Search Results for: Latin dance world

This is Jess Thomas and his story

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 — This is Jess Thomas and his story, A great 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

Jess 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/

Renis Mendoza

Europe / Colony / Germany

Renis Mendoza “San Agustín is like a continent and Marín is its capital”

Renis Mendoza is a long-standing Venezuelan percussionist, who has participated with renowned groups inside and outside our country, sprouting from the Marín neighborhood, in the San Agustín parish. A character full of great spirituality and magic, transmits us with his joy and slow way of talking.

He has been based in German Colony for 33 years, together with a group of countrymen who decided to expand their borders and internationalize, to leave the tricolour imprint throbbing in every touch of a drum.

He remembers San Agustín as a vibrant neighborhood, where as a child he listened to “gaitas” (typical venezuelan December music), rock, salsa, parrandas, drums, music downloads, among other cultural activities. In his home, art was always present, his parents were excellent dancers, and Mendoza always lived with his ear attached to the radio to listen to what was playing.

In his early stage, he also liked to rub shoulders with the greats of the neighborhood, Jesús “Chu” Quintero, Carlos “Nené” Quintero, Alfredo Padilla, Crucito Mijares, Carlos Daniel Palacios, Pedro “Guapachá” Father, Manuel Madriz, Carlos Orta, as they were his great teachers and role models. He witnessed many famous people visiting the parish, among them the visit of Ángel Canales, Eddie Palmieri, Peter Conde Rodríguez and many others.

Everything has not been rosy for our interviewee, he had to go through a difficult health situation and be almost on the verge of death, this did not intimidate him and he confesses that; “In the midst of this tragedy I never lacked love, the warmth, the prayers and good vibes of my dearest beings,” – it was a true miracle – he assures us. He recovered from an aneurysm, the doctor said he was going to die despite the 2 interventions performed, but the desire to live, love and music broke with all the prognosis, Mendoza woke up and the machines he was connected to started working normally, it was a real miracle.

Living in a musical parish does not allow anyone to escape from this spell. How were your beginnings in music?

“Being surrounded all the time by people who sing, dance, listen to different types of music, allows you to open a range of possibilities, there it all started, at home, in the corner, watching the “Gaitetricos” and the “Super Cremas” rehearse, your parents , your grandparents, your friends, the sound neighborhood and how not to be part of that musicality, the milk pot, any object that allowed you to play and download ”.

Is it true that the best percussionists were born in San Agustín?

“It would be necessary to make a survey – laughter -, before“ Guapachá ”- father – arrived in the neighborhood, there were musicians and people who played percussion, it is important to name them all, we must not forget them, nor can we name two or three people, but in my way of seeing it, I think it’s great that many percussionists were born in San Agustín, I love it because there is so much quantity and quality that is very important, the quantity and quality of the percussionists specifically from Marín, the neighborhood where I am from. ”

So all this influenced your life. Could you have had any other profession not having lived in San Agustin?

“I don’t know, but, -how do you escape your destiny if there was art in your house-, my dad wanted me to be a sailor, but there was a great influence with everything I experienced, my father was a sailor and he brought many records, many Lp’s, a lot of varied music, he was a tremendous dancer, a great salsa player, just like my uncle Joselito, they called him José salsa ”. “At the age of 4, I was pumping the “Super Crema” rehearsal, I had to listen to all that, as I saw all those people playing, that was a great influence for me.”

“In the period of the “Gaitas” I was the drummer – Marín, Marín, Marín, Marín, is the neighborhood that’s always in something, and in it the Christmas carols are enjoyed – right now I don’t remember the name of the group, at that moment I realized that I liked to play, although my grandmother didn’t like that noise at home. ”

The music from home seduced you..?

“Yes, I learned from all those great musicians, Crucito Mijares, Manuel Rico (my father), José “Salsa” Quintero, José Alberto “Caraotica” France,“Chacho” Pérez, Nano Grant, Melquiades, Carlos Orta, Los Quintero, Los Palacios, Los Rengifos, Los Blanco, watching the rehearsals of Mon Carrillo, Frank and his Tribe, Group 3, Los Gaitetricos, took us to the downloads, with the Maderita group (Wood Group), to the young people I advise you to pay attention to our history, all those people who have been trainers must be given credit, they are eternal for me. ”

“On the other hand, Felipe Rengifo announced the parties, with a lot of talent, he has been a key guy in percussion and the creation of instruments, his influence was Mr. Jesús Blanco, they always did something out of nothing, for me it was great to learn the percussion, San Agustín is a garden of different trees ”.

Talking about San Agustin and not talking about the Madera Group is almost a sin. Tell us about your time at the Maderita Group and after your growth with the Madera Group.

“Many people forget and we must activate the memory of all, the Madera Group for me is a nectar, the nectar of a fruit brought to juice, they were part of many groups at the beginning.”

“The Madera Group formed a group of young people since they were little, I believe the Maderita Group, there were Daniel silva, Jesús Paicosa, Chopo, Martin – with his noise – Robert and Chipilín were dancers, Ramón Gil, Cron Cron Orta, Luisito Quintero, there were others that I don’t remember. ”

“There was dance, theater, Venezuelan and Caribbean folk music, the texts that had significant depth, still today for me become eternity.” “Everyone should be mentioned, not one, two, those who left and those who survived, the wood represents wind, rain, sun, it’s sadness and joy, it’s creativity, it’s fidelity and musicality, those who were part of the Madera Group, are part of our trees, of which all of us are wood ”.

When did the tragedy dissolve the grouping?

“That hurt us a lot, there are wounds that do not heal, after the tragedy we finished all the concerts, one hand it was excellent, but sad on the other, we had to sell joy, when we were going through a very sad moment, many things happened , when the time is right, each one will say them, then I leave with the Coreoarte group with Carlos Orta, for me the wood is infinite, for me we are all wood, it is important to build, rebuild and continue creating ”.

The dilemma of the “original” Madera and the “copy” Madera, still, after so many years there are controversies between them, what do you think of this?

“With the reformed Madera group played; Felipe Rengifo, Migdalia Felipe’s mother, Noel Márquez -he was already taking the reins of the group-, Carlos Daniel, José Rivero, Simón Blanco, Farides Mijares, and many of the former members, then they left, they must explain their reasons, we played a lot, even with Ali Primera. ”

“With this current project we must see things from a constructive and objective criticism, from my point of view, they have done many things, they have been constructive and have kept that name, there are boys who are playing and it seems great, Noel has moved a lot as President of this new project, he is like an engine, without an engine, the car does not roll, although a name should not be repeated, it should be a tribute to the Madera, something that represents the Madera or something, we must recognize that he has done positive things. -Who is saying but not doing-, it is better to do than to say ”.

“This story is very long, yes, something original should be done.” “Following the death of some members of the Madera group we formed the Kimbiza group and then Cimarrón, the Madera Group should remind everyone, the Madera is root, stem, leaf, flower and fruits, who attack the Madera, -the parasites – Those who do nothing … We are all Madera”.

What does San Agustin mean to you?

“It is a beautiful parish, I consider it as a galaxy surrounded by various planets such as La Charneca, Los Hornos, La Fila, El Manguito, La Ceiba, El Mamón, La Ford, Marín, etc. you should not name a single family , a single person, we are a salad, we are a pavilion, we are what we are for what we are, and we have all put a grain of sand, we are taking root in many places ”…“ San Agustin is like a continent and Marín is the capital. ”

With so many experiences, what memories do you have of the parish?

“San Agustín has been boxing, volleyball, baseball, musicality, dance, as a child I remember the story of Los Rebeldes de Marín, a baseball group, they wanted to take them to play outside the country – a fascinating story – the final was against Willis Willis, the Marin Rebels won and the prize was a trip to Venezuela, this story is as fascinating as the Madera Group. ”

“I remember when we wanted to be evicted and the No to Eviction movement was formed, in the end they built the Yerbera buildings.” “The disc jockey in the neighborhood on weekends, the Parra family played excellent music, Carlos Daniel replied, on the other hand the chicheros -familia Mata-, each alternated, they were all excellent, the true history of the neighborhood , we must open that trunk and get the stories with all those names. ”

Your jump to Germany, How has been the receptivity of the public?

“The love is felt, we mix folklore with the classic, with the neighborhood and people like it, whatever you do, do it positively, transform and do not copy, do not imitate.”

His journey has paid off. On which projects have you worked in Germany?

“Of course, with the Modern Talking duo, the second most successful group in Germany, with Jesse Milliner -is like a brother to me-, a Rock monster quoted in the US, I owe him a lot, when I was serious he was always by my side Milliner has been a pianist to artists such as Lee Ritenour, Chaka Khan, Trilok Gurtu, Tierra Viento y Fuego; I also worked with Afro-Jazz-Gruppe Cámer; Nélio Costa Band, from Brazil; DJ Olly Tonköpfe ”. “With many famous artists, in the atmosphere of soul and funk. And I recorded a lot of Brazilian, African music, with the Chilean group called Loa. ”

“In the world of jazz I have accompanied great musicians such as Eric Marienthal, Nelson Rangel and Rick Braun, among others. In addition, I have participated in musicals such as “Saturday Night Fever”; “Tabaluga; Miami Night ”, at the“ Montreaux Jazz Festival ”. I am requested in the curricula of the institutions the “Folkswangs Hochschule de Essen”; the “Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz”; “Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln”.

Dance and percussion, your two passions, the sublime and the loud, is not something ambiguous …

“Both go together, we dance through music, here the phenomenon of osmosis occurs, the drum is not to hit or slap, it is to caress it, the world of dance had a great dancer Pina Bausch, she created contemporary dance, with her danced Arnaldo Álvarez – nephew of Carlos Orta – whom I thank very much ”.

You went through a very difficult stage when you got sick, it almost ended in a sad outcome, what triggered all that?

“Look- I was playing a lot, I did not stop, my cousins and my brother told me (Luisito and Robert Quintero, my brother José Luis and Charles), and I simply ignored them, and then I began to feel tired, weak, sweaty. The first diagnosis was wrong (allergies), then they found me high blood pressure, I had to go to the doctor on December 2nd, but on December 1st, I lost track of me, I did not have time to go to the consultation ”.

“The medical evaluation determined that I had an aneurysm, the doctor told my relatives that I was going to die. Two operations were of no use to me, I was in a coma, however, in the midst of this tragedy, faith, love, and miracles, those that happen every day were always present, and there were my friends, they never failed, you know, Jesse Milliner came with his piano , others approached with their violins, they sang to me Godspel ”.

“When the day of the farewell arrived, they were going to disconnect me, they were all present, they started taking all the cables off, Jesse told me, then my daughter Fe arrived and started singing and rubbing my feet”… “ when they got sick I used to rub their hands and their feet, and the doctor, who didn’t let anyone come near me, let my daughter do it. ”

“I woke up, the machines started working, what could have been my funeral, became a miracle, the doctor said: -we are not going to get Renis out of the hospital, Renis is alive-, I weighed 40 kilos.” “The doctor was surprised, my daughter Fe came back the next day and was surprised by my physical improvement, and then repeated the therapy.”

“They played Kimbiza music, with themes of Yma América, and Jesse Milliner, it was a real miracle, the doctor says it and I reaffirm it.”

Being so close to death, How do you value or see life?

“It gave me a wide sensitivity, I am fully convinced that there are two dimensions, before I didn’t believe in anything, people change to another level, to another dimension, for me life is the awakening.” “Every day that passes is a day we win, but every day that passes, it is one day less, life is infinite, someone that leaves and leaves a good memory, is someone who lives forever by leaving us their energy.”

Currently, what activities are you doing?

“I am working in two universities; in one, I give what they call co-repetition, I teach contemporary dance students what is the rhythm and interpretation of the movement and feeling, and the creation of choreography. In parallel, I am at Johannes Gutenberg University, I work in Latin Jazz – which I thank the neighborhood, since I introduce things I have lived through -, besides this, I play a lot, I tour with jazz, soul, pop groups, the boys created a group and named it Renis “ Live ”, which means that I am alive, due to the health accident I had and when I returned they were impressed.

“To teach people, to contribute to my neighborhood, to create and not copy, to be part of those trees, I dream of taking these kids to my neighborhood, to exchange what they have learned with us, I reaffirm you” to be, you have to do. “

A recommendation for the new generation

“We must investigate all our roots, music, dance, boxing, theater, “bolas criollas” games, baseball, all this as a representative identity of our neighborhood, we must recognize everyone who has done something for the parish, because thanks to them, we will be eternal. ”

A phrase by Renis Mendoza …

“Live today and now, be constructive, do not copy.”

Translated by: Thisby Ferrara

By Eiling Blanco, Correspondent for Latin American

Maxima 79 Salsa Orchestra

Europe - Milano - Italy

Maxima 79 Salsa Orquestra was born in Milano – Italy in the year 2010 of the idea of the DJ and Musical Producer Fabrizio Zoro.

Maxima 79 Salsa Orchestra

Fabrizio Zoro had the magnificent idea of making music, returning to the sound of the 70’s for dancers with a modern sound and, at the same, time of the golden age of salsa in New York.

With two productions made with high quality and an original and rich sound in Afro-Caribbean rhythms.

The two titled albums, Returning to Guaguanco in 2013 and Joseito in 2016, have given him a seat in the best dance halls across the European continent and thanks to all his successes, the orchestra is recognized worldwide as one of the best Salsa groupings for the dancer.

The original compositions by the hand of Fabrizio Zoro founder, director and performer of the bongo, bell and guiro, carrying Afro-Caribbean Rhythms in the soul, at the same time, Fabrizio tells us that Cuba is the most important musical novelty in the whole basin from the Caribbean and the world and for this reason they returned to the origins of the Traditional Salsa with a musical work entitled “Cuban Session” dedicated to typical rhythms of the Big Island such as Timba, the Cuban Son and the Traditional Changüí.

The musical arrangements of the productions were prepared by Fabrizio and Marco Puma, the official pianist of the orchestra and, also, known as the best-known Italian bachatero in the world, but with this album he has shown that his first passion stays within the key that beats in his immense salsa soul.

In their ten years of experience, they have been awarded the Honorable Mention USA and Songwriting Competition awards in 2014.

Musicians

Fabrizio Zoro: Director, founder, director and performer of bongo, campana and güiro

Marco Puma: Piano, Arrangements, Chorus

Jose Luis “Lalo” Brea: Mixing, Sound Engineer, Guitar on “Seventy-Nine Boogaloo”

Thorben Schütt: Trombone

Samuele Davìd: Trumpet

Efren Iriarte: Timbales and Drums

Umberto Nocita: Congas

Juan Carlos Avila: Bass

El Guille: Singer, Lead Voice, Chorus

Yoris El Trinitario: Singer, Lead Voice; Chorus

Dairo Todd Andino: General Chorus, Trombon

Ernesto “El Puro” Perez: Three

Mauro Brunini: Trumpet in “Rumbera Church”

Guest

Angel Luis Justiniano: Lead Voice on “Seventy Nine Boogaloo”

Isaia Leoni Dj The Prophet: Producer on “El Propeta Del Guaguanco”

Jeremy Suarez “J- Style”: Chorus on “One More Day”

Daniele Roveda: Vibes on “El Pasillito”

Inwoo Choi, Ilario Cali, ’Sara Spazzini, Francesca“ Alysea ”Carbone: Chorus on“ Seventy Nine Boogaloo ”

Samoel Scotton: Congas on “Rumbera Church”

Yannior Farre : Piano On“ El Bele Bele ”

They currently belong to the Record Label:

Smayra Publishing – www.smayrapublishing.com

RESILIENZA

Resilience is the ability of an individual to face a negative event by transforming and reorganizing their life in a positive way, including improving the previous situation.

The title is deliberately left in Italian to indicate the country of origin of La Maxima 79 and to indicate that Salsa today has become something Global with orchestras and dancers from all over the world under one family.

A special thanks goes to all the DJs and dancers of the World who help from the beginning La Maxima 79 to grow and spread their music and keep doing it.

Thanks to the entire iLatin Music Ilario Cali ‘Seal family, Sara Spazzini, Laura Fossati, Dj Alexio Grossi and Massimiliano Pioli for always supporting the production.

Thanks from my heart.

Milan, Italy

lamaxima79.com

+393398158230 (WhatsApp)

https://www.facebook.com/lamaxima79/

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!

Producer, film director and actor Jess Thomas