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Latin Bayarea WebSite

North America / USA

Latin Bayarea WebSite

At present, the search for information about Latin music and its culture in California (USA) has been put into the technology, because it is a very practical tool. On the internet, you can find an online site where you can investigate practically everything: music, culture, entertainment, clubs and concerts. The Web site is Latin Bay Area.

Among its many events that advertise monthly is that of:

Mariah Parker’s Indo Latin Jazz Ensemble CD Release Concert

This concert celebrates the upcoming release of Mariah Parker’s new CD, Indo Latin Jazz Live in Concert.

According to Latin Beat Magazine, Mariah Parker’s Indo Latin Jazz Ensemble “blends the rhythmic syncopations of Latin jazz music with the entrancing, asymmetrical meters of East Indian rhythms resulting in first- class world music. Intriguing melodies that draw musical inspirations from the tempos of Brazil, Cuba, India, and Spain make for an uplifting serene yet passionate musical journey into an idealworld.”

Sunday, January 22, 2017, 7:00 PM Freight and Salvage

2020 Addison Street

Berkeley, California

Tickets: $24 in advance, $28 at the door

For more info, call (510) 644-2020 or visit www.thefreight.org

Featuring Mariah Parker (composition, piano, santur), Paul McCandless (woodwinds), Matthew Montfort (guitar), Kash Killion (bass, cello), and percussionists lan Dogole, Brian Rice, and Michaelle Goerlitz.

Indo Latin Jazz Live in Concert CD Release 1/20/17

Lanzamiento del CD "Indo Latin Jazz Live in Concert", 20/01/17 — Lanzamiento del CD “Indo Latin Jazz Live in Concert”, 20/01/17

In 2009, Mariah Parker launched her Indo Latin Jazz Ensemble with a sold- out debut concert at Yoshi’s in Oakland, California. Mariah’s new release for AncientFuture.com records, “Indo Latin Jazz Live in Concert,” captures the magic of that first performance, as well as subsequent Northern California concerts at the Freight & Salvage in Berkeley, the Throckmorton Theater in Mill Valley and a studio session at Bob Weir’s TRI Studios in San Rafael. These multi-track live recordings were painstakingly mixed and mastered over a seven-year period by veteran Ancient Future producer Matthew Montfort. Indo Latin Jazz Live in Concert is a follow-up recording to Sangria, Mariah’s debut CD, which received airplay on over 468 New World, Jazz, and Latin radio programs, and earned over 365 reviews and media placements, including two songs that ascended to the Smooth Jazz Now Top 100 Songs of 2009 Chart.

Bios Mariah Parker

(Composition, piano, santur) http://www.mariahparkermusic.com

“Parker, who holds a degree in music from UC Santa Cruz, wrote the eight instrumental compositions on this exquisite collection of pieces that fuse Latin rhythms with influences from South America and India with a dash of straight-up American jazz. It’s an intoxicating blend of East and West performed by musicians of astounding virtuosity. Like all the best jazz bands, this group is as disciplined as it is innovative, stopping on a dime when the composition calls for it and soaring into gorgeous landscapes of free association the next moment that are as pleasing as they are adventurous.

This is sophisticated stuff, an album of global fusion performed by a group with character, charisma and the confidence that comes across when world-class musicians at the top of their games come together and create magic in the here and now of a live performance.” -Marin Independent Journal

Mariah Parker has been playing music from the time she could reach the keys on the grand piano in her family home. While completing her degree in music at UC Santa Cruz, she worked with ethnomusicologist Fred Lieberman and drummer Mickey Hart on the “Planet Drum” project and became fascinated with the possibilities of bridging musical concepts from different traditions.

She has performed her original compositions in festivals in the US and Europe. A gifted composer and band leader, she released her first solo recording of her compositions, “Sangria,” in February of 2009. This release received extensive airplay and critical acclaim worldwide.

“Dazzling…. Parker’s subtle and sensuous sounds reflect exotic flavors of India, the Middle East and Latin America.” -Palo Alto Daily News.

Matthew Montfort (Scalloped Fretboard Guitar)

Recently recognized as one of the world’s 100 Greatest Acoustic Guitarists, Montfort is a pioneer of the scalloped fretboard guitar and the leader of the seminal world fusion music ensemble Ancient Future. He has performed concerts worldwide, including at the Festival Internacional de la Guitarra on the golden coast of Spain near Barcelona and the Mumbai Festival at the Gateway of India in Bombay.

Paul McCandless (Reed Virtuoso)

During a distinguished career spanning three decades, Grammy-winning woodwind virtuoso Paul McCandless has brought a soaring lyricism to his playing and composing that has been integral to the ensemble sound of two seminal world music bands, the original Paul Winter Consort and the relentlessly innovative quartet, Oregon.

A gifted multi-instrumentalist, McCandless has specialized in an unusually broad palette of single and double reed instruments that reflect his grounding in both classical and jazz disciplines.

lan Dogole (Global Percussion)

Ian Dogole is an accomplished bandleader, composer, and multi- percussionist who has recorded and performed with artists such as Hamza el Din, Tito La Rosa, Ancient Future, and Alex de Grassi on a wide variety of percussion instruments, including udu, cajon, hang, African talking drum, kalimbas, cymbals and dumbek.

Kash Killion (Bass, Cello)

Kash Killion plays cello, bass and assorted African and Middle Eastern stringed instruments, and has worked with Donald Byrd, George Cables, Billy Higgins, Cecil Taylor, John Zorn, Sun Ra, Butch Morris, George Lewis, Reggie Workman, and the Sun Ra Arkestra.

Brian Rice (Latin Percussion)

Brian Rice is a highly acclaimed musician specializing in Latin, Afro- Cuban, and Brazilian percussion who performs with acts such as Mike Marshall with Choro Famoso and the Antionio Calogero Quartet featuring Paul McCandless and Mike Manring.

Michaelle Goerlitz (Latin Percussion)

A talented percussionist with a focus on Brazilian, Afro Cuban, Venezuelan and Peruvian rhythms, Michaelle has played, recorded and toured with Mark Levine, Wayne Wallace, Houston Pearson, Denise Perrier, Joan Jeanrenaud, the Pickpocket Ensemble, Samba Rio, Novo Tempo, Bossa 5-0, and many others.

ISM / March 2026

“We are the Real Latin music world network”

ISM / February 2026

“We are the Real Latin music world network”

The Callao Carnival A Burst of Gold, Rhythm, and Tradition

The Cultural Heartbeat of Bolívar State

In the mining heart of Venezuela, where gold dictates the pulse of the land, an annual celebration arises that transcends simple festivity: The Callao Carnival.

This is not merely a costume party; it is a living chronicle of resistance, cultural fusion, and joy that has echoed through Bolívar State for over a century. Declared a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016, this festival is the result of a fascinating blend of West Indian, African, and European cultures.

El Carnaval de El Callao de Venezuela, Patrimonio Inmaterial de la Humanidad

A Journey to the Roots: The Origins of Calypso

The history of this carnival is intrinsically linked to the 19th-century gold rush. Immigrants from the British and French West Indies (Trinidad, Grenada, Saint Lucia) brought with them their languages (patois), their cuisine, and, above all, their music: calypso.

Unlike Trinidadian calypso, Callao Calypso developed its own distinct identity. It is sung in both English and Spanish, accompanied by the bumbac drum, the rallo (metal scraper), the bell, and the Venezuelan cuatro, creating a contagious rhythm that narrates the hardships and hopes of the miners of that era.

Iconic Characters: Guardians of Heritage

El Carnaval del Callao. Un Estallido de Oro, Ritmo y Tradición

What makes the Callao Carnival unique is its colorful and unchanging hierarchy of characters, each carrying deep significance:

The Madamas: They are the central figures and pillars of the tradition. They represent the matriarchs of the West Indies, dressed in regal, brightly colored gowns, headscarves (turbans), and abundant jewelry. The figure of Isidora Agnes, the legendary “Negra Isidora,” is remembered as the great defender of this culture.
The Dancing Devils: Dressed in red and black, they wear impressive masks with multiple horns. Their original role was to clear the path for the parade and maintain order with their whips, symbolizing the protection of the festivities.
The Mediopintas: Characters who roam the streets smeared in a mixture of charcoal and molasses. With humor, they threaten to “paint” passersby unless they are given a coin (a medio).
The Miners: Clad in helmets and carrying tools, they pay homage to the region’s primary economic activity and the workers who founded the town.

More Than a Party: An Identity

The Callao Carnival is a prime example of cultural resilience. During the festivities, social barriers dissolve under the sound of the bumbac. Families prepare all year to sew costumes and rehearse songs, passing this legacy from generation to generation.

Visiting El Callao during this time is to immerse oneself in a whirlwind of energy, history, and hospitality, where every parade tells a story and every beat celebrates freedom.

Isidora Agnes: The Eternal Queen Who Turned Calypso into World Heritage.

To speak of Isidora Agnes, universally known as “La Negra Isidora,” is not just to remember a figure from the past; it is to invoke the very soul of the El Callao Carnival. She was the vital force who rescued, protected, and championed this tradition until it reached its current status as a UNESCO World Heritage treasure.

Isidora Agnes La Reina del Calipso de El Calla

A Leader Forged in El Callao

Born on August 17, 1923, Isidora was much more than a festive figure. With a firm character and clear convictions, she stood out as a social leader and labor unionist. Her role as the town’s first telephone operator was no coincidence; this position allowed her to be the town’s communication hub, hearing firsthand the needs and struggles of her people.

With deep West Indian roots (the daughter of immigrants from Saint Lucia and Martinique), Isidora grew up with calypso in her blood, leading her to fiercely defend her identity at a time when the tradition was beginning to fade.

Rescuing a Fading Tradition

In the mid-20th century, the El Callao Carnival was facing an identity crisis and losing ground to outside influences. Determined not to let her heritage die, Isidora launched a cultural crusade:

Institutionalization: In 1954, she founded the “Friends of Calypso Association,” giving the festival a formal structure.
Discipline and Aesthetics: She organized the parades under strict standards of authenticity, demanding rigor in costume making and respect for traditional music.
National Exposure: She took calypso beyond the borders of Bolívar State. Thanks to her, Caracas and the rest of Venezuela discovered the thundering bumbac and the patois choruses.

The “Madama” Par Excellence

While the carnival features many “Madamas,” Isidora became the ultimate icon. She didn’t just wear the dress; she personified the elegance, respect, and stately joy of the figure. Her presence in the streets dictated the rhythm of the entire festival.

Beyond the Dance: Her Social Legacy

“La Negra” Isidora’s commitment didn’t end when the drums were put away. She was a tireless advocate for El Callao. It is said she never hesitated to travel to the Miraflores Palace to demand improvements from the nation’s presidents, achieving milestones such as the installation of the sewage system and the construction of the local hospital.

Facts That Immortalize Her Legend

The Carnival Anthem: The famous song “Isidora, Isidora, Isidora Callao Calipso Queen,” composed by her close friend Lulú Basanta, is considered the unofficial anthem of the festivities today.
A Poetic Farewell: She passed away on March 5, 1986. Ironically, it was Ash Wednesday—the day the carnival ends. She was laid to rest with state honors and, as per her final wish, to the rhythm of calypso.
A Date of Honor: In commemoration of her birth, every August 17th is celebrated as Municipal Calypso Day in El Callao.

Also Read: Samba el baile que despierta el Carnaval en Brasil

Buika. The Multicultural Sensation

European Union

“It takes a lot of guts to expose your true self to others, and acclaimed singer, songwriter, poet, composer and music producer, Buika (pronounced BWEE-ka), does that every night she goes on stage. As plain as the tattoos on her skin, Buika bears her soul to her fans across the world, which she affectionately calls her “tribe.””

This summer, Buika continues her journey of storytelling across Europe and South America in support of her latest album, fittingly named Vivir Sin Miedo (To Live Without Fear). Her eighth album and one with the most English lyrics, Vivir Sin Miedo, co-produced by Grammy Award-winning Swedish producer, Martin Terefe (Mary J. Blige, Mutya Buena, Coldplay) features Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Jason Mraz, German neo-soul artist Meshell Ndegeocello, and Spanish underground flamenco legend Potito.

Born María Concepción Balboa Buika in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, Buika grew up immersed in Spanish culture with her African-born parents. Surrounded by multiple cultures throughout her life, Buika had a variety of musical influences, from jazz and flamenco to pop, soul and African polyrhythm. This eclectic upbringing shaped Buika’s ability to make music without limitations. During her 15-year recording career, her albums flow seamlessly between pop, jazz, soul, reggae, afro beat, R&B and flamenco. Equally diverse are her collaborators, which include Pat Metheny, Anoushka Shankar, Chick Corea, Niño Josele, Bebo and Chucho Valdés, Seal and Nelly Furtado.

“Filmmaker and longtime fan, Pedro Almodóvar, remarked about Buika, ‘Seeing her draw from such different genres…mix them all together with such grace and spontaneity, one cannot help but think that there is a brighter future as long as one can witness the boundless evolution of this infinite performer.'”

A brighter future did arrive for Buika with each new album. Her 2006 album, Mi Niña Lola (My Little Girl Lola), won Buika high praise from the US media, including The New York Times, The New Yorker, Miami Herald and NPR. She received two Latin Grammys, one for her 2009 album, El Ultimo Trago (The Last Drink) and for her 2013 album, La Noche Más Larga (The Longest Night), which also won a Grammy nomination for Best Latin Jazz album.

Other Latin Grammy nominations included Best Album and Best Production for Niña de Fuego (Girl of Fire, special 2-CD Edition, which included her first collection of poems – 2008), Record of the Year for her albums, Se Me Hizo Facil (2010) and La Nave del Olvido (2013) as well as the new Record of the Year nomination for Vivir sin Miedo for the song “Si volveré” (2016)

Buika knows no boundaries when it comes to language or geography. She has collaborated with musicians and singers in Spanish, Catalan, English, French, Portuguese, Iranian and Armenian. Her touring has spanned the globe, covering Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean Islands, Asia, Africa and the US.

A great music ambassador, she reaches any small or large crowd..i.e performed at the US Embassy in Madrid, Spain, on a great 4th of July or a year ago at the Spanish Embassy in DC, for a larger audiences at different music festivals, such as “La Notte della Taranta” Italy over or “Jazz al parque” Bogotá just a month ago.

She has no barriers in terms of artistic expression and rejects any kind of self-limitation, a business owner, singer / songwriter, producer and poet, whom on her time off immerses herself in the world of photography, some of her best portraits and self-portraits can be seen on any of her books, Niña de fuego (Girl of fire) “special edition” and -A los que amaron a mujeres difíciles y acabaron por soltarse (To those who loved difficult women and ended up letting go)

For Buika, her music is more than a career. She says, “I am music (…)!”