Events

Rumberos del Callejón

North America / USA

Rumberos del Callejón “Celebrando” The Salsera Culture

After 11 years of trajectory, Rumberos del Callejón return with their third record label “Celebrando” for Salseros lovers from all continents. An album that since its inception has gained great acceptance by the public knowledgeable of this Tropical genre.

Logo – Rumberos del Callejón

Rumberos del Callejón with the saxohone artist

“Celebrando” will feature several unpublished tracks that highlight the evolution of this orchestra created in Caracas – Venezuela in 2007. These singles will be interpreted mostly by guest artists of the current movement, internationally recognized for their extensive and successful musical career.

Celebrando will have a modern and emblematic sound effect, since it has the outstanding voices of: Tito Nieves, Maelo Ruiz, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Domingo Quiñonez, Sixto Yorente “El Indio”, Luis Fernando Borjas, Wilmer Lozano and with the already prestigious vocal harmonies, members of this musical group: Rodrigo Mendoza, Gonzalo Díaz, Angelito Vallenilla, Memo Arroyave and their new musical bet, the young singer, Veruzka Verdú.

Wilmer - Rumberos del Callejón — Wilmer – Rumberos del Callejón

This group that owes its name to the San Pedro alley located in the popular Catia area, west of the Venezuelan Capital managed to obtain the collaboration of these international guest artists on their album not only thanks to the current avant-garde technology, but also to the printed constancy and always present in the director Carlitos Padrón, who took up the challenge with his father Carlos Padrón (founder of the orchestra) to produce “Celebrando”, which also had the privileged pens in the composition of the songs by Rodrigo Mendoza and Angelito Vallenilla.

Veruzca Verdu - Rumberos del Callejón — Veruzca Verdu – Rumberos del Callejón

“ For me Salsa is a way of life. It’s passion and culture. Carlitos Padrón “

This album with almost 4 years of production was recorded in the main cities of the American continent: Caracas, Santo Domingo, Cuba, Miami, Orlando and mainly in the recording studio “Chongo Records” belonging to the director, founder, composer and percussionist of the band, Carlitos Padrón, in New York.

Gilberto Santa Rosa - Rumberos del Callejón — Gilberto Santa Rosa – Rumberos del Callejón

“Celebrando” has the participation of important Venezuelan arrangers of the tropical genre, such as: Alberto Crespo and Willie Melo, who along with Carlitos Padrón took care of all the sound material of the production to get to the music market with a lot of “modernism and melao”, commented Carlitos Padrón. Currently, Celebrando is in the final phase of remastering and mixing so that dancers from the 5 continents are able to enjoy this new record proposal that Rumberos del Callejón will offer them soon.

“… We have international guests of great trajectory, which are a bit difficult to get but with the Grace of God, today, I think we have an Artwork”. Carlitos Padrón

Check List - Rumberos del Callejón — Check List – Rumberos del Callejón

Recently, “Celebrando” whose name also titles the album, was the first single released by the group in November 2017 on all digital platforms and radio stations worldwide, and which last February managed to reach # 1 on the DJs chart.

The theme “Celebrando” has the participation of the Salsero Puerto Rican singer, Tito Nieves and the composition of the Venezuelan Angelito Vallenilla. The musical performance was in charge of the excellent Latin American musicians:

José Tabares (bass), Carlitos Padrón (Timbal), Alberto Crespo (piano), Marc Quiñones (conga), Bobby Allende (bongó), Manuel Maneco Ruiz (trumpets), Pablo Santaella (trombone), José Antonio Fariñas Gutiérrez (baritone), and in the choir: Rodrigo Mendoza, Leo Gruber, Wilmer Lozano and Angelito Vallenilla.

With this third record production product of the celebration of their 10th Anniversary, Rumberos del Callejón, hope to take their music to every corner on the planet and continue betting on the support and integration of new generations in salsa music.

Angelito Vallenilla - Rumberos del Callejón — Angelito Vallenilla – Rumberos del Callejón

“For me, the biggest success is to be able to say that I have in my production the biggest salsa singers of today, nationally and internationally.” Carlitos Padrón

Rumberos del Callejón’s Discography:

In order to rescue the golden age of Salsa in the 70s, 80s and 90s, the Orchestra Rumberos del Callejón was created with a total of 13 members at the beginning, currently, they are 12 members. Their great musical proposal was captured in their first record production titled “De la Nada” (2008) under the label Callejón Música. This album is composed of 11 songs, including: Aquí Se Puede, Pa ‘Lante Otra Vez, Chechere Guma by Justi Barreto, among many others.

Rumberos del Callejón - Se Acabo el Silencio — Rumberos del Callejón – Se Acabo el Silencio

After 4 years, they release their second album “Construyendo” (2012) with such emblematic songs as “Cuando te toque llorar” by Puerto Rican balladeer José Feliciano, likewise, the production of “Constuyendo” was in charge of the director, timbalero and composer, Carlitos Padrón with arrangements made by the renowned Puerto Rican producer, Ramón Sánchez.

Rumberos del Callejón - de la nada — Rumberos del Callejón – de la nada

And Finally, for the musical performance Padrón decided to gather the best musicians from the NY area: Isidro Infante (Piano), José Tabares (Bass), Pablo Santaella (Trombone), Ray Colón (Bongó), Nelsón Jaime “Gazú” (Trumpet) , Manuel Ruiz (Trumpet), Iván Renta (Saxo Baritone) and Robert Quintero (Congas).

Trumpet Artist - Rumberos del Callejón — Trumpet Artist – Rumberos del Callejón

For more information, follow them at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/rumberosdelcallejon1
Instagram: @rumberos_del_callejon
The Official Accounts on YouTube and Soundcloud: Rumberos del Callejón.

Yerba Buena Gardens Festival 2018 Begin this May in the heart of San Francisco

North America / USA / San Francisco

2018 Yerba Buena Gardens Festival (YBG Festival) proudly announces the lineup for its 18th Season.

The tradition continues to downtown in San Francisco! Hang out this new season with the first all-female mariachi ensemble, Mariachi Flor de Toloache + Mexican vocalist, composer, and guitarist Diana Gameros on Sunday, May 6 at 1:00pm, the first concert of this year’s 100 admission-free events.

The very popular series Let’s Go Salsa@Jessie also will have the best Latin artists, such as: “New Mambo Retro Salsa” group Cabanijazz Project on May 17, the nine-piece combo Bululú led by Venezuelan-born percussion master and vocalist Lali Mejia on June 21, the Bay Area’s inventive Cuban band Pellejo Seco on July 19, among many others. YGB Festival offers you entertainment FREE completely: music, theater, circus, dance, poetry & culture programs to children and entire family with artists from the Bay Area and International guests.

Named one of the Best Urban Green Spaces in North America by Local Medias, YGB Festival is a world-renowned cultural destination that offers three outdoor stages to performances for Bay Area residents, families, workers, and visitors alike. Yerba Buena Gardens Festival take place outdoors in Yerba Buena Gardens, off Mission Street between 3rdand 4th Streets, San Francisco.

Photo - Thursday lunch with various artists — Photo – Thursday lunch with various artists

YBG Festival Executive/Artistic Director Linda Lucero says, “Get inspired! Treat yourself and treat your family, friends, and co-workers to the most diverse performing arts experience in the Bay Area. Yerba Buena Gardens Festival is Free, Outdoors, and fresh!”

During these 6 months (May – October) YBG Festival includes the highly acclaimed Let’s Go Salsa@Jessie! Dance series, the family-friendly Children’s Garden Series, Poetic Tuesdays with Litquake, and Thursday Lunchtime Concerts.

Pistahan Children at the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival

Each and every week and weekend, the Festival presents a curated lineup of musicians, dancers, poets, and artists from around the world including the Moroccan trance music of Innov Gnawa with Book of J on May 12, northwestern Indian dance with Garba in the Gardens on May 19, the 2nd Annual Yerba Buena Gardens ChoreoFest on June 2 and 3, the most celebrated gamelan ensemble outside of Bali, Gamelan Sekar Jaya.

On June 9, powerhouse Afro-Venezeulan vocalist Betsayda Machado y La Parranda El Clavo with VNote Ensemble on June 16, three performances from Festival favorites Circus Bella on June 22 and 23, the all-women klezmer group direct from New York City Isle of Klezbos with San Francisco’s Fanfare Zambaleta on July 7, Ukulenny and Cynthia Lin’s SF Uke Jam Summer Uke-Splosion!

On July 14, Cuban saxophonist Yosvany Terry Sextet on July 28, the 40th Anniversary performance of the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band on July 29, one of Vietnam’s most celebrated traditional artists Vân Ánh Võ & The VA’V on August 25, Manila Disco Fever on September 1, and the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival commissioned piece from Marcus Shelby Orchestra – Blackball: The Negro League and the Blues on September 8. The Festival closes with the 18th Annual Halloween Hoopla on Sunday, October 28.

The Yerba Buena Gardens Festival Social (YBG Festival)

The popular series Let’s Go Salsa@Jessie!, the open-air salsa dance party in Jessie Square (near the Contemporary Jewish Museum), takes place on the third Thursday of each month from May to September from 6:00pm – 7:30pm.

Performers are the ‘New Mambo Retro Salsa’ group Cabanijazz Project on May 17, the nine-piece combo Bululú led byVenezuelan-born percussion master and vocalist Lali Mejia on June 21, the Bay Area’s inventive Cuban band Pellejo Seco on July 19, the U.S. State Department-sponsored Latin Jazz Ambassadors and the Mission’s own Annette A. Aguilar & StringBeans on August 16, and Los Mocosos vocalist and master salsero Manny Martinez y la Rebeldia on September 20.

This Festival brings the delightful Children’s Garden Series features interactive performances specially designed for kids and families every Friday from June to August in the Yerba Buena Children’s Garden at Fourth and Howard Streets.

The series presents performances by kid favorites: the 2018 Grammy-nominated Alphabet Rockers, Non Stop Bhangra,Māhealani Uchiyama, Parangal Dance Company, Circus Bella, Unique Derique, Caterpillar Puppets, Chelle! & Friends, Pi Clowns, Red Panda Acrobats, Venezuelan Music Project, Crosspulse, and Ka-Hon. The series ends with the wildly popular 18th Annual Halloween Hoopla on Sunday, October 28.

Yerba Buena Gardens Festival San Francisco

Between these 100 free performances in YBG Festival are Thursday Lunchtime Concert Series that take place most Thursdays from 12:30pm to 1:30pm and is a favorite destination of downtown workers, shoppers, tourists, and students.

This year features the very best of local and international musicians including New World String Project on May 10, Community Music Center Older Adult Choirs on May 17, Dogon Lights on May 24, Kitty Pak on May 31, Latin Jazz Youth Ensemble of San Francisco on June 7, the Swedish Consulate’s Jenny Lind Concert on June 21, Dalia & the Big Violin on June 28, Manring Kassin Burr on July 5, Maikaze Daiko on July 12, Solate on July 19, Sol Development with Mino Yanci on August 2,

LINES Dance Center on August 9, Highest Ani on August 16, Faun Fables on August 23, La Patronal on August 30, John Brothers Piano Company on September 6, Daniel Riera: Future Flutist with Electric Ensemble on October 4, and Rice Kings on October 11.

This amazing event also celebrates annually: the 21st Native Contemporary Arts Festival on June 17, the 18th Annual AfroSolo in the Gardens featuring a Tribute to Duke Ellington featuring Denise Perrier and Nina Causley with David Hardiman’s San Francisco All-Star Big Band on August 4, the 25th Annual Pistahan on August 11 and 12, and Brazil in the Gardens: Pragandaia with special guest Margareth Menezes on August 18.

Poetic Tuesdays on the second Tuesday of each month with Guest curated by Litquake, Poetic Tuesdays run from 12:30pm-1:30pm and feature an array of poets and music as well as three performances of a new one-ring circus from Circus Bella on June 22 and 23. Conceived and directed by Abigail Munn and Joel Baker for Circus Bella, the show includes static trapeze, rope walking, juggling, contortion, unicycle, original clowning, acrobatics, and more.

Let’s Go Salsa Series’ Schedule (Every Third Thursday of month from 6:00pm to 7:30pm):

May 17: Cabanijazz Project
June 21: Bululú
July 19: Pellejo Seco
August 16: Annette A. Aguilar & StringBeans
September 20: Manny Martinez y la Rebeldia

Venue: 760 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94103.

For more information and complete 18th Season Schedule, please visit www.ybgfestival.org

Cultural impact of Edwin “El Calvito” Reyes and his management of the “salsa nueva”

On November 9, 2024, the second edition of the International Bailable in Honor of Our Heroes was held in Orlando, FL. The first edition of what is already shaping up to be an annual activity was held in November 2023. This unprecedented initiative is the brainchild of U.S.-based Puerto Rican salsa artist Edwin “El Calvito” Reyes. During both editions of the bailable, personalities within the music scene have been recognized for being pillars in the production, promotion and dissemination of the salsa sound.

The night before the bailable, a press conference was held in Kissimmee, FL. Afterwards, the five salsa generals of the year 2024 were named: Carmen Aguilar, Bella Martínez, Migdalia Sánchez, Herman Olivera and Richard Román. The ceremony was framed by the protocol and discipline characteristic of the civilian and military decorations that exalt with seriousness the personnel who fulfill the mission entrusted to them. In the first collation of salsa generals, invested in the 2023 ceremony, the work of the following was recognized: Chamaco Rivera, Eduardo Robles, Joey Hernandez, Luis Gonzalez and Richie Sanchez.

“The idea arose from the need to recognize the sacrifice of our heroes,” said ‘El Calvito’, adding: ‘I wanted to create a space where veterans could feel valued and celebrate with their loved ones’.

Since its first edition, the bailable and the activities surrounding it seek to acknowledge the commendable work and dedication of veterans, active duty military and other heroes of the community whose mission is to maintain the integrity and security of our nation, our communities and our families.

The bailable featured a good balance of established and emerging artists. Attendees enjoyed performances by Chamaco Rivera, Edwin “El Calvito” Reyes, Izis “La Enfermera de la Salsa”, Ivan Cacu and Christian Ray. Fernandito Rentas, Jai Ramos, José Cheo Torres, Harold Montañez and Wiki González were the evening’s special guests. Last year, the artists who also celebrated with “El Calvito” the 5th anniversary of his so-called salsa nueva were: Melina Almodovar, Kharim Santos, David Atanacio, Christian Ray, Fabian Rosales and the ensemble Reunidos por la salsa.

El Calvito Reyes e Izis La enfermera de la salsa

The production of Con Clase Media Group and La Feria Salsera, with the collaboration of Taíno Shirts and Latinos in uniform was at the level of any concert of international stature. Thus, “El Calvito” has materialized an unprecedented idea, achieving the recognition of the sacrifice of the heroes of the nation, in the key of salsa. For the second consecutive year, the novel initiative brought together a large number of veterans, family members and members of the community, who are also followers of salsa. This staging, at the initiative of “El Calvito” promotes respect and gratitude to those who have served the nation from different trenches.

Having been more than pleased, we have reserved in our agenda the weekend of November 7-9, 2025, to go to Orlando, FL to celebrate the third “wikén de sabrosura para nuestros héroes”. Once again, the team led by Reyes will aim to pay tribute to U.S. military veterans, as well as police officers, firefighters and first responders who have dedicated their lives to protecting and serving the nation. November 8 already promises to be a night full of music, dancing and recognition.

Images: Jefferson López

Also Read: Sessions from La Loma brings together salsa fans from all over the world in Puerto Rico

Betty Zapata ¨The Lady of Salsa¨

Latin America / Venezuela / Caracas

In Venezuela, Caracas, the neighborhood is a way of life with its own identity. The neighborhoods of the entire National Territory, its inhabitants, become outstanding characters. Such is the case of Betty Zapata who was born in the emblematic La Pastora Parish located in the Capital (Caracas). There he spends his childhood in a neighborhood of colonial and historical houses of Venezuela.

There are many memories of that legendary Zone, they are inevitably built by those associated with survival, preparation, development, work, love, struggle and family formation, its magic and what marked it for life… . “Music”.

My connection with music is due in part to the fact that I live in a popular area where the music that was heard was Afro-Caribbean (mostly Salsa), the parties or meetings in my house and the neighborhood were always enlivened by that type of music, the most rooted and sticky collectively, originating the most varied dancers.

In the Carnestolendas festivities, improvised platforms (Templetes) were installed to stage the most varied costume and dance contests. Leaving my childhood and beginning my adolescent stage, I participated in dance competitions, obtaining recognition and prizes that were awarded to the young people of my generation.

I attended festive celebrations (dance meetings) with my older sisters at the age of 12, not because I was a dancer, but to not leave me alone, since I was the youngest of 3 sisters, this allowed me to share with people older than me and which I was learning the different dance styles “remembering with great affection the Cayender family, made up of excellent dancers” they are part of my school and love for dance. My cadence, flavor and body movement also allowed me to learn until I had my own dance style.

The music of the moment was the Danzones, Billo’s, Melodicos and in my house my sisters listened in the 70’s to Joe Cuba, Ricardo Rey and Bobby Cruz, Eddie Palmieri, the Latin Dimension prevails, Grupo Mango, Salsa Mayor, La Banda and his Young Sauce. That stuck with me forever and I felt drawn to Salsa.

That gave me the basis to fully incorporate myself into the exciting world of music. In the Barrio salsa is something essential, if you don’t dance it, enjoy it, feel it, you’re nothing.

Attending a meeting, an event, a concert, a presentation, a party or a meeting and there is no salsa, you feel an emptiness since with it we enjoy, we share, we dance and it definitely puts us to enjoy.

Photo - Betty Zapata ¨The Lady of Salsa¨ — Photo – Betty Zapata ¨The Lady of Salsa¨

In the course of my 6 decades of existence, I have not ceased to be linked to it in different facets: as an audience, spectator, guest, contestant, jury, organizer, producer and director of events.

Each of these participations has allowed me to stand out, stand out and be a well-known, popular and loved person, a reference in the organization of a good party, night events, presentations of representative groups of the world of Salsa such as:

Ray de La Paz, Herman Olivera, Frankie Vásquez, Bobbie Valentin, Willie Rosario, Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Sonora Ponceña, La Selecta, Mulenze, Carlos Cano Estremera, Julio López, Yolandita Rivera, Mambo Legends among others, and for those from the Patio: Bailatino, Rumberos del Callejón , Ensamble La Calle, Albondiga y su Pandilla, Repicao, Tributo, On Fire, La áquina de la Salsa, La Negramenta, Gerardo Rosales, Javier Plaza’s Son Risa Orchestra among others.

This has allowed me to be an obligatory reference when it comes to producing and making an event of great importance and musical quality where the Dancing Public is respected and appreciated, providing them with the comforts to enjoy an excellent show and Latin music is seen as an element of identity that belongs to all of us to live it and feel it.

I am (Betty Zapata) currently planning and developing projects in the short, medium and long term and to give you a heads-up I am giving you the scoop: I am here with my radio program to promote, support, disseminate and promote our exciting and magical world of Caribbean music.

The Guaqueros took the CCCT in the Musical Explosion

Latin America / Venezuela / Caracas

Musical Explosion CCCT

Invershow is known for being a leading company in the organization and production of events, offering the most advanced technology, innovation, qualified personnel committed to meeting the highest standards of quality and safety for its realization; as happened last month (March) in the Musical Explosion held at the CCCT shopping center in Caracas, Venezuela and lasted 3 days (Friday, Saturday and Sunday).

On the Friday before enjoying the concert, the attendees dedicated themselves to tasting in the kiosks set up for this activity since it began in the afternoon with other musical groups, the audience present was more contemporary due to the musical genre (pop-rock), which was presented at 8 pm Zengarden in honor of U2, being a complete success you could appreciate not only the songs and music they played, but also the quality of the sound, the lighting.

Aloflamenko, Poker y Guaco in Musical Explosion CCCT

La Mama de las Rumbas - Musical Explosion CCCT — La Mama de las Rumbas – Musical Explosion CCCT

Word spread among the people of Caracas who passed near the CCCT, encouraging them to come closer and at the same time, spreading the word to go on Saturday, since other groups are presenting, among them:

Aloflamenco, Póker and finally Guaco; and indeed, on Saturday March 3, the CCCT was filled to be able to listen to the good music of the DJ, dance, participate in raffles on stage, and the most awaited musical group by the Venezuelans Guaco arrived, everyone left their seats to be in front row to see, hear and sing their songs with them, at the end of the event, people were very excited, there was even a couple who gave a surprise taking advantage of the moment to officially get engaged.

Musical Explosion CCCT - Photo — Musical Explosion CCCT – Photo

Musical Explosion CCCT - Photo 2 — Musical Explosion CCCT – Photo 2

Musical Explosion CCCT - Photo 4 — Musical Explosion CCCT – Photo 4

One of the things that drove the participants crazy was the interaction of the musical group with the public singing their songs together, and as Venezuelans we feel proud of our artists.

Photo 3 Poker - Musical Explosion CCCT — Photo 3 Poker – Musical Explosion CCCT

On Sunday they played Criollo House, Trabuco Contrapunto and closing the event “The Perfect Melody” being a great musical explosion for all its spectators; definitely the name of the event was in keeping with the moments lived by all those who accompanied them these 3 days, a total success, meeting the expectations of the artists and spectators. We thank INVERSHOW for allowing us to participate, promote and enjoy the event, we are sure that your next events or concerts will be sensational like this one.

On May 4 in honor of mothers, so you know if you want to enjoy a great event, buy your tickets for “La Mama de las Rumbas” at http://www.mitickera.com/Evento/La-Mam% C3%A1-de-las-Rumbas.

For more information contact them through:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/INVERSHOW-197857140255607/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/invershow

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDTz2TAz4Nqoqye_RWzv0ew

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E-mails: [email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected]

Phones: +58 212-2835842