Search Results for: Cuban music

Orestes Vilato

North America / USA / New York

Orestes Vilato. Cuban Multi-Percussionist.

Cuban multi-percussionist, Orestes Vilato, is undoubtedly one of the greatest figures in the history of the Cuban drums known as timbales.

During the fifties, the Vilato family moved to New York, salsa capital of the world, where young Orestes would rise to fame as an innovator of his beloved traditional instrument, “Los Timbales”. While living in New York for 25 years, Orestes was intimately involved with many musical organizations that played seminal roles in shaping the course of Latin Music around the world.

Among the many groups were: Fania All Starts (founding member), Ray Barretto, Tipica 73 (founding member), Los Kimbos (founder-director), Tito Puente, Johnny Pacheco, Cheo Feliciano, Ismael Rivera, Joe Cuba, Eddie Palmieri, Ruben Blades, La Lupe, Celia Cruz, Rolando La Serie, Chico O’Farril, Lionel Hampton, Los Chavales de Espana, Cal Tjader.

Other artists with whom he has recorded or worked include: Winton and Bradford Marsalis, Paco De Lucia, Whitney Houston, Linda Ronstadt, Aretha Franklin, Willie Nelson, Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner, Cachao, Andy Garcia, Emilio Estefan, Gloria Estefan, Paquito de Rivera, Dave Valentin, Mongo Santamaria, Armando Peraza, John Santos, Rebeca Mauleon, Giovanni Hidalgo and Raul Rekow.

Orestes Vilato - Photo — Orestes Vilato – Photo

In 1981, Mr. Vilato moved to the San Francisco Bay area, where he still resides with his family. From 1980 to 1989 he recorded and toured with the renowned Carlos Santana Band.

Orestes was nominated for a Grammy in 1995 (Latin Jazz category) for his CD, Ritmo Y Candela With Patato and Changuito. In 2009 his solo CD Its About Time was nominated for a Latin Grammy.

Orestes has recorded several movie sound tracks that include: Our Latin Thing, Mambo Kings, Carlito’s Way, Steal Big Steal Little, The Bird Cage, Dance With Me, Just A Ticket, Things To Do In Denver and The Lost City.

He has been a special guest artist in multiple Jazz Festivals around the country and Puerto Rico including the San Jose Jazz Festival. He has performed and taught at numerous music conservatories including The Berkeley School of Music, UCLA, Fresno University, Standford University as well as many conservatories overseas.

Orestes was given tribute at Yerba Buena Garden, Monterey and San Francisco Jazz Festivals.

Orestes’ style is one of the most imitated and emulated among recording-performing artists.

The Granada LA

North America / USA / Los Angeles

The Granada LA is the home to a Ballroom, Latin, Salsa & Bachata dance studio with Los Angeles hottest dance instruction with classes a week and private lessons available by appointment. Offering several nights with live entertainment and dancing to show off all you have learned.

Salsa & Bachata Taco Tuesday - The Granada — Salsa & Bachata Taco Tuesday – The Granada

Tuesday is Salsa & bachata Nights, Thursday is Bachata Tropical Nights with 3rd floor Hip Hop/Reggaeton, Friday and Saturday Nights the main dance floor becomes Los Angeles Best Live Salsa Club! Enjoy an extra room on Saturday for bachata and Hip Hop/Top on patio.

Also the first and third Sunday of the month, live music for the Ballroom Dinner Dance with Two’s Company with all your favorites. Also, offering other special nights once a month on different nights.

Con Mayor Live Salsa Bachata - The Granada LA — Con Mayor Live Salsa Bachata – The Granada LA

Group Classes & Private Dance Lessons go on throughout the building, but it is important to remember that the Granada LA has other activities and groups sharing the space day and night.

Conjunto Oye Live Salsa Saturday - The Granada LA — Conjunto Oye Live Salsa Saturday – The Granada LA

The restaurant is open Thursday thru Sunday for dinner, in addition to being the caterer for rentals. Just as most clubs in Hollywood, enjoy different theme nights, so will the Granada LA.

Friday and Saturday night Salsa dance club, Ballroom Dinner Dance, Thursday night Bachata dance club, Cuban Timba party 2nd sunday of the month, Chicago stepping platinum club 4th sunday of the month, Special Dance performances, Concert nights & special events throughout the week and on weekends.

Bachata Concert Dani J - The Granada LA — Bachata Concert Dani J – The Granada LA

Teaching and choreographing for shows, events, parties, celebrations and your first dance. The Ballroom Dance Studio is located in Los angeles and specializes in Ballroom, Latin, Swing, Salsa & Tango dance classes and instruction both privately and in groups.

Cuban Dance Party - The Granada LA — Cuban Dance Party – The Granada LA

Offering an elegant beautiful Banquet Facility in Los Angeles for your upcoming Wedding Reception, Quinceanera, Birthday Party, Anniversary or a Special Occasion in Alhambra.

‘‘La Chiqui Some’’ and ‘’El Some’’ in International Salsa Magazine

Much prominence is given to singers, musicians and the visible part of the entertainment in general, but there is not enough talk of those who make it possible for the aforementioned to record what they have created for their audience. That is why we wanted to talk to Jennifer Freedman, better known as ”La Chiqui Some” and Agustin Someillan, who is known as ”El Some”.

Singer Jennifer Freedman and trumpeter Agustin Someillan in the studio

Jennifer and Agustin ‘’El Some’’’s first contact with music

Jennifer started in music with percussion in 2005, but moved away from it for a few years to pursue other activities until other artists and groups called her to play with them. She was then invited to attend some rehearsals at Mam-Ax Studios, where by a twist of fate, there was a man named Someillan who already had a studio at that time. They still did not know each other at that time, but soon, one would be very important for the other’s professional life.

In 2018, she had to go again to the same building, which is when she finally met Agustin, who tells her that she was in the wrong place and had to go to another office. Her visit to Mam-Ax was intended to participate in the recording of a single for singer Freddy Nieves, but that chance encounter would help her to learn that both she and Agustín had a partner in common, who recommended her to work together.

After that, both accepted and began to know each other better, which led ”El Some” to advise Jennifer on her singing and other details of the business. At the same time, the girl was beginning to see music as something much more serious, since it was only a hobby for her by then. She had certain doubts because she had not jumped right into music professionally, but Agustín convinced her to try to start a career as such, to which she ended up giving in.

The owner of the studio did not have the support of anyone at that time, so he had the great idea of partnering with Jennifer and bringing together their qualities in the same project.

In the case of ”El Some”, he comes from a musical family and studied music in Cuba. He became a trumpet player just like his father. Back in his country of origin, he was fortunate to accompany many orchestras such as the Sexteto Nacional de Ignacio Piñeiro, with which he was nominated for Latin Grammy in 2014.

Having decided his country did not provide him with all the opportunities he needed as an artist at that time, he tried his luck in New Jersey, where he currently resides as does Jennifer, with whom he currently shares the Sonority Record Studios project.

At this moment, they are creating the album ”Los Some Son” as an idea of Jennifer herself to get people know ”El Some”’s career. Among the guests of the project, we can mention former Los Van Van singer Pedrito Calvo, former Los Van Van singer Melly Cartero, Jennifer herself, singer Frankie Vazquez, pianist Arturo Ortiz, among many others.

Chocolate and Agustín El Some — Cuban jazz trumpeter Alfredo ”Chocolate” Armenteros and Agustín Someillan

How Jennifer and ”El Some” created Sonority Music Studios

Agustin has been in the studio for almost 12 years, while Jennifer has only been there for five, but that has not stopped them from getting together perfectly, of course. He has always liked to play the trumpet, but his neighbors started to complain about the constant noise coming from his house, so he decided to look for a place to make music without disturbing anyone.

However, before that, he was already working on music at home, to the point that he produced an album for José Mangual from his own home, which he describes as ”a huge odyssey”, since he did not have the conditions to complete a job of that magnitude. That is when he decides to look for a space more conditioned to record and produce, so he acquires half of the space he currently uses and elongated it after partnering with Jennifer.

There were implements they did not possess the knowledge to use, but little by little, they were learning on their to create the brand they have today and the prestige that they acquired in the Latin music community with so much sacrifice.

”Although this is not a big studio, great things have happened here. There is a great vibe and we make very good music” said ”El Some” about what has been achieved with this space, which has become their musical home.

The studio has a vacuum-sealing cabin and everything necessary for mixing, mastering, editing, recording and much more.

Jennifer during a performance — Jennifer Freedman during a live performance with Los Some Son

Relationship between Los Some Son and Sonority Music Studios

At the moment of expanding the studio, Agustin had already named the place ”Some Son”, but once he and Jennifer became partners, they started to think about how to market it more effectively in the United States. Since everything they did there had to do with sonority, they opted for something with that word, so the studio ended up being called Sonority Music Studios.

Both are listed as company managers and ”El Some” focuses on the music, creation, engineering and production side. On the other hand, Jennifer is much more focused on the administrative part, contracts, bookings, among other details of this type.

Seeing what they were achieving with the studio, they felt they could expand a little more to other facets, so both artists also engaged in founding their own band that they called ”Los Some Son” in homage to the ”El Some”’s family of trumpeters and Cuban salsa music in general.

In conclusion, both the studio and the band are formed by the same team, so both projects go hand in hand.

The “Patio de Tula”

Latin America / Venezuela / Yaracuy

In the Yaracuy state of Venezuela, where nature reigns, salsa is also danced

Meeting point: El Patio de Tula in the city of San Felipe

In the patio of a house in an urbanization in the city of San Felipe, since 2013, there has been a salsa scene that is worthy of recognition. The Patio de Tula is the name of the place, named after the Buena Vista Social Club song: El Cuarto de Tula. It is a space created by music lover and cultural promoter Yony Padilla, inspired by some night spots in Caracas where salsa was danced, such as the emblematic “El Maní es Así en Sabana Grande.”

Apart from having become a point of reference in the Yaracuy state and a meeting place for musicians and passionate salsa lovers, or simply a place to de-stress or have a delicious soup on Sundays, in El Patio de Tula We work diligently to rescue the salsa genre and become an engine of dissemination and a teaching center for the musical education of children, young people and adolescents.

The aim is to create an African-American percussion and dance school, where rhythm and dance are connected in a vital and artistic encounter, through Afro-Caribbean, Afro-Venezuelan percussion workshops and Caribbean dance (salsa) and traditional Venezuelan dance classes. It is important to highlight that this training proposal will be called the Juan Carlos Marín Percussion School, as a living tribute to this musician from Yaracuya, who throughout his career has dedicated himself to the study and research of Latin music and the Yaracuyan drum. It would be well worth it for this project to be taken into account by the region’s cultural organizations to support it.

There are various personalities and groups linked to the salsa and urban music scene that have visited El Patio de Tula, among them we can mention: Edgar “Dolor” Quijada, Orlando “Watussi” Castillo along with Mandinga Star Band, Rodrigo Mendoza, Carlos Hurtado , Jóvito Eduardo, Wilmer Lozano, Edgar “El Abuelo” Rodríguez, Alejandro Mayora, Ray Herrera, David González Jr., Ronald Gómez, Cheo Linares, Aquamarina “La Sirena de la Salsa”, DJ. Augusto Felibertt, Sonora Yambú, Orquesta Salsa Cinco 25, Orquesta Salsa Libre, Orquesta Malecón, the Mango Group, Dame Pa Mátala, Y de Cuba, Sixto Llorente and the Yoruba Andabo Folkloric Group.

Yony Padilla tells us that the salsa scene in the Yaracuy state is on the rise. To do this, they have the Hermandad Salsera de Yaracuy Foundation, which goes hand in hand with El Patio de Tula and at the same time is linked to the radio program Expresion Latina, produced and hosted by Hermes Mejías, and broadcast on the 102.9 FM dial from the central area of San Felipe. Another location that is leading the scene in the area, as Yony tells us, is El Rincón de La Salsa. The large number of musicians and orchestras in Yaracuy are proof of what was said above. Among the musicians the following stand out:

Domingo Bracho – piston trombone
Jorge Yujere – trombone
Harry Ramos –piano
Luis Reyes –percussion
Kendri Siso –percussion
Asael Hernández – piano
Darwin González – Cuban three
Domingo Suárez – percussion
Jimmie Graterol – percussion
Jesús Mieres – percussion
Manuel Mieres –trombone
among others.

The salsa orchestras are: Sonora Yambu, Elegua Son, Yaracuy es Salsa, Orquesta Los Gullet de Marín, where Sonero Orlando “Watussi” Castillo, residing in Milan, Italy, participated as a special guest, Orquesta Trombosis and Escala 78. Among the DJs are: Diego Music, Jesús (Drupy) and Robert Villalobos.

Further, investigating the salsa scene in the states surrounding Yaracuy, we were able to verify with the promoter Padilla that salsa is picking up in Aragua, this, if we measure it by the number of orchestras that he mentioned to us: Orquesta Mangue, Orquesta Primera Clase, La Foca and his Caribbean Sextet, Enmanuel Orchestra, Latinos Orchestra, Mondys Band, Fascination Orchestra (Recognition from the Universidad Bicentenario de Aragua –UBA–), Sono-Star Orchestra and Roberto Monasterios and his Orchestra.

Likewise, in other nearby states there are orchestras such as Malecón, Sazón Latino, Soneros Latinos, Líder, La Nor-Star in Lara; Osaona, Juramento, Sorongo, Batakum, Son Colón, Adrenalina Latina Puerto Cabello in Carabobo; and the Piri Salsa Orchestra in Falcón.

We invite you, therefore, to attend one of the tremendous rumbas that take place in El Patio de Tula, in a family and calm atmosphere, and in the process visit the greenest and most vibrant state of Venezuela. The Exotic Tropical Flora Park, the San Felipe El Fuerte Archaeological Historical Park and the Cumaripa Reservoir Recreational Park are an exemplary example of how, in Yaracuy, nature reigns.

ADDRESS: El Patio de Tula is located on 3rd street, San Rafael, Independencia, Yaracuy state, Venezuela.

Note: We highly appreciate the collaboration received from Yony Padilla and Augusto Felibertt in the preparation of this text.

Salsa trip – Where to dance Salsa in Europe?

Europe

Do you want to go to Europe but you don’t know where are the best places to dance? Do you want to enter in the passionate salsa world? Are you looking for adventures and meet new people? International Salsa Magazine wants to guide you to the best salsa and Latin places in Europe. In this edition we show you the dance life in three different countries: Ireland, Switzerland and England.

Ireland

Strictly Salsa

This academy/club offers a weekly Salsa Classes and a Salsa Club every Thursday in The National Stadium on the South Circular Road, Dublin. The classes are divided for categories:

Ladies: Alexandra – Ladies Styling with Body movement. For those of you who know Alex, this will be one of the greatest most indebted workshop focused around not just footwork and styling but how to use your body and techniques and tips on how to practice and perfect what will be thought to you in class. It will not just be watch me then try it, Alex loves questions and wants to share her knowledge.
Men: Claudiu – This for you guys will really help you put more flavor and movement into your dancing skills, incorporating all this with steps that are very usable on the social dance floor, there will be elements of Rumba & Guaguanco and by the end it should all come together nicely. As with Alex, Claudius knowledge is very deep so ask as many questions as possible to maximize the time.

For more info: http://strictlysalsa.ie/

Salsa Dublin

A lot of our instructors are also performers and they have a huge amount of experience performing on stage /in competitions/ at weddings & parties. The academy has dancers from Ireland, Turkey, Poland, Spain, Romania, and each one brings their own individual strengths to our group.

The teacher’s team has two previous winners of the Irish Salsa Championships, and the current (2012) Champion of the Irish Bachata Open. We also have instructors with backgrounds in Ballroom, Hip Hop, Ballet, Contemporary etc. which gives the team a greater understanding of musicality and a deeper appreciation for what they teach.

Development of the dancers is a key focus in our structure. Through regular team meetings, teachers training and dance group practice, we are able to keep physically and mentally growing and improving. You never stop learning no matter how good you are, so we are always striving to better ourselves. This academy works with world class international teachers and champions, bringing them to Ireland so that they can share their knowledge and ideas with the academy and their students.

Workshops are crafted for all levels of Salsa and Bachata lovers. A day of workshop involves a total of 4 hours of learning from four local and international dance instructors!! You will be sharing this amazing experience with both your fellow learners and from people from outside the regular classes.

For more info: SalsaDublin.com

Switzerland

La Movida Laussane

La Movida/Poco Loco is a bar-restaurant known by its Latin-Mexican aesthetic and food, which also offers special nights and parties for Salsa and Latin music lovers. With the performances of Dj’s and live bands, this special club is bringing all the Latin flavor to Switzerland. Cocktails, food, music and more!

For more info and reservations: https://pocoloco-movida.ch/

Salsa Passion Company

Whether you are completely new to the art, or experienced dancer, Salsa Passion Company has the knowledge and the experience to bring you further with your dance skills.

The academy philosophy is understanding that dance is about social and fun, but while you are investing your time and money to learn, why not learn it properly.

They’ve develop a “step by step” method that is fun and efficient for everyone to learn. They teach the “know how”. You will learn the vocabulary and the techniques of how to put them together, so you can be.

To learn how to dance Salsa, you should first understand the rhythm of Salsa, the steps, the body movement, the TWO persons but only ONE system principle in order to dance together with harmony, then move on to the turns and figures, and that’s the focus of the academy.

For more info: http://www.salsapassion.ch/d_course.html

England

Caramelo Latin Dance

Looking for Salsa classes in London? You’ve come to the right place! At Caramelo Latin Dance you will find only the highest quality tuition in Crossbody Salsa On1 and On2, as well as in and many other Latin dances.

Caramelo Group - Salsa — Caramelo Group – Salsa

The 4-week Latin dance courses are perfect for a consistent and immersive approach that will help you see a marked progression in your dancing irrespective of your level.

Classes take place on Wednesdays and Thursdays. You can Combine your Salsa classes with Bachata, NY Mambo On2, Cha Cha Cha, Pachanga and Styling and enjoy Latin dancing to the fullest!

For more info: http://www.caramelolatindance.co.uk/

Incognito Dance

Incognito Dance Company (IDC) was established in 1999. It has some of the most experienced and qualified Latin Dance instructors and performers in Europe. All our Latin dance courses, workshops, holidays, events and clubs are run and taught by highly trained, friendly instructors who encourage dancers of all levels to enjoy the spirit of dance.

Try the award winning Gold, Silver & Bronze Salsa Courses, learn to dance, have fun, keep fit and meet new friends. Check out the private lessons, weekly classes, regular workshops, bootcamps, monthly parties, holidays, and special events.

Experienced dancers are given fun, technically challenging classes, and plenty of hours to social dance to the latest Latin music by our fabulous DJ’s. The academy teach many Latin dance styles of salsa from LA Style, NY Style, Cuban and Puerto Rican, as well as Bachata, Kizomba, Cha Cha, Reggaeton, Latin Hip Hop, Merengue etc.

For more info and classes: https://www.incognitodance.com/

Salsa Soho London

The best place to celebrate your Latin roots! Salsa classes every night of the week, amazing drinks menu with over 50 cocktails and of course non- stop Latin music.

This club/restaurant has menus to suit all occasions and tastes. For a bigger party or less formal occasion they Sharing Planks are perfect and includes Salsa favorites like tacos and Iberico ham croquettes. Special events, birthdays, parties and more, with the best atmosphere in London!

For more info and reservations: https://www.bar-salsa.com/soho