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The Conga Room closes its doors, but says goodbye in style

Recently, we learned some unfortunate news for the Latin music scene and the community in general and it is that The Conga Room, one of the most important nightclubs in Los Angeles, will close its doors this March, which has shocked those who used to frequent the cheerful and colorful place to forget their everyday problems for a few hours of dancing.

This great place was opened in 1999 by businessman Brad Gluckstein thanks to the support of leading figures in the entertainment industry such as businesswoman, actress and singer Jennifer Lopez, actor Jimmy Smits, actor Paul Rodriguez and actress Sheila E.

Although it first opened its doors on Wilshire Boulevard in 1999, it was moved to L.A.A. LIVE about nine years later. After the change of venue, there were personalities interested in investing in The Conga Room due to the great project it represented at the time, such as rapper and member of the Black Eyed Peas William Adams (better known as will.i.am), actor of Puerto Rican descent Amaury Nolasco, former basketball player Baron Davis and former basketball player Trevor Ariza.

It was these great figures in music, acting and sports who made The Conga Room one of the most recognized meeting places for Latin music fans and its greatest exponents.

Jimmy Smits and Paul Rodriguez at The Conga Roo — Jimmy Smits and Paul Rodriguez celebrating The Conga Room’s 20th anniversary some years ago

The achievements of The Conga Room all these years

During the years following as of its reopening, The Conga Room became an iconic place for music lovers and contributed greatly to the development of the Latin music and cultural scene in Los Angeles.

During 25 years of operation, it has not only brought the best singers and DJs from California and the United States in general, but also managed to create a lively environment composed of all kinds of cultures that transcended musical genres, to the point that there were people of all nationalities dancing to the same rhythms without any problem, proving once again that music is a universal language we can all understand perfectly.

And speaking of music, its little stage witnessed more than 500 live shows that included big stars such as Celia, Cruz, Johnny Pacheco, Willie Colón, Tito Puente, Ocar D’ León, Tito Nieves, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Carlos Santana, Elvis Crespo, Los Van Van, Buena Vista Social Club, Alejandro Sanz, Juanes, Fito Paez, Jerry Rivera, Eddie Santiago, Tony Vega, Zacarias Ferreira, Invasión Latina, Andy Montañez, Atercipelados, Aleks Syntek, Beto Cuevas, among many others. As for newer idols, The Conga Room has also received Ivy Queen, J Balvin, Maluma, Bad Bunny, Luis Fonsi and many more.

It should also be mentioned that; while The Conga Room’s approach is to promote salsa, merengue and bachata; the nightclub is not limited to Latin genres. In fact, there have been great performances by rock, hip hop and R&B artists such as Prince, Stevie Wonder, Lenny Kravitz, Justin Timberlake, Avicci, Snoop Dog, Ed Sheeran, Andy Grammer, Jamie Foxx and on and on.

This shows that The Conga Room was not limited to the original concept of its founders, but sought to go above and beyond to increase its assistance every day. Its management knew how to reinvent itself in spite of trends and circumstances, which is why it managed to survive so long.

Oscar D’ Leon at The Conga Room — Oscar D’ Leon performing at The Conga Room

The Conga Room’s definitive closure and farewell show

The Conga Room was inaugurated with music, so it must also say goodbye with music, so it will offer a private concert this March 27th featuring famous personalities who will meet at the club that day to say goodbye in style.

The main star of the event will be the renowned Puerto Rican singer Gilberto Santa Rosa, who will be one of those responsible for livening up the night for the show attendees with his greatest hits. Likewise, the host will be Jimmy Smits and he will be accompanied by Paul Rodriguez in the hosting of the show, who were bot very important in club maintenance for so long.

As for the reasons for the closure, founder Brad Gluckstein has issued statements saying that the ravages of the pandemic, the few events at the convention center and the difficulties in booking national artists with AEG Live (a company focused on the production and promotion of musical events) have made the business model of The Conga Room no longer viable in today’s economy. Not to mention that cost of living, inflation and high interest rates have changed the priorities of potential consumers.

However, despite the sadness that Gluckstein and the rest of those involved in the Conga Room project have, the businessman pointed out that not everything related to this mythical place will be forgotten, since Conga Kids, a non-profit organization aimed at promoting the social-emotional well-being of children through dancing, will continue to operate as before. This beautiful sister project of The Conga Room will keep its doors open despite the setbacks for the sake of the kids.

Jimena Verano present Orquesta de Camino al Barrio

Latin America / Colombia / Bogotá

This time we have Miss Jimena Verano, the director of “VERANOPRODUCCIONES”, who gave us the opportunity to meet the Venezuelan Colombo Orchestra “De Camino al Barrio”, which was born in the city of Bogotá, Capital of Colombia.

Through Jimena Verano, a Colombian artist entrepreneur and promoter, she presents it to us, giving us the opportunity to make them known and emerge them in this great world of music at an international level.

The Orchestra emerged as a tribute to the singer of the singers Héctor Pérez Lavoe; and she tells us that it has been easy for her to lead (as a woman) this working group; her musicians have been willing and ready to meet any request made by her, to get this musical project off the ground.

Soon they are ready to record their first single in the city of Cali Colombia, for which they are making the necessary adjustments for said musical production.

So if you want to meet or contact the orchestra, or find out more about their new recording, you can contact them through [email protected] or through Facebook, known as Jime Verano (La Chica Fitness de la Salsa).

5th Rumba y Manana Afro-Cuban Festival in Cracow

Europe / Poland / Cracow

Rumba y Manana is a vibrant world of Afro-Cuban stories and legends coming alive in music and dance.

Rumba y Manana was born out of a pure passion for Cuban rumba and afro along with all they bring: roots, tradition, wealth of rhythms and movements, unlimited possibilities of interpretation, all the wide range of emotions and utility in the modern Cuban music and dance as well as all the amazing joy they bring.

We intend to create a place to develop and deepen your skills and knowledge of these dances, as we believe there is a true strength hidden in them.
We want them to become more and more popular, as they fully deserve it.
We want to share the joy and happiness of dancing them.

We have also created another event to popularize rumba and Afro-Cuban dances: Sabado de la Rumba – a younger sister of Rumba y Manana. Sabado de la Rumba is a projector meetings with live music concerts and free-dancing accompanied by few workshops. We’ve hosted two editions of them in Cracow, where we always invite.

3 workshop rooms , two of them with live music!
4 levels of teaching : begginers, open, advanced, masterclass
One workshop room dedicated to Salsa
3 salsa cubana parties with the best DJ!
Live Concert & Orisha show

Tickets & Programm: http://rumbaymanana.pl/

La Puertorriqueña de Don Perignon presents her new recording work

Demostrando in time

With great enthusiasm, La Puertorriqueña de “Don Perignon” announces the release of its most transcendental recording production, entitled Demostrando a tiempo.

La Puertorriqueña de Don Perignon presents her new recording work

This release is a testament to more than forty-five years dedicated to music by the orchestra’s leader, Pedro Morales Cortijo, known artistically as “Don Perignon”. After overcoming health challenges,

“Don Perignon“, with renewed vigor, turns his attention to what he calls “an unprecedented chapter for the orchestra”.

And what better way to kick off this new phase than with the release of the album? Demostrando a tiempo, a title derived from Moncho Rivera’s composition arranged by Carlos García, adds a historical and significant nuance to the recording.

“Don Perignon” highlights the importance of paying tribute to the pioneers of Puerto Rican popular music, Ismael Rivera and Rafael Cortijo, underlining the crucial influence they had on the musical movement to which their group belongs:

“Moncho represents Ismael Rivera and I represent Rafael Cortijo. They (Cortijo and Rivera) were the ones who created what we do, that’s why we decided to pay tribute to these two greats of our music”.

The album opens with a composition by Sammy Ayala, entitled ‘Dilo tú’, previously recorded by Rafael Cortijo’s Combo. This song, on this occasion, includes an exquisite timbal solo by Perignon.

This, which is La Puertorriqueña’s thirteenth production, rescues two jewels of the prolific composer Catalino “Tite” Curet Alonso.

The first, ‘Aquí estoy con mi son’, was first recorded in 1991 by singer Frankie Hernández under the production of Bobby Valentín. The second, ‘Soy tu ley’, was initially recorded in bolero time by Cheo Feliciano, the so-called “Señor sentimiento”. For this occasion, the skillful musical arrangement -in salsa key- by Ramón Sánchez gives the song a fascinating nuance, by integrating it with the distinctive sonority of the orchestra.

Pedro Luis Morales Cortijo, is the first name of the Puerto Rican timbalero and musical director

It should be noted that ‘Soy tu ley’ was destined to be part of the album Música Maestro (2014), but like fine wines, it waited patiently until it reached its optimum point to be released.

Highlighting the musical diversity, the album includes ‘A quién iré’, a composition by singer-songwriter Héctor Olmo, which at Perignon’s request, seeks to express gratitude to God for all that He has given him, including what the orchestra leader calls “a new opportunity in life”.

“I have my way of thanking God, but not through a message as fine as that,” says the director of La Puertorriqueña, considering that the song written by Olmo came to answer questions about everything he has achieved musically, despite the many obstacles that have come his way. ‘A quién iré’ features the arrangement by Juan C. Cardona, the vocal participation of Alex D’ Castro and the creation of the chorus by “Don Perignon” himself.

Demostrando a tiempo includes the songs: ‘Sácala a bailar’ (composition and vocals by José Karlo Ribot, with a tasty arrangement by Andy Guzmán who incorporates a forceful piano solo); ‘Sin brújula’ (lyrics by Harold Aguirre, musical arrangement by Ramón Sánchez, sung by Joe González); ‘La clave me lleva’, ‘Como si me amaras’ and ‘Afinque, cadencia y sabor’ (title that lists the distinctive adjectives of La Puertorriqueña).

Demostrando a tiempo reflects the dedication and unparalleled talent of “Don Perignon” and La Puertorriqueña.

Through a careful fusion of tradition and innovation showcased in the repertoire, this album represents the invaluable contribution of the orchestra, captivating dancers around the world with its vibrant and distinctive sound.

La Puertorriqueña de “Don Perignon” invites the public to immerse themselves in this unique musical experience and enjoy Demostrando a tiempo, available on digital platforms and select music stores.

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the magic of Demostrando on time. Join us on this exciting musical journey.

About Don Perignon:

Pedro Luis Morales Cortijo, is the first name of the Puerto Rican timbalero and musical director known internationally as “Don Perignon,” whose musical career began in 1974.

“Don Perignon” comes from a family with a long musical tradition, which includes his cousin, Rafael Cortijo.

After having stood out as musical director for singers Andy Montañez and Lalo Rodríguez, in 1989. “Don Perignon” released his first production La buena vida, which featured the participation of Victor Manuelle. This album was followed by Festival de soneros (1990) and Subiendo (1992).

In his career “Don Perignon” with his orchestra, La Puertorriqueña, has released thirteen recordings, in which figures such as Gilberto Santa Rosa, Víctor Manuelle, Luisito Carrión, Oswaldo Román, Pedro Brull, Josué Rosado, Rico Walker, José Alberto “El Canario” and Hermán Olivera, among others, have collaborated.

Also Read: Déjalo, the latest track by Pedro Conga y su Orquesta Internacional

”Alma Del Barrio” celebrates 50 years of operation

The United States has a great number of Latin music radio programs that always sought to promote the best of Latin talent through their frequencies and one of them is ”Alma Del Barrio” of the well-known radio station KXLU, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Against all odds, ”Alma Del Barrio” celebrates five decades on the air after all the effort of its hosts and the team involved in such a noble and necessary feat. We say ”against all odds” because it is not common that projects submitted by university students did not used to last long and ended up being replaced by programs of the same style.

In addition to the above, decades-long programs usually have a single host and comfortable time slots each week. However, ”Alma Del Barrio” was the exception to this rule and, today, continues to prove that limits can be overcome.

Founders of Alma Del Barrio — Founders of ”Alma Del Barrio” Steve Lopez, Enrique ”Kiki” Soto, Gustavo Aragon, Eddie Lopez, and Hector ”La Voz” Resendez

Beginnings of ”Alma Del Barrio”

After so long, ”Alma Del Barrio” has remained up to date and continues to keep people’s taste.

Its main founders were Enrique ”Kiki” Soto and the late Raúl Villa, who at the time were two young students with many ideas and eager to achieve interesting things. The program was aired for the first time in 1973. A few years later, Hector Resendez, a freshman in college, contacted Enrique and Raul in order to write an article about this new radio show, but it would not be long before he joined the main founders in the project they were developing.

Three years later, in 1976, student at Loyola Marymount University Eddie Lopez joined the program on the third anniversary of ”Alma Del Barrio”, show in which he would spend the next 46 years bringing the best Afro-Cuban music to the audience every Sunday between 2pm and 6pm.

On a number of occasions, Resendez said that ”Alma Del Barrio” was not created to be hosted by great famous personalities, but by dynamic young people who wanted to be part of a small team that was just starting operations.

At the beginning, the new hosts only had one hour of broadcast time to show what they were made of, but at the same time, they did their best to get more airtime and have more presenters in the program. They wanted to include a not very popular genre on the station at that time, which was salsa, something totally innovative for the station.

In those years, salsa was understood as that set of genres coming from Afro-Cuban music and the novice hosts thought it would be a fine attraction to the Latino communities of Los Angeles. That set of genres came from Cuba, Puerto Rico, Panama, Colombia and the Dominican Republic. This is when record labels and music promoters renamed these rhythms as ”salsa” in order to make it easier for programs and hosts to identify the music.

Eddie Lopez in Alma Del Barrio — Eddie Lopez working on the radio station

‘’Alma Del Barrio”’ programming

The traditional programming of most of the stations consisted of jazz, rock and classical music, but then salsa was incorporated thanks to the increasing popularity that this genre was gaining.

One thing Resendez said is that one of the most famous rock groups was Santana, so the announcer and the rest of his cabinmates were surprised that the musicians of the band knew so much about Afro-Cuban music in terms of percussion. Let us remember that the popular song ”Oye Como Va” was written by ”El Rey De Los Timbales” Tito Puente a decade and a half before the band recorded it.

This union of rock and salsa was what gave the hosts the confidence to use trendy Anglo-Saxon genres as a means to promote Latin music.

On top of that, the guys were clear that jazz fans would be receptive to Latin jazz, since great jazz musicians like Dizzy Gallespie hired Cuban percussionists in their orchestras. If on other stations, this music was successful, ”Alma Del Barrio” was no exception. Fortunately, they were not wrong.

Current logo of ”Alma Del Barrio”

Last years of “Alma Del Barrio’’

During the last years of ”Alma Del Barrio”, the program team has made great efforts to join and create links with the community, whether it would be through sponsorships, advertisements, public services, donation campaigns, among other things.

Through all this community service they offered, they also made their own work known and many listeners began to enjoy this great team’s talent while listening to good music and varied programming.

The program has also been and is part of great annual and historical festivals such as the Salsa Fest. This day is always reserved for the audience to share with the new and old hosts of ”Alma Del Barrio” and many of the station staff, who always spread their enthusiasm to those present with their good energy.

”Alma Del Barrio” and its hosts have brought joy to their followers, but there have also been some sad moments. One of them was the death of DJ Eddie Lopez in January 2023, leaving a great void in the station and the hearts of those who faithfully followed his career through the KXLU circuits during the last decades.