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Search Results for: All Stars

Europe / April 2025

Oscar Dudamel continues to achieve dreams and presents “La Rumba Me Llama”Calibrated maracasMartinez attorney

Directory of European nightclubs

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CZECHIA

La Macumba 2024
La Macumba
Štefánikova 230/7 150 00
Prague, Czech Republic

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FRANCE

Canela
Canela Club Latino Paris
77 Rue du Faubourg du temple 75010
Paris, France

Cuba Compagnie
Cuba Compagnie Café
48 BD Beaumarchais 75011
Paris, France

Cubana
Cubana Café
47 rue Vavin 75006
Paris, France

La Pachanga
La Pachanga Officiel
8, rue vandamme 75014
Paris, France

La Peña
La Peña Saint Germain
3 passage de la Petite Boucherie 75006
Paris, France

Balajo
Le Balajo
9 rue de Lappe 75011
Paris, France

Pachamama
Pachamama PARIS
46 rue du Faubourg Saint Antoine 75012
Paris, France

Selsero
Salseroparis
9 Rue du Petit Pont, 75005
Paris, France

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GERMANY

Cascadas
Cascadas
Ferdinandstr. 12
20095 Hamburg-Mitte, Germany

Havanna
Havanna Berlin
Hauptstr. 30
10827 Berlin-Schöneberg, Germany
La Macumba - The Real Latin Club in Hamburgs
La Macumba – The Real Latin Club in Hamburgs
Adenauerallee 3 20097
Hamburg, Germany

Latin Palace Changó
Latin Palace Changó
Münchener Strasse 57
60329 Frankfurt, Germany

SODA
Soda Club Berlin
Schönhauser Allee 36
10435 Berlin, Germany

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MALTA

Bario Latino Malta venue
Barrio Latino Malta
Ghar il Lembi Street SLM1562 Sliema
Central Region, Malta

Poland flag
POLAND

Teatro Cubano
Teatro Cubano Warsaw
ul. Aleksandra Fredry 6 00-097 /> Warsaw, Poland

Spain Flag
SPAIN

ACM City
ACM CitY
Carrer Can Pallarès 2, Cerdanyola del Vallès
08290 Barcelona, Spain

Antilla
Antilla Barcelona
C/ d’Aragó, 141
08015 Barcelona, Spain

Azucar
Azúcar SalsaDisco
Calle de Atocha, 107
28012 Madrid, Spain

Disco Bar Cuba Live
Cuba Live
Ramón y cajal número 2
07011 Palma de Mallorca, Spain

El Son
Discoteca El Son
C. de la Victoria, 6
28012 Madrid, Spain

Prisma Discoteca
Discoteca Prisma
C. de Alcalá, 192
28028 Madrid, Spain

Discoteca El Edén Boliviano
El Edén Boliviano
Carrer Gremi de Tintorers, 49A
07009 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain

Mojito
Mojito Club
Rosselló, 217
08008 Barcelona, Spain

Morena
Morena Barcelona
calle 11 num.29
08860 Castelldefels, Spain
Que Chimba
Qué Chimba
Av. del Vallès, 117
08223 Terrassa, Barcelona, Spain
Sala Olvido Madrid
Sala Olvido
C/ Olvido 15
28026 Madrid, Spain
Seven Dance
Seven Dance (Dio Club)
Carrer del Perill 10
08012 Barcelona, Spain

The Host Madrid
The Host
C/ Ferraz nº 38
28008 Madrid, Spain
+34 918 05 36 48

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UNITED KINGDOM

Salsa Soho
Bar Salsa Soho
96 Charing Cross Rd
WC2H 0JG London, UK

Salsa Temple
Bar Salsa Temple
Victoria Embankment, Temple
WC2R 2PH London, UK

Juju's
JUJU’s Bar & Stage
Ely’s Yard 15 Hanbury Street
E1 6QR London, UK

Revolucion de Cuba
Revolucion de Cuba Leeds
64-68 Call Lane
LS1 6DT Leeds, UK

LightHouse
The LightHouse Bar & Club
62 Rivington Street
EC2A 3AY London, UK
 

 

 

 

 

Karina Bernales present

APRIL 2025

FESTIVALS

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AUSTRIA
Menéate 2025

¡Meneate! Viena Cuban Dance

Apr 10 / 13 2025

Fanialive
U-Bahn-Bogen 22 & 23
Vienna, Austria 1080

From €159

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BELGIUM
Kizz Me BachAmore 2025

Kizz Me BachAmore Congress

Apr 11 / 14 2025

Palais des Congrès Mons
Avenue Melina Mercouri 9
Mons, Belgium 7000

From € 70

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BULGARIA
World Stars Salsa Fest 2025

World Stars Salsa Festival

Apr 24 / 28 2025

Maritim Hotel Paradise
Blue Albena
Main Street, Albena Resort
Dobrich, Bulgaria 9620

From € 79

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CZECHIA
Baila Baila Salsa Fest 2025

Bachata Magic Festival

Apr 05 / 06 2025

OX Club Prague
Francouzská 75/4
Prague, Czech Republic 1200 00

From $79

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FINLAND
Tanssikoulu 2025

Baila Baila Salsa Festival

Apr 17 / 20 2025

Tanssikoulu-Dance School Baila Baila
Eerikinkatu 27
Helsinki, Finland 00180

From € 150

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FRANCE
PISC 2025

Paris International Salsa Congress

Apr 11 / 13 2025

La Palmeraie Hotel
20 Rue du Colonel Pierre Avia
Paris, France 75015

From € 164

Lyon Bachata Fest 2025

Lyon Bachata

Apr 18 / 20 2025

Espace Ecully Bar
7 Rue Jean Rigaud
Ecully, France 69130

From € 97

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GERMANY
Bachata Fest Stuttgart 2025

Bachata Festival Stuttgart

Apr 09 / 14 2025

Sängerhalle
Stuttgart-Untertürkheim
Lindenschulstraße 29
Stuttgart, Germany 70327

From € 99

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GREECE
AloCubano 2025

AloCubano Salsa Festival

Apr 24 / 27 2025

Golden Coast Hotel
Marathon Beach, Marathonas
Athens, Greece 190 07

From € 140

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HUNGARY
SPRING Weekend 2025

SPRING Weekend

Apr 11 / 13 2025

Hotel Annabella
Balatonfüred, Deák Ferenc u. 25
Balatonfured, Hungary 8230

From € 110

Diamond Kizomba Fest 2025

Diamond Kizomba

Apr 03 / 07 2025

Hotel D50
Damjanich u. 50
Budapest, Hungary 107

From € 92.31

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ITALY
Zeno Latino 2025

Zeno Latin Festival

Apr 11 / 13 2025

Zeno Complex
Via Benedetto Cozzolino, Via Trentola II
Ercolano, Italy 80056

From € 55

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NORWAY
Nordic Salsa Bachata 2025

Nordic Salsa & Bachata

Apr 25 / 27 2025

Samfunnssalen Event & Konferanse
Arbeidersamfunnets plass 1
Oslo, Norway 0181

From KR 390

Oslo Kizomba 2025

Oslo Kizomba Festival

Apr 10 / 12 2025

Dancecity
Møllergata 9
Oslo, Norway 0179

From KR 850

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POLAND
El Sol 2025

El Sol Bachata Festival

Apr 11 / 13 2025

Sound Garden Hotel
Żwirki i Wigury 18
Warsaw, Poland 02-092

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ROMANIA
BtoB 2025

Bachata Takes Over Bucharest

Apr 04 / 07 2025

NORD Events Center by Globalworth
Dimitrie Pompeiu Blvd., no. 4-6
Bucharest, Romania 020338

From € 100

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SPAIN
Corazón Y Mezcla Fest 2025

Corazon y Mezcla

Apr 11 / 18 2025

Don Angel Hotels
Carrer del Pla de la Torre, 14
Santa Susanna, Spain 08398

From € 100

Hot Tropical Dance 2025

Hot Tropical Dance Málaga

Apr 10 / 14 2025

Hotel IPV Palace & Spa
Autovía A7 Km. 207
Malaga, Spain 29640

From € 79

Kizomba Barcelona Congress 2025

Kizomba Barcelona Congress

Apr 11 / 13 2025

Hotel Evenia Olympic Park
Carrer Senyora de Rossell, 35
Lloret de Mar, Spain 17310

From € 75

KIZCON 5 2025

KizCon
Beach Edition

Apr 11 / 17 2025

Hotel PlayaCalida Spa
La Galera, s/n
Almunecar, Spain 18690

From € 99

Fever Bachata 2025

Fever Bachata World Congress

Apr 24 / 28 2025

Hotel Gandia Palace
Carrer de la Rioja 41, 43 Gandia
Valencia, Spain 46730

From € 105

 

“DeBÍ Tirar Más Fotos” is not just an album; it is an invitation to reimagine music and the cultural impact it can have in an increasingly interconnected world

Bad Bunny was born as Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on March 10, 1994. He is a composer and singer of urban music, especially trap and reggaeton.

Bad Bonny DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS
Bad Bonny DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS

Although he never took formal music classes or studied any instrument, he is a singer, composer and creator of his own songs. The first samples of his art were seen on YouTube, where he slowly began to gain fans.

In mid-2016, Bad Bunny joined Hear This Music, a label created by DJ Luian and Los Mambo Kingz, presenting the hit “La Ocasión,” an anthem of trap music. There he also recorded singles such as “Diles,” “Soy Peor,” and “Tú No Vives Así.”

Bad Bunny has also participated in songs with numerous artists, such as Farruko, De La Ghetto, J Balvin, Maluma, Nicky Jam and Ozuna, among other urban music stars.

In 2017 he conquered Europe, touring with more than 20 concerts in 20 days. Upon his return he sang “Si Tu Novio Te Deja Sola” at the 2017 Billboard Latin Music Awards with J Balvin.

In addition, he sold out concerts at the Luna Park in Buenos Aires on September 8 and 9. In November he released “Sensualidad” with Prince Royce and J Balvin.

The year 2018 began with great success.

On January 12, he released “El Baño”, a collaboration he recorded with Enrique Iglesias.

On February 6, he released “Salimos A Buscarte”.

On the 9th, he presented “Fantasía”, with Alex Sensation.

On the 14th, she released a version of the hit “Báilame” by Nacho, together with Luis Fonsi, Yandel and Daddy Yankee.

On the 15th, she released “Amorfoda”, a new single in which she says “no” to love.

She didn’t wait and on the 22nd, she released “Dime Si Te Acuerdas”.

On March 16, she released a song with Khea, Düki and Cazzu, titled “Loca”.

On the 23rd of that month, “Dime” was released, recorded with Revol, J Balvin, Arcángel and De La Ghetto.

On April 1, she presented “Me Rolié”. In the same month, she released: “Te Boté”, with Ozuna, Nicky Jam, Nio García, Darell and Casper Mágico; and “Explícale”, with Yandel, Noriel Cosculluela and Brytiago.

On May 5, she recorded “Contigo”.

Bad Bunny nació como Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio
Bad Bunny nació como Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio

On the 12th, 13th and 14th she presents her songs live, again at Luna Park. In between these concerts she releases “Sólo Avísame”. Then she releases “Quiere Verme”, together with Anuel Aa and “Diles”, with Ledy Medina.

On June 22nd she releases “I Like It”, recorded with Cardi B and J Balvin. On the 28th of the same month she releases the single “Estamos Bien”. She participates in Marc Anthony’s song “Está Rico”, together with Will Smith. On October 11th she releases “Mía”, in a spectacular collaboration with Drake singing in Spanish. On December 8th she releases the hit “Desde el Corazón” and on the 14th of the same month she presents “Sólo de Mí”, whose video reflects gender violence. On the 23rd her debut album goes on sale, under the name “X100Pre”.

On June 28, Bad Bunny & J Balvin present the eight-song album “Oasis” with the first single, “Qué Pretendes” (with special appearances by Mr. Eazi and Marciano Cantero of Enanitos Verdes)

Following the death of basketball player Kobe Bryant, Bad Bunny paid tribute to him with an emotional song titled “6 Rings.”

YHLQMDLG was released by the artist at midnight on February 29, 2020. The title means “I do what I want” and features collaborations with Daddy Yankee, Yaviah, Jowell & Randy, and Ñengo Flow. The album is a tribute to the marquesinas (garage parties) that Bad Bunny grew up attending, and features many nods to reggaeton from the early and mid-2000s

On May 10, 2020, he released his third studio album “Las que no iban a salir,” which features the participation of Don Omar, Zion & Lennox, Nicky Jam, Yandel, among others.

In July, after being the first Latin urban artist to be on the cover of Rolling Stones magazine, El Conejo Malo becomes the protagonist of the first digital cover of the legendary Playboy magazine.

On July 25, he releases the song and video: “Un día (One Day)” with Dua Lipa, J Balvin and Tainy.

On January 3, 2021, he releases the video for his song “Booker T”. That same year, he releases the single and video clip “Lo sentir BB” with Julieta Venegas and Tainy.

Bad Bonny
Bad Bonny

Throughout the year, he publishes several singles and video clips.

On May 5, 2022, he releases the album “Un verano sin ti”.

On June 2, he releases the video clip for the song “Tití mepregunta”.

On November 30, he releases the single “La Jumpa” with the video clip.

On December 22, he released the single “Gato de noche” with Ñengo Flow.

On February 15, 2023, he released the video for “Ojitos lindos” with Bomba Estéreo.

On May 18, he released the single “Where she goes” along with its video.

On July 21, he collaborated with Travis Scott on the single “K-Pop” with The Weeknd.

On September 25, he released the single and video “Un preview”.

On October 13, he released the album “Nadie sabe lo que va a pasará mañana” becoming a hit single.

Becoming the most listened to album of the year in a single day.

“What are we overlooking in Bad Bunny’s ‘DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS’? Beyond reggaeton, a lesson in artistic evolution.”

While social media is boiling with divided opinions about Bad Bunny’s new album, it is worth moving away from the extremes and analyzing “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS” from a broader perspective.

Beyond being a reggaeton album, this work is an artistic, cultural and strategic manifesto that leaves valuable lessons for all musical genres, including salsa.

Bad Bunny has used his position as a global artist to fuse elements such as salsa with urban rhythms, achieving a musical dialogue that transcends generations and tastes. However, the impact of this project does not stop there.

I’d like to share five key aspects that other artists could learn from this release to innovate and connect more deeply with their audiences.

  1. The power of nostalgia: plastic chairs as a universal symbol

The album cover, with the humble plastic chairs, connects directly with the everyday life of Latin American neighborhoods. These common objects evoke memories of family gatherings, celebrations, and moments of community. The message is powerful: simplicity can be deeply meaningful and resonate globally.

  1. Exclusivity that generates value: “Residencia” concerts

Instead of a world tour, Bad Bunny is betting on “Residencia,” a series of exclusive concerts in Puerto Rico. With this strategy, he not only boosts tourism and the local economy, but creates a “FOMO” (fear of missing out) phenomenon in his fans. This generates massive advance reservations on hotels and flights.

  1. QR codes: intelligent digital interaction

Integrating technology with music is something that Bad Bunny has done masterfully. QR codes in Puerto Rico allow fans to interact with the album in innovative ways, unlocking exclusive content and creating a bridge between the physical and the digital.

  1. Incorporating traditional genres and sounds

Bad Bunny is not afraid to mix salsa with reggaeton, betting on musical arrangements that celebrate his cultural heritage. This shows that genres are not compartments or “silos”, but platforms for dialogue

  1. Expectation and release strategy

From the announcement of the title to the release date, passing through a short film full of cultural references, everything in this project has been designed to create a narrative that maintains the interest of the public. The lesson here is clear: music is not just released, it is experienced as a complete cultural event.

Final thoughts: innovation and evolution

In a world dominated by technology, staying traditional is not an option for artists who want to grow. Tools like Web 3.0, Blockchain, NFTs to offer immersive experiences and AI are revolutionizing the way musicians interact with their audiences and generate income.

While some lose themselves in criticism, others take advantage of these tools to redefine their art and project themselves globally. The lesson is clear: you have to look ahead and dare to evolve.

“DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS” is not just an album; it is an invitation to reimagine music and the cultural impact it can have in an increasingly interconnected world.

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

Jhon Semeco

Latin America / Venezuela / Caracas

Musical rhythms always attracted and encouraged Jhon Semeco, from a very young age, at the age of 9 he entered the Venezuela Children’s Choir and later the Rondallita, by then he was already singing on television and recording albums, however, his passion was Salsa which is one of the rhythms that he liked the most.

Jhon Semeco
Jhon Semeco

He mentions that “Salsa won among all the musical rhythms because it is in the blood and in the genes, we are Latinos with warm blood, we grew up with flavor and tumbao, it is impossible not to move our feet to the rhythm of a tumbao, the chapeo of a timpani, to the mark of the key and the mintune of the piano, impossible not to give in to the cadence of the bass, the trill of the metals and the voice with the feeling of a singer”.

Jhon Semeco in concert
Jhon Semeco in concert
Jhon Semeco
Jhon Semeco

He was listening to Rubén Blades, Willy Colon, Héctor Lavoe, Latin Dimension, La Salsa Mayor, Ismael Ribera, Estrellas de Fania and the Venezuelan trabuco, among other well-known salsa groups and artists.

Jhon Semeco with Luis Enrique, Juan Carlos Perez Soto and Fernando Osorio
Jhon Semeco with Luis Enrique, Juan Carlos Perez Soto and Fernando Osorio

The artist career is a long and difficult path that they follow, but few achieve success and it is thanks to their great will, struggle and desire to be recognized for their music that they manage to perform, in addition, Jhon Semeco refers that the support and encouragement of moving forward was given to him by friends, artists and colleagues, in this way he achieves perseverance, dedication, determination, seriousness, professionalism, study, love and passion for what he does, thus achieving respect and credibility, thus obtaining the convening power in this music environment.

Jhon Semeco with Ismael Miranda
Jhon Semeco with Ismael Miranda

He is currently creating a new Salsa Romántica album, which he will call “Propias y Ajenas”, this arises at the request of his friends and colleagues, since after writing for many artists and orchestras such as La Dimensión Latina, La Salsa Mayor, Los Satélites , the Combo de Venezuela, The Sopranos, Marcial Izturiz, Wladimir Lozano, among many others…

Decided to sing his songs, accompanied by great composers whom he admires and respects, and whom at some point he saw very far away and today life rewards him by being his friends, giving him the opportunity to interpret his songs, they are nothing more and nothing less than Jorge Luis Piloto, Pedro Azael, Yasmil Marrufo, Alfredo Matheus 10, Juan Carlos Pérez Soto, Enrique Barrios, and Luis Romero, all GRAMMY winners.

Jhon Semeco with Gilberto Santa Rosa
Jhon Semeco with Gilberto Santa Rosa

It is worth mentioning that they are the ones who write for stars like Marc Anthony, Luis Miguel, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Luis Enrique, Franky Ruiz, Roberto Roena, Jerry Rivera, Olga Tañon, Ricardo Montaner, Luis Fonsi, Cristina Aguilera, Ricky Martín, Cristian Castro , Carlos Baute, Prince Royce, Gloria Estefan, José Feliciano, Celia Cruz, Tito Nieves, Mariah Carey, Oscar de León, José Luis Rodríguez, Paulina Rubio, and other well-known artists. Now Jhon with his new album has the privilege of singing songs composed by himself and songs by his friends thanks to friendship and mutual admiration.

Jhon Semeco singing
Jhon Semeco singing
Jhon Semeco - Cover
Jhon Semeco – Cover

“Propias y Ajenas” will have 1 song for each of them, and the rest are songs of their own written with all their heart, most of them are experiences lived or seen in others, this is how the title of their album came about.

Jhon Semeco interview
Jhon Semeco interview
We asked him to know what he recommends to all the new talents who are in the process of training and who are in the arduous struggle to stand out in this environment, and this is how he replied:

“I recommend that you study, that you prepare, that you listen and learn from the best, whatever your musical style, that you say NO to mediocrity, that you have personality and not a copy of another, that you understand that putting on a hat reverse, dark glasses and chains does not make them an artist, that they strive to make good music and not songs with repetitive rhythms and lyrics”

 

For more information, you can contact him through:

  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rumbandajhon
  • Correo: [email protected]
Jhon Semeco - soundtracks tv novels
Jhon Semeco – soundtracks tv novels

Mariana “The Sonera of Venezuela and for the world”

Janett Guevara García, artistically known as Mariana “La Sonera de Venezuela”, was born in La Pastora, Caracas on January 19, daughter of Reina García and Vicente Guevara.

Daughter of Reyna García and Vicente Guevara, she is the oldest of six siblings and from a very young age she showed her taste for music; an activity that has been her eternal passion, and has led her to make 12 record productions.

Mariana La Sonera de Venezuela
Mariana La Sonera de Venezuela

She is the oldest of six siblings and from a very young age she showed her taste for music; an activity that has been her eternal passion and has led her to make six record productions.

Educated in a convent school, she always participated and stood out in cultural events, until on one occasion she was suspended for telling the mother superior that there was a song called “La Cárcel” by Septeto Juventud that she wanted to sing at a cultural event.

At the age of 14, during her high school education, she learned to play drums and participated in the choir of the Caricuao Parish church where she lived.

As the years went by, Mariana was invited by Mr. Naty Martinez to a rehearsal, who was impressed when he heard her and decided to make a musical production.

That is when Mariana’s true pilgrimage began, going through stages earning the admiration of salsa greats.

In past years, she received praise from Queen Celia Cruz and has the guarantee and support of the singers of the Fania Stars, the Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, José Alberto El Canario and even her great friend and fellow countryman Oscar D’León.

Oscar El Sonero del Mundo y Mariana La Sonera de Venezuela
Oscar El Sonero del Mundo y Mariana La Sonera de Venezuela

Mariana has been worthy of awards such as “El Congo de Oro” at the Barranquilla salsa festival.

She has been praised by personalities such as Don Tite Curet Alonzo. Mariana alternates her exciting career with the media, where she has a radio program dedicated to our Latin music “Sonsoneando con Mariana” winner of the 2010 Excellence Award, as a popular radio space in the Vargas State Venezuela.

She recently participated in the heartfelt tribute to the 50 years of artistic career of maestro Elio Pacheco, founder of the Latin Dimension, where she recorded an excellent song called “Al Olvido”.

She received praise from the Cuban queen Celia Cruz, and has the support of singers such as the Fania Stars, José Alberto “El Canario”, the Gran Combo de Puerto Rico and even her friend and confidant Oscar D’ León.

“Oscar represents more than a friend to me; he is like a brother. When he has a presentation in Vargas he does not hesitate to call me to see us and talk about our projects. I thank him a lot for his advice, because it has helped me to be where I am. The responsibility of being La Sonera de Venezuela falls on my shoulders.”

Y así quedó esta Sonera para su noche boleros
Y así quedó esta Sonera para su noche boleros

She has managed to release 12 musical productions. Among her best-known songs are “Frases hecha” in 1996, recorded in Peru and “Eres más fuerte que yo” by the composer Enrique Hidalgo.

Awards obtained

La Sonera has been worthy of multiple awards, including the “Congo de Oro” at the Barranquilla Salsa Festival, as well as the nomination three times in a row for the Vargas Excellence.

She has also received plaques as Female New Artist of the Year and Best Sonera in Caribbean Representation.

“I will never forget when they gave me the Catatumbo de Oro in Maracaibo, in the year 2000. It is one of my greatest achievements.”

Mariana La Sonera en el Santuario de La Divina Pastora en Barquisimeto
Mariana La Sonera en el Santuario de La Divina Pastora en Barquisimeto

My family is my life

At just 18 years old, Mariana became a mother for the first time. “It is something that very few people know, but my first husband mistreated me physically, verbally and psychologically. The only thing I can be thankful for from that relationship is the existence of my son.”

She is currently a speaker, producer, and host of her own radio show “SONSONEANDO CON MARIANA,” broadcast Monday through Friday from 12:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Dial Azul 95.9 FM. At the same time, she directs her own group and is part of Jeque y su Banda, the Rumberos Callejón orchestra, directed by the experienced timbalero Carlitos Padrón, where she shares the stage with Rodrigo Mendoza, Wilmer Lozano, among others.

Edgar Dolor, Hayzalex, El Jeque, Janett Trejo, Mariana, Frederick, Carlitos Hurtado
Edgar Dolor, Hayzalex, El Jeque, Janett Trejo, Mariana, Frederick, Carlitos Hurtado

Research Sources:

Djane. Shina Rojas

Luisana Brito, [email protected]

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Latin jazz and mambo trumpeter Jonathan Powell and his great collaborations

Trumpeter Jonathan Powell is one of the many examples that show how much so many American artists have looked at Latin music over the last few years, so this is a great opportunity to know one of the many stories about what our heritage has achieved in this country.

Jonathan playing
Musician Jonathan Powell playing the trumpet live

Instruments that caught Jonathan’s attention

An important fact to remember is that Jonathan’s parents were musicians. His father played the electric bass and his mother played the cello, so he obviously has a lot of talent to get from. However, his interest in music turned to a slightly different way.

The instrument through which the artist is best known today is the trumpet due to his great skill at handling it, but it is not the only instrument he has learned to play. He also plays the trombone, the tuba and other bass instruments, but does not have the same fascination with them as with the trumpet.

His interest in music began when he was in high school and became part of a few student bands, resulting in more than 30 years of musical career.

Jonathan’s academic training

Most of what Jonathan has got to learn comes from the experience he has gained through his work, although he does not devalue formal music education. In fact, he attended the North Carolina School of the Arts and studied with that institution’s best teachers in the area of classical music.

When he turned 19, he made the decision to move to New York, where he has lived ever since. While there, he did not care as much about further studying music, but gaining as much experience as he could through practice.

Jonathan recording
Jonathan Powell recording music for his album ”Mambo Jazz Party”

Interest in Latin music

Although Jonathan’s interest in music began with the classical genre, his move to Florida made him seek other horizons. In Florida, he and his brother Jeremy began to make contact with radio stations that played Latin genres and this led them to meet the Garcia-Herreros brothers, Juan and Victor, who are two very experienced musicians in Latin jazz, but also in Latin music in general. The boys returned to Florida after studying at Berklee College of Music and started a band with Jonathan and Jeremy until they had to move to New York.

When Jonathan graduated from high school and also moved to New York, he was reunited with Juan and Victor who offered him to join their orchestra La Creación, with which he played every weekend for several years. This would be what the young musician would describe as his first real experience in the world of music, leading him to participate in the orchestra La Excelencia and to play with Arturo O’Farrill and Eddie Palmieri. 

Learning from other great artists

Just as Jonathan has played with O’Farrill and Palmieri, he has also been able to share the stage with Miguel Zenón, Tito Puente Jr, Oscar Hernández from the Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Israel Tanenbaum and many others.

Despite not having received much academic training, the opportunity to have played with the aforementioned music stars and many more really taught him many things that he would not have learnt in any educational institution. He assures that from whom he learned the most was Maestro Palmieri, since the legendary pianist is very generous when it comes to sharing his knowledge with whoever needs it, thanks to his extensive experience in this rich world.

‘‘Palmieri has been around since the fifties and sixties and has played with the most important artists of his generation, so he has a lot to teach. People have no idea how much he knows and how deep his knowledge on music is,” said the trumpeter about one of his great living inspirations.

However, as a trumpet player, another of his great inspirations was Puerto Rican arranger, composer and producer Juancito Torres for the way he played, since he considers it very special and unique compared to many other musicians.

Jonathan and Palmieri
Maestro Eddie Palmieri and Jonathan Powell smiling for the camera

Nu Shanga

Eager to manage his own musical group, Jonathan gives the public a very interesting proposal which he baptized Nu Sangha, inspired by Tibetan language, since these two words together mean ”new community”. With this group, he had much more freedom when choosing how he wanted to address each rhythm and wanted to give a much more modern approach to the type of jazz he had been playing through electronic elements few times used before.

In the case of Nu Sangha, he enjoyed everything he did professionally and was able to experiment with everything he had learned so far in creative ways, leading him to release the albums ”Transcend” and ”Beacons of Light”.

Mambo Jazz Party

In Jonathan’s own words, Mambo Jazz Party, the artist’s most recent musical work, the entire process of recording it took more than 10 years, since that was the time taken to create all the music that appears in the record material. He started the creation in 2014 and it was not until 2022 that Jonathan added the final details such as some missing vocals, but he assures that all the time spent on the album was worth it.

On the album, we can find Jimmy Bosch, guitarist Nir Felder, flutist Itai Kriss, pianist Manuel Valera, vocalist Ariadne Trujillo, singer Anthony Almonte and many other great artists who embellish this creation.

In other interviews, Jonathan has described this album as a mix of traditional salsa and Latin jazz elements, electronic sounds and a lot of spiritualism, which can summarize very well what this musical work represents for Jonathan Powell. 

Mambo Jaszz Party by Jonathan
Cover of the album ”Mambo Jazz Party” by Jonathan Powell

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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.