Search Results for: Cuban

Let’s remember the movie Dance with Me , a memorable example of the Salsa Casino

A particular taste that people have for more than three (3) centuries is that we like to unwind from the daily routine and see new things, and one of the activities that until today we use as a distraction is the movies.

Since the eighteenth century, the story began with the beginning of cinema, being the first (1st) in Paris, France in 1895 where people could enjoy viewing the projected images in motion, evolving from the projection of black and white to color and the silent cinema to the application of cinema with sound, becoming more and more attractive and popular for its viewers since it has become a form of escape for either an educational, informative or recreational purpose.

Dance with me movie — Dance With Me – movie cover

Currently in the 21st century, a great variety of films of different styles have been reproduced; This time we want to talk about the romantic film ” Dance with Me ” which was released in 1998, which we found attractive and unique for being a romance and dance film which was directed by Randa Haines, and starring Vanessa Williams and Chayanne.

It all starts with a Houston dance instructor named Ruby (played by Vanessa Williams), who throughout history believes she has found a competitive dance partner who matches her height and style and is a handsome Cuban immigrant who works as a manager who is called Rafael (played by Chayanne), a young and attractive Cuban dancer, who went through very hard times in his life due to the loss of his father, making the decision and intention to change of scene and forget a little about the sorrows , traveling to Houston.

In the dance studio, everyone is preparing for the Open World Dance Championship in Las Vegas, in this dynamic and competitive opportunity Rafael has the best hope of participating with Ruby, who will be his best hope to be able to participate in this great championship. From that moment on, an important lesson will be given to all the actors of the film as well as the viewers, and that is that the most important lesson for dancing is to follow the heart.

Salsa Casino Dance — Capture the scene the Dance with Me Movie

So if you want to see an example of how it is danced and how it is seen in a competition of “Salsa Casino” or another tropical rhythm, you can see this movie ” Dance with me ” which also has a touch of romantic drama, making it more interesting and showing that it can one need when dancing as a couple or on a wheel (a form of dance of the Salsa Casino usually or they are montuno, guaracha and also chachachá, among others, where it is formed by pairs of dancers in an indeterminate number who perform figures of dance combined between them), and as they show us that it is not only the dance steps and learning the figures (turns) but it is the communication they have (corporal and visual), which is very different from verbal communication, since that anything goes in that; communicate and let yourself be carried away by the rhythm that beats in the body, mind and heart of the dancers.

Let’s meet the Pharaoh of Salsa, who is he? Oscar D ‘Leon .

Biography of Oscar D ‘Leon

Óscar Emilio León Simosa, was born in the populous Antimano parish in Caracas -Venezuela, on July 11, 1943, known in the artistic world Óscar d ‘León, son of Carmen Dionisia Simoza and Florentino Padrón. However, he did not recognize him at the time of birth, so the marriage of Carmen Simoza and Justo León decided to take care of the child.

From an early age, little Oscar enjoyed the popular parties that were held in Antímano and listened to the music of great orchestras such as La Sonora Matancera, the Billo’s Caracas Boys Orchestra, the Matamoros Trio, and two of his greatest musical inspirations, Celia Cruz. and Benny Moré.

He began his musical career relatively late, at 28 years of age, after having carried out two jobs totally unrelated to music, such as taxi driver and mechanic; He was educated academically as a surveyor, but never practiced that profession.

Oscar learned to play bass empirically, his innate talent for music was so extraordinary that it allowed him to earn a position in one of the orchestras that played in a renowned nightclub in the city of Caracas. There Oscar also did the choirs, but he did not interpret any song as a soloist.

His life changed when the lead singer of the orchestra was absent from one of the presentations and Oscar proposed to fill that vacancy and he did it in a great way, so much so that he received the approval of all those present.

In 1972, the owner of “La Distinción” told him that he would dispense with his services, since he would require an orchestra of higher quality and experience. Oscar offered his group to the owner of the premises, although he did not have it. It was here that D ’León went, together with the trombonist César Monges, from door to door looking for some musicians with whom he considered he could put together a group with which the venue could get out of trouble. It is there where they meet the percussionists Elio Pacheco and José Rodríguez, the trombonist José Antonio Rojas (Rojita) and the pianist Enrique “Culebra” Iriarte (who would later be replaced by Jesús Narváez). At this moment the project to create the Latin Dimension is accelerating.

They premiered on March 15, 1972, in a rehearsal at the home of “Culebra” Iriarte in La Guaira and debuted in “La Distinción”. In that same 1972 the orchestra recorded their first full-length album and obtained their first hit, the song “Pensando en ti”. This first success led them to be hired to participate in the Maracaibo carnival festivities. We must emphasize that Víctor Mendoza was the one who suggested using his stage name as “Oscar D´León”. There were many songs that Oscar hit with the Latin Dimension, “Llorarás”, “Taboga”, “El Frutero”, “Mi Tierra”, among many more.

In 1976, at the highest point of popularity, Oscar D’León confronted differences with the rest of the members of the group, for which he separated from the Latin Dimension and formed his own orchestra; “La Salsa Mayor” recording his first LP titled “Con Bajo y Todo”.

After some legal problems that momentarily led him to remain briefly detained and deprived of liberty and to be questioned in the media, he decided to change his image and presence, dispensing with the qualifier “El Diablo de la salsa” that had been given to him in Panama.

In 1986 he relapsed into acting, this time in the Venezuelan film “Hell is sure.” Later, he began his international leap, taking his music to countries such as Japan and to stages such as Madison Square Garden in New York, the Poliedro de Caracas and the Teresa Carreño Theater. At this stage, he alternates and records with those who had been his youth idols: Celia Cruz, Eddie Palmieri and Tito Puente.

He also presented himself as the companion for singers of the new salsa generation who was part, like him, of the label belonging to Ralph Mercado “RMM”: La India with whom he would record the song “Hazme el amor” or José Alberto “El Canario” with who would record “The flavor arrived.”

Oscar D' Leon Photo — Oscar D ‘Leon smiling for the photo

Oscar D´León has received numerous awards and honors. In 1996, with the album “Sonero del Mundo” in collaboration with the Cuban musician Willy Chirino makes him obtain the nomination for the Grammy.

On March 15, 1998, the city of New York honored him by naming that date as Oscar D’León Day.

On December 20, 2009, he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of a Caracas clinic after suffering a heart attack in Martinique, from which he recovered after undergoing catheterization.

On November 21, 2013 he received the Latin Grammy Award for Excellence for his musical career, thus recognizing the impact of his performance in the world, also that same year he would receive the Grammy Award.

Today, Oscar continues to delight us with his wonderful musical talent …

Anacaona Areito de Anacaona ‘Golden Flower’

Anacaona was the last princess of the Caribbean and protector of the Taino people.

“Anacaona, areito de Anacaona”, sang Cheo Feliciano before a heated crowd at the Cheetah club in New York late on 26 August 26, 1971.

It has been more than 50 years have passed and the chorus from the pen of Tite Curet Alonso resounds as if it were yesterday. But who was Anacaona?

Anacaona or Anakaona. (1474-1503)1 was an aboriginal Taino chieftain of Bohío Island. She governed the Cacicazgo of Jaragua after the death of her brother Bohechío. She was condemned to be hanged by Governor Nicolás de Ovando.

Anacaona means ‘Golden Flower’ in the Taino language. She was a Haitian princess of Taino origin who was born in the year 1474 at Bohío, as it was dubbed by its inhabitants and then divided into two Caribbean countries: the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

Anacaona was the last princess of the Caribbean and protector of the Taino people. — Anacaona Areito de Anacaona

After the death of her brother Bohechío, Anacaona would take over as cacique to rule the Chiefdom of Jaragua. She had a natural talent for poems, which she sang in the areitos, dances, and songs with which the Taino Indians celebrated their festivities and religious rites.

Anacaona received Christopher Columbus on his first voyage at Christmas 1492. She felt admiration for the new knowledge and skills of these people to solve day-to-day challenges.

Those led by Columbus established a settlement in the new territory, which they called Christmas Town. It is said that this was the first building of the Spaniards in America.

But harmony would not last for long. The abuse on the natives began, especially women who were mistreated and raped without hesitation.

Anacaona would not accept the oppressive tyranny and persuaded Caonabo, her husband, to destroy the settlement where the invaders were based.

Anacaona in the Taino language means 'Golden Flower'. She was a Haitian princess of Taino race who was born in the year 1474 on Bohío Island, as its first inhabitants baptized it and which would later be divided into two Caribbean countries: the Dominican Republic and Haiti. — Anacaona was the last princess of the Caribbean and protector of the Taino people.

Christopher Columbus left the territory and, upon return in November 1493, he found Christmas Town destroyed and its more than 43 men killed. It was an affront. Anacaona escaped and became an Indian of a captive race, as the song goes. But her freedom would not last long. After an intense search, she was captured and bound to hang in 1504.

The Tite Curet Alonso’s ‘Anacaona’

Tite Curet Alonso composed ‘Anacaona’ without knowing who she was. The song written from one day to the next would be included in the album “Cheo” (1971) of Vaya Records. The label sought to re-launch Feliciano’s musical career, who had stayed away from the stage as a result of the rehabilitation for his drug addiction.

In an interview posted on Youtube, Tite says that he was inspired by a Lecuona Cuban Boys orchestra’s song (recorded in the 1930s) and baptized it with that name in honor of the Cuban girl group Anacaona.

After the death of her brother Bohechío, Anacaona took over as caciqueca, governing the Cacicazgo de Jaragua. She had a natural talent for poetry, which she sang in the areitos, dances and songs with which the Taino Indians celebrated their festivities and religious rites. — Anacaona or Anakaona. (1474-1503) was an aboriginal Taino chieftain of Bohío Island.

He says he tried to “make up a mystical story” about Spanish and Indian slaves. When composing, Curet did not know he was telling the true story of the Haitian princess who fought against the Spaniards in the early years of the discovery of America.

After the release of the album was released, which was well received by the public, Curet visited a priestess who knew the life of Anacaona and had heard the song in the voice of Cheo Feliciano. After knowing the story, Tite was greatly impressed.

The woman informed the composer that it was the Taíno ancestors who inspired his pen in each verse.

“But how is it possible that you wrote that song? Now you have to make a song for Caonabo and I will tell you why: because from a certain generation upwards, you are a descendant of Caonabo and Anacaona”, said the priestess.

It did not take long for Tire Curet to publish his tribute to ‘Caonabo’, the Indian fighter who, like his wife Anacaona, fought against Spanish oppression. The song was included in his production as a singer-songwriter entitled “Aquí estoy con un poco de algo” (1975).

The Cheetah concert on August 26, 1971, gave rise to the salsa boom and allowed several young talents to make history. Moreover, it opened the way for composers like Tire Curet Alonso, who with songs like ‘Anacaona’, created the soundtrack of Latin American soul.

Images courtesy of Museo Taino Anacaona

https://www.museoanacaona.com/

Dominican Republic

DIEGO “EL CIGALA”

The “Cantaor” Of The XXI Century

Flamenco has been his principal victory. Tango his maximum exploration. Salsa his greatest ambition, and Bolero his deepest romanticism. The world has witnessed his talent, Diego Ramón Jiménez Salazar or better known as Diego “El Cigala” has immersed us in these torrential musical genres with his masterful voice for 24 years. Each album shows us intoxicating rhythms that introduce you to joy on many occasions, and many others evoke stories of deep melancholy in their unequivocal lyrics.

Diego, a good, upright, and friendly man has lived very hard moments like the loss of the two most important women in his life. Her wife, Amparo Fernandez, a victim of cancer that took her life in 2015 in her home (Punta Cana, Dominican Republic), and a year after lost her mother, Aurora Salazar Motos.

Diego "El Cigala" with his Wife Amparo — Punta Cana (Dominican Republic) “… It is a place where you can live, not just work. There is more space for life. “Amparo Fernandez

For 26 years, Amparo was his manager, friend, confidant, wife, and mother of his two oldest children (Diego and Rafael). She was always his stick of support even during the worst stage of his career.

Diego El Cigala has always been very familiar, sentimental, and a believer in God. “… My children make me and they will always keep me going, music heals me from the inside, and God accompanies me making everything possible”, explains the nationalized Dominican artist.

A year and a half after these fateful circumstances, the XXI century cantaor resurfaces and rebuilds his life with his current couple Dolores “Quina” and his third son Manuel, who was the product of this relationship.

Quina loves me, I love her, and she understands me like nobody. I have grief and joy every day of my life. I see my children, my wife, my granddaughters and shot forward.”

The Meeting

At the beginning of 2000, there was a meeting. Diego “El Cigala” and Bebo Valdés got together for the first time, and very much in the style of a bridal link, Diego and Bebo created a strong bond of friendship, mutual respect, and professional admiration.

Diego "El Cigala" with Bebo Valdés — His popularity arrived with Bebo Valdes and his album Lágrimas Negras

It was an afternoon at the house of musical director Fernando Trueba where they met and did not stop exchanging opinions about flamenco and Cuban music. From there their first collaboration together, three songs from the CD “Corren tiempos de alegría” released in 2001.

Bebo ever transmitted serenity and tranquility to Diego, which allowed them to record two years later Lágrimas Negras, an album with which they won a Latin Grammy Award for Traditional Tropical Album in 2004.

Both artists lived moments of unique and spiritual teachings. Each day Diego regrets Bebo’s physical departure and misses him so much that every day he looks up and sees Bebo saying to him: What’s wrong?

Bebo helped him get to know the Caribbean where he ended up living, helped him transcend flamenco, and learn about other genres. For that, the only way to pay tribute to him was with the sixth track belonging to the Indestructible record production, Fiesta para Bebo, with the special guest, Los Muñequitos de Matanza.

Since Lágrimas Negras, the cantaor of the XXI century has been able to venture into new genres and collaborations, such as the material Cigala & Tango (2010), Indestructible (2016), and his most recent record production “Cigala canta a México” presented in 2020.

El Cigala Indestructible

Since 2016 Indestructible presented the greatest musical fusion of the American and European continent. It was a Salsa and flamenco production that brought together the founders of the Fania All-Stars after 25 years and recalled emblematic songs such as El ratón, Periódico de ayer, Moreno soy, and Juanito alimaña popularized by Willie Colón and Hector Lavoe, among many others.

Diego "El Cigala" cantando — Indestructible released in 2016 is the tenth studio album of Diego “El Cigala”

Diego El Cigala from the gypsy ethnic group grew up in love with this Latin music since his childhood thanks to his father and the great stars of hard Salsa such as Héctor Lavoe, Celia Cruz, Cheo Feliciano, La Fania All-Stars, and El Gran Combo.

Diego "El Cigala" black and white — Diego “El Cigala” has always been very familiar, sentimental, and a believer in God

This tenth studio album in tribute to his wife Amparo Fernandez, and his great teacher and friend, Bebo Valdés, was recorded in different territories of the American continent, bringing the color and sound of Salsa from each area to this CD. The cities that he visited and captured part of the recording were: Cali (Colombia), San Juan (Puerto Rico), Havana (Cuba), Punta Cana (Dominican Republic), New York (United States), Miami (United States), and Jerez de la Frontera (Spain) where the production ended with the addition of guitar, choirs, cajón, and flamenco clapping.

As part of this fusion of genres, El Cigala had the opportunity to count on the talent of Oscar D’Leon, Bobby Valentin, Larry Harlow, Roberto Roena, Eddie Montalvo, Nicky Marrero, Jorge Santana, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Luis Perico Ortiz, Horacio el Negro, José Aguirre, Diego del Morao, and the percussion group Los Muñequitos de Matanza with whom he created a very special connection because they have a lot of similarity with the culture of his gypsy people, “I love them, no I’ve seen better people with so much heart “, that’s how El Cigala described them.

Indestructible, nominated for the Latin Grammy for Best Tropical Album in 2018, represents the immortality of Salsa, the essence of the Afro-Caribbean rhythm that endures in the Latin roots of the new generations although it no longer has the same boom that is enjoyed between the period from 1970 to 2000.

Salsa was in the 70s a way to confront racism and xenophobia that Latin Americans were experiencing in the United States. That unites Salsa with gypsy music and the gypsy people, who have also experienced these prejudices”. Diego “El Cigala”

Discover The 8 Orchestras Of Tempo Latino 2021 (Cancelled)

The major Salsa Festival in France announced the lineup of orchestras to perform at Les Arènes: Pacific Mambo Orchestra, Los Van Van, Interactivo, London Afrobeat Collective, Alain Pérez, and Issac Delgado will display their talent on stage

Les Arènes (the only paid access area of the festival) will be the Latin and Afro-Caribbean music concerts. Here, you will enjoy the cultural and generational exchange, also the talent of the great trajectory & emerging artists, who will present their repertoire for the maximum Salseros. In this 27th edition of Tempo Latino (a festival held outdoors), all the biosecurity measures implemented in the country will be respected.

Concerts in Tempo Latino 2021

Pacific Mambo Orchestra

The renaissance of the Latin sound of the Big Bands of the 1940s will be in the performance by one of the most important orchestras in the United States, Pacific Mambo Orchestra. Their music combines Mambo, Pop, Cha Cha, Timba, and Bolero. Additionally, Pacific Mambo Orchestra was the winner of the “Best Tropical Album” at the 2014 Grammy Awards.

This North American orchestra was founded 11 years ago by the Mexican pianist Christian Tumalan and the German trumpeter Steffen Kuehn. They have collaborated with famous artists such as Carlos Santana, Poncho Sánchez, Pete Escovedo, and Arturo Sandoval. Currently, this Latin Big Band performs on the west coast of the United States, and its repertoire is in English and Spanish. His third album: The III Side fuses the Mambo traditions of the 50s with the music of the moment.

Los Van Van

The emblematic Cuban music orchestra will celebrate its 50 years of experience on the Les Arènes of Tempo Latino stage.

Los Van Van was founded in 1969 by the bassist, composer, and legend of Cuban music, Juan Formell.

Juan, accompanied by José Luis Quintana, known as “Changuito” and César “Pupy” Pedroso, invented the “Songo”, a Cuban rhythm predecessor of the “Timba” or Cuban Salsa. This rhythmic fusion generated the Salsa-Son, a sound with a Cuban style.

In 2018 they recorded their first record production “Legado” since Juan Formell’s passed away in 2014. This tribute album has 14 songs with 3 new versions of international singles: “Te extraño”, “Por qué lo haces”, and “Amiga mía”.

Interactive

Interactivo 2021 — Saturday, July 31, 2021 – 9:00 P.M.

The avant-garde Cuban collective, Interactivo, is the most innovative and interesting project in Cuban music today.

This emerging orchestra on international stages brings together the brightest and most eclectic talents in Havana. Each member brings his specialty: Timba, Funk, Jazz, Hip Hop, Rock, Rumba, Cuban traditional music, and Soul for an optimal result of great richness, where individual originality, musical creativity, and avant-garde ideas enrich the group.

London Afrobeat Collective

London’s addicting Afrobeat for ten years has offered festive music based on Jazz, Funk, Rock, Dumb, and African Vibes. Its international ADN, composed of nine members from England, Italy, France, Congo, Argentina, and New Zealand, has made its rhythm together with the powerful voice of the Congolese singer Juanita Euka, addictive music with powerful and committed messages. Enjoy this emerging band from international stages, London Afrobeat Collective, at Tempo Latino.

Alain Pérez and The Orchestra

Alain Pérez de blanco — Sunday, August 1, 2021 – 9:00 P.M.

Alain Pérez, bassist, singer, and arranger, composes his orchestra of 13 young musicians on stage to offer a mixed show of contemporary Cuban Salsa, Timba, and Latin Jazz. His talent has given him marvelous experiences with internationally renowned orchestras and musicians such as Los Van Van, Irakere, Issac Delgado, Paquito D’Rivera, and Celia Cruz. He always is accompanied by his elephant-head cane, in homage to Cuban musician Benny Moré.

Alain also has been influenced by flamenco for his work with Spanish artist Paco de Lucía.

This multifaceted artist born in Havana was nominated twice for the Latin Grammy Awards, the first in 2015, in the category Best Traditional Tropical Music Album with “El alma del Son, tributo a Matamoros” and the second, “ADN” nominated in 2017 in the category Best Salsa Album.

El Cuento de la Buena Pipa 2020 is his most recent record production, and you can enjoy it on the main stage of the festival.

Issac Delgado

Isaac Delgado con bufanda — Sunday, August 1, 2021 – 11:00 P.M.

The great voice of Cuban Salsa, Issac Delgado, released his first album “Dando La Hora” in 1991 under the direction of Cuban pianist and composer Gonzalo Rubalcaba.

On November 13, 2020, he presented his new album “Dando La Hora 30th Anniversary Gold Edition” with eight temas remastered themes: La Novia Que Nunca Tuve, Aunque Soy Como Soy, Amor De Tierra Y Cuerpo, Entrégate a Mí, Cuando estás Lejos Estas Inalcanzable, Centímetro a Centímetro, Si La Vuelvo a Encontrar y Ella Es Un Reloj. “¡Vaya que chévere!”

Purchase your tickets at:

At the Tempo Latino Office: 3, rue du Général Delort, 32190 Vic-Fezensac

Authorized payments: Check (payable to Tempo Latino), Vacation Voucher, Cash, and Credit Card

During the Festival: The Tempo box office moves to Les Arènes. 18-20, Avenue Edmond Berges, 32190 Vic-Fezensac. Telephone: 05 62 06 40 40 / 05.62.06.66.56

Authorized Payments: Check (payable to Tempo Latino), Vacation Vouchers, Cash, and Credit Card