March

Kirk Douglas

North America / United Stated / New York

Kirk Douglas “My greatest achievement un my long career was to help end the blacklist at the movies”

At the age of 103, Isuur Danielovitch Demsky, on February 5th, 2020 passed away. He was better known as Kirk Douglas. At the Sarah Lawrence College in Canton, new York. He discovered acting. He was rejected from the fraternities for being Jewish. However, eventually, Douglas became the president of the Student Council, the first time a Jew help that position. In his career he made over 90 film. He brought a certain air of powerful rebellion in his characters and left a legacy. A part of that legacy is the recognition for his humanitarian sense and “commitment to justice”

Douglas said that his greatest achievement was in helping to end McCarthyism. People from the industry were persecuted for their alleged communist affiliation. Artistic creativity was being censured. Douglas had hired screenwriter Dalton Trumbo to do the screenplay for Spartacus.

Trumbo was one of the highest paid screenwriters of this time, accredited with works like Oscar winning The Brave One, Exodus, Spartacus and Roman holiday and many other famous works. In 1950 Dalton spent 11 months in prison as one out he Hollywood 10. The Junior senator from Wisconsin Joseph McCarthy wanted to make a name for himself, along with attorney Roy Cohn, senator (later president) Richard Nixon, and Hollywood gossip columnist Hedda Hopper. The committee assured that Blacklisted individuals wound’s work for years to come. Hedda Hopper organized a picket line at the opening of the film, urging her 35 million reader toy boycott the movies Spartacus.

Spartacus - film

Otto Preminger was the first to fight back against Joseph McCarthy and his witch-hunt, recognizing the work of Trumbo for Exodus. In 1955 Kirk Douglas had established his own production company. If Spartacus was boycotted, it would cause financial chaos for Douglas, and after being placed in the backlist, no one would work with him and Hollywood would ostracize him.

It took a great deal of courage for Mr. Kirk Douglas to stand up for his beliefs and fight to abolish blacklist and all that it meant. He joined the ranks with Otto Preminger. One of the first persons to cross Hedda Hopper’s picket line and give his support to Kirk Douglas was president elect John F. Kennedy.

Undoubtedly, the death of Kirk Douglas server for us to reflect on our role in society, and how we can contribute for our spaces, whether from art, film or music: and in different directions, beyond religion or politic. That sense of justice in the real legacy of Kirk Douglas. Some articles mention tha his already successful son Michael Douglas, how is married to actress Catherine Zeta Jones was left out o the will. Mr kirk Douglas left a vast part of his fortune to charity, His successful son Michael Douglas already is reputed to have a fortune in excess of $ 300,000,000 dollars.

Salsa: From New York to the world!

North America – United States – New York

Last February we actively participated in different activities in New York, promoted by different instances and always supported from the Spanish Harlem Salsa Gallery Museum and The Johnny Cruz Show.

Johnny Cruz: We were part of the Somos Puerto Rico event, together with more than 25 artists and with the collaboration of La Boom, which allowed thousands of people to work for our island: Puerto Rico. There was a lot of music, and we were accompanied by artists such as Jova Rodríguez, Arlene, Roberto Vásquez, Anissa Gatners, Fernando Berniero, Alex Bautista, Jen Carrasco and Kevin Tapia, among others.

We also had typical food for sale and many initiatives aimed at saving so many lives in need. From this event we want to continue bringing families to the United States and they can be calm until they stop shaking in the south west of Puerto Rico. You are not alone!

In addition, we are working hard on a documentary about Frank Ferrer, always thinking of immortalizing figures that have consolidated Salsa in the world as a Latin genre of world projection.

Salsa, as you know, is a typically New York musical genre, the result of the influence of great Latin jazz musicians, and the existence of a youth of Latin origin born, or resident in New York, in slums where Salsa is the best expression, spiced up by the exile produced by the Cuban Revolution and the awareness of American racial minorities.

In 1964, Johnny Pacheco, a flutist of Dominican origin, and Jerry Masucci, a young businessman, founded the Fania label, which gave the old Latin labels, a more modern sense of Caribbean music. Musicians and singers of the previous generation were reinvented, but others were incorporated as a young Willie Colon, the Palmieri brothers, Eddy and Charlie; Papo Luca, Ray Barreto, Larry Harlow. And, there were also singers who put their voice to Salsa to tell stories of the street, daily or reflexive, that were the mirror of the life of the neighborhoods: Cheo Feliciano, Adalberto de Santiago, Andy Montáñez, the Ismaeles -Miranda and Ribera-, Justo Betancourt, Héctor Lavoe or Rubén Blades.

Johnny Cruz Salsa: From New York to the world!

The influence of the Cuban revolution had led composers and salsa musicians to become aware that it was necessary to compose songs that talked about what was happening in the streets from a critical perspective, giving way to a new salsa and foot reality for characters as Frank Ferrer started from folklore and protest to arrive at salsa mixing both concepts in an exemplary album: Yerbabuena. All this and much more can be enjoyed very soon.

For this month of March, Puerto Rico will organize the 1st World Salsa Collectors Meeting and of course we will be there representing New York with the Salsa Museum (SPAHA Salsa Gallery Museum). From March 7th, at least 15 organizations of this type of collector from seven countries will exhibit their collections of the Caribbean genre.

The collectors meeting will take place at the Sheraton Hotel, in Miramar, under the theme “La Salsa se baila así” and will be free admission. It will be attended by collectors from Puerto Rico, Colombia, Panama, Peru, Ecuador, Mexico and several cities in the United States.

That day will be the official release in LP format of the album “Mario Ortiz, 55 Aniversario”, nominated for the last edition of the Latin Grammys.

The event includes memorabilia exhibitors of legendary salsa artists such as Willie Rosario, Bobby Valentín, Roberto Roena o la Sonora Ponceña, as well as the Museo de la Salsa de Puerto Rico or the Fundación Nacional para la Cultura Popular.

Pieces from the Jairo Varela Museum, renowned deceased Colombian musician, whose orchestra Grupo Niche is still active and triumphing around the world will be presented. The writer Daniel Nina, will give a lecture about Salsa, and Puerto Rican dancer Tito Ortos will talk about the history of salsa dancing. We can enjoy live music with the group Cubaneo 54, and a great closing with the several times awarded Big Band of the Free School of Music of San Juan, directed by Professor Manuel García. See you there!

As always, remember that Spanish Harlem Salsa Gallery is in 1708 Lexington ave New York N.Y. 10029. Open free to the public all Thursdays & Fridays from 4 to 7 pm and Saturdays from 1 to 8 pm. Check the updates in our website: spahasalsagallery.com.

Johnny Cruz - Spaha Salsa Gallery — Johnny Cruz – Spaha Salsa Gallery

Also, The Johnny Cruz Show, the #1 Salsa Show on television on all 5 Boroughs of New York on CH67. Saturdays from 3:30 to 4:30 pm.

Contact: Johnny Cruz. 917-747-8505. [email protected].

By Johnny Cruz Correspondent, New York City, New York

Johnny Pacheco, presents “Orquesta Primera Clase” from Maracay-Venezuela

The title of this album speaks for itself; the hand of the transcendental Dominican musician is introduced in this album.

El Zorro de Plata Pacheco appears as executive producer of the album, although we do not discard that he also participated in part of the musical production, due to the way the orchestra was structured and the style in which the arrangements were given; it is something that we can hardly notice when listening to the album, it is evident the great similarity to “Pacheco y su Tumbao”; four excellent trumpets with sonorous arrangements.

Johnny Pacheco, presents "Orquesta Primera Clase" of Maracay-Venezuela — Johnny Pacheco, presents “Orquesta Primera Clase” of Maracay-Venezuela

The predominance of Teo Hernandez (R.I.P)’s vocal style and register in the nasal coros, fits perfectly with the “Tumbao Añejo” that we have always been accustomed to from maestro Johnny Pacheco (R.I.P).

Although the album was backed by the Fania label and is loaded with a cheerful and swinging flavor, we think that it went somewhat unnoticed by the music-loving public.

The reasons could be several, we must remember that in those times in the 80’s the merengue rhythm was beginning to penetrate with a lot of strength.

Johnny Pacheco, presenta la Orquesta Primera Clase

Although we could also add the little interest that the public of the capital (Caracas) had for the groups of the regions or interior of the country, and although it seems ironic to say it.
Another possible reason could be linked to the inclusion of only unpublished songs (it is well known that in those times, they supported copies more than creativity); these are only conjectures of this server, however, they do not escape the reality of that time.

As for the musical themes, we have already pointed out that all of them are original and very well compensated with their arrangement; In particular there are two songs that I like very much, one of them is “Negro Nací”, written and sung by Orlando Sanoja, is a very happy song dedicated to our black race of the danceable in his music, “Si negro nací nací nací, blanco no puedo ser”, The other song of my predilection is “El Sabio”, composition and lyrics by Jorge Compres and vocalized by Teo Hernández, with great diction, good phrasing and those tasty choruses that accompany him.

It is worth mentioning that the excellent La Orquesta Primera Clase is still in force with a musical staff of the new generation maintaining its original sound with its lead vocalist Orlando Sanoja.

It is another good Venezuelan album that you should have in your personal CD library.
Johnny Pacheco presents “La Orquesta Primera Clase” (1982) Fania LPS-66506

SIDE A

1.- NEGRO NACÍ (Orlado Sanoja) Sings: Orlando Sanoja/ Arrangements: Nicomedes López
2.- ME SIENTO MUY FELIZ (Al mMaro Ríos) Sings: Orlando Sanoja/Arrangements: Bolívar Javier
EL ANIMAL (Jorge Compres) Sings: Teo Hernández/Arrangements: Jorge Compres
4.- TODO TIENE SU FINAL (Bolívar Javier) Sings: Teo Hernández/Arrangements: Bolívar Javier
5.- LLEVAME CONTIGO (Almaro Ríos) Sings: Teo Hernández/Arrangements: Bolívar Javier

SIDE B

1.- EL SABIO (Jorge Compres) Sings: Teo Hernández/Arrangements: Jorge Compres
2.- A MARACAY (Orlando Sanoja) Sings: Orlando Sanoja/Arrangements: Jorge Compres
3.- EXTRANJERA (Phorto Jacquez) Sings: Teo Hernández/Arrangements: Jorge Compres
4.- VIVA MI GUAGUANCO (Jorge Compres) Sings: Teo Hernández/Arrangements: Gilberto Riera
AY QUE HUMANIDAD (Orlando Sanoja) Sings: Orlando Sanoja/Arrangements: Jorge Compres

Personnel:

Pastor Rodríguez (1st Trumpet)
Henry Kamba (2nd Trumpet)
Gustavo Nieves (3rd Trumpet)
William Fermín (4th Trumpet)
Armin Kail (Piano)
Carlos Fagúndez (Bass)
Harold Josef (Congas)
Edgar Aponte (Timbal)
Félix Benítez (Bongo)
Teo Hernández/Orlando Sanoja (Singers)
Bolívar Javier/ Nicomedes López/ Jorge Compres/ Gilberto Riera (Arrangements)
Teo Hernández/Orlando Sanoja/Edgar Aponte (Chorus)
Johnny Pacheco (Executive Producer)
Carlos Guerrero (Recording Technician)
Luis Arismendi (General Recording Supervision)
Recorded at Fidelis Studios
Alejandro Pérez (Art and Design)

How Jacira Castro and Salsa Power changed the Latin music scene

How did Salsa Power start?

Latin culture, specifically the musical part, has had a large group of unconditional allies who have promoted it worldwide through their work and platforms, being Chilean-American Jacira Castro one of the best known. Jacira is a salsa casino-style salsa teacher and web designer who had the dream of spreading the typical rhythms of our countries, but she did not figure out how until she came up with a revolutionary idea: Salsa Power.

Salsa Power was born in 1999 as part of an initiative created by Castro and graphic designer Julian Mejia, who practically became her partner until the moment when the page stopped working. From that year on that the dance instructor began to generate contacts and develop human networks with people inside and outside the world of music, especially from the salsa genre. A particularity of this system devised by Jacira was that it was fed by the information received from people from anyqhere in the world about everything related to concerts, festivals, press conferences, autograph signings and much more.

Jacira Castro - Salsa Power — Dance instructor and web designer Jacira Castro – Salsa Power

How did this project work?

Thanks to the technology that was advancing little by little in all this time, there were many more contact ways and social media came along to facilitate these activities. The website grew to such an extent that it came to have more than 300 correspondents in over 60 countries, many of whom did not even have professions or occupations related to music, but wanted to strive to make the initiative successful and Latin artists and orchestras have a dependable space to promote their work.

Contrary to what many readers may have thought, everyone involved in this project never received a single cent or publicity in return for all the work being done. In fact, it was Jacira herself who had to pay for all the expenses related to Salsa Power such as plane tickets, travel, lodging, food, wardrobe, among other things. Not to mention the website maintenance and other hosting costs for the domain to work properly.

Fortunately, all that effort and money were worth it because Salsa Power rose to become the largest salsa website on the internet and a true reference for any independent media planning to do anything remotely like that. Much of the fruits harvested by this beautiful project can still be found on the internet and consist of articles, interviews, event coverage, videos and many other things.

The name Salsa Power was so respected that you could not talk about the Latin salsa scene in the United States without mentioning it, especially in South Florida, a place where competition for the first places was at its higuest. This competition was not only between artists and musical groups, but also between media, associations and academies, triggering some inconvenience and regrettable situations like the one experienced by Jacira and Julián a few years ago.

Jacira paid for all the expenses related to Salsa Power

Controversies

Jacira has had run-ins with some important personalities of the Latin music community in Florida because of her political positions, which went against the current of a large number of Latin artists and dancers at that time, especially those who are part of the Cuban exile. Her attitudes towards the political situation in Cuba have been highly controversial, mainly those related to the U.S. economic embargo on the Caribbean country and the limitations on free cultural exchange between both nations. Both Castro and other leaders of the entertainment industry were opposed to the decades-old blockade, which has been maintained until today.

This caused the dance teacher to make some enemies in the Miami music scene, which led to the hacking of Salsa Power with the caption ”This is a communist website” in big red letters along with a message whose author calls Jacira ”communist” and ”pro-Fidel Castro”. Obviously, she got worried and immediately called Julian to bring down the page.

As they began to diagnose the issue and its possible causes, they concluded that those responsible were part of an association composed of a dozen dance schools in Miami and its sorroundings called Salsa United. Around the same time, this organization had just created its own website, which published content very similar to that of Salsa Power, so much so that its principal spokesperson Jolexy Hurtado and Jacira came to have some arguments and run-ins due to how much alike the interviews were in both websites. The conflict reached at such a level that Jacira states that Hurtado told her she was messing with the wrong guy.

Undoubtedly, this whole situation was a big headache for the web designer, but has never let any of this daunt her or make her feel inadequate. On the contrary, she has grown before adversities and has faced them with the gallantry that has always characterized her, since she knows what her work is worth in terms of quality and globality.

However, there comes a point when the effort and time invested are not enough, so it is time to be realistic and assume that everything has its end, as the great Héctor Lavoe would say.

Jacira and Larry — Jacira Castro with producer, composer, and pianist Larry Harlow

Farewell to Salsa Power and Jacira’s current life

After 22 years of operation of the Salsa Power project, many of the correspondents who provided information for the page got married, had children, studied, moved and pursued other professional opportunities that did not allow them to continue their work. For the same reason, Jacira had no choice but to terminate the project that was her life for more than two decades and publish a farewell message thanking all her readers for their support over the years and assuring that she will continue to travel and enjoy salsa and dance.

In spite of abandoning her duties as administrator of Salsa Power, the great impact of the Chilean-American’s work on those who have come to know her and collaborate with her cannot be denied. On her LinkedIn profile, there plenty of favorable reviews about her professionalism and commitment in every activity she makes.

From International Salsa Magazine, we wish her the greatest success in every project she undertakes and that she enjoys all the stages that are to come.

XXXIX National Zalsa Day March 19, 2023 Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan Puerto Rico

Celebrates 150 years of history with a posthumous tribute to Tito Puente, Típica 73 and Ismael Miranda

National Zalsa Day 2023

This year the privilege of conducting the Super Orchestra of the National Zalsa Day 2023 is for Maestro Isidro Infante, March 19 at the Hiram Bithorn Park in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

For many years the most important salsa event in Puerto Rico and internationally. Thanks to Z-93 and the entire SBS family. Mr. Alarcón, Víctor Roque, El Cacique and all the executives involved in such an important event.

We will also have Buho Loco and El Hachero, among others.

Celebra 150 años de historia con un póstumo homenaje a Tito Puente y Típica 73 e Ismael Miranda

The radio station Zeta93FM and its sister company, LaMusica.com, announce the thirty-ninth edition of the National Zalsa Day; an award-winning concert, which, on this occasion, will pay a special tribute to the 50th anniversary of one of the most recognized orchestras in the world, La Típica 73.

Known as the pioneers in performing the famous “Descargas musicales”, Adalberto Santiago, José Alberto “El Canario”, Tito Allen and Johnny “Dandy” Rodríguez, have already confirmed their participation and we are proud that the members of this legendary band, which left such a deep mark on the salsa genre, have decided to join us in this celebration.

XXXIX Día Nacional de la Zalsa 19 de Marzo 2023 Estadio Hiram Bithorn en San Juan Puerto Rico

On April 20, 2023, the 100th anniversary of the birth of legendary timbalero Tito Puente, his son.

Tito Puente Jr., along with great guest artists such as Orestes Vilato, Nicky Marrero, Endel Dueño, Frankie Figueroa, Frankie Morales, John “Dandy” Rodríguez and José Madera celebrarán playing on stage the greatest hits of the “King of Latin Music”, among which are: “Oye como va”, “Ran Kan Kan” and “Para los Rumberos”.

“Puente’s legacy of more than 50 years, known as ‘The King of the Timbal’, ‘The composer and musician of the eternal smile’ and ‘The godfather of Latin jazz and salsa’, will be exalted in front of more than 20,000 people at DNZ2023 and we are sure that all salseros will enjoy this presentation,” said announcer Marcos Rodríguez “El Cacique”.

In April 2000, the third Sunday of March was instituted as National Zalsa Day under Law #100 of the Senate of Puerto Rico.

History

National Zalsa Day was created in 1984 by Pedro Arroyo, Programming Director of Z-93, who always wanted to celebrate an event that would recognize the talent of popular salsa music, its composers and performers, to present it to the great public who love this tropical genre.

Since its first year, the great event took hold of an audience eager to enjoy this music live.

The support was total and it immediately positioned itself as the annual concert of the people of Puerto Rico and visitors from other countries.

From its beginnings, National Zalsa Day was dedicated to a figure of this genre, as a recognition of his talent and rootedness in the public.

1984 – Dedicated in life to Sonero Mayor, Ismael Rivera

1985 – Rafael Ithier of the Gran Combo de Puerto Rico

1986 – Tito Puente and Santitos Colón

1987 – Héctor Lavoe

1988 – Andy Montañez and Gilberto Santa Rosa

1989 – Celia Cruz and Sonora Ponceña

1990 – Willie Colón and Tite Curet Alonso

1991 – Bobby Valentín, Oscar D’León and composer Gloria González.

1992 – To the Best 5 trumpets of Puerto Rico: Elías Lopés, Charlie Sepúlveda, Juancito Torres, Mario Ortiz and Luis “Perico” Ortiz.

1993 – Celebration of the Tenth Anniversary of National Zalsa Day, dedicated to the Salsa People

1994 – Ray Barreto and Adalberto Santiago

1995 – “Duels at sunset”.

1996 – Dedicated to the reunions: Conjunto Clásico, Tito Nieves, Luis “Perico” Ortiz and Rafael De Jesús, El Gran Combo; Andy Montañez and

Roberto Rohena; Sonora Ponceña with Luigi Texidor and Yolanda Rivera.

1997 – To the salsa people

1998 – Jerry Masucci

1999 – Cheo Feliciano

2000 – Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz

2001 – Eddie Palmieri

2002 – Ruben Blades

2003 – Johnny Pacheco and Roberto Rohena

2004 – Quique Lucca, Papo Lucca and Willie Rosario

2005 – Tommy Olivencia and Roberto Angleró

2006 – Los Hermanos Lebrón and posthumous tribute to Charlie Palmieri, Tito Rodríguez and Ray Barretto

2007 – Ismael Miranda, Ramón Rodríguez, Raphy Leavitt and Sammy Marrero

2008 – Larry Harlow and Manny Oquendo

2009 – Celebration of the release of Tite Curet Alonso’s work on Puerto Rican radio. Dedicated to Louis Garcia.

2010 – Johnny Ortiz. Special recognition to Héctor Maisonave and Ángel Luis Córdova García “Paleco”.

2011 – Elvin Torres of Costa Brava, Luisito Ayala of Puerto Rican Power, Paquito Guzmán, Tito Allen and Luigi Texidor.

2012 – Posthumous tribute to Frankie Ruiz. Dedicated to Orquesta Zodiac and La Corporación Latina.

2013 – Posthumous tribute to Pedro Arroyo, former director of Z-93. Special recognition to Edwin Morales of La Mulenze, Pedro Brul, Pedro Conga of Orquesta Internacional and Cano Estremera.

2014 – El Gran Combo, Joe Rodríguez of La Terrífica, Justo Betancourt and Meñique.

2015 – Gilberto Santa Rosa receives the first National Zalsa Day Star Award. Dedicated to Sammy “Rolo” González, Mickey Cora, Nacho Sanabria.

2016 – Eddie Palmieri receives the second National Zalsa Day Star Award. Dedicated to Lalo Rodríguez and Tito Rojas.

2017 – Zeta 93 announced on the program of its director Néstor Galán, el Buho Loco, that the artists participating in the 34th edition of National Salsa Day are el Gran Combo, José Alberto el Canario, Andy Montañez, la India, Don Perignón y la Puertorriqueña, Grupo Niche, Víctor Manuelle, Luisito Carrión, Guillo Rivera, Camilo Azuquita, Raúl Marrero, Carlos D’ Castro, Juan Pablo Díaz, Orquesta DNZ2017 and Orquesta Canario.

2018 – Dedicated To The People Of Puerto Rico!

Domingo Quiñones, Maelo Ruiz, Chamaco Rivera, Pupy Cantor, Oscar de León, Orquesta Canela (Cali, Colombia), Tribute to Tito Nieves and Yolanda Rivera, La Orquesta del Día Nacional de La Salsa, Pete Pererignon y la Generación del Presente, El Maestro Sammy Velez with Nino Segarra, Héctor Tricoche y Simón Pérez, Víctor García y La Sonora San Juanera and Willie Otero y su Orquesta.

2019 – Los Reencuentros will be

Conjunto Clásico with Tito Nieves, Luis Perico Ortiz with Roberto Lugo, Orquesta Mulenze with Pedro Brull, Don Perignon y la Puertorriqueña with Víctor Manuelle, Frankie Vázquez, Pedro Bermúdez Big Band, Charlie Aponte, Pichie Pérez, Yolanda Rivera, Pedro Arroyo, Conjuno Chaney, Pirulo y la Tribu, Manolito Rodríguez.

2020 – Oscar D’ León, Eddie Palmieri, La India, Tito Rojas, Lalo Rodríguez, La Sonora Ponceña, Ray de la Paz, Ismael Miranda, Tony Vega, Orq. Del Día Nacional (directed by Louis García).

2022 – The gathering was Richie Ray & Bobby Cruz, Víctor Manuelle, Willie Rosario, Bobby Valentín, La Sonora Ponceña, Andy Montañez, Apollo Sound, La Mulenze, from Panama come to Puerto Rico the winners of the contest in which hundreds of salsa orchestras competed, Luis Lugo y La Orquesta 507, the women’s orchestra Son Divas, La Tribu de Abrante and Luis Vázquez,” said Marcos Rodríguez,

Sunday, March 19, 2023 – 9:00am

Hiram Bithorn Stadium, San Juan

On stage:

– – José Alberto “El Canario”

– Adalberto Santiago

– Tito Allen & Johnny el Dandy Rodriguez

– Luis Figueroa

– Pirulo

– India

– Charlie Aponte

– Maelo Ruiz

– Yolanda Rivera

– Luigi Texidor

– Pichie Perez

– Isidoro Infante

– Alex D’ Castro

– Tributes to Tito Puente, Típica 73 and Ismael Miranda

Prices:

Early Bird : $10.00 + ivu & c.s (Limited quantities) SOLD OUT

Presale: $15.00 + ivu & c.s (Limited quantities) SOLD OUT

GENERAL – $20.00 + ivu & c.s

V.I.P. – $75.00 + ivu & c.s. (Includes numbered seat and preferred entrance)

PLATINUM – $225.00 + ivu & c.s. (Includes food, open bar, official t-shirt and preferential entrance)

Information and Tickets: 787-200-7110 or [email protected]

Ticket office open from 2 hours before the start of the event.