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Latin Parties With “Sabor” In Vienna

Austria turns its capital into the most Salsera in Europe this first month of the year

Couple dancing at a Latin event at Billie's Studio in Vienna
Four Latin events with Sabor will take place this first month of the year in Vienna

Every year Vienna (Capital of Austria) becomes the center of the Salsero movement of the country and Central Europe. International festivals of the genre, dance academies, and Latin music clubs are found day by day with greater frequency. For this reason, today, I will inform you of four Latin events that will take place this month in the Austrian territory so that you can start with Sabor in January 2022.

Cuban Salsa Weekend

group of people dancing in the workshop of Billie's Studio in Vienna
The Cuban Salsa party starts on January 29th at Billie’s Studio

Billie’s Studio brings one of Vienna’s most fancy Cuban Salsa festivals in its tenth edition. These are two days of large workshops adapted to the level of each dancer or Salsa lover. Its classes vary in style, going from partner work to the rhythm of Timba to New York On2, Son, and Rumba style.

The Afro-Cuban movements will also be developed in the multiple levels of these workshops as well as the dance in Rueda and the like, expanding in this way to the maximum the skills and techniques of the Salseros movements always hand in hand with the musical key.

Even if you are a beginner or a professional dancer, the environment will always be enthusiastic due to the master classes of each of the trained instructors led by the Cuban dancer Osmani Segura.

This dance professional was born in Havana (Cuba). From an early age, he got into dance and was a member of several dance companies on the Caribbean island, which allowed him to perfect each of the Afro-Cuban rhythms such as Rumba, Mambo, Casino, and others.

He began teaching dance lessons in 2002 in his native country and later did it in Germany in 2006. Since 2010 he has shared his knowledge at Salsa Congress and festivals in Europe and the rest of the world.

Vienna Cuban Salsa Weekend will be exclusive and incredible from January 29th to January 30th, and its epicenter will be at Capistrangasse 10, 1060. The program will be comprised of Saturday, the day in which you will learn the body movements to the rhythm of the fusion of Timba and Salsa Casino, while Sunday will be full of Son and Timba. Prices range from 79 euros (Day Pass) and 129 euros (Full Pass).

Salsa and Bachata Saturday

Couple dressed in black dancing in the Bar / restaurant Mi Barrio in Vienna
Salsa and Bachata in the Bar/ restaurant Mi Barrio every Saturday night

Saturday nights are Salsa and Bachata at the Mi Barrio Bar/ Restaurant. In this Latin music restaurant, the essence and richness of the ingredients of South American food/ drink is respected, which makes the gastronomic offer a break in the traditional and common schemes of Vienna, and establishes a unique representation of the culture.

In Mi Barrio, health and safety are a priority, so reservations are required.  You must use a mask (the staff also use masks), as well as there is disinfection of surfaces (mandatory) by the staff after each visit, and if you prefer, you can sit in an outdoor area owned by the premises. To access the site, you must be vaccinated or present the result of recovered and analyzed by PCR.

On Saturday, January 15th from 8 PM to 2 AM the Vienna Bachata Night season begins on the great dance floor with teachers Jorge & Azahara brought directly from Spain, and mixing the great hits (80% Bachata and 20% Salsa) will be DJ Kty & DJ Dani.

The workshops begin at 8 PM and end at 10 PM giving way to the big party until 2 AM. The cost of the party plus the drink is € 12 and the party alone is € 9. Mi Barrio is located in Münzwardeingasse, 10 on the first floor on the left in the large function room “El Halle”.

Salsahouse Perfect Night

Senior couple dancing Salsa at Salsahouse in Vienna
Salsahouse & Mi Barrio bar come together to offer many Latin parties throughout the month

Salsahouse is a salsa dance studio with plenty of room for fun with friends. His philosophy about Salsa lies in the meaning of joy when dancing in this genre. Dancing with the heart, you can immerse yourself in tranquility and closeness with like-minded people. This Tuesday, January 11th, from 8 PM to 10 PM, you will be able to consolidate and learn new dance steps with the start of Salsahouse Perfection Night in a safe setting. Salsahouse is at Märzstraße 105, Top 50 / Hofhaus 1150 Vienna. Try to check in with your partner and bring your drink.

Salsahouse Featuring Mi Barrio

Salsahouse and the Mi Barrio bar come together to create the fourth Salsa event in Vienna for two consecutive days.

On Sunday (January 9th), from 6 AM to 10 AM, the first event called SalsaYuno will be held. For four hours, DJ Lorenzo will play the best Salsa songs and will continue until the buffet brunch (with Latin American delicacies) at noon mixing the fusion between Salsa and Bachata.

Then, on Monday (January 10th) at 1:30 PM, you will have the opportunity to get in shape on the dance floor starting from zero with the Basic Cuban Salsa Intensive 1. This workshop with a high level of Salsa will continue every Monday following until the end of the month (four nights) at the Bar/ Restaurant Mi Barrio.

Noticias Con Sabor with Luis Medina

Noticias Con Sabor in the month of January

We leave this year with the loss of giants in the Latin Music who have joined the ancestors that include the recent loss of the legendary Mexican star Vicente Fernandez, Panamanian powerhouse sonero Meñique and Paquito Guzman who was known for both his boleros and Salsa tunes.  This year we have also lost legends and great musicians such as Johnny Pacheco, Roberto Roena, Chick Corea, Larry Harlow, Adalberto Alvarez, Johnny Ventura, Ralph Irrizary, Tommy Villariny and at the end of 2020, Tito Rojas.  We are lucky that these artists have left us with their legacies of music that will continue to entertain people for years to come.  Rest in Power!

Spanish Harlem Orchestra conquered Monterey with two explosive sets at a special show this past Saturday, Dec. 11th at the Monterey Conference Center. SHO played a few new tunes from their upcoming 2022 release, their repertoire of hits and Christmas salsa music much to the crowd’s delight. I had the pleasure of emceeing the show as well as playing music as the event’s DJ. SHO who were on fire all night and the dance floor was packed all night long. The crowd roared their approval with a standing ovation at the end of the night.  SHO responded with an infectious danceable Christmas song with a crowd sing-a-long which ended the festive evening. Thanks to producer Luis Mendoza and Montuno Productions for inviting me to be a part of this event. Thanks to the great crowd in Monterey who are salseros all the way!

Oscar Hernández playing the piano
Oscar Hernández from Spanish Harlem Orchestra performing at The Monterrey Conference Center

During the COVID19 pandemic, it seemed that all live music stopped being played in public.  However, there were a few places, mostly outdoor cafes, farmer’s markets and restaurants with outdoor dining that offered live Latin Jazz during these dark times.  One of the unsung heroes who continued to play when the pandemic was at its height is veteran pianist-bandleader Gary Flores who formed Salsa Caliente in SF in 1976.  The group has had a lot of prominent musicians including vocalists Paquito Acosta and Angelo Pagan who continued to see their careers thrive in Puerto Rico and Los Angeles.  He disbanded Salsa Caliente in the late 90’s to concentrate on a smaller Latin Jazz group.  Flores along with ex Franco Brothers bassist/vocalist Carlitos Franco and a revolving lineup of all-star percussionists including Santana timbalero Karl Perazo and former Avance bongocero Oscar Soltero kept the live music going during the pandemic at different venues.  Flores was able to continue to play Latin Jazz and Salsa in stripped down format as a trio due to rearranging Salsa tunes as all the members sang coros and vocalized horn lines behind Franco,   Now that live music has made a comeback of sorts and some venues are now booking bigger bands, Flores is revitalizing a bigger version of Salsa Caliente featuring Franco and Perazo.  Flores has been writing new music and plans to record new music with the group.  His last recording “Descarga Caliente: A New Beginning” came out in 2005.  Gary Flores is a veteran and a survivor of the San Francisco Salsa Scene who deserves a big shout out for keeping Latin music alive in the age of COVID!  Pa’lante Gary!!

Reopening will be later

Some scenes are not reopening for 2022 until February or later.  One of those venues affected is Space 550 at 550 Barneveld St. in San Francisco who will reopen in February due to concerns regarding the current surge in COVID cases and the situation with the new variant of the disease.  I also spoke with Adrian Goddard of Jaffe Events who told me that he will continue to book events but later in the first quarter of 2022,  For some event producers, January isn’t a good month to book Latin Music.

People at Space 550
Some people dancing at Space 550

However that’s not stopping Grammy Award winners Pacific Mambo Orchestra who will play their annual January dates at Yoshi’s, Jack London Square on Friday, January 7 and Saturday, January 8th.  Get ready to enjoy and dance to swinging Mambo, Salsa and Latin Jazz from this awesome all-star 20 piece band led by pianist Christian Tumalan and trumpeter Steffen Kuehn. This SF based band is scheduled to play at Europe’s prestigious Tempo Latino Festival in late July. Tickets are now available for these upcoming January dates at Yoshi’s. For more information,  visit www.yoshis.com.

The Cigar Bar, 850 Montgomery St. in SF is starting 2022 with a calendar of great acts coming to this fine venue where you can dine, dance and smoke a fine cigar if you choose to do so. The schedule includes Orquesta La Original w/Alexis Jan 7, Josh Jones Latin Jazz Ensemble Jan 8, The Latin Rhythm Boys Jan 14, Edgardo y Candela Jan 15, N’Rumba Jan 21, La Clave Del Blanco Jan 22, Julio Bravo Y Salsabor Jan 28 and Manteca Jan 29

The Seahorse in Sausalito continues to feature explosive music from the following acts in January on Saturday and Sunday including La Clave Del Blanco Jan 2, Gary Flores and Salsa Caliente featuring Karl Perazo of Santana Jan 8, Edgardo Cambon y Candela Jan 9, Carlos Xavier Salsa Band Jan. 15, Louie Romero and Mazacote Jan 16, Braulio Barrera and Somos El Son, Jan 22,  Orquesta Bembe featuring Christian Pepin on Jan. 23 and Rumbache on Jan. 29.  DJ Jose Ruiz from KPOO/KPFA Radio will also be behind the decks for your dancing pleasure. Check out their fine Italian cuisine and selection of beer and wine.

Seahorse at night
Beautiful decoration of Seahorse at night

The Ramp, 855 Terry Francois in SF continues to offer Salsa under their all-weather tent during the month of January.  Their line up includes N’Rumba Jan 8, Louie Romero & Mazacote Jan. 15, Manny Martinez y La Rebeldia, Jan 22 and Orquesta Borinquen on January 29th. DJ Mendy is providing the music in-between sets and from 9 to 11 pm.  The music starts at 5 pm on Saturdays.

Cascal, 400 Castro in Mountain View will be featuring the explosive sounds of Edgardo Cambon and LaTiDo on Fridays, January 7th and 21st starting at 7:30 pm. There is no cover. Cascal continues to offer their tasty menu of Spanish cuisine, Tapas and fine drinks.

The following recordings kept me going during the second year of COVID19: Ruben Blades “Salswing”, El Gran Combo “En Cuarentena” and their Xmas cd “De Trulla Con El Combo”, Gilberto Santa Rosa’s all-star studded “Colegas”, Sonora Ponceña “Hegemonia Musical”, Mel Martinez “Asi Escribe Un Sonero”, Los Generales De La Salsa featuring Van Lester, a 1996 all-star session finally seeing the light of day, Tromboranga “Salsa Terapia”, Los Van Van “Mi Songo”, Various Artists “El Son De Caballero-Homenaje A Adalberto Alvarez and “Son Para Un Sonero”, Sounds Of Cuba “Los Titanes De La Timba”, Alexander Abreu/Havana d’Primera, Various Artists “En Barranquilla Me Quedo-Homenaje a Joe Arroyo, Dorance Lorza’s Sexteto Cafe “20 Aniversario”,  Luis Perico Ortiz “Sigo Entre Amigos”, Charlie Donato’s Son Ideal “De Vuelta Al Barrio, Eduardo Zayas Y Su EZ La Banda “Huerto De Soneros” and his latest “Sabor Y Sandunga”, Alain Perez, Issac Delgado & Orquesta Aragon “Cha Cha Cha: Homenaje A Lo Tradicional”  and Orquesta Failde “Joyas Ineditas”.  There are a flood of singles that did the job as well from Julito Alvarado’s maxi single “Lo Que No Se Escucha (Descarga De Soneros), Don Pergiñon Y La Puertorriqueña, Marc Anthony, Wilito Otero, Josean Rivera, Monsi Y Su Salsa , Mariana Y Su Makynaria, Julito Albino y Secreto De Voces and VibraSON.  These recordings are some of my picks for the Best of 2021.

And…if that wasn’t enough, my program Con Sabor, Saturday nights 9 to 11 PM PST on KPFA 94.1 FM will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary year on January 1, 2022!  Time flies when you’re having fun!!  I’m also on “Sabiduria Con Tumbao” every Wednesday night 5 to 7 PM PST on WorldSalsaRadio.com.

That’s it for this time.  Ciao 4 now!!

The tent at The Ramp!
Inside the tent at The Ramp

This is the report last month: Noticias con Sabor by Luis Medina

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

Not-so-well-known Latin percussion instruments

Some lesser-known percussion instruments

After so many centuries of history, Latin music has undergone any number of transformations and mixes that have made it into the wonder that it is today. In the result, percussion instruments play a critical role and many of them are widely known by fans of Latin rhythms, including those who do not have a great deal of expertise on the issue. The thing is that many of these implements are not so well known to people, so let us mention a few of them with their main characteristics.  

Arará 

The Arará drums are named after a Cuban ethnic group that is mainly based in Havana and the province of Matanzas. In turn, they descend from other ethnic groups that had similar practices and today almost all their temples are located in Matanzas. 

At present, these drums are still used in the rituals of these cults. They are of various sizes and types, but a common characteristic they share is that they are all unimenbranophone and open without exception. One of the things that most identifies them is the presence of ritual marks made to differentiate them.  

This is an arará drum
One of the many types of arará drum

Rain stick 

This percussion instrument consists of a long tube inside which you can find seeds and bamboo sticks, which form a helicoid extended throughout the whole instrument. When this stick is moved, the seeds hit its walls and the sound produced is very similar to that of the falling rain, a characteristic of which it receives its name. 

It is believed that it originated during the age of indigenous peoples in South America such as the Panatahuas, the Quitos, the Mexicas, among many others. On the other hand, it is worth noting the appearance of evidence to suggest that they may have come from pre-Inca cultures originating in the Peruvian coast and the Andes Mountain Range. 

Although the tools used in its manufacture vary from one cultural tradition to another, the most common material is cactus, whose spines must be dried, ground and reintroduced.  

This is a rain stick
A wooden rain stick

 

Güira 

This is a Dominican percussion instrument that is part of the idiophones. Although it has come to be popular in other places, it is in the Dominican Republic where it originated and became so famous that it is even considered as a national heritage. For many, it has a strong resemblance to the bangaño, but it is very different from this one, since it has a manufacturing process in which metal predominates. 

In these times, it is very common to see it being used as an important part of musical genres such as bachata and merengue, although it is most likely fans have no idea about its existence.  

This is a güira
Here is a güira

Marimbula 

The marimbula consists of a set of metal plates that attach to a resonance box and whose main purpose is to produce sounds. It is an idiophone instrument that holds a striking resemblance to the sanza, which originated in Africa many centuries ago and arrived to the American continent from the hand of the slaves, who already brought their own traditions from their places of origin. 

As to its current use, it serves as an accompaniment to all kinds of musical groups in their shows, whether we are talking about rural or urban environments. However, it should be noted that its use has also spread to religious ceremonies and cults of various kinds. 

This is a marimbula
A marimbula

If you want more info about this topic: The seeds of capacho give the sound to maracas

Why Does Everyone Know La Bodeguita Del Medio In Prague?

The Most Emblematic Restaurant / Bar In Havana (Cuba) Turns 19 Years In The “City Of Hundred Spires”

Five women sitting and toasting at the La Bodeguita del Medio bar
Spanish is also spoken in La Bodeguita Del Medio in Prague

Prague (Capital of the Czech Republic) has become one of the most hospitable major cities for Cuban migrants.

In this bohemian region nicknamed the “City Of Hundred Spires”, beer is the traditional drink of any establishment, so an authentic Mojito (made with natural spices that aid good digestion) is a delight for the palate of any inhabitant or tourist of the area. And you can only taste it in an authentic Cuban place such as La Bodeguita Del Medio.

This Restaurant / Bar was founded in the city of the Astronomical Clock 19 years ago (December 17th, 2002), six decades after the opening of the original restaurant in Havana (Cuba).

La Bodeguita del Medio is designed in the colonial style of 20th century Havana with live music and daily dance acts. It has two original bars and a replica of the famous Sloopy Joe’s Bar (a 20-meter long mahogany bar with high stools and luxurious display cabinets) that was made in Colombia. In this bar, besides the mojitos, you can also try more than 150 types of short and long drinks.

View from the stage with a pianist and singer performing at the bodeguita del medio in prague
Usually, there is a notice that says: Tonight Latino Dance Show

Regarding the menu, you will find typical Havana specialties, as well as seafood, fish, vegetables, and meat specialties. Also, and adding a bit of tradition, you will find the menu in Spanish and if you can attend every day at noon you will delight the international European menu.

Additionally, while you taste the variety of dishes and cocktails, you will enjoy a live Cuban band (generally trios) and performances by Latin dancers every night.

Six Decades Of La Bodeguita Del Medio

Night shot of the neon green facade of the Bodeguita del Medio in Prague
Food is prepared with fresh ingredients and according to the season in La Bodeguita Del Medio (Prague)

Based on the story written by La Bodeguita Del Medio in Prague

“For some reason unknown to us, it is said that La Bodeguita is located at a distance of one hundred cobblestones (stone carved in the shape of a rectangular prism for paving streets) from the largest American Baroque building in Cuba, which if proven, indisputably turns out to be true and is the Havana cathedral.

In 1950, La Bodeguita del Medio restaurant opened its doors at number 207 cobbled street…

Upon entering La Bodeguita (in Havana) for the first time, the olfactory senses revel in the delicious aroma of Cuban mint, while tasting the special herbs, which do wonders for the digestive system. Thus, these inseparable ingredients became the rudiments of the famous drink that we know today as MOJITO, whose current shape and flavor were developed in La Bodeguita.

At the back of the Havana Bodeguita restaurant, guests have the opportunity to sample excellent Cuban cuisine, while enjoying the sounds of traditional melodies sung by a Cuban trio.

Now let’s go back to… 1942 when Ángel Martínez Borroto bought a small shop in the still fortified old town of the city. A short time later, he dedicated himself to managing and developing his small business, called La Casa Martínez… For some time… clients would come to La Bodeguita to settle their business with a glass or two of rum.

Among the most prominent regulars who frequented the Bodeguita at that time, were the classic Cuban poet Nikolas Guillén and the notable prose writer Alejo Carpentier. Little by little, La Bodeguita established an impressive client base, which turned out to be a popular choice for intellectuals, artists, and bohemians… In fact, over time, La Bodeguita became a forum for progressive-thinking intellectuals (who came from Latin America and the world) to meet and debate.

…Initially, meals were only available to family members and the few waiters, prepared by Martinez’s wife, nicknamed “Armenian girl” (presumably because of her dark skin tone).

At this time, the main ingredients were a combination of black beans and white rice or as it were more often called: maoríes y cristianos.

To finish, the guests were served baked pieces of pork, called “Fried Pork Masses” and fried plantain chips known to the locals as “Plantain Tostadas.”

Martínez was dedicated to satisfying the requests of his most trusted customers and later began serving food, even though people only paid for drinks.

Crowded bar area in Prague's Bodeguita del Medio
Smoking is allowed in this establishment (La Bodeguita Del Medio-Praga)

In 1950, the title of Martínez’s company was indefinitely changed from La Casa Martínez to the name the regulars had been using for some time: La Bodeguita.

This same decade also saw the arrival of a new wave of clients from around the world, including artists such as American singer Nat King Cole, Nobel Prize Winner for literature Ernest Hemingway, and female beauty idols Brigitte Bardot and Sophia Loren.

…Today La Bodeguita del Medio serves as an unwavering reminder of its bohemian past where guests, whether intellectuals, politicians, or passersby, continue to meet and pass the time.

As for the colonial Bodeguita building, dating from the late 19th century, many visitors believe that the collection of priceless signatures, memorabilia, and photographs preserved on the stone walls deserves to be listed in the Guinness Records Book.”

Everything You Always Wanted To Know About La Macumba

The Number One Latin Music Bar In The Czech Republic

Couple dressed in black dancing in La Macumba, Prague
La Macumba opens its doors from Monday to Saturday from 5:00 PM to 4:00 AM

Experts say that La Macumba is the Latin bar chosen by tourists as the number one among the best places for fun with Afro-Caribbean music to visit in the capital of the Czech Republic.

Every day (except Sundays) are days of continuous eleven-hour parties (from 5:00 PM to 4:00 AM) in a Cuban atmosphere and at the cost for admission of approximately five euros.

Saturday nights are the busiest days, thus it is recommended to go before 11:00 PM to dance on the dance floor having a great space. Likewise, to order your favorite cocktail you don’t need to know the Czech language because the bartenders are Cuban and speak Spanish, so your fun will never disappear neither an instant.

To attend La Macumba you must wear casual clothing and not carry excess belongings because inside there is little space to sit and leave them. The environment is designed with an American car from the 50s, there is an area allusive to the streets of Havana, and added to this, all the decoration includes the illusion of beaches and palm trees of the Cuban capital, so your stay in the bar will be one of the fastest trips you will make to Havana in one night.

Facilities of the Latin bar La Macumba in Prague with dancers on the dance floor
In this Latin bar, you can taste varieties of traditional Cuban drinks as well as cocktails

The recommended minimum limit to have fun inside the Latin bar is two hours due to a large number of activities, the best DJs in Prague mixing the greatest hits of Latin music (DJ Alejandro, DJ Chocolino, DJ Lázaro, DJ Mario, and DJ El Rey), theme parties with a program and demonstrations several times a week, and various instructors who teach amateurs and enthusiasts to move to the Salsa rhythm.

The owners of the Macumba are the dancer Mandy Valdés and Robert Šmítek.

Mandy is a Cuban immigrant with many years of experience as an instructor in the Czech Republic. He was one of the first Salsa teachers in the country and many of today’s teachers were his students. Mandy in addition to the Salsa, teaches Cha-Cha, Merengue, and Bachata. Also, he played percussion in various Cuban bands and still performs occasionally.

Mandy can convey a love for Salsa and dance techniques with patience and humor. He is aware that each learner assimilates the lessons at his/her speed, so he generates an individual approach throughout the teaching stage.

His classes are based on mastering the basic movements that should look elegant and natural. “You won’t see so many variations dancing in Cuba, but the dancers are incredible and sensual. And that’s what Hot Salsa is all about. Salsa is not science, it’s fun”. Mandy commented.

On the one hand, Robert began dancing at 16 years old in dance clubs in the country. He has been a champion in dance performance since 1999, Czech vice-champion, a semi-finalist at the World Championships. He won the Cup in Torino (Italy) and first place in the Salsa championship of the Czech Republic in 2002, just to mention some of his greatest successes.

64 / 5000 keyboard Resultados de traducción Dancers dressed in red dancing in the Latin bar La Macumba
Every day is a Cuban party in La Macumba

The name of the bar La “Macumba” means black magic in the Latin American world and just in the heart of Havana, the people enjoy with great interest a club called with this name, “Macumba”, which is the most sought-after and popular company in Caribbean island. It is why Robert and Mandy decided to bring this positive Latin American charm to this golden city located in the heart of Europe, Prague.

This Latin bar has Salsa lessons every day. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, the Salsaholics professors are teaching the Casino or Salsa Rueda style. In these lessons, you will have a lot of partner swapping and the dynamics are very natural as well as fun. Here, you will get a wide skill of performing figures led by a lead dancer.

Also in La Macumba, you can learn Cuban Salsa with the instructor León. The experienced teacher León and his dance partner Saška will introduce you to the tradition of the Afro-Caribbean land so that you can feel and understand the roots of Salsa. The classes have twirls and dance steps of this genre that are increasingly the connecting of joy in people around the world. You can find León at this club every Monday and Thursday.

La Macumba Is The Number One Latin Music Bar In The Czech Republic

Venue: Štefánikova 230/7 150 00 Prague 5-Anděl, Czech Republic