Cosanatan- conga; José Cubas-bongo.

www.fromboranga.com/

You can read more about Tromboranga in May 2016 and October 2014 ISM issues:

https://issuu.com/finternationalsalsamagazine0/docs/ismmay2016/50

https://issuu.com/finternationalsalsamagazine0/docs/ism_oct_2014_pdf/24

Ira Oyälö Sextet – At Salsa Beach Splash Festival in Sibenik, Croatia

Friday 8 July, 20:30 h – St. James’ Cathedral Open Air Party

Ira Oyälö Sextet - At Salsa Beach Splash Festival in Sibenik, Croatia
Ira Oyälö Sextet – At Salsa Beach Splash Festival in Sibenik, Croatia

http://salsabeachsplash.com/open-air-concert/

Iré Oyalé Sextet born in 2013 from an idea of Samoel Scotton, director and congero of the orchestra. The purpose was to revive and bring back the Salsa music’s style of the golden years, nowadays so sought by many music lovers, dancers and Djs.

The orchestra consists of eight elements: piano, bass, vibes, congas, timbales, bongos and two voices, this is the optimal formation for representing, also in modem key, the sound of that epic.

  • Samoel Scotton (Congas)
  • Yoniel Diaz (Timbales)
  • Edwin Della Torre (Bongos)
  • Berto Lodovico (Vibrafono)
  • Gionata Asfa (Piano)
  • Andrea Stucchi (Contrabbasso)
  • Bemi Nash (Voce)
  • Chiara Leone (Coro)

https://www.facebook.com/IreOyale/

Edwin Sanz – At Cosmo Jazz Festival in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France

28 July, 20:30 h – Parc Couttet

Edwin Sanz - At Cosmo Jazz Festival in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France
Edwin Sanz – At Cosmo Jazz Festival in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France

http://cosmojazzfestival.com/

Edwin Sanz is a master percussionist having played for the best: Adalberto Santiago, Africando, Alfredo de la Fe, Andy Montaöez, Cheo Feliciano, Jimmy Bosch, José Alberto “El Canario”, Richie Ray y Bobby Cruz, Richie Flores, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Tito Nieves.

He is a core member of the Mercadonegro band and works with numerous artists and bands: Rodri-Go, David Brito, Mali Latino, Salsa Veritas and others. His new album is being produced by Alex Wilson and will be released later this year.

Surrounded by eight musicians, who will rock Chamonix with the sound of their furious percussions.

http://www.edvinsanz.com/

Tempo Latino Flyers
Tempo Latino Flyers

23rd edition TEMPO LATINO – Thursday 28

Tempo Latino - Salsa Live
Tempo Latino – Salsa Live

Vaudou Came (Lyon, France) – At Festival Tempo Latino, Vic-Fezensac – Gers, France

Thrusday July 28, 21:00 h- Aux Arénes

Vaudou Came (Lyon, France) – At Festival Tempo Latino, Vic-Fezensac – Gers, France
Vaudou Came (Lyon, France) – At Festival Tempo Latino, Vic-Fezensac – Gers, France

Among the fruits of the convergence between African and Afro-American musicians, there is one lesser-known genre that hails from the cradle of vaudou culture in Togo, Benin, and whose key figures, Poly-Rythmo of Cotonou, Dama Damawuzan, or El Rego, have, since the 1970s, had their populaify confined fo afro-groove fans.

Specific to this region of Africa is the use, during vaudou rituals, of characteristic lines that differ from everything one may hear in neighbouring cultures.

The idea of integrating these haunting lines sung in honor of the Divinities, to an energetic 70s Afro-funk was an obvious extension in Peter Solo’s mind of the analogy he found between this vaudou tradition and trance inducers such as Blues, Funk, as well as the Rythm’n Blues of James Brown, Otis Redding and Wilson Picket. Peter Solo heard this new sound coming through him and named it Vaudou Game.

Line up:

  • Peter Solo (lead vocals guitar)
  • Vicente Fritis (keyboards, voc)
  • Jeröme Bartolome (Saxophone, voc)
  • Guilhem Parguel (Trombon, voc)
  • Simon Bacroix (bass, voc)
  • Hafid Zouaoui (drums)

Text courtesy of:

http://metiola.corn/artist/vaudou-game/

http://www.facebook.com/vaudougame/

The first European festival of Latin music, founded in 1994, it was born because of the desire of many people of showing this popular and enjoyable music genre. Tempo Latino invites you to discover the Latin rhythms in a four day festival. With 3 scenarios, this festival will give you amazing moments to share, unique meetings and a rich travel experience, full of color and surprises.

  • http://www.tempo-latino.com/
  • https://www.facebook.com/tempolatino/

Grupo Fantasma (Austin, USA) – At Festival Tempo Latino, Vic-Fezensac – Gers, France

Thrusday July 28, 23:00 h – Aux Arénes

Grupo Fantasma (Austin, USA) - At Festival Tempo Latino, Vic-Fezensac - Gers, France
Grupo Fantasma (Austin, USA) – At Festival Tempo Latino, Vic-Fezensac – Gers, France

“Austin-based Latin funk jam band Grupo Fanfasma formed in 2000, and quickly established a reputation for their high-energy live shows.

Comprised of musicians hailing from all over Latin America, Fantasma’s players were brought together by Austin’s bustling music scene, finding in each other a hunger and drive to create something truly unique. Drawing influences from genres and styles like cumbia, salsa, old-school funk, reggae, and more, the band built a buzz surrounding ifs new and inventive style almost immediately..

http://www.allmusic.com/artist/grupo-fantasma-mn0000652010/biography

In 2011, they garnered further acclaim by winning a Grammy (their second such nomination) for their self—produced release El Existential on Nat Geo Music which the Wall Street Journal called “Latin music both new and traditional… vibrant fusions that transcend easy classification.”

The band’s incendiary live show, declared by NPR as “seamless whenever and wherever they’re on stage” has brought the band to major festivals and venues internationally including Bonnaroo, North Sea Jazz Festival and Lowlands in the Netherlands, Kennedy Center, London’s 02 Arena, Montreal Jazz Festival, WOMEX, Tempo Latino (France) as well as two fours to Kuwait and Iraq to entertain US troops.

It’s members are:

  • Jose Galeano (timbales, vocals)
  • Kino Esparza (vocals, hand percussion)
  • Befo Martinez (guitar)
  • Greg Gonzalez (bass)
  • John Speice (drums)
  • Matthew “Sweet Lou” Holmes (congas)
  • Gilbert Elorreaga (trumpet)
  • Josh Lew (baritone saxophone)
  • Mark “Speedy” Gonzales (trombone).

http://grupofanfasma.com/

https://www.facebook.com/grupofanfasmamusic

23rd edition TEMPO LATINO – Friday 29

PALO (Miami, USA) – At Festival Tempo Latino, Vic-Fezensac – Gers, France

Friday July 29, 21:00 h – Aux Arenes

PALO (Miami, USA) - At Festival Tempo Latino, Vic-Fezensac - Gers, France
PALO (Miami, USA) – At Festival Tempo Latino, Vic-Fezensac – Gers, France

PALO! Began in 2003 when Steve Roitstein invited his fellow musicians to join him in an improvised musical experiment combining Cuban music with funk beats. The band immediately became a featured act in Miami’s premiere live music venues, concerts, festivals and events.

The Band was nominated for a 2015 Grammy and a Latin Grammy for their album PALO! Live. They perform their own brand of music they call “Afro-Cuban Funk” or “funky, jazzed-up salsa”

The group’s unique, danceable sound blends the allure of Cuban music with funky beats and jazzy improvisation.

PALO!’s catchy original songs feature the sultry vocals of Latin Grammy-nominated Leslie Cartaya and the impromptu virtuosity of Latin Grammy-winning saxophonist Dr. Ed Cale. The scorching percussion and vocals of Philbert Armenteros (congas) and Raymer Olalde (timbales) punctuate their performances with Cuban fire.

Producer/pianist Steve Roitstein (Celia Cruz, Willy Chirino, Tito Puente, Cheo Feliciano, and Oscar d’ Leon) fuses these elements with a foundation of edgy, unforgettable rhythms.

http://gopalo.com/

https://www.facebook.com/gopalo

Alexander Abreu y Havana D’ Primera (Cuba) – At Festival Tempo Latino, Vic-Fezensac – Gers, France

Friday July 29, 23:00 h – Aux Arenes

Alexander Abreu y Havana D' Primera (Cuba) - At Festival Tempo Latino, Vic-Fezensac - Gers, France
Alexander Abreu y Havana D’ Primera (Cuba) – At Festival Tempo Latino, Vic-Fezensac – Gers, France

Alexander Abreu y Havana D’ Primera is the Cuban Timba band directed and founded by Alexander Abreu in 2008, widely recognized as one of the greatest trumpet players of his generation- enriching most of The musical productions on the island.

The band was formed by a collective of the best musicians and Cuban-Al-Stars artists in the current Cuban scenario, including not only revolutionary dominating musicians in the 90’s but also the most talented musicians of the upcoming years. Alexander has established himself as a dominating vocalist and renowned songwriter.

His highly sophisticated melodic voice has made him remain as an outstanding vocalist with the added melodic sophistication of a skilled instrumentalist. He is considered one of the most versatile Cuban musicians, who has made of his music a fascinating rhythmic and musical fusion of Salsa, Jazz, Funk and Afro-Cuban.

http://www.havanadprimera.com/principal

https://www.facebook.com/officialhavanadprimera/

23rd edition TEMPO LATINO – Saturday 30

African Salsa Orchestra (Paris, France) – At Festival Tempo Latino, Vic-Fezensac – Gers, France

Saturday July 30, 21:00 h – Aux Arenes

African Salsa Orchestra (Paris, France) - At Festival Tempo Latino, Vic-Fezensac - Gers, France
African Salsa Orchestra (Paris, France) – At Festival Tempo Latino, Vic-Fezensac – Gers, France

African Salsa Orchestra is a band bon in 4. Led by Michel Pinheiro (Beninese singer trombonist) ASO is a dance machine that makes you dance from Cotonou to Cuba. Disciple of Mamadou Doumbia, Michel meets in his recording studio the young Doumbouya Moussa, aka Tiken Jah Fakoly for whom he signs the first horn arrangements. Therefore, it will become his faithful companion and conductor, imprinting his mark until 2011.

In 1999, before the death of Doumbia, Michel recorded his first album, “Esperanza”. If incorporates from their creation the “Mercenaies de l’ Ambience” the orchestra that participated in the Enchanted Africa (stage version of the famous emission of France Inter).

Salsa never left him, even if he sometimes flirts with other genres. In 2014 Michel decided to create with the support of Florent Briqué the African Salsa Orchestra, a unique orchestra bringing together Africa and Cuba.

Text courtesy of:

  • http://www.monfuno.com/

Its members are:

  • Lead vocal/ Trombone: Michel Pinheiro (Bénin)
  • Piano: Patrick Bebey (Cameroun)
  • Congas: Jean-Richard Codjia (Bénin)
  • Batfery: Wiliam Ombe (Cameroun)
  • Bass: Kelly Kofo (Congo)
  • Trumpet: Rorent Briqué (France)
  • Trumpet: Rorenf Cardon (France)
  • Bongo and chorus (Cuba): Elvis Ponce Ramos

https://www.facebook.com/asomichelpinheiro

Spanish Harlem Orchestra (New York, USA) – At Festival Tempo Latino, Vic-Fezensac – Gers, France

Saturday July 30, 23:00 h – Aux Arénes

Spanish Harlem Orchestra (New York, USA) - At Festival Tempo Latino, Vic-Fezensac - Gers, France
Spanish Harlem Orchestra (New York, USA) – At Festival Tempo Latino, Vic-Fezensac – Gers, France

Spanish Harlem Orchestra, the two-time Grammy winning Salsa and Latin Jazz band, is generally considered one of the best Salsa orchestras today and one of the finest music ensembles in the world. If was founded in 2001, under the leadership of Oscar Hern6ndez, one of the most gifted and prominent pianist/ arrangers on the contemporary Latin, Latin-jazz and salsa music scene.

SHO, as they are known to fans, is dedicated to the sounds of the barrio. Their music is characterized by the raw, organic and vintage sound defined by the genre.

They are on a mission to keep the musical legacy of salsa dura ‘hard salsa” alive and expand its audience to those who love great music, not just Latin music. Grounded in the past, while focused on the future, they strive to keep the music relevant, while creating a unique and fresh approach.

With an unwavering respect for the music rich history, thirteen world-class musicians and vocalists come together to create an unparalleled musical experience.

Its members are:

  • Oscar Hernandez — Pianist, Musical Director
  • Jeremy Bosch — Vocalist
  • Marco Bermudez — Vocalist
  • Carlos Cascante — Vocalist
  • George Delgado — Congas
  • Jorge Gonzalez — Percussion
  • Luisifo Quintero — Timbales
  • Gerardo “Jerry/’ Madera — Bass; Mitch Frohman – Saxophone/- Flute
  • Reynaldo Jorge — Trombone
  • Doug Beavers — Trombone
  • Héctor Coldn — Trumpet
  • Manuel “Maneco” Ruiz— Trumpet.

http://wwwspanishharlemorchestra.com/

You can read the interview with Oscar Hernandez in April 2014 ISM issue:

https://issuu.com/internationalsalsamagazine0/docs/ism_april_2014/10

23rd edition TEMPO LATINO – Sunday 31

Bixiga 70 (Sao Paulo , Brasil) – At Festival Tempo Latino, Vic-Fezensac – Gers, France

Sunday July 31, 21:00 h – Aux Arenes

Bixiga 70 (Sao Paulo , Brasil) - At Festival Tempo Latino, Vic-Fezensac - Gers, France
Bixiga 70 (Sao Paulo , Brasil) – At Festival Tempo Latino, Vic-Fezensac – Gers, France

“Bixiga 70’s influences are many. The group came to life just over five years ago as a 10-piece band with a classic afrobeat set-up (horns, percussion, funky guitar).

Considering their name alludes to Fela Kufi’s Africa 70 band and the early influence of Tony Allen, as we” as the reason for their first ever gig (playing at Fela Day), it’s little surprise that many people refer to them as an afrobeat band.

As the bands are keen to point out, it’s a limiting phrase, downplaying the influence of dub, funk, jazz, disco and the countless African and Brazilian rhythms and melodies that are part of music…”

Taken from the Interview with Bixiga 70, by Russ Slater “That Damn Afrobeat”

http://soundsandcolours.com/arficles/brazil/fhat-damn-afrobeaf-interview-with-bixiga-70-32924/

Ifs members are:

  • Décio 7 — battery
  • Marcelo Dworecki — bass
  • Cris Scabello — guitar
  • Mauricio Fleury — keyboard and guitar
  • Römulo Nardes — percussion
  • Gustavo Cék percussion
  • Cuca Ferreira — baritone saxophone and piccolo
  • Daniel Nogueira — tenor sax
  • Douglas Antunes — trombone
  • Daniel Gralha — trompet.

http://www.bixiga70.com.br/

https://www.facebook.com/bixiga70/

La Mambanegra (Cali , Colombia) – At Festival Tempo Latino, Vic-Fezensac – Gers, France

Sunday July 31, 23:00 h – Aux Arénes

La Mambanegra (Cali , Colombia) - At Festival Tempo Latino, Vic-Fezensac - Gers, France
La Mambanegra (Cali , Colombia) – At Festival Tempo Latino, Vic-Fezensac – Gers, France

La Mambanegra (The Black Mamba is the most venomous snake in Africa) is a powerful Latin music orchestra. Its venom is made of 70s NYC Salsa and elements of Jamaican and Colombian music, Funk and Hip Hop music.

Inspired by the story of an anonymous and mythical hero of the Barrio Obrero, a popular neighborhood of Cali, who had a series of fantastic adventures in Cali, La Habana and New York, this orchestra brings a new concept of Salsa and Latin Music to the world

  • Jacobo Velez —El Callegüeso— Saxophone
  • Voice, Musical Director
  • Julia Diaz — Voice, Chorus
  • Fabio Mifa Lukumi— Trombone
  • Sergio ‘Checho” Orobio — Voice and Güiro
  • Harold Orozco — Drums, Timbal
  • Juan Carlos Arrechea — Congas
  • Daniel Gutierrez — Keyboard
  • Roger Torres — Trumpet
  • Jorge Andres Caicedo — Bass
  • Victor Gonzalez — Keyboard
  • Brayan Parker – Baritone Saxophone
  • Jeffry Obando — Bass
  • Jefferson Arango — Congas
  • Frank Alexis — Baritone Saxophone
  • Diego Giraldo — Trumpet.

http://mambanegralatin.com/mamba/

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Festival Timitar signes & Culktures

Europe  / Morocco /
Festival Timitar signes & Culktures
Festival Timitar signes & Culktures

Agadir 13-16 Juillet 2016

Bringing the salsa genre to another level… where it must be!!

By: La Clave Spain There are constantly talks about La Salsa is dead, that there are no new values, among several other negative “statements” about genre which are discussed in the context of the collective consciousness, usually not very positive, which does not mean they are absolutly right, nothing further from reality.

It is true that, in the case of young people, they are looking for new and fun things like youth at last, and what they hear on the Salsa radios are the legends and glories from the past, who deserve all our respect obviously, but there are no promotion nor “special radio programs” on the new values who are there, despite not receiving the necessary support, so young people bow down more on those genres or pseudo-genres that offer fun and novelty they are seeking and need, not in salsa as it does not give novelty to them. This is an issue that deserves a separate article because this one is on a rather more positive path, in another direction to the above mentioned, but wants to point out these matters to see clearly what we talk about below.

Festival Timitar signes & Culktures - Photo 1
Festival Timitar signes & Culktures – Photo 1

Obviously Salsa Congresses, including Salsa Live, should in no way be underestimated because they are places where to show the energy released in a concert to an audience who already knows the genre though, few congresses have live musical performances mainly focused on dancing that, actually, is the complement of the musical genre. Nor underestimate the large settlement of latin people, in Europe for example, whose show promoters organize Salsa live concerts but only focused on the legends and glories above mentioned without providing opportunities to new artists.

Now, what it is all about is to bring this exciting musical genre to another level, a higher or more popular one, and to other public too so that then the salsero movement grows and become truly international as other musical genres because saying that La Salsa is already popular and international is not the truth. Dancing Salsa up in Tibet does not mean that, as a musical genre, it has spread there. Dancing is a complement and only “live concerts” shown what it really is winning loyal followers who go along Salsa way everywhere, not just as a short time hobbie.

Based on the above we focus our attention on an event internationally recognized as the Timitar Festival held between 13 and 16 of July 2016 in the city of Agadir-Morocco, where the Venezuelan salsero singer Jose Luis “El Gato” Moran, based in Madrid-Spain, will offer a concert supported on stage by the Salsa Spanish All Stars band.

Festival Timitar signes & Culktures - Photo 2
Festival Timitar signes & Culktures – Photo 2

International Festival Timitar www.festivaltimitar.ma is a renowned World Music Festival which is among the top 25 in the world (Songlines Magazine-UK) where Amazigh artists welcome others coming from everywhere and an affluence of public of more than 500,000 people. Four (4) magic nights to listen or to discover Amazigh (Berbers) artists and intemational ones who agree to create bridges between different worlds and turn them into one through music, showing the way to future generations.

The Timitar is primarily an event where it’s faithful public comes every year to see and live together in a spirit of celebration and opened to all music from there and elsewhere.

During thirteen (13) years the Timitar Festival has sought and found the bridges mentioned under the artistic direction of Brahim El Mazned, considered one of the most influential person in the culture of the Mahgreb, who is also the creator and director of Visa For Music www.visaformusic.com the first event and meeting place for music & art professionals from Africa and the Middle East which is held every year in mid-November.

Festival Timitar signes & Culktures - Photo 3
Festival Timitar signes & Culktures – Photo 3

A titanic effort from Brahim El Mazned whose main reward is a job well done and that, together with an extraordinary and effective team under his direction, they build those musical bridges between different worlds to finally be one, one world talking the same language through Music and Art. The permanent Timitar Festival theme is “signs and cultures” and for editing 2016 the public will get a good dose of both, including Salsa.

Agadir in Morocco is also a beautiful and modern city internationally known as a tourist destination, with a population of 1,000,000 inhabitants aprox. A city located in the southem part of Morocco owes its interest mainly for its location as it is surrounded by the Anti-Atlas, the Sahara Desert, natural parks and quality secluded beaches very easily accessible from the city. An interesting culture and a friendly city, something that truly characterizes the people from Morocco.

A true paradise that, during four days, will be full happiness and where you can enjoy performances of artists such as, to name a few, Ahidous Tighassaline & Ahawach Bani Tata (Amazigh), Laila Lamrini and Samia Ahmed (Moroccan Clasical), Ahouzar and Inouraz, tuareg sounds with Bombino, the mauritanian Maalourna or algerian Sidi Bémol, among dozens of other World Music interpreters who will meet there in mid-July 2016.

Festival Timitar signes & Culktures - Photo 4
Festival Timitar signes & Culktures – Photo 4

As a postscript, La Salsa will be at the Timitar Festival by the hand of Jose Luis “El Gato” Morån and Spanish All Stars Band. Singer born in Maracaibo-Venezuela with more than 20 years on stage having shared them with artists like Oscar D’Leon, Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz, Larry Harlow and even the late Cheo Feliciano without neglecting support to new figures like Canary Islands settled La Candela Salsa Orchestra or Calle Mora Band from Madrid, among others. Nominated to the Latin Grammy, his Salsa has been included in films awarded at intemational film festivals and he himself received an award for taking his music to “Places No Traditionally Salseros” as it has been the case of Russia, Sultanate of Oman at the Persian Gulf and more. For these reasons also was named “Ambassador of Caribbean Culture” (Latinos in London Magazine). The orchestra accompanying him on this occasion is composed by a selection from among the best Latin musicians based in Spain and even national musicians, so creative and interpretive rhythm amalgam is unique.

It is easy to understand that La Salsa is part of the World Music by the strong influence of the sounds of Africa to the Caribbean area during the despicable era of slavery and percussion, so typical of this continent, is the basis of its sound, magic and rhythm. There are still some “experts” of music that still do not recognize this unquestionable fact believing that genre is proper and exclusive of Latin America, but the reality is that the ancient musical influence above mentioned coupled with the own Caribbean indigenous and Europe influences, among others, assure La Salsa a privileged place in the wide variety of sounds from world music, no doubts.

Giant steps like these ones are necessary so that another generation of Salsa fans born and continue to grow while maintaining passion in those veterans who, for many years, have enjoyed the flavor and rhythm that Salsa gives to them. Transmit that passion to a new audience eager to learn could be, as In this case, the mission of every salsero artist who necessarily would come out of the comfort zone performing not only to the public ever since consolidated which, in fact , will provide great satisfaction to the artist himself.

Festival Timitar signes & Culktures - Photo 5
Festival Timitar signes & Culktures – Photo 5

The Timitar Festival in Agadir-Morocco and “El Gato” Moran are a clear example.

The 8th edition of the Frankie Ruiz Salsa Festival in Mayagüez honored “The Father of Salsa” across three days of live concerts

A Star-Studded Lineup in Mayagüez to Celebrate Frankie Ruiz

The eighth edition of the Frankie Ruiz Festival welcomed die-hard salseros to the “Sultana of the Caribbean,” nonplussed by the rainfall. Held at the Frankie Ruiz Shell Ampitheater, the festival paid tribute to Roberto “Bola” Rivera the bassist, bandleader, and creator of La Solución. The musical showcase kept salsa fans captivated all weekend long, defying the bad weather that tried to dampen attendance.

El Caballero de la Salsa
El Caballero de la Salsa

On Friday, July 28, the opening night kicked off with Los Guardiola, led by Josh, with Willy on vocals delivering tracks like “Ruleta,” “Cuadro roto,” “Es tiempo,” and “Al son que me tocan bailo.” The brothers’ energy set the stage ablaze for the rest of the weekend. Up next was “El Mulato Rumbero,” Michael Stuart, who brought maximum energy as he performed the biggest hits from his fruitful career. The crowd danced and sang at the top of their lungs to “Amor a primera vista,” “Sueño,” “Imaginando tu amor,” “Te amo,” “Me enamoré,” “Niña bella,” “Me siento vivo,” “Gitana,” and “Será que no me amas.” Attendees also got to enjoy the live premiere of his new single, “Ya lo sé.”

Closing out the night to great acclaim was the “orchestra of eternal youth,” Mulenze, led by bassist and director Edwin Morales, playing the fan-favorite tracks salseros have made timeless. They served up “A mí me huele,” “Te amo en silencio,” “Mi negrita,” “Toco madera,” “Yo prometo,” “Por él,” “Me dejaste en pausa,” and “Anoche aprendí.”

Orquesta Mulenze
Orquesta Mulenze

Saturday’s lineup on July 29 kicked off with Roberto Rivera’s Orquesta La Solución. The second act brought solo artist Willie González to the stage, who delivered emotional performances of “Seda,” “En la intimidad,” “Pequeñas cosas,” “No podrás escapar de mí,” “Quiero morir en tu piel,” “Doble vida,” “Paso la vida pensando,” “Hazme olvidarla,” “Amor pirata,” and “No es casualidad.” Closing out the second day was Sonora Ponceña. “The Giants of the South” brought their signature high voltage to tracks such as “Bombacarambomba,” “Sola vaya,” “Juana Bayona,” “Date cuenta,” “Canto al amor,” and “Rumba en el patio,” among others.

The crowd drew delegations from Colombia, Peru, Panama, and Ecuador, alongside local Puerto Ricans from across the island and members of the diaspora returning home to celebrate their Puerto Rican pride.

The third and final day of the 2026 edition of this salsa event organized alongside Judith Ruiz, widow of “El Tártaro de la Salsa” was presented in partnership with Mayagüez Mayor Jorge Luis Ramos Ruiz, the Salsoul team programmed by Ricardo Padilla-Núñez, and produced by Madera Events. The team elevated Puerto Rico’s salsa scene and its artists while delivering a lineup that’s hard to beat. Meanwhile, salsa continues to evolve, and the Mayagüez festival paved the way for new talent, signaling a bright future for the musical movement in which Puerto Rico has always led the charge.

El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico
El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico

Sunday opened with rising singer Wendy Luna. The second set belonged to Giro, who, after singing “El pasajero,” “Mi forma de sentir,” “El centro de mi corazón,” “Me enamoré,” “Ave María,” and “Si tú supieras,” shared the stage with an up-and-coming talent to watch. Young singer Keydriel Tirado commanded the stage during “Amor lunático”—a moment that surely took Giro back to his own beginnings with the youth group Los Chicos.

The third set showcased the enduring legacy of the late Tommy Olivencia, performed by the orchestra of timbalero and director Tommy Olivencia Jr., featuring Viti Ruiz as a special guest. The repertoire by “La Escuelita”—so nicknamed for serving as a training ground for several of our greatest soneros included “Luna lunera,” “Lo dudo,” “Pan Cuco,” “Vuelve Pan Cuco,” “Te ví,” “Aléjate de mí,” “Amargos recuerdos,” “Cómo lo hacen,” “Que se mueran de envidia,” “Primero fui yo,” and “La suplicante.”

La Sonora Ponceña
La Sonora Ponceña

The fourth slot welcomed Maelo Ruiz, who kept kids involved in the show by featuring Samuel André Ramírez Camuñas as presenter and 10-year-old up-and-coming timbalero Matías Adriel Ramírez Camuñas, who proved he is poised to be part of the next generation of salsa. The orchestra continues under the musical direction of conguero Jean Carlos Camuñas, joined by Juan Picorelli on timbales, Carmelo Álvarez on bongo, Jorge Rivera on bass, Reynaldo Burgos on piano, Víctor Ambert and Rolando Alejandro on trumpets, Lester Pérez, César Javier Ayala, and Julio Dipiní on trombones, alongside backing vocalists Jorge Yadiel, David Carrero, and Urayoán Lizardi. Maelo Ruiz kept fans singing along passionately to medleys of hits like “Ladrona de amor,” “Atrévete,” “Me niegas tanto amor,” and “Te quiero amor”; followed by “Yo soy el malo,” “A mí no me da igual,” a medley of hits made famous by Frankie Ruiz, and another medley featuring “Sé que no soy un santo,” “Por favor señora,” “La propuesta,” “Vicio,” “No te quites la ropa,” and “Si supieras.” His set wrapped with “Solo tú,” “Regálame una noche,” “Quien te enamoró,” “Llegó el amor,” and “Te va a doler,” which Maelo performed as a duet with 12-year-old Cabo Rojo native Keydriel Tirado, who proved he possesses the talent, discipline, and charisma required to build a promising career.

Maelo Ruiz
Maelo Ruiz

The municipal government of Mayagüez formally recognized the musical legacy of Roberto “Bola” Rivera, crediting him with giving Frankie Ruiz his very first professional break.

The performance by El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico featured all-time hits from “The University of Salsa,” including “Pico, pico,” “El swing,” “Aniversario,” “Las hojas blancas,” “Que me lo den en vida,” “El caballo pelotero,” “Amor brutal,” “Adela,” and “El carbonerito”—which included a special performance by Aniel Rosario honoring his late father, Papo Rosario—as well as “El matrimonio” and “Ponme el alcolado Juana.”

The festival’s grand finale was helmed by “El Caballero de la Salsa,” Gilberto Santa Rosa, and his orchestra. The setlist featured classics spanning the legendary career of one of salsa’s most prominent solo artists: “Consciencia,” “Montón de estrellas,” “Cartas sobre la mesa,” “Sin un amor,” “Lluvia” (from his era with the Willie Rosario Orchestra), “Tú,” “El camionero” (a tribute to Frankie Ruiz), “Impaciencia” (featuring a conga showcase alongside Gerardo Rivas, Gilbertito himself, and Pete Perignon), “La agarro bajando,” “Conteo regresivo,” “Amor mío no te vayas,” “Vivir sin ella,” “No quiero na’ regala’o,” and “Perdóname,” among others.

Gilberto Santa Rosa junto a Gerardo Rivas y Pete Perignon
Gilberto Santa Rosa junto a Gerardo Rivas y Pete Perignon

Carmencita DJ, the official Salsoul DJ, kept the music spinning in theme with the event, keeping Frankie Ruiz’s music playing all weekend long.

Bella Martinez Puerto Rico

Also Read: Don Perignon Y La Puertorriqueña releases his new album ‘‘Classique et Savoureux’’

The Art of Listening: A Beginner’s Guide for the Conscious Music Lover

How to Go Beyond the Surface and Discover the True Depth of Music.

Embarking on the journey of dedicated music appreciation requires stripping away passive habits and superficial routines. The first step is breaking free from the pattern of the casual listener who consumes music out of habit or social imitation.

Becoming a true music lover demands transforming accidental listening into an act of conscious, critical, and passionate exploration.

DJ Augusto Felibertt: Embarking on a journey into music appreciation requires shedding inertia and superficial habits.
DJ Augusto Felibertt: Embarking on a journey into music appreciation requires shedding inertia and superficial habits.

Context and Era: The Historical Framework of the Work

To fully grasp an album or a single track, it is essential to ground yourself in the historical and social environment in which it was conceived.

Always ask yourself: When was this recorded? What political, social, or cultural events shaped it? Which aesthetic movements defined that moment? Music never emerges in a vacuum; it is the living reflection of a specific time and place.

DJ Augusto Felibertt: The first step is to break the pattern of the passive listener who simply consumes out of inertia or imitation.
DJ Augusto Felibertt: The first step is to break the pattern of the passive listener who simply consumes out of inertia or imitation.

The Credits: The Architecture Behind the Artist

A common rookie mistake is focusing entirely on the lead vocalist, bandleader, or prominent name on the album cover.

A record production is a collective effort. Take the time to examine the liner notes in detail: identify the session musicians, producers, arrangers, sound engineers, graphic designers, record labels, and countries of release. Learning to read the credits will reveal the invisible network of talent behind that distinct sound.

Language, Jargon, and Cultural Roots

Study the genre-specific jargon and regional idioms of each era. In genres like Caribbean music or jazz, for example, diving into street slang and local vernacular is vital.

Understanding this linguistic landscape allows you to decipher the narrative context, the cultural mindset behind the compositions, and the true impact of the lyrics with greater fidelity.

How to go beyond the surface and discover the true depth of music
How to go beyond the surface and discover the true depth of music

The Creative Trinity: Lyrics, Composition, and Arrangement

Look deeper into the intellectual ownership of every piece. Research who wrote the lyrics, who composed the melody, and who crafted the arrangements. A single song can undergo a radical transformation depending on the arranger’s vision or the original composer’s sensibility. Avoid defining a track strictly by its frontperson; explore everything orbiting around it.

Key Tip: Don’t just listen. Research, contextualize, and listen again. True musical appreciation is born within this continuous exercise.

By interconnecting musicians, recordings, eras, record labels, and geographies, you will begin weaving a mental map of complex musical relationships. With practice, you will sharpen your ear and cultivate your own rigorous, passionate aesthetic judgment.

Essential Decalogue for the Initiated Music Lover

  1. Listen before judging: Take the time to process a work fully before forming quick opinions.
  2. Move beyond genre labels: Categories are often commercial tools; genuine creativity knows no boundaries.
  3. Explore the liner notes: Acknowledge the sonic architects working behind the scenes.
  4. Question what you read: Fact-check information and cross-reference official biographies, reviews, and historical accounts.
  5. Appreciate complete albums: Respect the record as the complete, conceptual journey the artist intended.
  6. Trace the roots: Investigate the primary origins and influences that shaped your favorite styles.
  7. Quality over quantity: Amassing thousands of audio files is not the same as cultivating musical culture or critical judgment.
  8. Compare versions: Analyze different interpretations, arrangements, or covers of the same composition.
  9. Expand your timeline: Seamlessly transition between historical recordings and contemporary releases.
  10. Enjoy the journey: Being a music lover is an intimate passion of constant discovery, not a competition.

  11. The tribute that DJ Augusto Felibertt pays to Eddie Palmieri
    The tribute that DJ Augusto Felibertt pays to Eddie Palmieri

Also Read: Louie Ramírez: “The Quincy Jones of Salsa” and His Progressive Talent  A Hidden Genius of the Fania All Stars

By: Dj. Augusto Felibertt

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International Salsa Magazine (ISM) is a monthly publication covering salsa activities around the world and has been publishing since 2007. It is a worldwide network of volunteers coordinated by ISM Magazine. Together, we work to strengthen salsa events around the world.