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The latest news in the world of salsa in January

The latest news about the world of salsa

As usual, Johnny Cruz brings us the latest news about the world of salsa in New York. This month is very special, as there are currently many new musical productions made by some of the most famous Latin music groups of recent times. In addition, we talk a little about upcoming events at one of the most recognized venues in all of New York.

New recording by El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico

It was recently announced that El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico has released its latest album entitled De Trulla Con El Combo, the first Christmas musical work in decades. The album contains a total of 10 songs with a focus on lighthearted and Christmas themes, which are very popular in the Island of Enchantment. This could make more than one boricua return to his roots and remember what this wonderful time of year was like at his birthplace.

Let us recall that the orchestra had already released a Christmas album called La Fiesta de Pilito in 1985, so it is not the first time that the Puerto Rican group experiences this type of themes for some of its musical productions.

Something that makes Rafael Ithier, director of the orchestra, very proud is that they managed to create the album in a very short time, thing that did not happen with their other Christmas works. Evidently, these times of pandemic were extremely productive for the Gran Combo, which is very near to celebrating its 60-year artistic career. Despite the prolonged time, this group of musicians has not yet lost what makes them unique in the public’s eyes.

Cover of the album *De trulla con el combo*

New Christmas album by La Sonora Ponceña

As well as the previous case, La Sonora Ponceña has done the same and released a new Christmas album entitled Christmas Star, which would be the fourth musical work of this kind that the group has done in its entire artistic career.

What most characterizes this musical production is the use of themes that are largely related to the holiday season in Puerto Rico, something that will undoubtedly create a nostalgia feeling in many who listen to it.

Enrique Pappo Lucca said they want to present a work which is as faithful as possible to the musical quality that has always characterized La Sonora Ponceña, but without losing the essence of what this season is and what it represents for Puerto Ricans.

This album is available on digital platforms and physical stores for those who wish to purchase it and celebrate Christmas with this incredible group in the background.

Cover of the album Christmas Star — Cover of the album *Christmas Star* by La Sonora Ponceña

Events at the Lehman Center for the Arts in the coming months

The first big event at the Lehman for the Arts in January will be Manny Cruz’s first performance in the establishment. This talented Dominican will be delighting the audience on January 29 at 8 pm. It is worth mentioning that Cruz has been nominated for the Latin Grammy four times and the genres in which he specializes are ballad, pop, merengue and bachata.

Almost a month later, Ballet Folklorico de Mexico de Amalia Hernández will perform at the Lehman Center to celebrate its 70th anniversary with a very special classical choreography for the occasion. The company’s last tour a few years ago was a resounding success and there is no doubt that this time will be no exception.

Manny Cruz and his performance — Manny Cruz will perform at the Lehman Center for the Arts on January 29 2021

By: Johnny Cruz correspondent of International Salsa Magazine in New York City, New York

Rubén Blades’ National Tour

Review of Rubén Blades’ National Tour

Rubén Blades while singing — Rubén Blades while performing

Blades wowed the audience with a stunning performance backed by bassist Roberto Delgado’s dynamic Big Band.

Rubén Blades and his orchestra — Rubén Blades and Roberto Delgado’s Big Band

Ruben’s powerful voice was as crystal clear as when he started his career with Ray Barretto back in 1974.

Rubén Blades' great voice — Rubén Blades’ voice was incredible

Latin Grammy for Salswing!

His set list was a retrospective into his vast and deep repertoire that included his big hits, crowd favorites, esoteric song choices and selections from his Latin Grammy award winning album Salswing!

Rubén's stage — The lighting environment on stage was amazing and varied

The musicianship that accompanied Blades was top notch as Roberto Delgado’s crack band were tight, explosive and swinging!

Ruben's band — The performance of Roberto Delgado’ band was very appropriate for the show

The visuals projected on the huge screen above Ruben were imaginative displaying photo tributes to Hector Lavoe as well as to recently deceased Latin music giants and clever animation that was the backdrop for songs.

Tribute to Pérez-Bidó — Tribute to Carlos Pérez-Bidó displayed by the screen above Ruben Blades

This was a triumphant return to the SF Bay Area for Blades who last played a concert here in 2003 at Roccapulco.

Blades in front of his orchestra — Triumphant return to the San Francisco Bay Area for Rubén Blades

He performed for 2 hours and 40 minutes to the delight of the massive crowd. What a show!!

Blades' two-hour show — Rubén Blades’ two-hour show delighted the audience

BY LUIS MEDINA, PRODUCER AND HOST OF CON SABOR ON KPFA 94.1 FM AND SABIDURIA CON TUMBAO ON WORLD SALSA RADIO.COM

Noticias con Sabor by Luis Medina

News about the live music scene in San Francisco

The Ruben Blades concert at Oakland’s Paramount Theatre on Saturday, November 20th was sensational! The anticipation of the packed intergenerational crowd to his first visit In 18 years was at a high peak. Blades wowed the audience with a stunning performance backed by bassist Roberto Delgado’s dynamic Big Band. Ruben’s powerful voice was as crystal clear as when he started his career with Ray Barretto back in 1974. His set list was a retrospective into his vast and deep repertoire that included his big hits, crowd favorites, esoteric song choices and selections from his Latin Grammy award winning album Salswing! The musicianship that accompanied Blades was top notch as Roberto Delgado’s crack band were tight, explosive and swinging! The visuals projected on the huge screen above Ruben were imaginative displaying photo tributes to Hector Lavoe as well as to recently deceased Latin music giants and clever animation that was the backdrop for songs. This was a triumphant return to the SF Bay Area for Blades who last played a concert here in 2003 at Roccapulco. He performed for 2 hours and 40 minutes to the delight of the massive crowd. What a show!!

Art for the Salswing Tour by Rubén Baldes

Speaking of big shows….Three time Grammy Award Winner Spanish Harlem Orchestra will play a special holiday dance/concert “Salsa Para El Bailador” on Saturday, December 11th, 8 pm at the Monterey Conference Center, 1 Portola Plaza in Monterey. Yours truly, Luis Medina will be your Master Of Ceremonies and DJ for the evening playing 100% Bailable in between the sets. There are VIP seats and packages still available. There is also an auto caravan coming from San Francisco directly to the concert. For more information on the concert, caravan and tickets, please visit www.montunoproductions.com or call 510-586-3215.

I dropped by La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Avenue in Berkeley to catch the livestream of their couch concert starring Santana percussionist Karl Perazo live from their stage on Friday, Nov. 19th. The web streamed concert was hosted by renowned Bay Area based flautist Miguelito Martinez (Candela) with an intro from La Peña’s Executive Director Natalia Neira Retamal. Perazo was in excellent form on congas, bongos and percussion leading a hot Latin Jazz descarga accompanied by Martinez, bassist Saul Sierra and pianist Julio De La Cruz. This session was part of an on-going series that is coordinated by La Peña new creative staff Corey Raynor. For more information, visit www.lapena.org.

The Cigar Bar, 850 Montgomery in SF’s North Beach will be open to Salseros in December for part of December. Their lineup includes Orquesta Timbalero Dec 4, Alberto Y La Differencia Dec. 5, Edgardo Cambon y Candela, Dec 10, Josh Jones Latin Jazz Ensemble Dec 11, Latin Rhythm Boys Dec 17 and the last night for Salsa this year will be featuring PMO all star vocalist/percussionist Braulio Barrera’s Somos El Son on Dec. 18. Cigar Bar will reopen the Latin music nights in early January 2022.

The Seahorse is Sausalito will feature in their Sunday Salsa lineup the following acts: Julio Bravo & Salsabor Dec 5, Edgardo Cambon & Candela Dec. 12, Louie Romero & Mazacote Dec 19 and the Salsa Caliente All Stars with Karl Perazo (of Santana), Gary Flores and Carlitos Franco on Dec. 26. The Seahorse will also be starting off their Salsa Saturdays with Rene Escovedo on Dec. 4th. For the rest of the Sat schedule, visit sausalitoseahorse.com.

Julio Bravo Y Su Orquesta Salsabor — Julio Bravo in one of his performances

More news

The Ramp, 855 Terry Francois in SF will continue Salsa under their weatherproof tent on Saturday afternoons beginning at 5 PM featuring Pepe Y Su Orquesta Dec. 4, trumpeter Julius Melendez All Stars Dec. 11, Eric Rangel and Orquesta America, Dec 18 and a special Thursday with Julio Bravo and Salsabor on Dec. 23rd

Space 550 at 550 Barneveld, SF has opened its doors again to Friday Salsa dancing featuring Somos El Son Dec 3, Orquesta Borinquen Dec. 10 and their last event for 2021 featuring N’Rumba on Dec. 17th. The Friday Night happenings will resume on Friday, January 14, 2022 with Borinquen. The Saturday nights have resumed with Bachata Takeover Saturdays featuring Bachata in the main room and the other rooms featuring Salsa and Bachata.

Kimbara 3380 19th Street at the site of the old big room of the former SF Bissap Baobab location is now featuring Suzy Q Wednesdays every 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month. This night brought you by the Producers of I Heart Mambo and the SBK Congress feature Salsa Congress style DJ’s and live bands such as VibraSON on December 15th.

Peninsula/South Bay’s long-running established Salsa Club Alberto’s, 736 West Dana St in Mountain View offers Salsa on Tuesday and Friday nights featuring dance lessons by Pantea with DJ and live entertainment. Their weekly calendar includes Tango on Sunday, Bachata on Wednesdays and Rock En Español on Saturday nights….Cascal Restaurant located nearby at 400 Castro Street, Mountain View offers live entertainment on Fridays through Sundays with great ambiance, tasty Spanish cuisine and the sounds of Edgardo Cambon and LaTiDo on December 3, 4 and 17th.

Singer Edgardo Cambon — Uruguayan bandleader, percussionist, and singer Edgardo Cambon

Producer Adrian Goddard’s Jaffe Events continues to keep busy into the holidays. They will celebrate with a Fiesta Navideña on Saturday, Dec. 11 from 3 to 7 pm. Featuring an afternoon of Salsa, Timba, Bachata, Reggaeton and more by DJ’s including Walt Digz, Tony O and Pablo at the Mars Bar, 798 Brannan SF. Jaffe Events is also presenting Feliz Año Nuevo 2022 on New Years Eve with DJ’s spinning Reggaeton, Salsa, Latin Hits, Cumbia and more at the BEI Hotel, 50 Eighth Street in San Francisco.

On New Year’s Eve, the renowned Salsa orchestra Grupo Gale from Colombia will headline at the Hyatt Regency in Burlingame. The event will also feature DJ Tony O, DJ Bosco and DJ Franklin. The event will also feature International music in their second room. For more information, go to eventbrite.com, ticketsparaticom or call 415-424-8809.

The Marriott in San Mateo will feature 6 rooms featuring live music by Julio Bravo and Salsabor, Amor Do Samba with Brazilian Drummers, Orquesta N’Rumba, Orq Revelation and 10 DJ’s playing hits, Reggaeton, Bachata and Salsa. Free beer offered from 8 to 11 pm. For ticket info, visit www.marriottliveparty.com.

There will be a New Years Eve Descarga 2021 featuring Salsa, Bachata and Kizomba music at 1824 Hillsdale Avenue in San Jose. This bash will feature a tribute to the legendary all-star timbalero Louie Romero who will be performing with Orquesta Salson, Dance performance by John and Liz of Salsamania Dance Company,, DJ music will feature WorldSalsaRadio DJ’s El De La Clave SF and DJ Boricua, dancer Kathy Reyes will be hosting the bachata room and more! For tickets, go to eventbrite.com

Be sure to check out my radio programs “Con Sabor” every Saturday evening 9 to 11 pm on KPFA 94.1 FM/kpfa.org and “Sabiduria Con Tumbao” every Wednesday evening 5 to 7 PM PST on WorldSalsaRadio.com.

Until next time, Ciao 4 now!!!

Louie Romero Y Su Grupo Mazacote — Bandleader and timbalero Luie Romero while performing

This is the report last month: NOTICIAS CON SABOR- SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA/NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

BY LUIS MEDINA, PRODUCER AND HOST OF CON SABOR ON KPFA 94.1 FM AND SABIDURIA CON TUMBAO ON WORLD SALSA RADIO.COM

Marc Anthony at the Palacio de los Deportes in Mexico City

December – Marc Anthony on stage in Mexico City

The Christmas season begins and in Mexico it is preparing to fill with recreational and dynamic activities with all the security measures due to the Covid-19 pandemic and we have the pleasant news that from December 11 at 8:00 p.m. Mexico) will be performing at the Palacio de los Deportes in Mexico City located in Granjas México, Mexico City, Mexico the Puerto Rican-American singer-songwriter and actor Marc Anthony, an artist with several nicknames where he stands out as “Rey de la Salsa” and “ Flaco de Oro ”, whose musical themes range from salsa, through bolero, ballads and pop.

Bibliographical Summary of Marc Anthony:

Marc Anthony flyer tour 2022 — Flyer del tour de Marc Anthony 2022

He was born in New York on September 16, 1968, since a very early age he dedicated himself to music, from 1993 he achieved popularity in the world of salsa thanks to his version of the Juan Gabriel song “Hasta que te saber”; becoming “The King of Salsa”. Since then, he has released 13 studio albums and has sold more than 11 million copies, becoming the most popular salsa artist in the world. Marc Anthony has collaborated with the artists La India, Jennifer López, Ricardo Arjona, Gente de Zona, Alejandro Sanz, Maluma, among other international artists. In 2019 he launched OPUS, his thirteenth studio album after 6 years through the Spotify and Apple Music. platforms.

In addition, he also has his own clothing and accessories line for Kohl’s, and is a minority owner of The Miami Dolphins. His sports and entertainment company Magnus Media is the nation’s leading Latino artist and athlete representation company focused on developing startups that bridge content creation and commerce.

He has also participated in films and has been a composer and singer in different groups. He has also won several GRAMMY® and Latin GRAMMY® awards, one for “Best Tropical Latin Performance” and the other for “Best Latin Pop Album.”

Details to enter the concert:

They pay entry and enter from 3 years of age.
Do not bring food or drinks, nor take photographic or video cameras.
It is advisable to arrive in advance and in turn follow the biosecurity regulations against covid-19.
You can enter people with disabilities.

You can buy your ticket before it runs out on Perto.com or Evyy.net or any nearby ticketmaster box office, there they will give you the price of the different tickets to sell, do not miss an opportunity to enjoy outside your home, a stage with a super recognized artist, with good live music and a dynamic atmosphere where you can meet new people and taste a service of drinks, meals and snacks.

However, if you can’t be at this concert in Mexico City and you want to know where he will perform in the future and where will be the stages that Marc Anthony will have on his world tour “Pa’lla Voy” for what remains of this year 2021 as for 2022, you can find out through the following website and in turn buy your tickets in advance https://www.marcanthonyonline.com/tour/?lang=en

Jorge Luis Suárez is a singer, musician and multifaceted artist and a bastion of Afro-Caribbean music

In Venezuela, the musical talent is undoubtedly first line and proven quality on any stage nationally and worldwide.

Specifically in the state of Lara and in the city of Barquisimeto, a great number of artists with category and hierarchy have emerged and been born, exalting our Latin rhythms.

For this edition of “Salsa Escrita”, we are honored to have as a special guest vocalist Jorge Luis Suarez, pride and bastion of Afro-Caribbean music and various genres, who, for years, demonstrates his class and professionalism.

Jorge Luis is a singer, musician and multifaceted artist; born on August 7 in the city of Maracaibo, son of parents from the city of Carora, where he spent part of his childhood in that state and began to lean towards music, having as main influence his father, who played the guitar and sang romantic music.

In the early 80’s, he moved to Barquisimeto to attend university and was discovered as a singer and player of the bass, cuatro and guitar. Welcome Jorge Luis Suarez to “Salsa Escrita”, through International Salsa Magazine, www.salsagoogle.com.

Vocalist Jorge Luis Suárez, pride and stalwart of Afro-Caribbean music

To begin this pleasant, enjoyable and long awaited meeting, because we wanted to have you as one of our interviewees and tell us about your experiences about your artistic career, which has been very successful nationally and worldwide for the pride of all who know you.

Thank you Professor Carlos Colmenárez, for inviting me to your well read and recognized salsa column, unique in the center-west of the country and in which you project Venezuelan musicians worldwide.

Jorge Luis, with which groups did you begin your journey through this wonderful art, in which you have demonstrated versatility, perseverance, discipline and quality?

Jorge Luis is a singer, musician and multifaceted artist

Well, let me tell you that I started my musical activity professionally, being part of groups of regional renown, among them: “Las Estrellas del Momento”, “Orquesta Alegría” and then “Venezuela en Gaitas”, “Sazón Latino” and in the late 80’s and early 90’s, I became part of the staff of the orchestra “La Banda Actual”, a salsa icon in the state of Lara.

By the way Jorge, we remember your beginnings with “La Banda Actual” and it was an obligatory reference to be hired in private parties, night clubs and of course to share the stage with great artists and luminaries of the Latin-Caribbean music genre.

In which billboards did you have the joy and privilege of singing, alternating with national and international stars?

Indeed professor, with Banda Actual we performed with Héctor Lavoe, Wilfrido Vargas, Las Chicas del Can, Porfi Jiménez, Guaco, Los Melódicos, Hermanos Carruyo, Billos Caracas Boys, Orquesta La Crítica and many more, in their visits to Barquisimeto, having as locations the Domo Bolivariano, Complejo Ferial, among others.

In fact, Jorge Luis and due to your outstanding and outstanding vocal ability, the son of the maestro Billo Frómeta, Luis Frómeta, called you to join the ranks of the Billo Caracas Boys, how was that experience?

With Billo I learned to have more artistic discipline and gain experience for 4 years, recording three albums touring Latin America, the United States and Europe; precisely in the carnivals of Tenerife we starred in the Güines Record in public attendance at a bailanta, sharing the stage with Celia Cruz and Oscar D’León.

Jorge, tell us about your entrance to the orchestra of the world’s sonero Oscar D’León.

Professor Carlos, precisely because of that event in the Canary Islands, maestro Oscar called me and told me that he needed a vocalist with my characteristics to accompany him in his shows and international tours and honestly it was a difficult decision because with Billo Caracas Boys I was well established along with other Barquisimetans: Ely Méndez and Wolfang Perdomo, integrating the line of vocalists at that time, pure “guaros”.

But maestro Oscar’s offer seemed interesting to me and I finally said yes. With the Sonero del Mundo, to whom I owe a lot, because thanks to him I established myself even more as a performer and especially in salsa, taking his recommendations to the letter and of course it was an unforgettable experience, because with his orchestra we toured many countries and performed in venues such as: Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden, House off Blue in Los Angeles, Orange Ball, jazz festivals in Europe, sharing with renowned artists.

Professor, I wanted to tell you that at the same time working with Oscar’s orchestra, I recorded my production “Una Tercera Persona”, in the middle of 1992, which included the hit “Niégalo Todo”, obtaining the first places in the hit parade.

In that production I was accompanied in the recording by renowned musicians such as: Luisito Quintero, Roberto Quintero, Robert Vilera, Raul Agraz, Yorman Leon and the Nicaraguan Luis Enrique.

Jorge Luis is a singer, musician and multifaceted artist, born on August 7 in the city of Maracaibo, son of parents from the city of Carora, Venezuela.

Jorge, how many years did you stay with Oscar and why did you decide to leave his orchestra?

I was with Oscar for about four years and I decided to leave the group due to major reasons, as a result of business and commercial commitments that I had and still have in Barquisimeto.

For those who do not know, Jorge Luis is a multifaceted artist and has managed to venture as a vocalist in different musical genres, from salsa, gaitas, tropical danceable, guaracha, merengue, Venezuelan and boleros; achieving in this last aspect, being the arranger and musical producer of the trio Carora International at the end of 2014.

At the same time, he produced and performed 19 songs of Venezuelan music with arrangements by Jean Piero Gonzalez, which will be released soon.

Jorge Luis, having settled again in the musical capital of Venezuela, with whom have you recorded? Professor, in Barquisimeto I have been invited to record with the following groups: Venezuela Somos Gaita, Nikitao, Amantes de la Gaita, Venezuela en Gaitas, Unión Gaitera, Rafa y sus Diamantes, Grupo Colorama, Con Klase, Orquesta Variación, Orquesta la Mayor, Orquesta la Gran Premiere, Venezuela Rumba, La Orquesta Raza Caribe, recording with the latter 8 songs in the production that is about to be released. I was also invited to record with the Orquesta Son Colón de Maracay and with the Latin Grammy nominees, our Grupo Santoral de Barquisimeto, participating with them as a special guest in the show “El Amor se Canta”, in celebration of the Day of Love and Friendship, touring, starting at the Teatro Juares and other cities in the country, as well as private presentations.

As for current projects, what can you tell the readers of Salsa Escrita? Currently my second solo production in the salsa genre is about to be released, with arrangements by multi-instrumentalist Taylor Aranguren from Barquisimeto and myself.

We are launching the record label, precisely this June with the promotional track “No lo beses”, a song that was interpreted by Alejandro Fernandez, by the Mexican composer Jose Luis Roma.

The production is called “José Luis Suárez Covers”, which includes songs that have been hits around the world, such as: Cobarde cobarde, Escándalo, La bomba, Cuatro rosas, Darte un beso, El amor más grande del planeta, Bailando, No lo beses, among others. In this production, I am accompanied by my nephew Taylor Aranguren, the musicians: Carlos Giménez, Rómulo Paiva, Jeison Marchán, Wílner Navas, Freddy Adrián, in the master and mixes: Latín Récods Digital. Sound engineer: René Zerpa and in the general production: Jorge Luis Suárez. Jorge Luis, what are your social networks or digital platforms to interact with your followers? My contacts are, Instagram: @jorgeluissuarezoficial, Youtube: Jorge Luis Suárez Oficial, [email protected]. Jorge Luis, to finish, we want to congratulate you for your perseverance in music and wish you to continue harvesting triumphs, because you have quality and to spare.

Salsa Escrita “La Columna Salsera de Barquisimeto”, will be at your disposal to support you in your present and future projects, good luck… Thank you professor and personal friend, Carlos Colmenárez, for giving me your support in your salsa column, unique in the west of the country and thus allowing you to reach your regular readers around the world; again a thousand thanks, blessings and long live Venezuela!

Article of Interest: Gerson Aranda “La Tabla de Caracas”