Search Results for: Latin Dance

ISM was in NAMM Show 2020

North America - United States - Anaheim - California

From January 16 to 19 the musical instruments, professional audio and accessories industry met again in Anaheim, California, for the expected annual event that opens the calendar of fairs related to the music market segment.

NAMM Show has been reinvented and this year came with a new structure so we could better appreciate the ideas and proposals. The organizers divided the different items to which the exhibition is dedicated, offering specific spaces for each group of exhibitors and visitors and making it easier to find the desired companies and products.

The NAMM Show Music sector for musical instruments and accessories, The Namm Show Sound for professional audio and sound reinforcement, and The NAMM Show Live bringing together technologies for live events and entertainment were inaugurated in this new organization.

The Namm Show Music

More than 7000 brands, more than 300 educational sessions, more than 150 free interconnection events and hundreds of concerts and performances. Among the spaces dedicated to music, in this sector of the fair was the Boutique Guitar Showcase (sample of manufacturers of boutique guitars from around the world), the Lounge 88 Showcase (collection of renowned piano brands illustrating the history of that instrument), Software. NAMM (a curated selection of the latest music applications and plug-ins). The Sytnth Showcase (shows the latest analog and digital synthesizer technology) and the Innovator Showcase (showing the latest products that aim to revolutionize music, sound and entertainment technology).

On the educational side will be the Retail Innovation Summit, the NAMM U Breakfast Sessions, Music Education Days for students and educators, the Retail Financial Summit, the NAMM Idea Center presented sessions every half hour with all kinds of tips and ideas, and the program GenNext for students who want to develop their career.

Gabrielito Gonzalez - La Verdad — Gabrielito Gonzalez – La Verdad

Other events were in this section such as the She Rocks Awards dedicated to women, the NAMM Foundation Celebration for Music Education, the Yamaha All-Star Concert, hundreds of concerts, jams and live performances through NAMM Jam, the Yamaha Night of Worship with Christian bands, Roomful of Pianos with symphonic works adapted to the piano, and the Grand Rally for Music Education, honoring the outstanding educators in our field.

The Namm Show Sound

More than 3,000 brands in areas dedicated to professional audio and sound reinforcement, more than 200 audio production sessions, more than 50 demonstrations and more than 150 free interconnection events with audio professionals from around the world.

The outstanding samples? The Loudspeaker System Showcase to experience line array and loudspeaker technologies in a real environment, and also Software. NAMM, with a curated selection of the latest music applications and plug-ins.

Educational opportunities were available with the AES Academy (education and training program for live sound, recording and audio professionals in performances), A3E (sessions focused on the future and how audio applications are transforming the industry), Teck Tracks (sessions with high profile themes in recording, live sound and the music business) and Dante Training (free Dante certified training conducted by Audinate).

In addition to the She Rocks Awards, the Yamaha All-Star Contest, and the Yamaha Night of Worship, the NAMM Pro Audio Pool Party (an outdoor party for the professional audio and sound community) was added to this space. NAMM TEC Awards (recognizing the best products and innovations in this segment) and the Parnelli Awards (highlighting professionals in the live event scene).

The Namm Show Live

For those interested in the live events sector there were more than 7,000 brands, more than 50 free educational sessions, opportunities to obtain 80 ETCP credits, hundreds of ESTA interconnection events, and live music throughout the space.

Education was in the hands of the sessions curated by ESTA, technology sessions organized by Lighting & Sound America and PLASA, professional production sessions conducted by PLSN and FOH, in addition to the Dante Audinate training.

In the part of special events will be the Happy Hour for Behind the Scenes (a charitable event that raises funds for industry professionals who are going through problems), the welcome reception of Namm show Live, and visitors can also find interesting Parnelli Awards and the NAMM TEC Awards.

International Salsa Magazine had correspondents at the Namm Show 2020 so you can enjoy all details.

Four days of exciting performances by local and international artists and demonstrations of new high-end technology products were presented at the biggest and the most prestigious annual event in the Music Industry.

Among the main stars that showed musical performances were: Los Lobos, Paris Escovedo, Bobbi Escoto, Adelaide Band, Gabrielito González, Jamal, Abel Flores Band, Calico Oviedo Soultone Cymbals, the winner of two Latin Grammy awards, Tony Succar, and others.

Also, the organization in this unique and memorable event was unsurpassed, the family, brotherhood and cultural environment were present during each day. “People were always very happy, musicians and dancers were very friendly and enthusiastic at all times.” Said our correspondent Bryan “Scorpio” Astrachan

For the first day (Media Day) at the Anaheim Convention Center, Los Lobos was in charge of the first musical performance producing the applause and admiration of the present press. On the other hand, the famous local artist Paris Escovedo once again demonstrated the connection between the public and his music by grabbing attention for hisvirtuosity on the second day.

Likewise, the third day was led by the musical environment of the Bandleader, Director and Bongo player of Afro Son, Bobby Escoto.

During the fourth and last day of the Namm Show, they were present at the Yamaha Grand Plaza State and highlighted the band leader and vocalist of La Verdad, Gabrielito González, and Adelaide Band. This prodigious band played for about an hour, a total of 12 songs. Among his repertoire was a tribute to Salsa with the Celia Cruz’s hits, covers by Gloria Estefan and other Latin singers, in addition to playing the songs of her second album “Reflexiones de mi Mente” released in 2019 and available on all digital platforms. If you want to know more about this Latin urban music band as well as dates events visit their website: http://adelaidetheband.com/

We don’t forget to inform you that during this invitation to the global musical innovation platform, the technology never ceases to amaze. The new ATC Dolby Atmos immersive music audio system was one of our favorites. The next-generation surround audio experience takes music far beyond traditional “surround sound” that includes 3D spatial information to bring the listener to music. This free demonstration and installed on the Smartphone was tested by our correspondent Bryan “Scorpio” Astrachan.

Our correspondent, Carlos Navarro, was also at the event and could verify that the DJs are acquiring a new air and, although it is not something new in the music industry, it is working with a lot of emphasis on everything that refers to DJ Equipment, Technology and more.

The Namm Show 2020 was a perfect platform to publicize and reveal numerous technological advances. And also, the opportunity in which the artists could try everything for themselves in the different jam sessions that took place throughout the event.

Navarro was able to coincide with other artists from the world of salsa in the percussion booth. He had the opportunity to talk with Tito Quintero, Alex Acuña, Luis Conte and John «Dandy» Rodríguez, who was with Latin Percussion at the launch of a limited edition (of only 100 copies) of the Dandy Bongo Cowbell, as a tribute in his honor, with a comfortable, practical case with wheels; and also made with cutting-edge technology and high-end materials and a dazzling aesthetic.

The highlight was the live presentation of Tower of Power. “Incredible. I realized that people are appreciating live music badly, because they are accustomed to DJs, although that is not new,” Carlos Navarro told us.

In this way, we say goodbye to an event of high quality, maximum organization, unsurpassed treatment, and unmatched technological development platform.

Each day this event culminated from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, we culminate standing and with applause. Until next year Namm Show 2021!

Azúcar Club Cubano of São Paulo

Latin America / Brasil / São Paulo

Get to know the Azucar Club Cubano of São Paulo

In Brazil there is a great variety of Latin clubs where you can enjoy pleasant music, if what you want is to dance Merengue, Salsa and Cumbia, you can go visit the “Azúcar Club Cubano” which is located at Rua Dr. Mário Ferraz, 423 Itaim – Bibi , São Paulo, Brazil; which was inaugurated in August of the year 2000; being the first Latin house in Sao Paulo at that time thanks to the Latin inspiration with its coquettish and great Caribbean music. It is currently recognized for being very cheerful and with excellent service where it had great successes and that to this day opens its doors to all people who like Latin rhythms.

They also have a bar where the most requested drinks are Rum and Tequila and among their cocktails are “El Margarita”, “El margarita con Tequila” and “Mojito”, the latter known as the best in all of Sao Paulo; They also have a varied menu.

The Club opens its doors to the public from Tuesday to Friday from 19:00 hrs (7:00 pm) and Saturdays at 20:00 hrs (8:00 pm) and there one can pay with any credit or debit card.

For more information:

Website: http://www.azul.com.br
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/azulclubcubano/
E-mail: [email protected]
Telephone: +55 11 3074.3737

Salsa: From New York to the world!

North America – United States – New York

Last February we actively participated in different activities in New York, promoted by different instances and always supported from the Spanish Harlem Salsa Gallery Museum and The Johnny Cruz Show.

Johnny Cruz: We were part of the Somos Puerto Rico event, together with more than 25 artists and with the collaboration of La Boom, which allowed thousands of people to work for our island: Puerto Rico. There was a lot of music, and we were accompanied by artists such as Jova Rodríguez, Arlene, Roberto Vásquez, Anissa Gatners, Fernando Berniero, Alex Bautista, Jen Carrasco and Kevin Tapia, among others.

We also had typical food for sale and many initiatives aimed at saving so many lives in need. From this event we want to continue bringing families to the United States and they can be calm until they stop shaking in the south west of Puerto Rico. You are not alone!

In addition, we are working hard on a documentary about Frank Ferrer, always thinking of immortalizing figures that have consolidated Salsa in the world as a Latin genre of world projection.

Salsa, as you know, is a typically New York musical genre, the result of the influence of great Latin jazz musicians, and the existence of a youth of Latin origin born, or resident in New York, in slums where Salsa is the best expression, spiced up by the exile produced by the Cuban Revolution and the awareness of American racial minorities.

In 1964, Johnny Pacheco, a flutist of Dominican origin, and Jerry Masucci, a young businessman, founded the Fania label, which gave the old Latin labels, a more modern sense of Caribbean music. Musicians and singers of the previous generation were reinvented, but others were incorporated as a young Willie Colon, the Palmieri brothers, Eddy and Charlie; Papo Luca, Ray Barreto, Larry Harlow. And, there were also singers who put their voice to Salsa to tell stories of the street, daily or reflexive, that were the mirror of the life of the neighborhoods: Cheo Feliciano, Adalberto de Santiago, Andy Montáñez, the Ismaeles -Miranda and Ribera-, Justo Betancourt, Héctor Lavoe or Rubén Blades.

Johnny Cruz Salsa: From New York to the world!

The influence of the Cuban revolution had led composers and salsa musicians to become aware that it was necessary to compose songs that talked about what was happening in the streets from a critical perspective, giving way to a new salsa and foot reality for characters as Frank Ferrer started from folklore and protest to arrive at salsa mixing both concepts in an exemplary album: Yerbabuena. All this and much more can be enjoyed very soon.

For this month of March, Puerto Rico will organize the 1st World Salsa Collectors Meeting and of course we will be there representing New York with the Salsa Museum (SPAHA Salsa Gallery Museum). From March 7th, at least 15 organizations of this type of collector from seven countries will exhibit their collections of the Caribbean genre.

The collectors meeting will take place at the Sheraton Hotel, in Miramar, under the theme “La Salsa se baila así” and will be free admission. It will be attended by collectors from Puerto Rico, Colombia, Panama, Peru, Ecuador, Mexico and several cities in the United States.

That day will be the official release in LP format of the album “Mario Ortiz, 55 Aniversario”, nominated for the last edition of the Latin Grammys.

The event includes memorabilia exhibitors of legendary salsa artists such as Willie Rosario, Bobby Valentín, Roberto Roena o la Sonora Ponceña, as well as the Museo de la Salsa de Puerto Rico or the Fundación Nacional para la Cultura Popular.

Pieces from the Jairo Varela Museum, renowned deceased Colombian musician, whose orchestra Grupo Niche is still active and triumphing around the world will be presented. The writer Daniel Nina, will give a lecture about Salsa, and Puerto Rican dancer Tito Ortos will talk about the history of salsa dancing. We can enjoy live music with the group Cubaneo 54, and a great closing with the several times awarded Big Band of the Free School of Music of San Juan, directed by Professor Manuel García. See you there!

As always, remember that Spanish Harlem Salsa Gallery is in 1708 Lexington ave New York N.Y. 10029. Open free to the public all Thursdays & Fridays from 4 to 7 pm and Saturdays from 1 to 8 pm. Check the updates in our website: spahasalsagallery.com.

Johnny Cruz - Spaha Salsa Gallery — Johnny Cruz – Spaha Salsa Gallery

Also, The Johnny Cruz Show, the #1 Salsa Show on television on all 5 Boroughs of New York on CH67. Saturdays from 3:30 to 4:30 pm.

Contact: Johnny Cruz. 917-747-8505. [email protected].

By Johnny Cruz Correspondent, New York City, New York

ISM – May 2023

International Salsa Magazine

Producer, film director and actor Jess Thomas

From actor to director

Jess Thomas is a producer, film director and actor whose academic background is centered at San Francisco State University and work speaks for itself as to his talent. Once he made the decision to move to Los Angeles, he started making occasional appearances as an actor and stuntman in some television series. As a director, he has written about seven scripts and plunged into the world of broadcast engineering for various television networks such as FOX and ABC.

Producer, film director and actor Jess Thomas

We had the opportunity to talk to Mr. Thomas to know many more details about his career and we were pleasantly surprised with the receptivity of the talented filmmaker and his wife and producing partner Anayancy Thomas. Below, we’ll talk a bit about his beginnings, recognitions and his most recent film ”God & Salsa”.

How his interest in film began

Thomas tells us that she had a fascination for the world of entertainment since she was very young, as both his parents were always related to the arts one way or another. His father Jess Thomas Senior was an opera singer, while his mother Bettye Wright was a dancer and model. This family background led him to venture into all this at a very early age and the best example is the creation of super-eight films (film format in which eight-millimeter wide film is used) in high school.

He recalls that he had to produce a 60-page assignment for his history class, but his teacher allowed him to produce a short film instead. The grade was an A on that assignment and the teacher was so delighted that he showed the tape to the rest of his classmates and put him as a great example of creativity in cases like this. This is how a very young Jess already felt that his destiny would follow this same path for the rest of his life.

Anayancy Thomas, Jess Thomas' wife and producing partner — Anayancy Thomas, Jess Thomas’ wife and producing partner

Beginnings as an actor

He took his first steps in this profession as an actor and thought that this was the branch to which he wanted to dedicate himself definitively, but over time he discovered that writing, directing and producing were much more appealing to him. Jess found that he enjoyed joining the pieces together to take a film from a script to a screen much more than simply acting on it.

However, the filmmaker acknowledges that having acted allows him to communicate much more effectively and empathetically with the actors in his productions, as he understands the language of acting perfectly.

The Seeker

His first work as a director was the documentary ”The Seeker”, which tells the story of a quadriplegic who embarks on a journey on a motorcycle adapted to his disability and won in the category of Best American Documentary at the Rome International Film Festival. On this subject, Jess told us that the plot of the film was not his idea, but that of his friend Evan Somers, who stated his intentions to create a material that would raise awareness about this type of disability.

The idea of following him around the country on a motorcycle (designed by Somers himself) so much that he put all his efforts into learning all about the struggles of his friend, which led Somers to hire him as producer and director for a film about his story. They spent a month shoting the scenes and always something special and unexpected happened as the days went on.

Poster advertising ''The Seeker'' — Poster advertising ”The Seeker”

Although they cannot be sure that everything would go as they planned, the result of the recordings spoke for themselves. In reviewing the tapes, they realized that they were getting something truly beautiful and completely spontaneous, as there was absolutely unscripted or unprepared by the team in charge of making the material.

In the end, they simply had to honor it in the editing room and sew all the pieces come together in a single masterpiece.

God & Salsa

Her most recent film work ”God & Salsa” has given much to talk about since its release in 2022. It all started when Jess met his now wife and producing partner Anayancy Thomas at an Entertainment Ministry event hosted by the church where they both attended. She told him she had plans to make a documentary about the negative impact that divorce can have on both children and parents in the long run, which Jess loved because his parents divorced when he was a child.

This event represented a before and after in his life during his adolescence, which made him develop certain behaviors and conducts that were destroying him, such as anger, lethargy, drug addiction, alcoholism, among others. In view of their shared the taste for this subject, they came together to make a feature film in which they would develop this point through characters who had these same experiences in the most natural way possible.

Javier Luna, who plays Shane in ''God & Salsa'' — Javier Luna, who plays Shane in ”God & Salsa”

Although it is fiction, Thomas made it clear that there were several elements that had much to do with him and Anayancy herself, who began taking salsa classes to distract herself from various negative aspects of her life in those years through the use of the body and the mind required by the dance discipline. In fact, her teachers, Enio and Terryl, appear in the film and are part of the cast.

During all this time, there was a very special feeling between the two, so they ended up falling in love and got married shortly thereafter. 10 years later, they have a finished feature film, which premiered in October 11, 2022 in the United States and will soon be distributed in Latin America and the rest of the world. ”Our greatest inspiration for this project is the duty to use our pain to help others overcome theirs” said the director.

How the cast and soundtrack were chosen

When we wanted to know how the cast of ”God & Salsa” was chosen, he revealed that they shot a short film with the purpose of knowing how the movie would look like. It was also intended to serve as a proof of concept and a means to raise funds so we could create the feature film the way they wanted to.

Jovanna Vidal, who plays Raquel in ''God & Salsa'' — Jovanna Vidal, who plays Raquel in ”God & Salsa”

”We put out a casting call through the Backstage platform, since our search was not focused on well-known actors, but on emerging talents avid of opportunities to shine. That is how we managed to find Javier Luna and Jovanna Vital, who did such a wonderful job that we decided to use them for the feature film. The other roles were assigned to people we already knew or had worked with previously, even if they didn’t have a lot of acting experience,” he continued.

As for the film’s soundtrack, the director told us that they focused their attention on local salsa bands and composers. Enio, Anayancy’s aforementioned dance teacher, recommended Carlos Navarro and his orchestra Son Y Clave, which has played in many of the best local and foreign clubs. Once we listening to them, we loved the sound, so we involved him in the project from the beginning of the proof of concept. Both Carlos and his musicians appear in some scenes showing all their talent.

They also used some of the music composed by Stephen Giraldo and Voodoo Tracks Music Publishing.

Jess Thomas, Anayancy Thomas, and Carlos Navarro

facebook.com/Godandsalsathefilm/