International Salsa Magazine

Search Results for: Cali

Yasser Peralta and his musical experience

Latin America / Argentina / Buenos Aire

We have the opportunity to meet the dancer and teacher Yasser Peralta, who is dedicated to teaching Son and Rumba in the Cuban style, being something very striking due to the naturalness of his classes and we can believe that it is because his Cuban blood flows through his veins, giving the essence and flavor to the dance. He tells us that the development of his profession as a dancer and instructor began when he was little, since he was dedicated to dancing at parties, being a very common characteristic for most Cubans.

Yasser Peralta
Yasser Peralta

When he moved to Argentina, that did not stop him and in order to maintain his firm roots in his native land and to have his beloved culture very close, he went dancing, where he took advantage of every trip to Cuba to take classes, of which he was with:

  • Julia Fernández Regisseur of the National Folkloric Ensemble.
  • The Aspirins: Rumberos majors of Regla.
  • Luis Roblejo, professor of Modern Cuban Dance.
Yasser Peralta and his students
Yasser Peralta and his students

He tells us that he not only took classes, he also took training courses in both Cuba and Argentina; in Cuba he was in Cubadanza and in FolkCuba. In Argentina he was with two great dance masters of various genres and musical styles including the Cuban style such as the Mambo in 2 L.A. styles. All this made him increase his knowledge and resume of his musical career, being expanded by studying music, where he learned to play piano, guitar and percussion. And over time he began to organize events through his production company “AhíNaMá!”.

Workshop with Yasser Peralta
Workshop with Yasser Peralta

Of all his life journey, he tells us that “it was not only learning and having a profession, he enjoys dancing and teaching the genres of popular Cuban roots such as Afro-Cuban dances, Son and Rumba, because I understand that you have to go to the basis to better interpret current Cuban music…

On the other hand, I am from the Timba generation and I apply all of the above”, that is, dancing and teaching Cuban popular root genres are 2 of the things that I enjoy a lot, especially since In the future, he sees the possibility of traveling to, meanwhile, dedicate himself more to the production of cultural events of these Latin genres.

Photo - Workshop with Yasser Peralta
Photo – Workshop with Yasser Peralta

Yasser tells us that he has an event production company called “AhíNaMá!” where they hold workshops and teach at other academies:

La Viruta AhíNaMá! Vibra Dance
Tuesday: 20.30hs. $140

Thursday: 20.30hs $150

 Wednesday: en Feeling 21.30hs más baile Social $120 Friday: 21.30hs más baile Social $150

Yasser expresses himself to all of us and above all recommends that lovers of Latin rhythms, whether they are dancers or artists who want to expand in the artistic area, “open your studio to other genres, other styles.” “Everything nourishes and gives resources to personal dance and there is nothing more difficult (but sublime) than achieving one’s own style; especially that they study the music they dance to, understand its structure and the “root” sub-genres that make it up. That is what makes the detail, and the difference is in the detail”.

Salsa Casino with Yasser Peralta
Salsa Casino with Yasser Peralta

For more information:

 

 

 

Great Christmas salsa songs and their stories

Christmas is a time of joy where one of the most important elements is music, so we believe this is the best opportunity to feature some of the best Christmas salsa songs that we can remember. Here are the most cheerful songs in Latin music to listen to during the most beautiful time of the year.

Aires de Navidad by Héctor Lavoe and Willie Colón

”Aires de Navidad” is a great song which is part of the Christmas album ”Asalto Navideño Vol. I” from 1971. In the same year, Lavoe and Colón were already making preparations to record an album entirely dedicated to the festivities, indeed, they already had some songs recorded, but they knew that there were still details to finish. 

Then, Héctor asked musician Roberto García to join the project that was underway, as they needed a guitarist to accompany them. Garcia accepted the proposal almost immediately and got excited about the project that he even proposed Yomo Toro to join them, to which Hector and Willie agreed with no problems.

The day they agreed to record the material, Toro came in first and began playing a Puerto Rican cuatro when he was scheduled to play the electric guitar. However, Johnny Pacheco, upon hearing the sounds, liked the arrangement and approved it without question. 

That is how the four artists set out and recorded what would soon become one of the greatest Christmas hymns in recent times, and it will surely be in thousands of homes around the world this month.

Aires de Navidad
One of the photos taken during the recording of ”Aires de Navidad”

La Fiesta de Pilito by El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico

”La Fiesta de Pilito” is included in the album ”Nuestra Música” by El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, which was recorded in 1985 as a tribute to the most beautiful and endearing of the Island of Enchantment during the Christmas holidays. Back then, any musical work created by El Gran Combo always became a resounding success once it was released and its members were sure that this would be no exception.  

It is then when the composer of one of the main songs of ”Nuestra Música” came on the scene, and we are talking about Luis ”Pilito” Cruz, who would become part of the internationally acclaimed salsa group that same year.

What is known in the first instance about the song is that it did not have a specific name, so it was baptized as ”La Fiesta de Pilito” honoring the composer of its first two verses. Subsequently, the piece was completed with pregones and soneos created by the rest of the orchestra members.

Additionally, they received the support and collaboration from ‘‘El Caballero de La Salsa” Gilberto Santa Rosa, who served as a guest artist for the legendary recording.

Nuestra música at Christmas
Cover of the Christmas album ”Nuestra Música”

Bembé en Casa de Pinki by Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz

”Bembé En Casa de Pinki” is a Christmas song written by the famous duo Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz, which was released in 1971 and is the first single from the Christmas album ”Felices Pascuas”.

The song’s title comes from someone who would be very important in the career of the two aforementioned artists and that was the Panamanian-born diplomat named José Rogelio ”Pinki” Arias. The gentleman was a close friend of Richie and Bobby and, at the same time, director of the Panamanian Institute of Tourism. He used his friendship with the vocalists to invite them to various events in his country, knowing that they would be a complete success with the presence of the duo.

Such was the affection both exponents had for ”Pinki” that they dedicated to him two songs from their extensive repertoire, which were ”Bembé en Casa de Pinki” and one belonging to the album ”El Diferente”. 

Among other songs, ”Felices Pascuas” also includes tracks such as ”Bomba en Navidad”, ”Mi Niñez”, ”San José”, and ”Aguinaldo Navideño”.

Felices fiestas at Christmas
Cover of the Christmas album ”Felices Fiestas”

Estelita by La Sonora Ponceña

Another group that never misses a chance to offer their talent to please their fans and make them enter the Christmas atmosphere during the holiday season, leaving great classics that can not be missing every year in our homes and one of them is ”Estelita”.

Something that can never be missed in a Christmas album is that colorful character who always brings playfulness and good humor to the atmosphere. In this case, it is Estelita, who is a party neighbor who always sneaks into the Christmas parrandas in her neighborhood, something that many people will surely feel identified with in various parts of Latin America.

The song was written by the late maestro Joe Torres and was part of the album ”Otra Navidad Criolla!” along with ”Opera Gandinga”, ”Vamonos Pa’l Campo”, ”La Vengo Siguiendo”. 

Read also: Luis Guillermo Rangel the great friend of everyone

El “Día de San Juan” Salsa Festival

North America / USA

El “Día de San Juan” Salsa Festival Western Region Puerto Rican Council, Inc.

Concilio De Organizaciones Puertorriqueños Del OEste

Countdown to El “Día de San Juan” Festival 2018

40th Anniversary

SAVE THE DATE

June 30, 2018

Due to the ongoing effects of the devastation of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, the WRPRC will be directing all proceeds of El Dia de San Juan Festival to aid in the educational programs of the youth of Puerto Rico. http://www.wrprc.org/

 

“Día De San Juan” Salsa Scholarship Festival Line Up

Charlie Aponte

Charlie Aponte, one of the most beloved and remembered voices by millions of Salseros worldwide, returns to the stage as a  Soloist after 41 successful years with La Universidad de la Salsa…El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico.

Charlie Aponte
Charlie Aponte

With Charlie Aponte as their lead singer El Gran Combo recorded many hits Brujería; Amor Brutal; La Loma del Tamarindo; No hay Cama pa’ tanta Gente; Hojas Blancas; Arroz con Habichuelas; among many others.

Tony Vega

Internationally known salsa singer and band leader, Tony Vega, emerged from Puerto Rico in the 1980’s, He has worked with many of the greatest salsa stars from the beginnings of the genre, to the present.

Vega was exposed to music at a very early age; influenced by many adults in his family who were musicians.  Even in those early days, it was clear to Vega that nothing could satisfy his musical preferences like the music of his native Puerto Rico.

He was greatly influenced then by Ismael “Maelo” Rivera and Cortijo y su Combo, Rafael Ithierand El Gran Combo.  Vega signed with the then new RMM record label and released his solo debut with “Yo Me Quedo!” in 1988.

Tony Vega
Tony Vega

Vega’s riveting voice and his innate ability to perform contemporary salsa in the best tradition of the classic “soneros” has been honed and refined over 19 years as an artist, first as a percussionist and then as a singer. Thus far Vega has participated in the recording of 17 albums, including the last four on the RMM label with his own band.

Tony Vega has recorded Hablando del Amor, Greatest Hits, Aparentemente, Hoy Quiero Cantarte, the self-titled Tony Vega, and these have established Vega as a highly regarded salsa star.

 

Taino ​Orchestra​

Taino Orchestra began as a project to deliver salsa and latin jazz in August of 2010.  The concept is very simple, a nine piece band with the sound and elegant sophistication of a big orchestra.

Inspired by bands and individuals such as Ray Barretto, Tito Puente, Willie Rosario, Eddie Palmieri and many others, TAINO has developed into one of the most solid, hard-hitting salsa bands in the area.

The band is led by percussionist and lead vocalist, Aaron Routtenberg.  Aaron has toured and performed with some of the biggest names in the salsa industry including Jerry Rivera, Tito Nieves, La India, Tito Rojas and many more.

Taino ​Orchestra
Taino ​Orchestra

The percussion section features Carlos Caro on congas and Papo Martinez on bongo.  On bass, Taino is proud to have veteran bandleader and musician Gilbert Roman, while the extremely talented Erick Peralta occupies the piano chair.

The sizzling horn section is proud to have Mike Rinta and Charly Aguilar on trombones, while Carlos McCoy dazzles audiences on baritone sax and flute.  With this strong vocal section, swinging rhythm section, and blazing horn section that will make you move, we invite you to experience a musical masterpiece that you won’t soon forget!  Ya lo ves, que viene TAINO!

Luis Medina

Norte America / USA / San Francisco

Luis Medina, Con Sabor

During his tenure as the KPFA 94.1 FM Music Director, Luis Medina was a staunch advocate for the station music programs. His vast knowledge of different genres of music kept the music programming strong and relevant.

Through his direction, the station was recognized as a leader in innovative World Music programs that bolstered the genre’s popularity in the market. He also expanded the diversity of voices on-air by placing more women, Latinos and people of color as program hosts and producers.

Luis raised the visibility of the radio station through successful event sponsorships, including contract negotiation, live event marketing and promotion with the following partners: Live Nation, Another Planet Entertainment, SF Jazz, San Francisco Jazz Festival, Yoshi’s Jazz Clubs, Cal Performances, Monterey Jazz Festival, Stern Grove Festival, SF Flamenco Society, La Bohemia Productions,  Slims/Great American Music Hall, Bimbos 365 Club and others.

Luis has tirelessly contributed to the station’s on-air fundraising campaigns as well as voice overs for public service announcements and in-house station promotions. He currently continues to work behind the scenes as music consultant for the station.

DJ Luis Medina
DJ Luis Medina

In his radio program Con Sabor, he has interviewed hundreds of renowned artists and musicians. His interview with the legendary Israel Lopez “Cachao” is featured in the PBS documentary film “Cachao, Uno Mas” produced by actor/producer/director Andy Garcia.

Luis was Entertainment Director for MECA  (Mission Economic and Cultural Association) from 1986-1998.  He managed the Cinco De Mayo, Carnaval San Francisco and the 24th Street Festival De Las Americas events during his tenure, coordinating programming for up to 3 simultaneous stages.  He featured varied music from Rock to Brazilian to Salsa, as well as DJs and entertainment.

He was also an Entertainment Consultant and Director for SFCAT (San Francisco Cultural Arts and Traditions) from 2011 to 2012, which was organizing the SF Carnaval.

Other events and clients he has worked with include The San Francisco Giants, the Oakland Museum, the NFL Super Bowl Party, U.S. Navy Fleet Week Events, Cultural Music Productions, A.S.R.P. Productions, Terry Pimsleur & Associates, Salsa Dulce Productions, ARAM Productions and San Francisco State University.

Awards

  • The Armando Peraza Award for community service to the Latin and Music community, Voices Of Latin Rock Autism Awareness Benefit, 2012
  • Certificate Of Honor, City & County Of San Francisco for many contributions to Latin Music in radio and media as Music Director and Radio Producer/Host 2010.
  • Certificate Of Recognition, California Legislature Assembly for contributions to Latin Music through his work as radio host, producer and DJ 2010.
  • Achievement in Outstanding Lifetime Service in Radio – Western Region Puerto Rican Council 2008
  • Achievement In Latin Music Promotion-Lifetime Award-San Francisco Salsa Congress 2001
  • Espíritu De La Música Latina Award of the Marta Martinez Fund for Radio Programming excellence and positive contribution to the Northern California Latino Community, Marin County Foundation 1999

All this information was provided from Luis Medina official website http://luisemedina.com/

The world’s sonero returns to dance with the bass, this time from the Coca Cola Music Hall in Puerto Rico

On October 26, 2024, the Sonero of the World, Óscar D’León, arrived at the Coca Cola Music Hall in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The concert, scheduled for 6:00 p.m., began an hour late. However, attendees waited patiently until Óscar made his energetic entrance onto the colorful stage that was dressed in salsa for the occasion.

The world's greatest singer returns to dance with the bass, this time from the Coca Cola Music Hall in Puerto Rico
The world’s greatest singer returns to dance with the bass, this time from the Coca Cola Music Hall in Puerto Rico

For approximately two hours, the bassist was accompanied by his own orchestra, whose musicians traveled from Miami, Florida, USA. Between soneo and soneo, the Oscar of Salsa informed us that the inconvenience causing the delay had to do with a musician, who having stayed in Miami did not have the possibility of reaching Puerto Rican soil on time.

D´León, with more than half a century of musical career and a long list of hits, delighted the audience with the songs that have made him one of the favorite salsa singers of the Island of Enchantment. He started the evening with “Llorarás”, which ignited the passion of the audience gathered at the Coca Cola Music Hall, and who sang the hit at the top of their lungs alongside the bassist. This was followed by the songs “Bravo de verdad”, “Yo quisiera”, “Hechicera”, “Taboga” -from Dimensión Latina-, accompanied by his backing singer, Johnny Silva, “La murga”, “Detalles”, “La cadenita”, “Idilio” -also a duet with Johnny Silva- and “Mi bajo y yo”. During the interpretation of the latter he was accompanied by the instrument with which he achieved fame to recall his beginnings as a bassist, vocalist and dancer.

The world's sonero dances again with the bass
The world’s sonero dances again with the bass

The historic concert with the bass was followed by ‘Irimó’, ‘Sigue tu camino’, ‘La piragua’, ‘Que buen baila usted’, ‘En mi Viejo San Juan’, ‘La Mazucamba’, ‘El frutero’, ‘El manicero’, ‘Esa mujer’, ‘Juanita Morell’ and ‘Matasiguaraya’.

As usual, the concert was characterized by the energy of El León de la Salsa and the affection he receives every time he visits Borinquen. Rosalis Torres’ production team took care of every detail, making sure that everything flowed with the same impeccability as always. Once again, the salsa audience was pleased and waiting for the next concert.

Oscar D' Leon The Return
Oscar D’ Leon The Return

Bella Martinez Puerto Rico

 

 

 

Also Read: Willie Rosario, El Rey del ritmo by journalist and music researcher Robert Téllez M.