Search Results for: Latin Dance

John Leguizamo Returns to Broadway

North America / USA / New York

John Leguizamo returns to Broadway with the super production LATIN HISTORY FOR MORONS for only 16 weeks, a comedy theater that will teach the audience the story of Latino immigrants in North America that you won’t find either in books or in the education provided in the schools of the country.

This sympathetic actor, comedian, and Colombian – American producer created this monologue due to the situation he faced a long time ago with his son. The child was being bullied in the private school that he attended in NYC for being one of the few children of Hispanic origin there. For that reason, and using homework of heroes assigned to his son, John began to teach him some Latino leaders who played big roles in American history. “Things were getting kind of rough out there…

And then, all of a sudden, we were in this dark episode where Latin people are being maligned and we’ve become the whipping post for the president. They even tried to pass the – show me your papers- law in Texas, basically profiling Latin people”, said Leguizamo to an American media.

After 4 years of research, this Emmy Award-winner actor, very happy, created this dramaturgy in which he reveals the struggle of 10,000 Latinos in the American Revolutionary War, the brave AfroCaribbean women in Virginia who sold their jewels to feed the patriots in the wars. The shocking truth of the Cuban woman, Loreta Velasquez, who joined the army in New Orleans and fought the front in three battles of the Civil War disguised as a man. And not in accordance with it, John will continue walking for 3000 years of history, he will make us cross three continents and tell us about different empires, Mayas, Aztecs and Incas.

John Leguizamo - Latin History for Morons - 3 — John Leguizamo – Latin History for Morons – 3

He will speak of Montezuma and Menudo, Yes! You read well, “Menudo” and he will close the acts with traditional dances like the Cumbia and indigenous rituals without censorship. “I was so ignorant of my own history because it is not taught in schools. It was a huge hole in my education and it shouldn’t have been, because without us Latinos, America wouldn’t be the country that it is”, Leguizamo explained to an American media.

John, who acted in series such ER (Dr. Victor Clemente), films such as: Super Mario Bros (Luigi) and more recently Wick 2 (Aurelio), besides, the voice of Sid (the laziness) in Ice Age, he in Latin History for Morons has a very unique style, a mixture between a stand up and a traditional dramaturgy. “There are other characters on stage, which I play; I do scenes with them and there is a narrative moving forward… I like to take people there with mime, dance, and music – it is very physical… It’s amazing what the audience will allow you to do.

John Leguizamo - Latin History for Morons - 4 — John Leguizamo – Latin History for Morons – 4

They will go with you anywhere as long as you stick to the rules that you set up at the beginning. That’s the beauty of theater. And that’s what makes me keep coming back. Anything is possible on stage. It seems to be the most democratic and egalitarian place in America for entertainment. Where else would Hamilton have happened? It couldn’t have happened in Hollywood, or on cable or the networks”, said Jhon Leguizamo in an interview.

John Leguizamo - Latin History for Morons - 2 — John Leguizamo – Latin History for Morons – 2

For his solo work of 45min of duration and which began since the third week of October he had to prepare himself in boxing as well as in dance. Hard work he had to do every day. “I’ve learned to consolidate my storytelling and be more of myself. To not just be an entertainer, but allow my anger, my edgier sides – and allow people to be even more uncomfortable. I never wanted my shows to be just Pollyanna shows,” he also said, “Latin comedy is a full emotional experience.”

Latin History for Morons (a satirical History Class) back to John Leguizamo to Broadway, under the direction of the famous theater director Tony Taccone, who owns 36 years of Career and who currently is the artistic director of Berkeley Repertory Theater in Berkeley, California. Moreover, John made his first Broadway presentation in 1991 with “Mambo Mouth” winning an Obie and he was nominated several times for Tony Awards for “Freak” in 1998.

“Broadway is just a culmination of a lot of work, and it always feels so celebratory. It’s the gaining of the highest prize.” John Leguizamo.

John Leguizamo - Latin History for Morons - 1 — John Leguizamo – Latin History for Morons – 1

Venue: STUDIO 54. 254 W. 54TH ST., NEW YORK, NY. Tickets: $79 – $139 To get more information like them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LatinHistory101/ or buy the tickets online through https://www.latinhistorybroadway.com/

Vinny Rivera releases his New Kizomba Hit “Compatible”

North America / USA / Massachusetts

The sensation of Kizomba music of all time, Victor Vincent Rivera, better known as Vinny Rivera, releases to the musical scene his new Kizomba single “Compatible” off the upcoming album “La Cosecha”. An album that will be centered in big melodies, the explosion of rhythms and the Tropical sound characteristic of Kizomba music and whose genre we have become accustomed to hear in his sweet and melodious voice.

The #1 Latin Kizomba Artist in the World who was born in Boston, Massachusetts, during his total successful European Tour where performed songs coming off of his album “La Torre”, Vinny achieved to conquer audiences of all ages, cultures and languages, falling in love to the international public.

Vinny has arrived this year with this new video of his most recently hit “Compatible” taking beautiful footage the Nederlands and starring with the international model Lillyann heaven, scenes in marvelous landscapes with a romantic history based on Rivera seducing a beautiful lady to establish a loving relationship with her. COMPATIBLE is destined to establish itself among the best song in the billboards of popularity in the world because it mixture sensuality with a cadence that invite you to dance softly with your dance partner to the rhythm of the Kizomba so popular in festivals and special events currently.

Vinny Rivera continues to shine in the music entertainment scene in America and the rest of the world increasing his fans between knower and professional dancers of this Latin Kizomba music, and if the LA COSECHA album will be so excellent like COMPATIBLE song, no doubt, he will be one of the artists with fruitful career and major projection nowadays…

Oscar Dudamel continues to achieve dreams and presents “La Rumba Me Llama”

Legendary Venezuelan trombonist Oscar Dudamel expands his musical vision with a new single that fuses the essence of classic salsa with his unmistakable style, which is why he does not hesitate to express “La Rumba Me Llama”.

This song is part of his upcoming album “Sueño Alcanzado”, a production that will be released on May 30 and represents the culmination of years of musical research, fusing the classic salsa sound with jazz influences and the romantic tradition of boleros.

El legendario trombonista venezolano Oscar Dudamel

In “La Rumba Me Llama”, Dudamel brings his trombone to the forefront of a vibrant composition that captures the essence of the rumba as an inescapable call. With a musical structure that evokes the great salsa orchestras and an impeccable instrumentation.

The piece stands out for its meticulous arrangements, powerful brass and an irresistible cadence, faithful to the spirit with which Dudamel has approached his music. The track is an invitation to the dance floor and a testament to the rhythmic power that has defined his career.

The album Sueño Alcanzado not only takes its name from a personal concept of triumph, but also from one of his most significant pieces.

The title track was born in an intimate creative encounter in Caracas, Venezuela, with Maestro Alberto Crespo, composer Eliel Rivero and Solange Ramírez, mother of his son Gustavo Dudamel.

Dedicated to her son and with her special participation on violin, this piece encapsulates the spirit of a project that transcends the musical to become a testimony of life.

More than a nostalgic production, “Sueño Alcanzado”, of which the song “La Rumba Me Llama” is part, is the reflection of an evolution. The music that accompanied him since his childhood now takes a new form under his direction, in a creative process that has brought together talented musicians with whom he shares the same vision.

His orchestra, based in Madrid, has become the vehicle to continue taking his proposal to international stages, demonstrating that salsa is still alive in every note and every drum beat.

“La Rumba Me Llama” is now available on all digital platforms and is just a preview of ‘Sueño Alcanzado’, Oscar Dudamel’s new album, consolidating his legacy with authenticity and mastery.

Oscar Dudamel Virtuoso Musician, Trombonist and Orchestra Conductor.

Oscar Dudamel, a Venezuelan trombonist, discovered his passion for salsa as a child when he first heard “La Murga” by Willie Colón. Although his formal musical training began with Maestro Pablo Canela and later continued within El Sistema as a classical musician, that early experience left a profound mark on him, inspiring his dream of playing the trombone and solidifying his love for salsa as his ultimate passion.

Dudamel was born on January 14, 1961, in Barquisimeto, Venezuela. He grew up in a musical family where every gathering was celebrated with music, fostering his passion for the art from a young age. His parents purchased him a trombone, and he began his studies at the Yamaha Music Academy.

At the age of 7, he was enrolled in a music academy under the guidance of Maestro Pablo Canela, a composer and prominent figure in the music of the Lara State region of Venezuela.It was there that he started his training with the Cuatro, the traditional Venezuelan instrument, and the guitar, which became his first instruments.

In addition to his Cuatro training, Dudamel began studying and playing various percussion instruments, further broadening his musical repertoire.

His academic training took place at the Lara State Conservatory in Barquisimeto, and at the National System of Youth and Children’s Orchestras and Choirs of Venezuela, also known as El Sistema.

During his teenage years, he became a member of the Youth Orchestra of Lara State (El Sistema Lara) and the Liceo Mario Briceño Iragorry Band, where he had the opportunity to expand his musical knowledge and explore various genres.

Dudamel entered a new phase of his life when he enrolled at the Vicente Emilio Sojo Music Conservatory to study theory and solfège, continuing his trombone studies under the guidance of his maestro, Óscar Vivenes.

Over the years, he became a member of the Lara Youth Symphony Orchestra of Lara, part of the national network of Venezuela’s El Sistema orchestras, actively participating in classical music.

However, his fascination with the Caribbean rhythms of salsa never disappeared. Thus, he combined his classical training with his passion for salsa, performing with renowned artist and sharing the stage with legends of the genre, such as Héctor Lavoe, Ismael Rivera, Ismael Miranda, Celia Cruz, Justo Betancourt, Marvin Santiago, and other great artists.

In Caracas, Venezuela, he founded his own orchestra, with which he had the opportunity to share the stage with notable figures such as Rubén Blades, Gilbert Santa Rosa, Luis Enrique, Guaco, Oscar D’ León, and many others.

Dudamel’s surname is synonymous with music. He is the father of Gustavo Dudamel, one of the most acclaimed classical music conductors in the world. Gustavo’s well-known fondness for salsa stems from his father, who recently fulfilled his lifelong dream of releasing a solo album titled Sueño Alcanzado, dedicated to his son.

Dudamel currently resides in Madrid, Spain, where he leads his ensemble, Oscar Dudamel y su Orquesta, performing salsa alongside his Venezuelan musician friends and colleagues at Café Berlín Madrid.

‍Research Sources:

Contact: Katie Baloian of Radio Notas (Compartiendo Ideas)

Alberto Crespo (Pianist and Arranger)

Dj. Augusto Felibertt

Café Berlin in Madrid

Also Read: Mariana “The Sonera of Venezuela and for the world”

The multifaceted Aymée Nuviola delivers her ‘Corazón Sonero’ to Puerto Rico, at the historic Tapia Theater in Old San Juan

Pete Perignon’s orchestra kicked off Aymée Nuviola’s concert, entitled Corazón Sonero, with a powerful Latin jazz introduction. During the first minute, the instrumental melody settled into a salsa key, giving way to the voices of Lorna Marcano and Ricely Colón, who chanted: “Yo te invito a bailar y a gozar con Aymée, la sonera del mundo” (I invite you to dance and enjoy with Aymée, the sonera of the world). The chorus duo of Marcano and Colón prepared the theater for the triumphant entrance of the voice of La Sonera del Mundo.

La multifacética Aymée Nuviola Imágenes Conrado Pastrano

As the curtain rose at the historic Alejandro Tapia y Rivera Theater in Old San Juan, the stage design by José “Quenepo” Ramos Vega, which revealed two transparent fabric borders held in the middle by an imposing white star, caught the attention of the audience. The red of the triangle of the Cuban flag was represented by the pendant unfurled to the left of the star, while the cloth representing the Puerto Rican flag was held on the right hand side of the same star. The inspiration of the design demonstrates that the Cuban and Puerto Rican flags are fraternal twins.

The opening lyric that resounded in the theater, which was filled to capacity, with the vocal power of Aymée Nuviola read: “A little bit of good salsa, a little bit of pure salsa, so that new people, get to know our culture”. From then on, the music obeyed Nuviola’s command, singing: “Let the clave get into your body, let the conga and the bongo move the floor”. Sure enough, three hours later we were still letting the stage delivery of the musical team continue to move the floor. Pete masterfully directed: Jean Carlos Camuñas on tumbadoras, Carlos Pagán on bongó, campana, güiro and maracas, Miguel Camilo on piano, Jorge Rivera on bass, Pedro Marcano and Víctor Ambert on trumpets, César Ayala and Léster Pérez on trombones and Saviel Cartagena on tenor and soprano saxophones.

Ten minutes into the music under the direction of the leader of the generation of the present, as timbalero Pete Perignon is known on Puerto Rican soil, Aymée greeted the audience with a heartfelt, “¡Buenas noches, Puerto Rico!” She thanked the attendees in a candid manner for joining her, while making jokes about how heavy her dress was as she elegantly adjusted the flounce and wings of her sleeves. She also commented on the design of the theater, inaugurated in 1832.

Gilberto SantaRosa y Aymée Nuviola Imágenes Conrado Pastrano

That first conversation with the audience served to connect with a: “we are survivors”, in clear reference to the COVID-19 pandemic, shortly before quoting Celia Cruz saying: “As Celia said so well: ‘Thank you Puerto Rico, for lending me your flag’. She also recognized actor Willy Denton, who played Pedro Knight when Aymée impersonated Celia Cruz in the soap opera Celia and who was among those present.

Nuviola boasted of having reached the fifth floor, as she recounted that she was going to record her version of ‘El ratón’ with Cheo Feliciano, whose unexpected death thwarted the long-awaited collaboration. However, Aymée decided to record it anyway, in order to pay tribute to Señor Sentimiento. The evening’s repertoire included: ‘Un poco de salsa’, ‘Salsa con timba’, ‘Yo sé que es mentira’, ‘El ratón’, ‘La tierra del olvido’ and ‘La gota fría’.

Many remember Aymée for her character of Celia Cruz in an acting performance that marked “a before and after” in the singer’s career. This was acknowledged by the actress, shortly before paying tribute to Celia, with her versions of ‘Cúcala’ and ‘Quimbara’, in addition to performing a medley of some of the songs with which Celia was crowned the Queen of Salsa. The medley included ‘Toro mata’ and ‘Bemba colorá’, among others.

The concert included a bohemian part during which Aymée accompanied herself on the classical piano to share with us her passion for the filin. The selected repertoire was: ‘Obsesión’, ‘Bésame mucho’, ‘Me faltabas tú’, ‘Perfidia’ and ‘Lágrimas negras’.

Before performing ‘El espacio’, of her own composition, and accompanied by Miguel Camilo on piano, Aymée said that the song was inspired by “someone else’s skeleton”, as the composer described it. Aymée emphasized that ‘El espacio’ is not dedicated to her husband. Between jokes and laughter, the sonera shared with those present her love story with Paulo Simeón, while acknowledging the presence of Fabio Díaz Vilela, who was the owner of the place where the couple met more than 14 years ago. Aymée expressed her gratitude to Fabio, for also having been a great support for the career of the producer, “from day one”.

The climax of the concert came as the sonera took off ‘El cuarto de Tula’, Gilberto Santa Rosa -who was among the attendees- went up on stage to duet with Aymée, between each soneo to describe the scope of the talent of the Cuban who gave her sonero heart to Puerto Rico. El Caballero de la Salsa was also able to tell La Sonera del Mundo the fascination that the Puerto Rican public has for her. For their part, Aymée’s soneos expressed to Gilberto the admiration she has for him for being “a great maestro”.

The repertoire of this last section included the songs ‘Fiesta’ and ‘El manisero’, which incorporated correspondences between the singer and the pianist. The coda of ‘El manisero’ coincided with the closing of the curtain, while the audience shouted “another, another, another”. The ñapa corresponded to ‘Chan chan’, a song included in the album that won Nuviola a Grammy for his production A Journey through Cuban Music. The interpretation was sprinkled with the strength brought by the trumpets of Pedro Marcano and Víctor Ambert, along with the trombones of César Javier Ayala and Léster Pérez. Chan Chan’ announced the farewell with which Aymée Nuviola’s energetic “God bless Puerto Rico” resounded as the curtain came down on her first solo concert on Puerto Rican soil. For my part, I reciprocate: “God bless Aymée Nuviola and her team (including Paulo Simeón and Luis Solís)”.

Here in the Island of Enchantment we are pleased to know that Corazón Sonero has consolidated this high-end artist, whom we already consider our own.

Images: Conrado Pastrano

Also Read: Mel Martinez I come from Puerto Rico and Puerto Rico is Salsero

Mambo Coffee

Latin America / Ecuador / Quito

Mambo Coffee. One year playing El Ritmo

Mambo Coffee - Photo 1 — Mambo Coffee – Photo 1

We are talking about the fashionable nightlife space in Quito, a space dedicated to dancing, enjoyment and the city’s nightlife. From its tropical image that clearly denotes its dedication to Latin music, to its context, it calls you to have a good time, with family, friends and in the company of a good musical selection.

In a short time, the Mambo, as it is known, has achieved an important link between all the dance schools in the city, sometimes being the meeting place for these dance professionals. For everyone’s benefit we have bachata and salsa Wednesdays, classic salsa Thursdays and Fridays and tropical Saturdays where we can listen to a musical variety that manages to absorb a very heterogeneous audience.

Mambo Coffee - Photo 2 — Mambo Coffee – Photo 2

Michell Castillo, manager, expresses to us, “…the concept of Mambo Café is aimed at a Latin public, salsero, who wants to enjoy a good bar.” Concept that day after day continues to be rooted in the visiting public. “… the name arose from the need for something multicolored for a salsa bar, the conditions of the premises allowed the designer to play with colors and structures that will speak for themselves.” It is striking to see a column decorated with acetate discs, murals and paintings in the best Caribbean style.

We had the experience of collecting impressions from many of the city’s dancers, all express the good atmosphere that is lived in this beautiful place, these institutions have had their doors open to celebrate their anniversaries, special parties, closing of the year and other festive occasions. thanks to the great opportunities that the bar offers us.

Mambo Coffee - Photo 3 — Mambo Coffee – Photo 3

The recommendation is to try the range of cocktails, delight yourself with the flavored Margarita, a huge glass that you will surely taste with great fascination, not to mention the Maracuya mojitos and the bulldog tequila that surprises you with a corona beer among the decoration, all a show. The Mambo is still waiting for everyone’s visit, from Wednesday to Saturday making the bailadera fashionable in Quito.

It is located on Ave. Cristóbal Colón, Quito 170517, Ecuador where you can contact them through: Facebook: MamboCafeQuito Email: [email protected] Telephone: +593 2-223-1249

Mambo Coffee - Photo 4 — Mambo Coffee – Photo 4