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Edwin “El Calvito” Reyes

Edwin El Calvito Reyes, Winner of the Paoli Prize 2019, as Tropical Revelation of the Year

Undoubtedly, today, considered by legends and colleagues of the salsa genre, as one of the fastest growing exponents, projecting and establishing its brand, at a firm pace and worldwide; Winner of the Paoli Prize 2019, as Tropical Revelation of the Year, he is Edwin “El Calvito Reyes”.

Born on April 19, 1974, he had his childhood in a humble 20-foot-square wooden house and graduated as an Electrician from the Higher Vocational School in his beloved Trujillo Alto in May 1992.

He then graduated with studies in Tele-Communication at the University of the Sacred Heart of P.R. This 2020, “El Calvito” is scheduled to finish his Master of Science, with a major in Entertainment Business, at Full Sail University in Orlando, FL. (Entertainment Business, Master of Science).

Although in OCT 2018, it was his first appearance in the world, with his own musical proposal, “El Calvito” has a career and / or musical history, of more than 25 years, which began to the tune of Plena in his native Trujillo Alto.

Since childhood, music has been his passion. Edwin continued to show his leadership and passion for music, and already in 1993, Edwin began to make himself known in his hometown with PLENA, keeping the culture and tradition of a people alive. As early as 1996,

Edwin joined the US Army and, in his spare time, began singing salsa, thanks to Mr. Víctor París and Mr. Godreau “Papo Salsa” who offered him the first opportunity to share his talent with the community of Hinesville, Ga in 1996, singing salsa classics.

Since then, “El Calvito” has been performing all genres of Latin music in the United States; Never leaving behind its origin, nor its vision.

“El Calvito” Reyes has several many LIVE SALSA performances in South Korea and the Middle East (Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Turkey), with more than 10 thousand soldiers (combined count) dancing to the rhythm of live music, relieving all types of stress in combat and highly raising their morale. A genuine leader, who brings that same leadership to the sauce in a very entertaining way.

Over time, thanks to Sergeant Alberto Sánchez and Sub-Officer Carlos Negrón, he joined the Official Salsa Orchestra in the U.S. Army (LATINO CONJUNTO DEL ARMY DE USA), to later become the officer in charge of it.

An Officer who, for 6 consecutive years, was personally tasked with selecting and forming the Only Latin Music Orchestra, ever assembled, in the US Army, whose purpose was to act for dignitaries and personalities (Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, Jennifer López, Olga Tañón, Vicente Fox, etc.), within the National Conventions of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and Annual Presidential Galas. Clearly leaving an immense legacy in that difficult world. Also, El Trujillano is one of the few salseros in the world that has been able to perform live at the Seoul Olympic Stadium in South Korea.

Immediately after that performance, “El Calvito” performed in 2012, at the Asian Salsa Congress, where dancers from around the world gathered to compete along the rhythms of their music in the course of an extravaganza of 7 days.

He is an artist without equal. After 22 years of active military service, including more than 65 months accumulated in combat, “El Calvito” Reyes has established his own brand, appearing before a large number of people throughout the American country and Puerto Rico. “El Calvito” is a true warrior and avant-garde in this new era of salseros that will surely keep them dancing from start to finish.

Don’t wait for the magic call. He seeks his own, very professional, and has earned the respect of many employers, DJs and Promoters around the world, for his kindness, professionalism and above all his show.

In this past March 2020, “El Calvito” was one of the guests of honor for one of the Bailables prior to the National Day of Zalsa in Puerto Rico, sharing the stage with greats such as NG2, N’Klabe, Carlos Javier, and Abrante, as well as, Julio Badillo and the Salsa Stars, Julio López, Kayvan Vega and many more, making their music shine by its own light and gain the respect and admiration of several present, the international press and their colleagues.

Also, Edwin is part of the first star cast to perform at the FIRST NATIONAL DAY OF LA ZALSA in ORLANDO, FL, alongside stars like Willie Rosario, Eddie Palmierie, India, Jerry Rivera, Grupo Niche and many more “El Calvito” does not stop here, as he has also been chosen to be a fundamental part of the 22nd Anniversary of the Salsa Cruise, along with stars such as Maelo Ruiz, Luisito Carrion, Andy Montañez, Grupo Gale, Grupo Niche and Chino Núñez.

Publicly blessed by Legends such as TITO NIEVES, TITO ROJAS, TITO ALLEN, BOBBY CRUZ, CHINO NÚÑEZ, LALO RODRIGUEZ, WILLIE ROSARIO, PAQUITO ACOSTA LUIS GONZALEZ “EL TSUNAMI”, among others, confirms Edwin “El Calvito” Reyes, as a S Today, at the level you deserve.

Since it came out live on OCT 2018, “el Calvito” has not stopped shining in its own light. Now, he celebrates the worldwide successes of his latest songs, “QUIERO BAILAR CON ELLA”, “TOCALE LA MOÑA”, “MI RITMO SE LLAMA” ZALSA “,” MI TIERRA QUERIDA ”SONEROS DE SANGRE NUEVA, and the most recent SO CALLED THE COUNT.

So what’s next for Edwin “El Calvito” Reyes? “Work hard, with honesty, respect and dignity, in favor of the genre of salsa, in general. Stay humble, loyal to my followers and, of course, continue with my faith in God.

Edwin “El Calvito” Reyes The music of our Hispanic brother and Boricua, Edwin “El Calvito” Reyes is found on all digital platforms (CD Baby, iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, Google Music, YouTube Music, etc.) His music continues to occupy prestigious positions on Global Radio.

Edwin “El Calvito” Reyes has a high reputation, as a truly dedicated human being, passionate about contributing to the salsa genre, who studies and respects the genre’s pioneers and their contemporaries.

With an energy on stage that will make you dance from start to finish. Also, as a person who provides a great environment with his leadership and professionalism, with Latin Music for his communities, but above all, as a family man; and of faith.

Franky Swing

Latin America / Venezuela / Caracas

Franky Swing: From Venezuela Triumphed in Latin America

Franky Swing was born in Caracas-Venezuela, on December 3, from a humble family, as the main musical reference we will find his older brother, from a very young age his interest in singing was noted, he sang whenever he could, his father encouraged him to do it in family gatherings performing very naturally. During his childhood he belonged to the choir and the marching band at his school, his singing teacher saw great potential in him and advised him to dedicate himself to music.

Franky grew up, and could not devote himself to singing academically, because, to support his family, he worked at a nightclub where he only had one day off a week.

One day he had the opportunity to sing in another nightclub, where his brother worked, and it was there that he discovered that what really moved his life was music.

The night witnessed his first musical experiences, and thus, between clubs, events and private parties he was making himself known musically among friends, neighbors and clients; without losing sight of his desires: to soon realize an important musical project.

In 2007, he began as a soloist, a great professional experience that did not transcend beyond personal enrichment, then he became the vocalist of the LYRI-K group with which he was able to make himself known with more projection at a national and international level, and thus embarking on that artistic path that he longed for so much.

Songs such as “GUARAPO Y MELAO”, “LATINOS” and “REGRESA A MI” sounded throughout the national territory, the latter achieving position No. 8 in the record report on the country’s radio stations. LYRI-K was a good professional experience that Franky Swing had, because with it he not only gained great national exposure, but also managed to cross borders showing his talent in countries like Ecuador.

Additionally, with LYRI-K he participated in national events of great impact such as the Solid Fest (2011) and social concerts, being the image of the SENOSALUD FOUNDATION.

At an academic level, Franky attended speech workshops to acquire more knowledge about this exciting world, managing to participate in radio commercials for different brands and companies.

After his departure from LYRI K, FRANKY SWING undertakes a new solo project and comes with a romantic song entitled “NADA SIN TI”, lyrics and music by Ramón Montes, arrangements by Leo Gonzalez and Lino Paz, an excellent single to conquer the heart of the international public with his warm voice, covered in ballads and merengue.

Franky Swing continues to reap successes now with new songs that have crossed borders, currently in Mexico presenting songs like “Mi vecina me tiene loco”, “Olvidarme de ti” this particular single was recorded in Mexico and Venezuela, by the hand of Lois and Blackie and the Cuban Yumar Bonachea, can be enjoyed in two versions: Batucada and Electronic Merengue; also the single “Quiero”, authored by Francisco Figuera produced in Electronic Merengue.

Franky Swing - Photo — Franky Swing – Photo

The single “Llorando Fue” recorded in Venezuela, in the same Electronic Merengue vein as the album “Mira como es“, reaching important positions in the top 45 of Argentina called Elegidos 45.

In 2015, a new single titled “Una y Otra Vez” recorded in Venezuela, by Jhosir Córdoba, brings freshness in tropical Merengue with an urban touch, the lyrics and music are by Venezuelan Ottoniel Poveda.

Promoted in all social networks with a lot of focus on Latin America, particularly in Mexico City and in the important media in the country to infect everyone with his dance music.

Franky also took on the task of participating in humanitarian social works such as HELP IS, THE NIGHT OF DREAMS INFINITE LOVE AND I LEND YOU MY VOICE.

On the other hand, the recognitions received by FANTASIA TV THE PROGRAM, FINALLY THE END, HAYEK INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN MERIT AWARDS, RECOGNITION AS A SINGER BY THE OAXAQUE BOARD OF POPULAR CULTURE A.C., THANKS IN THE EL LAVADIARIO PROGRAM, RECOGNITION BY THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MEXICAN ANNOUNCER C , AWARDED WITH THE RAY TICO PRIZE OF THE COSTA RICAN COMMUNITY B. AWARDED AT THE INMORTAL AWARDS AS A TROPICAL MUSIC SINGER Already living in Mexico in 2017, he joins the group “INTERSALSA ORQUESTA“, where he had the opportunity to record several singles in which is the promotional “DILE A ELLA“, this theme was written by the Venezuelan Wilmer Hernández and musical arrangement by the Venezuelan Taylor Aranguren.

Among the musical themes we can highlight “TU NO SABES QUERER”, “ADIOS AMOR” a version of Mr. Cristian Nodal adapted to the salsa genre, collaborations in feautiring in the “GIGANTES DE LA CUMBIA” project with the song “UN SUEÑO” original theme of the group “LOS ANGELES DE CHARLY” duet with the singer “JUAN SOLO” the singles where Franky has been involved with his voice have been happy songs that have made the whole world enjoy, Franky Swing with his charisma, flavor and excellent voice gives him that authentic touch to each song he has recorded.

Franky Swing in 2018, presented us with his new single entitled “DAME UNA OPORTUNIDAD”, lyrics and music by Francisco Figuera and arrangements by Mauricio Jiménez, with the participation of Dante Vargas on trumpet, this song came to stay in the salsa genre and thus continue giving rumba joy and flavor to the international public.

All of us at some point in our lives have made mistakes, which perhaps have hurt someone’s feelings, it can be your partner, a friend, or in any life situation where the beings we appreciate are involved, and at Recognizing that we have failed, we seek forgiveness and try to correct the mistake, doing everything possible to put ourselves in the other person’s place and feel their pain.

Brief synopsis of the single “DAME UNA OPORTUNIDAD” Currently, Franky Swing follows the path of this tropical genre and this time comes with the theme “SABOR A NADA” a very interesting proposal, this arrangement was made in Venezuela by the hand of Wuilmer Herrera , where a fresh concept was shaped to continue giving good music to the international public, it should be noted that the lyrics and music of this single go hand in hand with the Venezuelan composer Jhon Semeco.

Sabor a Nada is the name of Franky Swing’s new single, this single is about those loves that are not consummated, where there are promises that are not kept, loves that are adrift and that fail to have a story, love without color without flavor, that’s what this great single by the great Venezuelan singer Franky Swing is about, who little by little continues to bring joy to Latin America.

If you want to know more about Franky Swing, I invite you to follow him on all his social networks Contacts: Frank Figuera:+52 155-6444-2153 / 55-7410-5180

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/frankyswing

Videoclip https://youtu.be/M7B2wJ4fKIo

Video lyrics https://youtu.be/ltee6FSIQYg

Plataformas digitales: Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/4tvKmZc3DNOLW6bcOwFgFc

Sabor a nada iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/sabor-a-nada-single/1449554732

Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/en/artist/14789867

G o o g l e p l a y: h t t p s : / / p l a y . g oo g l e . c o m / s t o r e / m u s i c / a l b u m /

Franky_Swing_Mira_Como_Es?id=Bw2svrdawij6iyvk3grloe3eqc4

Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/mx/album/mira-como-es/1386202738

Twitter: @franky_swing

Instagram: @FRANKY_SWING

Fan page Facebook: Franky Swing

Youtube: Franky_swing

Rebernation: Franky Swing

WebSite: www.frankyswing.com

Webwix: http://frankyswing362.wix.com/frankyswing1

Email: [email protected]

Anya Katsevman: “You have the dream, I have the tools”

USA - New York - New York

When we refer to Anya Katsevman, the first word that comes to mind is: passion! And that is the only way we could explain that a woman has so much strength, dedication and dedication in different facets of her life.

Anya Katsevman is not only a dancer and choreographer, but also a motivational coach and dream builder. In addition, it has its own line of dance dresses and costumes. An unstoppable woman!

Anya Katsevman by Franklin Liranzo — Anya Katsevman Courtesy of Franklin Liranzo

A native of Kiev, Ukraine, Anya and her family immigrated to the United States when she was 8 years old. She is the younger sister of award-winning Latin dancer Eugene Katsevman. She lives in New York.

She also holds numerous titles in salsa. Among them, she is a two-time World Champion as well as the San Francisco International Salsa Congress and New York Salsa Congress Champion.

Anya Katsevman is a maker of champions

This is precisely the distinctive mark of Anya Katsevman , that ability to make each dancer, each artist, each dreamer discover in himself his potential to succeed, his style and make the most of his abilities.

She believes that “the art of dance requires much physical ability, exposure and practice. The art of dance is also developing your own voice and getting to know the artist behind the athlete that makes the dancer”

A wonderful career

“Queen of Salsa” Anya Katsevman is a two-time World Salsa Champion, coach and choreographer to more than a dozen world champions, noted costume designer, respected salsa congress circuit judge and advocate for international Latin dance who has transformed the sport during her more than 25-year career.

Renowned for her unique coaching methods, Anya’s style blends multiple cultures and dance forms: her eastern European upbringing and the appreciation for Latin dance culture that she developed in the United States; and her ballroom and salsa backgrounds. She demands rigor, discipline and excellence, and uses her understanding of anatomy, physiology and movement while encouraging freedom of expression to turn her students into the top dancers in the world.

Anya trains and choreographs for “Dancing with the Stars Costa Rica” principal dancer Lucia Jimenez (2020 World Bachata, Chacha and Salsa Champion), “America’s Got Talent” stars Harold Rancano and Regan Hirose (9-time World Bachata Champions), the Huracan Dance Company (2019 World Team Salsa Champions), the stars of Quebec’s  Revolucion Adriano Leropoli and Samantha Scali (2017 World Salsa Champions), principal dancers in Carmen to Havana and Back Isabelle Freiberger and Hunter Houde and the USA World Games Olympic salsa team.

Always successful and sharing her knowledge

As a competitor and performer, Anya has won more than 20 world titles including the 2009 and 2010 Salsa World Championships. She is also the 2008 North American Salsa Champion, a two-time San Francisco Open Salsa Champion, two-time New York Congress Salsa Champion, Puerto Rico Open Salsa Champion and La Classique Du Quebec Champion. Anya has starred in touring shows “Burn the Floor ” on Broadway and ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars, in addition to numerous other television productions, stage shows, movies, and showcases in the U.S. She has performed with El Gran Combo, Gilberto Santa Rosa and “The Mambo King” Eddie Torres, and for President Barack Obama.

Anya Katsevman - dancers — Anya Katsevman – dancers

Anya is an ambassador for salsa, helping to expand its popularity worldwide. She believes connection is one of the most important aspects of the human experience, and dance is the best medium to explore how we connect with each other and ourselves. Anya has expanded her dance instruction to include GoDeeper, which she co-founded in 2019 to provide monthly movement classes, individual coaching sessions, and group workshops to promote professional growth and self discovery.

Meet this talented woman

International Salsa Magazine had the pleasure of interviewing Anya recently and invites you to learn a little more about this magnificent artist.

International Salsa Magazine (ISM): How did you discover your passion for Latin Dance?

Anya Katsevman (AK): My brother is a professional ballroom dancer

I started to dance ballroom in 1995 following his footsteps I competed in the international Latin category world wide in 2007 I was teaching in a dance studio in Manhattan and they did a lot of salsa that’s where I was introduced to social dancing I fell in love with the idea that dance is accessible to all people and doesn’t have to be competitive from there my love for salsa turned in to a career choice I decided to study Latin social dance and became a two time world salsa champion for me it was a passion to spread the beauty of dance through teaching as much as performing that did the trick.

ISM: Have you had any obstacle in your professional life? How could you overcome them?

AK: I think when your career is long enough you will probably have many obstacles to overcome and your passion for your craft and the reason you do it is usually stronger than the obstacle in front of you that gives you the drive to overcome it it is hard to narrow specifics down because I’ve had so many my competitive dance partner lived 3000 miles away from me when we won the worlds in 2010 and I just made the commitment to work hard and travel pick up the slack where needed and get the job done regardless I think that was the formula in every struggle.

ISM: What is the achievement that has made you most proud?

AK: I am most proud of all of my students accomplishments I am of course extremely proud and honored to be a world champion but for me the pleasure of having developed other world champion’s especially those who started learning from me from scratch makes me extremely proud beyond all measures I am also very proud of how individual and independent all of my students are the variety and diversity of their dancing makes me really happy.

ISM: In the path of entrepreneurship, how did you manage to find the strategy to grow your business? What are the skills you consider an entrepreneur must have to achieve success?

AK: Honestly I believe success comes from genuine passion and desire it is easy for us to study a successful person after the fact and say which moves appeared strategic but I believe who ever is on their way working toward that goal should do it because they are passionate about each step not because of the end result my business grows because I am committed to my craft and doing it at my best capacity.

I am genuinely passionate about my dance quality my students growth and the subjects I am teaching I study the Industry I watch for what’s missing I ask what contribution would be of most value this doesn’t feel like hard work to me it is my passion my genuine interest and the rest flows when I feel I am doing something strategic or because it’s good for my brand or etc it doesn’t flow the same way feels forced and isn’t as successful so I try to only go with my own flow current interest and most passionate desires.

ISM: Could you give us some advice to maintain discipline, even in complex situations?

AK: Absolutely discipline is hard for anyone when it feels needed and forced so I always try to flip the mindset if I have to do something I’m bored of or am avoiding because it’s hard or tedious I always find something to be excited about instead whether it is dreaming of what the task will do for me or adding something Sensory I enjoy to the task like my favorite sounds smells or visuals or including a friend in the process.

If you focus on what you do like about it it’s much easier to do it. Also discipline is really only hard at first pretty quickly it becomes a habit so if you put more disciplined things in to practice it will all feel like a habitual part of your day and you’ll start to enjoy it and feeling accomplished.

ISM: What would you say to all those young dancers who want to achieve a dream?

AK: They do come true!!!!!

Dream more!!!! Everything is possible want it bad enough to work for it but don’t be afraid to dream those wild dreams if it wasn’t possible you wouldn’t have had the dream in the first place.

Interesting conversation with vocal coach and YouTuber Ceci Dover

Who is Ceci Dover and what she has done

Ceci Dover is a professional vocal coach and singer of Argentinean origin residing in Spain, where she has been dedicated to voice, music and technological advances that have emerged out in this world over the past few years. All this accumulated experience has made her worthy of sharing the stage with several of the most important Spanish-speaking artists such as Coro Kennedy and Alejandro Lerner.

In her talent and knowledge, we can notice that she has received a very solid training in the issues she always touches and two very important teaching centers in her academic life were the Manuel de Falla Conservatory and the singing academy Valeria Lynch, both of which contributed greatly to make Ceci the professional voice teacher she is today. Another important detail to highlight from her route is the Still Voice Training academy in the United States in 2020, which would complete her studies as a coach and professional singer.

Currently, Ceci is dedicated to perform vocal diagnosis for those who request it and she works as a content creator through YouTube, a platform on which she offers her analysis to well-known voices in the entertainment world so that the public can know a professional opinion on their quality or the absence of it.

In view of Ceci’s great career in the world of music, we wanted to talk to her and learn a little more about her career and experience from her own mouth.

How did your interest in music and vocal technique begin?

After thanking us for the space we gave her, Ceci went on to explain that it all started when she was in high school, which she combined with singing studies at a particular level since she turned 13 years old. Once she finished school, she enrolled in a conservatory and began studying lyrical singing full time for about 12 year until she chose to specialize in folk singing in order to achieve a change of range.

Throughout this process, she discovered that she enjoyed singing and teaching, although she would be dedicated exclusively to the latter.

Major references and inspirations

Her most significant influences are Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Mariah Carrey, Celine Dion, Barbra Streisand, Freddy Marcury, Michael Jackson, among others. Ceci said to belong to old school because of her tastes, but it took a few years for her to start paying more attention to music in Spanish. It was in 2020 that she started paying attention to Latin voices such as Juan Gabriel, who has gone on to become one of her favorite artists worldwide. Although she has discovered a lot of talent in music in Spanish, she has been really fascinated by Mexican culture, which has given birth to several of the songs that did not have faces during her childhood.

Italian singer Laura Pausini and Ceci Dover

One of the things that has caught her attention the most about rancheras and boleros is that they allow artists to show all their talent and vocal ability. In addition, he says that these genres come from times when singers ”sang for real, excellence was demanded of them and had to be good in order to succeed”.

The industry dies not require artists to offer quality because it only focuses on creating characters and products carefully designed to make shows,” said the professional singer on this subject.

Importance of lyrics in culture

Ceci has been highly critical of everything related to the kind of lyrics that have been used in modern genres such as reggaeton and considers that so much vulgarity is not necessary to express what is wanted. In fact, he considers that these lyrical resources are an involution and a total reversal in music. Ensures that trap and reggaeton do not bother her, but she believes that explicitness, offenses and vexations used by many of its exponents do not send any positive message to the youth.

For the artist, this issue becomes even more serious and delicate when talking about young children as well, who are the primary audience of this musical content. She comments that her own son learns these lyrics at school and comes home singing them, something that makes her very angry and leads her to do everything possible to reverse the negative effects that this may have on his upbringing.

Peruvian composer and singer Eva Ayllón with Ceci Dover

It is possible to talk about heartbreak without being vulgar and degrading. I understand that this is what many young people like nowadays, but I think it is not a generational thing, but a matter of education. I have very young students who also disagree with that way of expressing music”, she added.

In that sense, he also points out that parents should instill other musical references and listen to other music so that their children get to know other voices and styles. Few people know Freddy Mercury or Michael Jackson, but everyone knows Bizarrap, Rosalia and Quevedo. That has to change” said the performer.

Vocal diagnosis and training

When Ceci was asked if a person without natural vocal talent could develop it, her answer was yes, although with several points to consider. A person without natural singing talent can develop his full potential and educate his voice. I know singers who don’t have good voice, but they strive to make good songs, write good lyrics and convey the listening audience special things” Ceci replied.

”I encourage everyone to educate their voice, even if they weren’t born with the natural talent that can make that process a little easier. I think we all can work on our voice and offer quality singing, but within our means. You can’t promise people that they are going to sing like Celine Dion in a year if they don’t have the conditions to do that. There are borders we simply cannot cross, but we can look for the best version of ourselves” she added.

Scenography and details unrelated to voice

Just as voice is a very important part of the analysis, there are other aspects that can distract Ceci from her analysis, such as lyrics, costumes and choreography. In that sense, she mentions the recent case of Shakira, whose story of heartbreak attracts much more attention than the technical details involved.

He also mentioned the case of K-Pop groups, whose choreographies, pirouettes and costumes stand out much more than their members’ voices. ”Before, the technical aspects related to voice were what stood out on stage, but now the visual part of the show is much more important than before,” said the artist. ”I was very much against backing tracks, but I have realized that K-Pop groups cannot achieve a perfect voice with such demanding dances and aerobics,” she concluded on this issue.

Salsa exponents

Although Ceci has focused on analyzing rancheras, boleros, pop and reggaeton, she thinks it is time to dedicate some of her material to analyze other more tropical genres such as salsa or merengue. In this part of the conversation, she expressed her admiration for stars such as Juan Luis Guerra, Marc Anthony, Celia Cruz and many more. There have been many followers who have asked her to react to voices of this genre, so she is considering making an exclusive special for tropical rhythms such as these and thereby appeasing the part of her audience that enjoys these styles.

You always can count with friends

Latin America / Puerto Rico

I want to congratulate Gilberto Santa Rosa for a great job done with his first Virtual concert “Canta Mundo” to inaugurate the Coca-Cola Music Hall in El Distrito, located near the Puerto Rico Convention Center, in Miramar.

Gilberto offered a magnificent a virtual live concert with his band of Puerto Rican musicians. This is the first time, since the emergency began in Puerto Rico due to the pandemic created by COVID-19, that this modern room was activated to present a live concert recorded live, especially for Rums of Puerto Rico, and that they have chosen such an extraordinary artist for the inauguration was without a doubt a great success.

After much expectation, the Coca Cola Music Hall had its opening in a totally different way than imagined, with a concert that did not have the presence of the public or applause between songs, due to the limitations imposed by the COVID pandemic- 19. Gilberto Santa Rosa was entrusted to offer the first recital in the space. Both the singer and his musicians took all possible security measures to prevent the spread of the disease, but obviously, without the use of masks that would prevent them from playing their instruments or singing.

The concert “Canta Mundo” continues online so that the millions of Gilberto fans throughout the world become intimate audiences in their favorite spaces, you will surely enjoy it. The event was exclusively presented by Rums of Puerto Rico, and can be seen through the social networks of Gilberto Santa Rosa, as well as those of Coca-Cola Music Hall and Rums of Puerto Rico.

Gilberto Santa Rosa and Johnny Cruz - friends — Gilberto Santa Rosa and Johnny Cruz

I send a warm greeting to my good friend Jerry Rivas, singer of “El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico” since April 19, 1977, who now shares hits and music with his son Gerardo Rivas. In 1977 Andy Montañez, the lead vocal of the Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, announced his departure from the orchestra. Many saw the group debacle coming. When everyone expected to see an experienced singer, the always-wise director Rafael Ithier found a young singer to suit his group’s style.

The chosen one was a young man of just 21 years: Jerry Rivas. A shy Jerry Rivas presented himself with a cassette recorded with the music of the first groups that he joined for a short time, the musicians of the Gran Combo, looked at him suspiciously. Ithier, with his traditional good humor, contained his musicians with these words: “you rest easy, it is a black painted white”.

On April 19, 1977, Jerry began singing with El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico. Jerry Rivas’ first performance was “Buscando Ambiente” at El Club Caborrojeño de Guaynabo and his first international success was “La Clave y el Bongó”. Rivas, self-taught and who in addition to singing plays guitar, cuatro and cuban tres guitar, remembers that as a young man he was a rocker, but he was struck by the joy that the members of the Gran Combo projected in their dances and choreography.

In his long career with El Gran Combo, Jerry Rivas, has become a renowned sonero and one of the oldest members of the Universidad de la Salsa, has recorded 30 albums with the group and many of the greats were recorded in his voice. hits from the orchestra, such as “Y No Hago Más Na”, “El Menú”, “Azuquita pa’l Café”, “Que me lo Den en Vida”, “Ojitos Chinos”, “Me Liberé”, among many others. The Gran Combo was the key to success for Jerry, who thanks Quique Lucca, founder of Sonora Ponceña, for his recommendation that Ithier give him the opportunity to audition. His talent was passed on to his sons, who became Los Rockolos as children.

Gilberto Santa Rosa Concert Without Public

Today, Gerardo begins his solo career, and Jerry Junior together with Samuel conducts the Los Rivas Orchestra organized more than a decade ago. Gerardo always affirms that no matter how many differences they may have, music unites them. He revealed on some occasion that his father did not want him to dedicate his life to popular music due to the strong and unstable environment, the risks and swings of the artistic world.

However, when Jerry looks at them during rehearsals and on stage, he is proud and always advises them to be responsible, avoid the negative and assimilate the positive. Recently, the vocalist of El Gran Combo joined with his son, also singer Gerardo Rivas, and his grandson Gerardo Gabriel to carry a musical message to his followers in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19).

The trio came together to perform a classic by the legendary salsa orchestra, Mente Positiva. “In difficult times, the best we can do is carry a positive message,” wrote Gerardo, also a member of NG2, in his social media. Rivas father was in charge of the Cuban tres guitar, Gerardo Gabriel of the key and the maracas and Rivas son interpreted the theme. It is not the first time that they have joined this quarantine to delight their followers with a musical number.

I applaud the initiative of Pedro Oggie García as CEO of Salsa Artist Booking Entertainment Group (SAB), who with his daily work supports all the salseros in the world at SalsaArtistBooking.com. SAB is the company specialized in the digital coding of music, administration, promotion and representation of Artists of the Salsa genre, With an experience of more than 30 years in the media and with relationships worldwide, always characterized by our responsibility, seriousness and compliance.

Using their experience, international relations and positioning, they will make your musical work a success. Always taking care of their interests and rights, trying to take the artists and their music where their public requires it. Contact them +1 956-442-0099

I would like to share with you my admiration for José Mangual Jr. “El Campanero Mayor”, who is an American percussionist, of Puerto Rican origin, son of also percussionist José Mangual Sr. He was born in New York on January 11, 1948 and has a trajectory of almost half a century in Salsa.

His contribution to this genre began in the mid-sixties in his native city, when he joined the group of Monguito Santamaría, son of the great percussionist Ramón “Mongo” Santamaría. He also played with La Conspiración. He was part of Tony Pabón’s band, which marked the beginning of his role as a singer. On the LP “La protesta”, recorded in 1972 for the Rico Records label, José Mangual Jr. sang the song “San Miguel”.

In 1971 he joined the Willie Colón band, and since the singer was Héctor Lavoe, José participated in the best and biggest albums recorded by that great duo. Mangual Jr. also recorded with Rubén Blades on some of the most representative albums in the Panamanian singer’s musical career. His talent has allowed him to be making simultaneous recordings with other groups, musicians and singers, such as Ismael Miranda, Mon Rivera, Frankie Dante, Ismael Quintana, Celia Cruz and the Willard Orchestra, conducted by Willie Pastrana.

In 1977 he launched as a soloist, recording with his own group the album titled Tribute To Chano Pozo, and so far, he has around twenty of his own albums. These are added to almost thirty recordings with Willie Colón, Rubén Blades and Héctor Lavoe. But they are only part of the huge list of his recordings with other orchestras, musicians and singers. His meritorious career has allowed him to travel to many countries of the world alongside countless great musicians and singers, and become an example of dedication and love for music.

This has also allowed him to make friends around the world who admire, love, respect; and be with him in important moments, triumphs, defeats and also in goodbyes … José Mangual Jr. lost his grandson Tyrell Bryant a few weeks ago to the covid-19. I extend my heartfelt words of condolence for such an irreparable loss, and reiterate my unconditional support for the entire family at this difficult time. You are not alone! I dedicate special tribute to his grandson Tyrell Bryant who always be present in our hearts. RIP 04/04/1992 – 04/18/2020.

My friends, I need you know that we continue working hand in hand with prominent artists from New York and Puerto Rico on the CD dedicated to maestro Adalberto Santiago on his 60th Anniversary. I promise to have more details about this fantastic musical production very soon.

I appreciate the support of Carl Cristiano, L&S Custom Tailors and cKc for my TV Show outfits and my public performances. Tailored suits with total care and confidence. Contact them, I recommend them with pleasure. www.LSTailors.com. Address: 138 E 61st Street Suite 201. New York, NY 10065. Phone: +1 212 752 16 38.

Don’t forget tune in to my new Fm / Internet radio station on Live365.com: Salsagallery. Great music, artist interviews and much more made with love for you all. There is the link: https://live365.com/station/a77973

Although yet It will not be possible to open to the public the Spanish Harlem Salsa Gallery in 1708 Lexington ave New York N.Y. 10029, you can see the entire exhibition with more than 200 articles through our social media. Check the updates in our website: spahasalsagallery.com.

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New York City is slowly returning to normal. We hope to be sharing with you physically again, but now we follow the instructions of the authorities to keep us safe and healthy.

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

By Johnny Cruz, ISM Correspondent, New York, New York City