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North America

This is Jess Thomas and his story

From actor to director

Jess Thomas is a producer, film director and actor whose academic background is centered at San Francisco State University and work speaks for itself as to his talent. Once he made the decision to move to Los Angeles, he started making occasional appearances as an actor and stuntman in some television series. As a director, he has written about seven scripts and plunged into the world of broadcast engineering for various television networks such as FOX and ABC. 

Producer, film director and actor Jess Thomas
This is Jess Thomas and his story, A great producer, film director and actor. Jess Thomas

We had the opportunity to talk to Mr. Thomas to know many more details about his career and we were pleasantly surprised with the receptivity of the talented filmmaker and his wife and producing partner Anayancy Thomas. Below, we’ll talk a bit about his beginnings, recognitions and his most recent film ”God & Salsa”.

How his interest in film began

Jess Thomas tells us that she had a fascination for the world of entertainment since she was very young, as both his parents were always related to the arts one way or another. His father Jess Thomas Senior was an opera singer, while his mother Bettye Wright was a dancer and model. This family background led him to venture into all this at a very early age and the best example is the creation of super-eight films (film format in which eight-millimeter wide film is used) in high school.

He recalls that he had to produce a 60-page assignment for his history class, but his teacher allowed him to produce a short film instead. The grade was an A on that assignment and the teacher was so delighted that he showed the tape to the rest of his classmates and put him as a great example of creativity in cases like this. This is how a very young Jess already felt that his destiny would follow this same path for the rest of his life.

Anayancy Thomas, Jess Thomas' wife and producing partner
Anayancy Thomas, Jess Thomas’ wife and producing partner

Beginnings as an actor

He took his first steps in this profession as an actor and thought that this was the branch to which he wanted to dedicate himself definitively, but over time he discovered that writing, directing and producing were much more appealing to him. Jess found that he enjoyed joining the pieces together to take a film from a script to a screen much more than simply acting on it.

However, the filmmaker acknowledges that having acted allows him to communicate much more effectively and empathetically with the actors in his productions, as he understands the language of acting perfectly.

The Seeker

His first work as a director was the documentary ”The Seeker”, which tells the story of a quadriplegic who embarks on a journey on a motorcycle adapted to his disability and won in the category of Best American Documentary at the Rome International Film Festival. On this subject, Jess told us that the plot of the film was not his idea, but that of his friend Evan Somers, who stated his intentions to create a material that would raise awareness about this type of disability.

The idea of following him around the country on a motorcycle (designed by Somers himself) so much that he put all his efforts into learning all about the struggles of his friend, which led Somers to hire him as producer and director for a film about his story. They spent a month shoting the scenes and always something special and unexpected happened as the days went on.

Poster advertising ''The Seeker''
Poster advertising ”The Seeker”

Although they cannot be sure that everything would go as they planned, the result of the recordings spoke for themselves. In reviewing the tapes, they realized that they were getting something truly beautiful and completely spontaneous, as there was absolutely unscripted or unprepared by the team in charge of making the material.

In the end, they simply had to honor it in the editing room and sew all the pieces come together in a single masterpiece.

God & Salsa

Her most recent film work ”God & Salsa” has given much to talk about since its release in 2022. It all started when Jess met his now wife and producing partner Anayancy Thomas at an Entertainment Ministry event hosted by the church where they both attended. She told him she had plans to make a documentary about the negative impact that divorce can have on both children and parents in the long run, which Jess loved because his parents divorced when he was a child.

This event represented a before and after in his life during his adolescence, which made him develop certain behaviors and conducts that were destroying him, such as anger, lethargy, drug addiction, alcoholism, among others. In view of their shared the taste for this subject, they came together to make a feature film in which they would develop this point through characters who had these same experiences in the most natural way possible.

Javier Luna, who plays Shane in ''God & Salsa''
Javier Luna, who plays Shane in ”God & Salsa”

Although it is fiction, Thomas made it clear that there were several elements that had much to do with him and Anayancy herself, who began taking salsa classes to distract herself from various negative aspects of her life in those years through the use of the body and the mind required by the dance discipline. In fact, her teachers, Enio and Terryl, appear in the film and are part of the cast.

During all this time, there was a very special feeling between the two, so they ended up falling in love and got married shortly thereafter. 10 years later, they have a finished feature film, which premiered in October 11, 2022 in the United States and will soon be distributed in Latin America and the rest of the world. ”Our greatest inspiration for this project is the duty to use our pain to help others overcome theirs” said the director.

How the cast and soundtrack were chosen

When we wanted to know how the cast of ”God & Salsa” was chosen, he revealed that they shot a short film with the purpose of knowing how the movie would look like. It was also intended to serve as a proof of concept and a means to raise funds so we could create the feature film the way they wanted to.

Jovanna Vidal, who plays Raquel in ''God & Salsa''
Jovanna Vidal, who plays Raquel in ”God & Salsa”

”We put out a casting call through the Backstage platform, since our search was not focused on well-known actors, but on emerging talents avid of opportunities to shine. That is how we managed to find Javier Luna and Jovanna Vital, who did such a wonderful job that we decided to use them for the feature film. The other roles were assigned to people we already knew or had worked with previously, even if they didn’t have a lot of acting experience,” he continued.

As for the film’s soundtrack, the director told us that they focused their attention on local salsa bands and composers. Enio, Anayancy’s aforementioned dance teacher, recommended Carlos Navarro and his orchestra Son Y Clave, which has played in many of the best local and foreign clubs. Once we listening to them, we loved the sound, so we involved him in the project from the beginning of the proof of concept. Both Carlos and his musicians appear in some scenes showing all their talent.

They also used some of the music composed by Stephen Giraldo and Voodoo Tracks Music Publishing.

Jess Thomas, Anayancy Thomas, and Carlos Navarro
Jess Thomas, Anayancy Thomas, and Carlos Navarro

facebook.com/Godandsalsathefilm/

Read also: GOD & SALSA

Will Phillips

North America / United State / Los Angeles

Will Phillips is an endorsee of Gon Bops Percussion & also endorses products from Innovative Percussion and Timbra Top Percussion.

Will Phillips born and raised in Texas and having relocated to Los Angeles, Will Phillips is rapidly gaining a reputation as an in-demand percussionist.

Captivated by Brazilian music, he’s spent extensive time living in Brazil studying with Brazilian masters and deepened his knowledge of the style.

Will has also recorded on a number of TV jingles during his time in Brazil. Inspired by this deep experience, Will now enjoys the continual journey of adapting Brazilian percussion to all styles of music.

Will Phillips
Will Phillips

In 2011

Will was presented with a Latin Grammy Certificate of Nomination for his performance on Claudia Brant’s album “Manuscrito”.

He has appeared on TV mega-hits like The Voice, American Idol, and MTV Brazil and was the house percussionist for the 2010 American Music Awards Red Carpet Gala.

He has recorded and performed with some of today´s finest artists, such as will I am, Ellis Hall, Persian superstar Googoosh, Michel Teló multiplatinum selling Brazilian artist, Academy/Grammy Award-winner Jamie Foxx, NBC´s The Office/original member of The Grass Roots, Creed Bratton and many more.

Phillips has toured extensively around the world and feels blessed to have worked with musicians who are not only a constant source of inspiration, but also who he counts as friends.

Will Phillips
Will Phillips

Renowned percussionists Luis Conte, Kevin Ricard, Michael Shapiro, Adam Topol, Randy Gloss and Jimmy Paxson have all sung Will’s praise, considering him to be one of LA’s up-and-coming percussion artists.

Some of Will’s most recent projects include playing on a recording project featuring Jackson Browne and Ozomatli entitled “Como Ves” and a soon-to-be released album from Andrea Day.

He also been touring with American punk rock band The Offspring. Will Phillips is an endorsee of Gon Bops Percussion, having a Signature product with them, and also endorses products from Innovative Percussion and Timbra Top Percussion.

Alex Acuña

USA / Los Angeles / California

Alex Acuña and 3 times Grammy nominated artist

Alex Acuña
Alex Acuña

Born in Pativilca, Peru, 100 miles north of Lima, Alex Acuña was born into a musical family that inspired him and helped shape him as a musician. His father and five brothers were all musicians. Alex taught himself how to play

the drums from the age of four. By the time Alex turned ten, he was already playing in local bands. As a teenager, he moved to Lima and became one of Peru’s most accomplished session drummers, performing on many recording projects for artists, as well as film and television productions.

In Lima, Alex also earned a glowing reputation for his live performances. So much so, that at the age of eighteen, Alex was chosen in 1964 by the great Cuban band leader, Perez Prado, to join his big band. It was with the Prado band that Alex first traveled to the United States.

In 1965, Alex moved to Puerto Rico to work as a studio musician and play locally. During this period, he also studied for three years at the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music, playing as a classical percussionist with the Symphony Orchestra under the direction of the famed Spanish cellist master Pablo Casals.

Alex moved to Las Vegas in 1974, where he played with such greats as Elvis Presley Diana Ross, Paul Anka, Frank Sinatra, Olivia Newton John. Between 1975 and 1977, he made part of jazz history when he became both drummer and percussionist for one of the most innovative and pioneering jazz groups of our time, Weather Report.

He first performed as percussionist (October 1975 to April 1976), and later as drummer (April 1976 to October 1977). He recorded two albums with the group: “Black Market” (1976) and the highly successful “Heavy Weather” (1977), which included the famous tracks “Birdland” and “Havona.” “Heavy Weather” became the first jazz-fusion album to sell a million copies.

Alex next moved to Los Angeles, California, in 1978 where he quickly earned the position of a valued session drummer and percussionist for recordings, television and motion pictures.

His countless album credits include such diverse artist as U2, Paul McCartney, Blondy, Joni Mitchell, Jay Z, Ella Fitzgerald, Whitney Houston, Annie Lennox, Sergio Mendes, Yellow , Joe Cocker, Jennifer Nettles, Jackets, Chic Corea, Herbie Hancock, Paco de Lucia, Ron Carter, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Julio Iglesias, Koinonia, Chris Botti, Chano Dominguez, Tom Jones, Seals, Juan Gabriel, Luis Miguel, Placido Domingo, Ron Kenoly, Sam Phillips, The Winnans, Phil Keagy, Lee Ritenour, Larry Carlton,Wayne Shorter, Joe Zawinul and also has performed with the London Symphony Orchestra, Metropole Orchestra, WDR big band.

Alex has also performed live with the likes of Al Jarreau, Bobby McFerrin Roberta Flack, Antonio Carlos Jobim, The Gipsy Kings, Paco de Lucia, Celia Cruz, Carlos Santana, Herbie Hancock, Christina Aguilera, James Taylor, Michael Mc Donald, Tito Puente, Roy Orbison, Bruce Springsteen, Eddie Palmieri, to name a few. Additionally, Alex has recorded film scores under the direction of Great Composers:

Gustavo Dudamel, Dave Grusin, Alan Silvestri, Michele Legrand, Bill Conti, Michele Colombier, Marvin Hamlish, Maurice Jarre, Mark Isham, Michael, Giacchino, John Dabney, John Powell, James Newton Howard, Hans Zimmer, Randy Newman, John Williams, Harry Gerson Williams, Lalo Schiffrin, Steve Jablonski, Christophe Becker and many others.  He became the recipient of many awards and honors including the Emeritus MVP award from NARAS

(National  Academy of Recording for the Arts and Sciences) and winner of the “Best Latin/Brazilian Percussionist” of Modern Drummer’s Readers Poll for fifteen consecutive years.

Alex’s South American and Caribbean roots and understanding of contemporary and classical music make him a complete and skilled master musician. In 2000, Alex Acuña y Su Acuarela De Tambores received a Grammy nomination for “Best Traditional Tropical Latin Album” for “Rhythms for a New Millennium”. This solo album included varying styles of Latin, South American and African percussion. The nomination confirmed Alex’s vast knowledge and expertise of percussion rhythms. Zan Stewart of the Los Angeles Times wrote, “Alex Acuña is the epitome of the world music percussionist, to whom no style is a stranger”.

Alex also received two Latin Grammy nominations in 2003. Los Hijos del Sol “To My Country”, which was released by his independent record label – NIDO Entertainment. The second Latin Grammy nomination came for Tolu’s

“Bongo de Van Gogh” released by Tonga Productions. In 2004, Alex released his follow up album by Alex Acuña and the Unknowns titled “No Accent”. New Cd called Barxeta by Losen records 2013. In addition, Alex has composed music for various artists and produced “Thinking of You” by Alex Acuña and the Unknowns, “Rumberos Poetry” by Tolú and “Aliyah” by Kay Silberling. This year will see the release of some new DVD projects for Drum Channel.

Alex is widely known as an educator, gifted teacher and clinician of drums and percussion. He has recorded four solo instructional videos and provides seminars at universities such as UC Los Angeles, Berklee School of Music in

Boston. USC  and other top international schools of music. HYPERLINK “http://www.DWDrums.com”

www.DWDrums.com;

HYPERLINK “http://www.sabian.com” www.sabian.com;

HYPERLINK “http://www.GonBopsPercussion.com”

www.GonBopsPercussion.com;

HYPERLINK “http://www.VicFirth.com” www.VicFirth.com;

HYPERLINK “http://www.Evans.com” www.Evans.com;

Zoom and Shure microphones all sponsor Alex. He is also credited with the design of Zildjian’s “Azuka” line of cymbals, signature Vic Firth sticks and the caddy stick bag, the Alex Acuña line of Signature percussion instruments with GonBops – 4 Special Edition Congas, 5 Cow Bells, Timbales, Bongos and his own Especial Edition Peruvian Cajon.

Innovation, energy and pure heart characterize Alex’s playing. It is easy to see why Alex Acuña is one of the most sought after musicians of our time. Alex recognizes his music as a gift from the Lord Jesus and gives all the glory to God!

HYPERLINK “http://www.myspace.com/acunahoffmathisen”http://www.myspace.com/acunahoffmathisen

HYPERLINK “http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35KT2leNa30″http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35KT2leNa30

HYPERLINK “http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=148441735197932″http://www.facebook.com/event.php?

eid=148441735197932

Famous Movies where Alex Acuña is playing since 2000

Drum Line

The Incredible

Hancock

Mr. and Mrs. Smith

Mission Impossible 3 & 4 Star Trek Into the Darkness Star Trek

Ratatouille

UP

Hop

Super 8

Italian Job

Beverly Hills Chihuahua Happy Feet

Transformers

Speed Racer

RED

The Kite Runner

X-Men Origin- Wolverine Burlesque

Entangled

Bourn Legacy

Bucket List

Toy Story 3

Cars 2

Monte Carlo

Happy Feet

Hansel & Gretel

Jupiter Ascending

Monsters University

John Carter

Cars

Smurf

Frozen

Tangle

Bourne Legacy

Monte Carlo

Down Of the Planets of the Apes Tomorrowland

Jupiter Ascending

Inside Out

Minions

Jurassic World

Sisters

The Big Short

Alvin and the Chipmunks: Road Chip Zootopia

Movies that Alex recorded and won the OSCARS 2016 – 2017

1 – la la land

2 – Moana

3 – Star wars – Rogue one

4 – Moana

5 – Zootopia

6 – Jungle Book.

Movies that Alex recorded during 2017

1 – COCO

2 – Star Wars – The Last JEDI

3 – Pitch Perfect – 3

4 – Despicable – 3

5 – Spider Man – Home Coming

6 – Birth Of A Nation

7 – Minions

8 – War For The Planets of The Apes

Enjoy Salsa in the East Coast

USA / New York / New York

Johnny Cruz: Everything will be very busy on the East Coast during the month of February. So be attentive Salseros!

Johnny Cruz, President of Spanish Harlem Salsa Gallery Museum invites us to follow all activities programmed in the place “Donde las leyendas nunca mueren”

Johnny Cruz from New York
Johnny Cruz is the president of Spanish Harlem Salsa Gallery

1708 Lexington ave New York N.Y. 10029 spahasalsagallery.com Open free to the public all Thursdays & Fridays from 4 to 7 pm and Saturdays from 1 to 8 pm.

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

Stay tuned:
Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram E-mail [email protected].

They are going to by talking on one of the best congueros of NY and the World: Eddie Montalvo.

Johnny Cruz will talk about Salsa from its capital: New York en El Barrio.

Cruz is owner of Cruz Music Inc with Recording Studios in N.Y. & featuring some of the Greatest Singer in the business and the best Musicians in the world.

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

The Spanish Harlem Salsa Gallery

Is a cultural institution committed to providing residents of East Harlem and surrounding communities with structured, scholarly, cultural programming, information, resources, and learning initiatives. As inclusive and diverse as the salsa music represented within these walls, the Gallery provides a community-friendly, accessible, and arts education-centered space.

“Donde las leyendas nunca mueren”

As a strategic community partner, they provide a cultural resource for the surrounding museums and institutions on Museum Mile as well as the many community based organizations serving East Harlem, The Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens and other regions, as well as tourists visiting New York, that have expressed interest in knowing the roots of Salsa. Undeserved communities such as seniors, teens, homeless, mentally challenged, LGBTQ, and others will find the Gallery a sanctuary of cultural history and a repository for information on salsa music and its artists.

 

By Johnny Cruz, Correspondent, New York, New York

Ami Molinelli

USA / San Francisco / California

Ami Molinelli Co-leads the Brazilian and jazz Grupo Falso Baiano

Exclusive Latin Percussion (LP) artist & Rhythm Tech

Ami Molinelli
Ami Molinelli

Ami Molinelli is a professional percussionist and educator specializing in Brazilian and Latin percussion.

She co-leads the Brazilian and Jazz ensemble, Grupo Falso Baiano with three albums to their credit: “Depois” released in 2017, “Simplicidade – Live at Yoshi’s” and “Viajando em Choro e Jazz.”

Grupo Falso Baiano

Have been featured on NPR’s the California Report, Radio Latina and Pandora LIVE!.

Ami received her Master of Fine Arts from the California Institute of the Arts.  Her performance and recording credits include theater, television (NBC).  She is a freelance performing artist as well.

She is endorsed by Latin Percussion (LP) and Rhythm Tech.

Her percussion curriculum has been used and published in clinics and education workshops including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, The San Francisco Jazz Center, Los Angeles Music Center, Music in Schools Today, Young Audiences of Northern California, UFBA Ouro Preto, Brasil,  HeadStart (San Mateo County), Los Angeles Music Academy, California Brazil Camp, Jazz Camp West, etc.

Her curriculum, “Recycled Rhythm” was created for her artist residency of 7 years at the Los Angeles Music Center.

Currently Ami is a music integration and curriculum specialist with organizations such as The San Francisco Jazz Center, Living Jazz and San Francisco Unified School District.

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