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Salsa Pal Bailador

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Salsa Pal Bailador. The success of a passionate venture that goes against commercial trends

Salsa Pal Bailador - Anniversary — Salsa Pal Bailador – Anniversary

By Roberto “Vene Barral”

Last Saturday, May 6, the Garufa concert hall in A Coruña, a beautiful city in Galicia, central Spain, hosted the 5th Anniversary of Salsa pal Bailador. This event, created with the humble goal of offering a space to enjoy only quality salsa, has now become one of the most successful social events in Spain.

On the surface, the idea seems simple: organize a monthly event that brings together and gives free rein to all those who are passionate and nostalgic for pure, unadulterated salsa. But we must remember that we live in a consumer society that constantly tells us what we “have” to listen to, what fashions and styles are in and out. This is where SpB took a bold stand, going against what DJs and events were promoting at the time.

SpB emerged when kizomba, an African rhythm from Cape Verde, was spreading from neighboring Portugal into Spain. Along with the already established bachata, these were the trendy styles played at every social event that wanted to be a hit with audiences. But SpB’s proposal was even more daring. Not only did it focus exclusively on the most classic, least commercial, and least-known salsa, but it also had the audacity to schedule the event on a difficult day—Sunday—and at an even more challenging time: in the evening, starting at 8 p.m.

Perhaps in other parts of the world, organizing such an event would guarantee success with the public. But here, for the reasons already explained, it was a real challenge that was only expected to work because of the sheer tenacity that comes from having a passion for what you do.

So who are the impulsive salsa enthusiasts behind the success of Salsa pal Bailador?

DJs - Salsa Pal Bailador — DJs – Salsa Pal Bailador

For one, there’s one of the organizers of these sessions, Martín Fernández, an Argentine who has lived in Galicia for decades. He turned salsa and this event into his dream and his challenge, striving not only to make each edition better than the last but also to bring in dancers, DJs, and collaborators from other parts of Spain and abroad (Portugal, Italy, etc.). More importantly, he has tried to support all the local schools, dancers, and DJs in Galicia, as well as the salsa orchestra created by Galicians, the Orquesta Sonoridad. This is something to keep in mind, as the exposure for all these artists is possible thanks to the celebration and promotion of events like this one.

For its 5th anniversary edition, we enjoyed workshops and shows by Erik and Monika Eym Salsa from the Basque Country and Nuno and Rita from Portugal. There were also local shows like SSN Dancers, a group from a school in Betanzos, and Soulswing, a magnificent group of dancers from A Coruña, led by Javi Azúcar, who is a choreographer and guest DJ at several SpB sessions.

Over the years, many artists have participated in SpB sessions: figures such as Juan Matos, Yemambo, Carla Vocconi, Carlos Flow, Zergyo and Eva Mambo, Rui and Leonor, Nuno and Nágyla, or the local groups Mambo Sins and Son Candela, choreographed by the talented dancer Nuria Rodríguez Dieste, just to name a few.

Second, we have the two hosts who not only help organize all SpB events but also work hand-in-hand to ensure that each SpB session ends later, with more people asking for just one more song to dance to. I assure you that if the rules didn’t require a closing time, we would have the first after-hours venue where people consumed music, not substances, to stay awake. They are Manu Rumberito and El Nene del Bronx.

Salsa Pal Bailador - dance with me with Lugo - DJ Rumberito + El Nene — Salsa Pal Bailador – dance with me with Lugo – DJ Rumberito + El Nene

They are as unique as they are complementary, two tireless treasure hunters, searching for gems that haven’t yet been played on our dance floors, are unknown to our ears, or are classics we haven’t enjoyed in a long time or don’t get to hear very often. This is a luxury that, in these times of commercial music suffocation, very few of us can enjoy.

In addition, their passion for always seeking a more authentic, raw, and—why not say it?—more imperfect sound, but also one that is more acoustic and real, led them to start using vinyl records in their sessions. This trend has become SpB’s hallmark and has spread throughout Europe over time. Fortunately, we can now enjoy it at more and more events.

And, since passion is a state of mind that takes root everywhere, they found their alter egos in Madrid. Of course, they couldn’t celebrate SpB’s anniversary without them. These two turntable phenomena, Chema Sr. Importante and Marcin Martinelli, were the two guest DJs for such a special occasion. Other famous DJs have been featured at SpB sessions, including Hugo Leite, Nuno Melo, Dj Mito, Alexis Rodríguez, and Chris Beat, along with other local DJs such as Melao, Montuno, Sergio Elbembee, and the aforementioned Javi Azúcar. These DJs, like the guest dancers, aren’t unapproachable people; they come down to the dance floor to dance, chat, and enjoy themselves with the audience like everyone else.

Salsa Pal Bailador - Anniversary - DJs and workshops that will be presented — Salsa Pal Bailador – Anniversary – DJs and workshops that will be presented

At this point, many of you may be wondering: How is it possible that in a medium-sized city without a large Latin American population, an event featuring such a particular style of music can be so successful?

Well, it’s true that, fortunately for Galicians, in addition to having been welcomed with great hospitality in all the Latin countries to which we have emigrated, we have many returnees and natives from across the Atlantic living with us. This gives us the opportunity to enjoy many Cuban, Venezuelan, Colombian, and other styles of music and orchestras, which are very successful among both Galician and Latin American audiences.

But the truth is, we can say that they are different phenomena. People go to listen to the traditional music of these groups or orchestras for the pleasure of hearing those familiar tunes; it is more of a sensory delight.

However, when we talk about a social event, we associate it more with fun, leisure, and enjoyment in the sense of recreation. That’s what dancing at a social event means to us, where people of any age or condition simply let the music guide their bodies for pure joy, without any other pretensions.

It might be easy to conclude that this is the reason for the success of this type of event, and why they are so popular in this corner of the country. But we must remember that we are talking about A Coruña, a place that does not have the size or population of other large cities like Madrid, Barcelona, or Valencia. It’s a place where public attendance at these social events is high, where several social events are organized every week and on several days a week, and yet the public has been responding for decades. So what’s the secret?

Without wanting to diminish the great effort made in many other places, which despite this does not always have the deserved result, I believe that part of the success of this event is due to the courage to commit to formats or ideas that may not have an immediate and massive response or support but which, in return, offer sufficient quality to end up convincing even the most skeptical.

Therefore, in these times of commercial bombardment and mass-produced products, committing to creativity, innovation, and quality is a risky move. But we all know that if you don’t take risks, you don’t win, and SpB has taken that risk. As a result, every year it attracts more people from more places, including Portugal, Madrid, Valladolid, Asturias, Valencia, the Basque Country, Barcelona, etc. That is why, on its fifth anniversary, it has reaped its well-deserved rewards.

Salsa Pal Bailador - Congratulations — Salsa Pal Bailador – Congratulations

Congratulations to SpB and to its loyal audience, which is growing every day. Keep betting on quality!

Next event:

Salsa Pal Bailador

Sunday, June 4, 2017

Sala Garufa Club C / Riazor 5, A Coruña, Galicia, Spain

After the success of its fifth anniversary celebration, the Salsa Pal Bailador event returns on Sunday, June 4, to the Salsa Garufa Club in A Coruña, Spain. It will be a night of PURA SALSA, featuring 100% vinyl with DJs Manu Rumberito and El Nene del Bronx. There will also be two shows featuring the talents of Baila Conmigo Lugo and Euphoria Ladies Project from Vigo.

More information:

Cuban singer-songwriter Osmay Calvo shows his versatility in the New Jersey music scene

Osmay Calvo is just one of many examples of why Cubans have triumphed so many times in the United States, which is why his story and that of many of his compatriots always serve as inspiration for those seeking a career in the music industry but who do not dare to do it because of the misfortune of being born in a place that did not offer them the necessary opportunities for this.

Calvo was kind enough to take a few minutes of his time to talk about all that had happened to his career to date, so it is an honor for us to describe what was discussed in the following lines.

Osmay performing — Singer Osmay Calvo performing during a birthday

How Osmay became interested in music

Osmay tells us that, from an early age, he loved popular music, so he began to participate in school music events when he was just six years old in Tarará, east of the city of Havana. At the same time, his mother enrolled him in singing lessons and he spent much time with his family musicians, including his uncle, singer Pedrito Calvo, who was a member of Los Van Van.

A few years later, he began to attend various types of contests and joined the Mariana de Gonitch Singing Academy, directed at the time by maestro Hugo Oslé, thanks to which he met Pacho Alonso, Ela Calvo, Mundito González, and many other important figures of Cuban popular music.

Official beginning of his professional life

Osmay’s professional start was in Cuba when he joined the Adolfo Guzmán company in 1995, which is when he had his first paid job in music. Although it is true that the Cuban government got a huge percentage of the money earned by the artists, Osmay appreciates the experience and the chance to know other countries through his activities with the company.

Some time later, he had the opportunity to travel to Spain and then to Mexico, where he participated in a music competition and won first prize with the song “La Bamba.” He then spent another month in Spain for an event until returning to Havana and winning the Mariana de Gonitch Singing Contest, obtaining the prize for the great popular generation of national music award, which led him to travel through the 14 provinces of Cuba to offer his services and make himself better known.

Osmay, Ela, and Beatriz — Singer Ela Calvo, Osmay Calvo, and ”La Musicalísima” Beatriz Marquez

Moving to the United States

It was in 2002 that Osmay finally decided it was time to look for other roads and leave Cuba to no longer return. He was going to sign a contract with Mambo Records in Miami, but things did not go according to plan, so he started recording his own music and went to New Jersey, where he began to organise his own orchestra with which he has 16 original songs written by himself, but also numerous covers of hits by other artists.

He has not been back to his native country for about 24 or 25 years. In fact, most of his family also lives in the United States and Canada, except for his uncle Pedro Calvo, some cousins, friends, and his music teachers.

However, after all the time he has been gone, things have not been entirely easy for Osmay, especially in the beginning. The hardest thing for him was language learning and how little he knew about his new place of residence, but the artist quickly learned and was gradually integrated into this new music scene, thanks to which he was able to play with many orchestras and meet great figures such as Oscar D’León at the Coco Bongo Club in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and Fernandito Villalona, for whom he opened one of his shows.

In New York, he played with many bands and learned a lot of music that was played locally. Osmay brought an academic background in lyrical and symphonic singing from Cuba, but New York has mostly restaurants, nightclubs, and fairs, so he had to adapt to a completely new format and audience.

Osmay, and Oscar — ”El Sonero del Mundo” Oscar D’ León and Osmay Calvo

Fortunately, he got it and was recommended by other musicians to play in many places until one night he was asked to play at Don Coqui and was told that Tito Nieves would be there. Then, when it was time for Osmay and nine other musicians to perform on stage, Jimmy Rodríguez, the owner of Don Coqui, approached them to say that Nieves might come and play with them later. A little while later, the Puerto Rican actually did approach with a microphone in his hand, and both he and Osmay began to improvise, and the show lasted until two o’clock in the morning. For the Cuban, it was an exceptional experience and an unforgettable moment in his career.

Haberte Conocido

After all the progress made, in 2021, Osmay felt ready to release his first independent album, which he titled “Haberte Conocido”. This was a goal to fulfill since Hugo Oslé, who was also his singing teacher, told him and the rest of his students that it was very important to be an independent artist who wrote and recorded his own songs.

In addition to that, he remembers that everyone in the class was a bolero singer, so he wanted to do something that would set him apart from the rest, and that is how he began to turn to salsa and other genres. This made him a much more versatile artist who could sing almost any genre coming his way. From then on, he stopped learning the original soneos of the songs and started to improvise on many occasions, which eventually led him to compose. Finally, in 2021, he wrote “Haberte Conocido,” which he put together from ideas that came to his mind and that he saved on his mobile phone during rehearsals. Then, stanza by stanza, he created the first song of his own.

Osmay and Tito — Osmay Calvo singing with Tito Nieves at Don Coqui

Marcus’s Dance Studio

North America / USA / New Jersey’s

Marcus Nieves, owner and Instructor of the dance studio

Marcus Nieves started dancing in 1998 while out clubbing in one of New Jersey’s hot spots at the time, “Foxes”. He was intrigued by the various turn patterns and energy that the local dancers displayed on the dancer floor. That sparked his interest in Salsa and he began taking dance lessons with Kenny Lopez. In 1999 Marcus was approached by Luis Zegarra to take part in his dance company “Fuerza Latina.”

There he gained most of his experience as a salsero, performing in many events around the tri-state area, which provided him the exposure he needed to be recognized in the dance scene. In 2000, Marcus began dancing under Nelson Flores and his dance team “Descarga Latina” which opened the opportunity for him to take part in the off-Broadway show “Latin Madness”.

In late 2002 Marcus worked as one of the “Copa Boys” for the world famous “Copacabana” and in 2003 he fulfilled his dancing goal of the “Eddie Torres Dance Company” for which he dance and toured around the world. He then joined several of his old dance partners from the ET dancers in a collaboration team called “Latin Soul Dancers” which he performed with all of 2007. Today he is also the dance instructor at his own MDN Latin Dance Studio in New Jersey

Diana Osorio Instructor

Diana started her life on stage at the young age of 9, as a saxophonist and vocalist, performing at local events. A graduate of the first performing art school in the nation, Art High School in New Jersey, Diana is known for her versatility in the Art.

At the age of 13 she began competing in the Emmy Awar winning show, NJN Hispanic Youth showcase, as a vocalist. Not long after her crave for competition began, a family member introduced Diana to MDN Latin Studio in 2005 at the age of 15. She began to learn Salsa On2 for the first time, and made dance one for her new talents, and made dance one of her new talents, and strengths. After 4 years of competing, in 2009, she finally gained victory in the Teen Dance category as a soloist in her last year eligible to compete.

In 2005 her vocals were put to the test, she sang with living legend, and prodigy, Paquito D’ Rivera. February of 2007, Diana was given the opportunity to show her ability to be on camera and interviewed Grammy award winner Victor Manuelle, Don Omar, Eddie Palmieri, and TV News host from elemundo, at Victor’s first concert at Madison Square Garden, El Conciero de Amor.

She was only 15 years old. At the age 16, she was asked to be the lead roll in an NJN (New Jersey) Network) documentary special, THE GOLDEN AGE OF DANCE, playing the roll of the late Mambo Queen, Mille Donay. Through this documentary she was able to give tribute to those of the past, and find her style as one of the class and elegant ladies of today.

In 2007 Diana became an advocate for against Teen Drinking and Driving, and one of the opening acts for “El Gran Combo at the Puerto Rican Day Parade.

In 2008 through 2009, Diana worked for the Newark Boys and Girls Club of America, instructing their First Salsa Dance Class for the kids, making the front page of the Star Ledger with her students.

In the summer of 2009, she performed at the New York International Salsa Congress, dancing on stage for the first as Marcus Nieves’s partner with the New York/ Italy dance team, Latin soul Dancers (LSD) directed by World Renowned Instructor and Former Eddie Torres Dancer, Adolfo Indacochea. In March of 2010 Marcus Nieves and Diana continued their journey together as partners at the first New Jersey International Salsa Congress.

In the summer of 2010, Marcus and Diana returned to the NYISC only to compete. With an unfortunate loss, they worked harder and won first place in November of 2010 In NYC’s Club Cache during the qualification round for the World Latin Dance Cup On2 division.

Class Schedule (Marcus’s Dance Studio)

Monday: Intermediate 7 pm – 8:30 pm, Advanced Beginner Level 1 8:30 pm – 10 pm.
Tuesday: Beginner 7 pm – 8:30 pm, Avanced Level 1 8:30 – 10 pm.
Wednesday: Intermediate 7 pm – 8:30 pm
Thursday: Advanced Beginner Level 1 7 pm – 8:30 pm, Advanced Beginner Level 2 8:30 pm – 10 pm
Saturday: Intermediate 12 pm – 1:30 pm, Advanced Beginner Level 2 1:30 – 3 pm, Advanced Beginner Level 1 3 pm – 4:30 pm, Beginners 4:30 pm – 6 pm.

If you want to know about the types of services and pricing visit http://www.marcusnieves.com and register

Tempo Latino

Europe / France / Vic-Fezensac

Tempo Latino: The biggest party for every Latin Music lover in Europe!

In Vic-Fezensac, in the heart of Gers in Gascony, Tempo Latino is the biggest European festival of Latin music and Afro-Cuban, salsa, Latin jazz and hip-hop. This is a reference to music and Latin music. This year they are bigger than ever with the participation of dancers, musicians, orchestras and amazing dj’s around the world.

Tempo Latino presents each year for 4 days and 4 nights, a varied concerts and internship program with artists and professors of international level including from Cuba, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Venezuela, Panama, Africa, US, Europe and Japan.

Thursday, July 27

The party starts on July 27 with the Colombian group Puerto Candelaria. This amazing group was formed in 2000 in Medellín, Colombia, the result of the fateful meeting of six talented musicians, united and guided by talented composer Juancho Valencia to create a totally new and original musical show.

The imaginary land of Puerto Candelaria is a sonorous place and the spiritual home to the members of the group and to all who enjoy taking a musical journey with the sound of the Candelarios. The group’s founders never imagined that a decade later their idea would come to be hailed the most daring, controversial and innovative Colombian musical project of recent times.

Puerto Candelaria bases its sound in popular Colombian rhythms, full of imagination and magical spirit that provoke the senses and awaken heightened emotions in audiences around the world.

Their creation of contradictory rhythms like Cumbia Underground or Jazz “a lo Colombiano” is responsible for creating a special place for their country in the global markets of jazz, experimental, and world music. On Thursday and thanks to the France-Colombia’s year celebration, this day will be a reunion between these two cultures.

Friday, July 28 Calypso Rose

Then, on July 28 you will have the pleasure to see the performance of Calypso Rose. This iconic singer is a calypsonian. She began writing songs at the age of 15, turned professional in 1964 and has written more than 800 songs and recorded more than 20 albums.

Saturday, July 29 Unity. Michael Jackson Latin Tribute

Friday 29 will be time to present the Michael Jackson Latin Tribute with the amazing show of the talent of Tony Succar and Unity. Unity is a testament to the power of music and one man’s indomitable spirit.

The passion project of Peruvian-born, Miami-raised producer/multi-instrumentalist/arranger Tony Succar, Unity features more than 100 musicians, such Latin superstars as Tito Nieves, Jon Secada and Obie Bermúdez, and the mixing magic of Jackson’s legendary engineer Bruce Swedien in the first ever Latin album salute to The King of Pop.

Sunday, July 30 Orkesta Mendoza

And finally, the event will end with the concert of Orkesta Mendoza. Orkesta Mendoza is a Latin music band from Tucson, Arizona. It was founded by singer and guitarist Sergio Mendoza in 2009. Through the use of Latin percussion, accordion, brass, and steel guitars, the band’s style, dubbed “indie mambo”, is a combination of ranchera, cumbia, psychedelic and indie rock.

Sergio Mendoza – vocals, piano, guitar
James Peters – drums
Joe Novelli – lap steel guitar
Marco Rosano – saxophone, clarinet, accordion, keyboard
Salvador Duran – vocals, cajón, maracas
Sean Rogers – double bass

With all the concerts, dance and parties, you can’t miss the summer event that brings all the Latin talent to Europe.

Tickets: Pre-sale prices

One night 30€ – 36€
4 days pass: 100 – 120
Free entrance for kids under 12 years old

Transportation and accommodation

Transport: http://tempo-latino.com/CommentVenirTempo

Accommodation: http://tempo-latino.com/Hebergement

Our favorite Dj’s: DJ Mabe / Jacoviche / Emile Omar / Jomax …

Tempo Latino - Information — Tempo Latino – Information

For further information and tickets:

http://tempo-latino.com/accueil
Tourism office in Vic Fanzensac : 05.62.06.34.90
Telephone: 05.62.06.40.40.

And all the social networks

Facebook: @tempolatino
Twitter : @tempo_latino
Instagram: @tempolatino
Youtube: tempolatinofestival

Albert Torres The Ambassador Of Salsa

North America / USA / New York

Albert Torres, a sympathetic boy with blushing cheeks who born in Brooklyn – New York – never suspected what his destiny had prepared him, to be the father of the Congresses of Salsa worldwide. His name would resound from North to South and from East to West, by the continents: American, European and Asian; in the different important scenes of the Latin music movement and would be the inspiration for many dancers of this branch.

His legacy would belong to the astonishment and shelter of the artists and the public that would applaud his talent, vigor and semblance to the rhythm of the phrase “Una Bulla”. This cheerful infant, without a doubt, was going to be a legend of Afro-Caribbean music. I’m talking about Albert Torres, The Ambassador of Salsa!

Albert began to listen to the salsa genre from the age of 5, staring in astonishment at the whole scene, sitting, of his first dance lessons … At the famous Palladium in New York, where his mother danced and liked the music of Mongo Santamaría and Tito Puente.

This child, future congressman of Salsa, grew up when the history of Latin popular music (salsa) was being written in the South Bronx, where Puerto Rican communities were having a great explosion of creativity and musical activity.

At the age of 12 years old his family decides to move to Puerto Rico, “By that time I did not want to speak Spanish, I did not want to be Puerto Rican. I did not want to be part of that environment”, said Torres. He only danced disco and Hustle. However, at the age of 15 his life took a dizzying turn when he heard:

“Oye que lio que lio se va a formar

cuando mi gatito sepa

y es tan simple la razón

El que a su gata le cuenta que el que a

su gata le cuenta

no es nada más que un ratón

un ratón…

…Échale semilla a la maraca pa que

suenen

chacucha cuchu cucha cucha

échale semilla a las maracas pa que

suenen

échale semilla a esas maracas oye

chacucha cucha cucha cucha

y hace rato está sonando sonando

chacucha cucha cucha cucha…”

Albert Torres simply fell in love with the Salsa thanks to this theme: “El Ratón” of Cheo Feliciano together to Fania All Stars. “The legends of salsa changed my life. When I heard these legends, that August 26th of 1971, in the Cheetah, something happened inside me. The music entered by the feet and came to my heart”. Thus, declared his beginnings in the Salsa, Albert Torres.

In 1991 his passion for Salsa took him to impress the girls of the neighborhood by his incredible steps to a Hollywood celebrity when he, first time, participated in the movie Mambo Kings in which he was chosen as one of the main dancers.

Hollywood - Albert Torres — Hollywood – Albert Torres

There he not only helped Antonio Banderas with the dance steps, but also with the English by that time for Banderas was very hard. In addition, during the filming of the movie Albert had the opportunity to share with big of Salsa like Celia Cruz, José Alberto “El Canario” and his great idol Tito Puente.

That film was the hit that catapulted Torres to world fame being chosen by Debbie Allen as one of the 4 dancers (of more than 400 couples) to participate in the Academy Awards (1993) and to dance “My beautiful Maria” whose Singer was Plácido Domingo and where he stood out as the first Puerto Rican to dance in the history of the ceremony.

Then, he returns to the cinema being the choreographer and dancer of Salsa scenes in the romantic film “Dance with Me” with Vanessa Williams and Chayanne during 5 months.

Later he worked on the movie “Out to See” (1998) with Jack Lemmon and Walter Matteau and in the same year he also made a guest starring appearance on the Keenan Wayan’s Show where he performed with Jennifer Lopez. Everywhere there was Salsa, Torres seemed to be there. At the time and with all this like trajectory Albert Torres in 1991 also began his stage as a producer.

He started promoting Salsa clubs in Los Angeles, “I lost a lot of money. Nobody wanted to know about Salsa”, said Albert. Nonetheless, he began to handle Johnny Polanco y Su Conjunto Amistad, which were the best-known salsa group in the Western United States.

In 1992 he founded his own company, Albert Torres Productions Inc. (ATP) and began to organize salsa parties in several places in Los Angeles. The most important were the Boathouse in Santa Monica, St. Marks in Venice and Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City.

At that moment the genre of salsa was losing popularity. However, Albert Torres with his wit, insight and a lot of intelligence pulled him forward on his own. He revived it in such a way that he became the most influential salsa promoter in the United States. He was who brought to Los Angeles some of the most important names in the Latin music such as: Fania All-Stars, El Gran Combo, Oscar D ‘León, José Alberto “El Canario” and the Spanish Harlem Orchestra, among many others.

In the late 1990s, after the I administration of President Clinton relaxed the laws restricting presentations by Cuban artists in the USA, Albert Torres was the first promoter, who brought to the famous and the notorious Van Van group to Los Angeles in January, 1997.

The show, which took place in a night club in downtown LA, was a success. Since then, Los Van Van has received major media awareness with prestigious publications such as Los Angeles Times, New York Times, among others and including the most coveted music honor, a Grammy and Latin Grammy nomination. Torres’s passion and promotional skills have played a key role in the U.S.A Latin Entertainment explosion. Ricardo Lemvo, musician and singer living in Los Angeles, founder and leader of the salsa band Makina Loka said:

“Personally, I have a great deal of gratitude to Albert. In 1996 when I released my first album, Tata Masamba, he was the one who presented my music to the Latin audience in Los Angeles. He also placed my band at Sportsmen’s Lodge, Grand Park and many other venues. Albert was also who recommended me to film director Randa Haines and as a result, my band, Makina Loca came out in the movie “Dance with Me” with Chayanne and Vanessa Williams. I will be eternally grateful to Albert Torres for giving me a hand at the beginning of my career”.

1997 was crucial for Albert and the world of Salsa in Los Angeles because began the dream of Mr. Eli Irizarri of Puerto Rico, the concept of the Salsa Congresses in San Juan. “I was not the first year, but I heard a lot of nice things even though it was a financial failure. I attended the event in 1998 and was the master of ceremonies. Then, I started the same concept in Los Angeles beginning in 1999 and in the next 8 years following the Los Angeles Congress stood out as the largest in the world. There attend more than 6000 people daily arriving from more than 42 countries”, said Albert for an Argentine media.

In 1998, at the head of ATP, organized the first edition of Los Angeles Salsa Congress and in May 1999 was carried out, with the presentation of Tito Puente in the opening. In this first congress Albert transformed the event into an exciting music and dance venue that attracted 20,000 Latin Music enthusiasts from all over the world and USA and with such great success that he immediately became co-producer Salsa Congresses in over 32 countries.

“My most important desire to be a promoter of the Congresses would be that this can be used for dancers, can realize their dream of dancing on a stage and also find a way to respect the dancers as they deserve it. This is extremely important”. Albert Torres.

In LA Salsa Congress the stars are born, many of the world renowned dancers have their start at this event. The mission of LA Salsa Fest is to pass on to the next generation through educational seminars, dance workshops and being able to perform on stage.

Since then, Albert Torres Productions has created and produced the World’s Largest Salsa Music event. In addition to this, ATP is the co-producer of the World Salsa, broadcast from Las Vegas every year by the ESPN TV network being watched by more than 20 million homes worldwide, where more than 1000 competing dancers will be known on the planet. “On ESPN told me that if I wanted to see it on TV I had to do competitions.

I do not like it, but for the dancers to get to know each other worldwide, I decided to make the World Salsa Championship, the biggest and most important salsa tournament in the world. Now, since April (2012) I decided to do it alone, without partners, and now it’s called World Latin Dance Cup. I added other categories like cumbia, bachata, casino, children and people over 45 years. We have about 20 categories”. Torres Said in an interview with a Peruvian media.

In the World Latin Dance Cup No requirements. You have to take stock and follow the world rules. These are of time, originality of the dressing rooms, of musicality. If you drop the wig, the earring (while dancing), points are removed; if you do not wear stockings, too. A wig will not give points, but if it falls it will take the points. In this championship there is not a world champion, so there is a champion in each category.

According to his friends, Albert was a “workaholic”. He was always on the road promoting salsa music through all the congresses he organized around the world. Always in transit, he spent one night in Istanbul, the next in Paris and the following week in Tokyo. For example, at the beginning of 2007 he had 48 weeks of travel and in one year he could travel to 48 exotic countries such as Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Japan, Hong Kong, Brazil, Bulgaria, Romania, China, Colombia, Venezuela, Spain, Mexico, Peru, Holland, Hamburg, Italy, Switzerland, Sweden, France, Ecuador, New Zealand, Australia and Puerto Rico.

Therefore, it is not surprising to see on your Facebook wall, the immense and felt messages of thanks from dancers from all corners of the earth. His latest project called “The Legacy Project” is an initiative to combine our music culture with the latest technology tendencies in order to reach and unite more people so future generations can appreciate, preserve and be part of the history of Latin dance and music around the world.

In 2011 Albert Torres was honored to be accepted as a Member of the Council for Dance of UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization) and Elected Grand Marshall at the National New York Puerto Rican Day Parade in front of 2 million spectators lined up on 5th Ave that past June 12 of the same year. This past May, 25th the world of Salsa and entertainment received a huge impact, the news of the death of Albert Torres, victim of a Stroke.

Family, friends, national and international press as well as web portals lamented and reviewed this regrettable fact. Rudy Mangual, creator of the famous magazine Latin Beat Magazine commented to an international media that before this terrible fatal outcome, Albert was very delicate of health in the last months; he had diabetes and had an infection in the pancreas. He also said that he regretted his gone because he and his wife Yvette Mangual had a very special affection to Albert.

Albert Torres’s family wishes to thank all of our Salsa Family for your thoughts, prayers and well wishes during this difficult time. Albert passed away today May 25th, 2017, peacefully, surrounded by family and loved ones. We all find comfort knowing that he is now promoting and dancing alongside his Idols, Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Cheo Feliciano, Tito Rodriguez and Ray Barreto. As well as his close friends Johnny Polanco, Rudy Regalado, Alicia Gomez and many others. We would love nothing more than for you to help us continue keeping his legacy and DREAM OF UNITY alive by supporting the great event that he started 19 years ago:

The LA SALSA FEST.

Thank you again and may you all be blessed. UNA BULLAAAA!

Rest In Peace ALBERT TORRES

6/14/1956 – 5/25/2017

On the other hand, different personalities of the artistic world expressed their deep pain:

“Salsa and I lost a good friend. Like everyone else in the music world, I was in shock: Albert was an exuberant, vibrant person. It seems unfair that he left the planet in the prime of his life at only 60 years old.

I remember in one of our many conversations, he expressed his great desire to bring the famous African salsa group Africando to the United States. Africando had a song, “Yay Boy,” that was all the rage not only in New York but also in Latin America, but not many people had seen the group live. It was a huge undertaking to organize a concert with Africando since the lead vocalists lived in Senegal, Togo, and other parts of Africa. When Albert finally managed to bring Africando to Los Angeles in 2004, he was over the moon. That was one of his greatest triumphs.

Albert, your passing is a huge blow to all of us in the salsa world. We will miss you terribly. Thank you for everything you’ve done to promote our music. Salsa. We will never forget you.

Rest in peace, brother.” Ricardo Lemvo

“Creating Unity through Salsa”, words from my brother Albert Torres. That’s exactly what we are trying to do, will keep this in my heart forever… Your legacy lives. Thank you Albert! Thank you Edwin and the #LASalsaFest team for this”. Tony Succa

Famed Salsa legend, dancer and Hollywood choreographer turned mega event planner Albert Torres is already part of our history. His continuous efforts to globalize Salsa have made a major impact on the preservation and accessibility of both Salsa Music and Salsa Dance around the world. To achieve this, he was constantly traveling around the world, encouraging conferences and festivals, discovering talents for dancing.

No doubt, Albert Torres brought the music it in the blood. He had his own vibration and constantly he was being a role model. He played that key role in the confluence of people and places that created an environment for the growth of Latin music in America and the world.

For that reason, on the Facebook wall of Albert thousands of emotions multiply. And the messages coincide in the gratefulness and the claim of “una bulla”, una bulla salsera para Albert. Today on some side of the Salsa´s Big, sure, you’re dancing and singing!

Albert Torres in solidarity with charitable causes

“Before I was an event producer, I handled 50 beds in a hospital helping people with drug, alcohol, and mental problems… I have been sober since December 14, 1985. For that, I can live and help others to live their Dreams”. Albert Torres

Great dancer and Champion fell ill last year after the WLDC. With the support of dancers worldwide he was able to beat leukimia and will be back this year. What an inspiration and great story. Let’s all appreciate each day that we are blessed with. Welcome back Jeremy.

ATP continues with the Albert’s legacy and offering top-notch quality events with world-class performers. His bands are legendary and his events feature some of the finest musicians and dancers the world has ever known.

“Para mí la salsa no es latina sino mundial. No tiene barreras de colores ni de país. Es increíble ver niños chiquitos bailar como los de los 80 que bailan… Para mí la salsa es como si fuera una paella, una comida increíble: tiene tantos condimentos y tantas cositas.

La salsa es así: con un poquito de rumba, jazz, tango, y si le pones swing, ballet y se mezclan todos con una bella canción de Óscar de León, algo sucede que nos afecta desde los tobillos hasta el corazón… Los problemas siempre van a estar esperándonos en casa, pero qué cosa bonita llegar a un lugar donde todo el mundo se lleva. Cuando empieza esa música todos tenemos algo en común. Ojalá el mundo aprendiera de eso”. Albert Torres (June 14, 1956 – May 25, 2017)

To learn more about Albert Torres and his events, please visit: www.worldlatindancecup.com, www.mysalsacongress.com and www.alberttorresproductions.com

To read more about Albert Torres’ work with Baile de Los Niños, providing cultural outreach programs to at-risk youth and low-income families, visit: www.alberttorresevents.com/bailedelo sninos/mission.asp