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NOTICIAS CON SABOR MARCH 2022 by Luis Medina

Live music and other news in the SF Bay Area

I recently interviewed percussion phenom and timbalero for Santana, Karl Perazzo on my KPFA Radio program Con Sabor. He is quite a busy man…I caught up to him while he is in Las Vegas for rehearsals for Santana’s upcoming slew of shows at the House Of Blues. In addition to his busy schedule with Santana, Karl has other projects during his spare time that include the SF based all-star Salsa band Karabali as well as guest appearances with Salsa Caliente that kept him busy during the COVID. He also appears on occasion with fellow bongocero Jake Jacobs band VibraSON. On top of all of that, Perazzo also creates and manages his own line of jewelry.

Perazzo, a self taught musician who was drawn to the drum and Afro-Cuban music as a young child and started his musical studies at the age of 8. Karl is a phenomenal percussionist who plays masterful Timbales, Bongo, Congas, cowbell and an impressive array of percussion instruments. He has been a mainstay in the Santana band for the past 31 years inheriting the Timbales spot from the legendary Orestes Vilato. Perazzo is still going strong keeping the percussive fire burning on Santana’s latest recording Blessings and Miracles. The band will be launching a major tour with Pop legends Earth Wind and Fire later this year. He has his own signature line of Latin Percussion congas and bongos that he designed himself with a distinctive Dia De Los Muertos sugar skull theme to honor the ancestors.

Karl Perazzo and his instruments — Percussionist and timbalero for Santana Karl Perazzo

Perazzo has previously performed with the greats such as Tito Puente who mentored him when he was a young kid along with another fellow kid phenom Gibby Ross. I saw Karl and Gibby playing with Tito on stage-what a sight to see! Karl also played with Sheila E. (as a member of her band in her emergence as a huge star in the 1980’s), Prince, Pete Escovedo, Dizzy Gillespie, Malo, Pacific Mambo Orchestra, Ray Obiedo, Andy Narell, Jorge Santana, Raul Rekow and many others. Perazzo also formed the popular SF based salsa band Avance which had a long run starting in the early 1990’s. The group disbanded in 2020. Karl has kept himself connected to his roots which is Salsa and Afro-Cuban music but has always kept his hear open to all types of music since his childhood. He credits his father who always encouraged Perazzo to push himself to be a complete percussionist, to learn how to sing and be a versatile performer.

Perazzo is now launching his own YouTube show “The Backstage Show” on the TBS Music Channel in the next couple of months which will focus on fellow creatives such as musicians, artists, chefs, writers and other notable individuals involved in arts and culture. Perazzo who is the host of “The Backstage Show‘ told me that the program’s mission is “to turn music into inspiration“. I asked Karl Perazzo what keeps him going. He told me “you have to have passion in whatever you do in life…whether it’s sweeping the floor or playing the drum”. You can feel that burning passion, inspiration and enthusiasm along with those great playing chops whenever you see him play live! You can catch up with Karl Perazzo by following him on Instagram under karlpperc.

Music Notes

Music Notes: Salsa superstar Luis Enrique and Peruvian salsero Josimar Y Su Yambu are the new headliners replacing Victor Manuelle on Saturday, April 9th at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Burlingame. Promoters JC Coral and Bosco Vega are presenting the show which originally was scheduled for early February but was postponed due to COVID restrictions. The new lineup was announced earlier in February. For tickets, visit eventbrite.com, tickeri.com, ticketsparati.com or call 415-424-8809 or 650-218-0861.

Luis Henrique performing — Luis Henrique on stage

Former El Gran Combo vocalist Charlie Aponte will be singing his original solo material as well as a slew of his great Gran Combo hits on Friday, April 6 at Roccapulco in San Francisco. Pepe Y Su Orquesta will be opening up the show brought to you by Jaffe Events. Roccapulco will also be presenting the red hot Combinacion De La Habana with a high energy six man vocal front line for their SF debut on Saturday, March 5th. CDLH is under the direction of Gerson Valdes, the nephew of iconic pianist Chucho Valdes and performs Timba mixed in with Reggaeton and Salsa Dura. This popular group is embraced by Cuba’s youthful fans and making fans everywhere.

Jaffe Events in association with MGD Productions will be presenting a dream Cuban music double bill featuring Los Van Van and Havana d’Primera with Alexander Abreu on Friday, May 6th at Berkeley’s UC Theatre, 2036 University Avenue. DJ Antonio will also play in-between sets. I have the honor of serving as the Master of Ceremonies of this special event. For Info and tickets visit www.jaffeevents.com.

Former Los Van Van vocalist Yeny Valdes and her band will be visiting the popular Fresquecito monthly party at La Furia Chalaca, 310 Broadway in Oakland on Saturday, March 12 at 10 pm. Yeny will be joined by resident DJ’s Walt Digz and Pepe Timba. For tickets, visit www.eventbrite.com

La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Avenue in Berkeley is featuring a special “Baila” community dance party on Friday, March 18th from 7 pm to 1 am with a multi-room environment featuring the explosive salsa of BrauLio Barrera’s Somos El Son with KPOO/KPFA DJ Jose Ruiz in the main auditorium. DJ Ron will be spinning Bachata in the lounge. Salsa and Bachata dance lessons by In Lak’ech Dance before the show begins at 7:30 pm. Tickets are already going fast. For tickets and information, visit lapena.org.

World Salsa Radio is presenting their second in a series of dance socials on Friday, March 25th at The Beat, 2560 Ninth Street in Berkeley. There will be dance performances by renowned Salsa dance troupes as well as Salsa lessons starting at 9 pm. The DJ music will be provided by WSR CEO Felipe “El De La Clave SF” Martinez and WSR co-founder Orlando DJ Boricua” Felix. Special guest DJ will be yours truly, Luis Medina of “Sabiduria Con Tumbao” starting my set at 10 pm.

Be sure to tune in on your laptop, phone or devices by visiting www.worldsalsaradio.com. It’s on 24 hours a day!

Some of the DJ's — Walt Digz, Felipe “El De La Clave”, Antonio and Luis Medina

The Seahorse in Sausalito continues to showcase a variety of fine bands on Saturday and Sunday evenings starting at 5 pm. This month, the Seahorse features Julio Bravo’s 50+ Birthday Party with Julio and Salsabor 3/6, Rumbache 3/12, Edgardo Cambon and Candela 3/13, Anthony Blea & Friends and DJ Jose Ruiz’ Birthday Party 3/19, Louie Romero & Mazacote 3/20, La Clave Del Blanco 3/26 and Orquesta Taino on 3/27. The featured DJ is KPOO/KPFA’s Jose Ruiz. Great food, Beer and Wine are offered at this popular venue located across the Golden Gate Bridge at 305 Harbor Drive.

The Ramp, 855 Terry Francois Blvd near the water in San Francisco continues their popular Salsa Saturdays with N’Rumba 3/5, Orquesta Borinquen 3/12, Karabali 3/19 and Manny Martinez y Orquesta La Rebeldia 3/26. The shows start at 5 pm and feature DJ Mendy in-between the sets.

San Francisco’s The Cigar Bar on 850 Montgomery Street is continuing their hot Friday and Saturday night live Latin music schedule in March. This month, they are presenting Manteca, 3/4, Pepe Y Su Orquesta 3/5, The Latin Rhythm Boys 3/11, Josh Jones Latin Jazz Ensemble 3/12, Julio Bravo y Salsabor 3/18, La Clave Del Blanco 3/19, Somos El Son 3/25 and Edgardo Cambon y Candela 3/26. Enjoy the classic surroundings, the patio, the fine food, cigars, drinks and the swinging music at the Cigar Bar.

Promoter/DJ Bosco Vega is also opening a new local night spot Gustoso at the Atlas Lounge, 637 San Mateo Avenue, San Bruno on Sat. March 12th featuring Salsa, Bachata and Timba by DJ’s Franklin, Antonio and Bosco himself!!

Remember you can catch my radio programs Con Sabor (in its 25 anniversary year) on KPFA 94.1 FM and kpfa.org Saturday nights 9 to 11 PM PST & Sabiduria Con Tumbao on Wednesday nights 5 to 7 PM PST on WorldSalsaRadio.com.

That’s it for this time! Ciao 4 now!!

This is Julio Bravo — Julio Bravo performing with his orchestra

BY LUIS MEDINA, PRODUCER AND HOST OF CON SABOR ON KPFA 94.1 FM AND SABIDURIA CON TUMBAO ON WORLD SALSA RADIO.COM

To speak of Leonardo Ortiz Chacón is to speak of a musical institution of Mexico

Performer of the tres, composer, arranger, music and radio producer, director and founder of Combo Ninguno since 1983.

He studied at the Faculty of Music of the UV, in JAZZUV, in Musinetwork in Boston MA and with teachers Luis Martinez, Carlos Tercero and Edgar Dorantes, he is a teacher of Musical Education in the Ministry of Education of Veracruz and since January 2019 participates in the direction of the Papakilistli Orchestra of the same Secretariat.

He has collaborated in television as musical director of the program “Cómo suena la clave” in TV Más. He is currently producer and host of the program “Cadencia Caribe”.

Since 1983 in Xalapa, the members of Combo perform dance music from the Antilles, integrating a repertoire with their own creations and original arrangements to themes of other authors in different musical genres such as son, guaracha, mambo, merengue, danzón, bolero, etc, achieving in their thematic diversity, a unique sound full of references to their native state of Veracruz.

He has taught workshops of appreciation and execution of Caribbean music and has participated as a lecturer and speaker on this subject in countless events, have been presented in Spain, Cuba, United States and Canada.

Accessing different forums from the small and improvised street space to large venues with capacity for tens of thousands of spectators such as the Azteca stadium or the Salsa Fest in Boca del Rio.

He has performed at prestigious cultural festivals such as the Cervantino, the Quimera, the Afro-Caribbean of Veracruz, the Vancouver Folk Festival and the International of Houston, at Fairs such as the San Marcos and the Expo Sevilla, Carnivals such as the one of Veracruz, Havana and the Mardi Gras in New Orleans and Galveston Texas.

Maestro Leo, how can you define yourself in the music scene?

Leonardo Ortiz Chacón is to speak of a musical institution in Mexico. — Leonardo Ortiz Chacón Tres player, composer, arranger, music and radio producer

I see myself as someone captivated by this music since I heard it for the first time, thanks to it I have been able to enjoy unforgettable moments and for many years I have not had a day in my life without doing something related to music. Be it as a performer, manager, broadcaster, props man, audio manager, producer, etc.

I understand that you have had many presentations abroad?

For me there have been many and I would like to have more. I think I have been fortunate to take advantage of the opportunities that have presented themselves with Combo Ninguno. I must say that personally I would never have been able to be in the places where music has taken me.

As part of your presentations you toured the U.S. How pleasant was the experience?

At one time we participated in a project to promote tourism in the State of Veracruz and we continually visited the State of Texas and then extended to Louisiana and Colorado, thanks to this an American promoter invited us to tour from coast to coast presenting a show of music and dance that began in New Hampshire and continued in New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois and other states to conclude in California after performing in New Mexico and Arizona. The program of the presentations was with original repertoire and Mexican authors.

What did it mean to you to perform for the first time in such a musical country where many great exponents of the island of Cuba came from?tional in 1989 at the Na Theater of Cuba

For me this was one of the memorable moments that I thank to music, the fact of participating with Combo Ninguno in a Gala dedicated to Mexico, in such an important place in Cuba, the country where this music was born.

I tell you that my emotion was so great that at the beginning of our performance, I could not complete the first verse of the song with which we opened, it was El jarocho by Lino Carrillo, I had to sing: Jarocho yo soy señores and I only said Jarocho, the rest was a sort of incomprehensible sounds that I could emit with a lump in my throat.

Have you had an endless number of participations in Cultural Festivals, which is the one that leaves a mark on you in your own country?

I can’t say one in particular, I remember presentations at anti-nuclear rallies where there were children, young people, adults and elderly people that were not festivals strictly speaking, a Cervantino festival where in the middle of a downpour people danced in the Alhóndiga de Granaditas under an impressive downpour, the Festival de la Nueva Canción Mexicana where we performed for the first time in 1983. And I could go on mentioning many more.

How did the Como Suena La Clave Festival come about?

This festival arises with the intention of being a showcase where to make visible and position the Mexican orchestras with original proposal. Trying to promote, preserve and spread salsa music made in Mexico.

At first the orchestras were invited to play original arrangements of songs by other composers, then they were asked to play music by national composers and nowadays they are asked to play original music complemented of course with songs by national composers.

You don’t stop, you continue harvesting and now the project Coloquio Musical Afroantillano is born, why make this new proposal?

I think that in Mexico little is reflected and little is written about this genre. It seems that when we take the music out of the dance floor, we lose the rhythm and also the step.

For some time now, most of the debates on this subject have taken place backstage and in the places where musicians and some dancers gather to refresh themselves after the events. Recently, social networks have continued with this exercise, I must point out that for decades the main topic to be discussed has been: Does salsa exist or not? Should it be called salsa or son? And I believe that among other issues, we have left aside fundamental matters such as the creative part, the economic aspect and the diffusion.

Based on this consideration and thanks to the support of Rafael Figueroa, the Festival Como suena la clave, the Centro de Estudios de la Cultura y la Comunicación of the Universidad Veracruzana and the Red de estudios de la Música Afroantillana en México convened the Colloquium La música afroantillana en México: confluencias y divergencias where the participants in a framework of cordiality and respect have made valuable contributions that will be included in a report that will be released as a digital multimedia document for free distribution.

Do you think that the music called salsa is evolving worldwide?

I don’t have the slightest doubt about it, just as I don’t hesitate to mention that due to diffusion factors we only know a small part of the new salsa music that is being made in many places and that perhaps most of the music that is more accessible to us on digital platforms is not the best.

Have you experienced the best times in music today, and what do you think is missing?

Among other things, today and always it will be necessary to contribute new music that increases the cultural heritage of this genre. We need to talk about our present without forgetting the past, about our environment and our daily life in a globalized world. We need to speak our own language and disseminate these productions in the best possible way, trying to overcome the reluctance of many towards what is new and what does not come from the places where this music has traditionally been produced.

Already with seventeen record productions, now that you have worked on them, which is the production that has marked the history of Combo Ninguno? What has been the one that has left the greatest mark on you?

Undoubtedly the most significant record production is the first one, in it, as in each of the subsequent ones, our desires and also our possibilities and limitations are recorded musically. The most present record you have now is the one you are making or that you intend to make. Each record becomes a part of your musical history and your own life.

Have I heard salsa with the jalapeño touch mentioned because of that phrase?

In our case it is an advertising phrase that alludes to the hot sauce. Salsa with jalapeño flavor. Initially it was used for our presentations in the United States where the chili peppers are called jalapeños. Today we use it by writing jalapeños with an x.

Combo None other cultural heritage that we have while we are still alive that you feel after 39 years in the music industry?

I’m looking forward to at least as many more. Looking back I realize that Combo Ninguno became a life project that has filled my days with music, so there will always be little I can do for music.

What do you expect from Leonardo Ortiz Combo Ninguno?

I have two record productions pending with Combo Ninguno, one of them is already quite advanced and I hope to finish both this year. I hope to give continuity to the Festival Como suena la clave and continue participating and enjoying everything that has to do with salsa made in Mexico.

Maestro, what would you like to say goodbye with and what message would you like to leave to the new generations?

I would invite them, besides the musical study, to try to make their contribution and leave their name in the salsa made in Mexico, to document their creativity in our reality and then communicate it in their creations, I would also ask them to debate and collaborate with their colleagues.

DISCOGRAPHY

In their discographic work we can see a style that can be projected without problems towards the universal, but that does not cease to feed on their own Veracruz identity by offering us a combination of traditional and original pieces that exude Veracruz and Afro-Hispanic Caribbean flavor.

To date they have made seventeen recordings, seven exclusively of combo none:

– Tumba Verde (1987)

– Traigo este son (1990)

– Son de amor (1994)

– Carnaval Veracruzano (2001)

– Con Sabor a Veracruz (2005)

– La Bruja recorded at the 17th Afro-Caribbean Festival Veracruz 2011 (2012)

– Inventario- Combo Ninguno, of which the singles Descarga de las flores, Calaveritas de Azúcar and Alambre, cuero y madera have been presented.

And ten productions in which they intervene with other groups:

– Son 13 rolas antinucleares (1989).

– Somos indios (1995)

– Homenaje a Luis Martínez, recorded live at Barlovento de Xalapa in the 1st.

Festival Como Suena la Clave 1997 (1998)

– Tribute to Carlos Pitalúa, recorded live at Barlovento de Xalapa in the 2nd Festival Como Suena la Clave 1998 (1998).

Festival Como Suena la Clave 1998 (1999)

– From Son to Danzón (2000)

– Tribute to Emilio Domínguez, recorded live at Barlovento de Xalapa in the 3rd Festival Como Suena la Clave 1998 (2000)

3rd Festival Como Suena la Clave 2004 (2010)

– Con sabor a Veracruz-RTV music (2012)

– Tribute to Toña la Negra, a recording that records the V Festival Como Suena la Clave

Clave Festival held in Veracruz, Veracruz, Ver (2013)

– Salsa a la veracruzana, recording of the VI Festival Como Suena la Clave held in Veracruz, Veracruz, Veracruz, Veracruz (2015).

Veracruz, Ver (2015)

– Al Son del Covid, record of the VII Festival Como Suena la Clave held in Veracruz, Veracruz, Veracruz (2015).

virtual way in December 2020.

Erika Muñoz (La Mulata Rumbera)

Article of Interest: Maestro Jorge Anselmo Barrientos Silva, conductor, arranger and composer

Pedro González

Musician, Instructor, And Pioneer Of Salsa Casino In Venezuela

“If people dedicate themselves to this, it is because we are doing it well.” This nice phrase arose from the pleasant and attractive telephone conversation about the history of the pioneer of Salsa Casino in Venezuela, the charismatic Cuban-Venezuelan musician and instructor Pedro González.

This affable musician and Salsa Casino instructor told us that he carved out his career from a very young age. He was born in Havana (Cuba) in 1966 and began his musical studies at the National School of Arts in the Havana capital at the age of ten, graduating in the specialty of Guitar (Short Course of 8 years) in 1984.

He comes from a musical family, his grandmother was the soprano Rosa “La China” and his mother (teacher and school principal) Zoe Portuondo Suarez, a distant relative of the singer Omara Portuondo.

“…Since I was little I liked to dance, I would dance everywhere. I learned with my cousin… I went to places like Playa… Besides, my mother danced a lot and my grandmother was a singer and she was also linked to the world of art…” Pedro commented.

His first job was as a music teacher in the Pinar del Río city, three hours from Havana. A short time later, he joins the Caranday group, and they play Son Cubano every night at the luxurious Hotel Nacional De Cuba.

After 45 days from his first presentation with the group, they meet the Venezuelan businessman Martín Gutiérrez, who takes them to Venezuela in 1993 to perform at private parties in the Falcón state.

Due to the few opportunities he had in Cuba, he decided to stay in Venezuela and formed the Latino Son band, made up of four Cuban musicians, and in turn began to be members of the Tropicana-style Cuban Fiesta Magazine (Show with a range of musical genres, interaction with guest singers, and dancers) in nightclubs of the Capital.

In Moments of pause with the musical magazine (1997), he undertook a tour with the Latino Son group with whom he traveled for almost all of Venezuela and toured the main stages of large national festivals such as La Feria del Sol (Mérida), Feria de San Sebastián (San Cristóbal), and La Feria de la Chinita (Zulia) among many others.

“We played permanently at La Giralda… At La Giralda we organized a party playing the Cuban Timba, then, there they called us “The Cuban Orchestra” in 1996, 1997, and 1998…”

During the ’90s and already residing in Venezuela, Pedro became the first Salsa Casino instructor in Venezuela without planning it as a life plan, and in 2000 he founded his homonymous academy that has graduated thousands of fans of this style of salsa dance.

Dancing is one thing that keeps you active. That is good for the body. If you have a problem in two hours or an hour and a half dancing you forget it. For my part, I like to teach… And, I like people to have fun.” Pedro González

History And Evolution Of The Academy Dance

Pedro González with burgundy flannel and four women on the sides — Pedro González is the President of the Salsa Casino Organization in Venezuela

One night at the end of the 90s, Pedro along with his friend Milan (Medical and Countryman) began to remember the Dance of the Casino in La Giralda (old venue to listen to live music and enjoy various drinks on the Boulevard de Sábana Grande – Caracas) after his customary presentation with the Latino Son group.

Both began to stand out on the dance floor with the genre of La Timba and for a way of dancing Salsa different from the one practiced in Venezuela. “We began to dance with two Venezuelan girls in the Rueda style (which was not a Rueda because there must be 3 couples)… I began to say Milan “Give me one”, “Plugin”, “The Hat”, and we began to dance the Casino Style”. Pedro “El Cubano” told us between laughs during the interview.

The two ladies were so impressed by that way of dancing that they did not hesitate for a moment to ask Pedro for dance lessons. After so much insistence, “El Cubano” agreed for the first time to give Salsa Casino classes in the capital of Venezuela in an improvised and reduced space with his first five couples. “I am from the Cerro municipality, which is the closest to Old Havana. I used to go to Playa (Municipality of Havana) a lot to dance and I learned many dances and turns…”

And so Salsa Casino began spontaneously in 1999. By the following year (2000), Pedro had 20 couples and a larger room to teach.

The evolution of him in his rise during this year was impressive. Due to the influx of students, he began to teach in the blue auditorium of the Faculty of Economic and Social Sciences (Faces) of the most prestigious University in the country, the Central University of Venezuela (UCV) through Reinaldo Mijares, Director, and choreographer of the contemporary dance “Mudanza” attached to this institution and where González assures that this movement grows.

From there, he gave way to the Casa Monagas club, a place located in the Las Acacias sector (west of Caracas) behind the UCV with the capacity to hold up to 1,000 people. Here, Pedro’s students had more space to rehearse, and Salsa Casino Parties began to be organized monthly.

Pedro González with a blue shirt dancing with two women — Dance academies in Venezuela were teaching Puerto Rican Salsa Style in the year 2000

With this overwhelming success, the creation of the Academia Salsa Casino in Caracas was imminent. It had massive attendance, national impact with graduate students, and attendance at national and international festivals such as Curacao Salsa Tour, Festivals in Cuba, and an amazing show at the Amador Bendayán Theater.

With more than 20 years of teaching Salsa lessons, Pedro has graduated more than 2000 students and changed its name to Academia Pedro González. It currently has five locations: Sábana Grande (main location), Chacaíto, San Antonio de los Altos (Los Teques), Capitolio, and El Cafetal.

The classes are aimed at children and adults. The call is open, so you can sign up without a partner and don’t worry because the essence of the Rueda remains. The estimated graduation time is three years with four basic levels, four intermediate levels, six advanced levels, you will also receive a triple casino level, two dance technique levels, and to complete the process a final choreographic exam is done.

Every dance lesson is fun because of Pedro’s ability to teach. The names of each step such as “Pégale un Cacho” are adapted to the colloquial vocabulary of the Venezuelan so that it is easy and fast to learn.

Due to Covid-19, the Pedro González Academy makes the use of the mask and antibacterial gel an essential requirement for permanence within the institution, as well as reducing the maximum number of couples per level to only ten.

Vanessa Lovera y sus amigas vestidas de negro — Vanessa Lovera (Left) accompanied by two Salsa Casino dancers at the Caracas Carnival party

At the main headquarters, there are four instructors. One of them is Vanessa Lovera, a graduate instructor from the academy. For Pedro, she has been unconditional support in difficult moments of the institution. Vanessa teaches Salsa Casino and Ballroom Dance. You can also find her at the El Cafetal headquarters, but if you prefer the main headquarters, the address is as follows: Sábana Grande Boulevard, Fénix building, 5th floor, next to the Gran Café.

For this 2022 and if there is a return to normality, the Cuban instructor and musician residing in Venezuela hopes to resume the lost spaces in Caracas such as discos, nightclubs, presentations in theaters, once again hold large Salsa Casino parties in large rooms, the return of national competitions, and the continuation of the training of instructors in person (it is only online currently).

Casino Dance Or Salsa Casino?

Club Casino Deportivo in Havana, Cuba — Club Casino Deportivo no longer exists. Nowadays only the sports fields were preserved of this infrastructure.

According to the friendly instructor Pedro González, the origin of Salsa Casino on the island of Cuba has a unique story that begins like this…

Since 1956 numerous Cuban orchestras have been registered that played very popular and contagious musical genres such as Cha Cha Cha, Guaracha, Mambo, and Son. Rhythms that invited the young inhabitants of Cuba of this time to just want to dance and have fun all night with these melodies, but they not only wanted to do it with their partners but also with those of their friends, acquaintances, and strangers. However, for this decade that was not allowed because the rules of the strict and conservative society dictated it.

In this way and with the pursuit of that goal, the gentlemen created this style of dance. A style that did not require constant practice and where partners could be exchanged using keywords such as “Plugin” to perform the movement and for the theory to be carried out perfectly without altering society. The place where this event was recorded was Casino Deportivo, a private summer vacation club located in the Miramar residential area in Havana.

“We (in Venezuela) call it Salsa Casino because it is the commercial name already used in the United States. In Europe they call it Salsa Cubana, but the original name is Baile Del Casino”. Pedro Gonzalez

That is why at the end of 1950 this style of dance began to be generated that people internationally associate with the style of gambling performed in a Casino because it is a dance in Rueda.

The popular expression of most people in Cuba every time they saw this peculiar way of dancing was to say “Ah! But you are dancing like the people of the Casino (Casino Deportivo Club)” that each day was shortening the expression until reaching the Baile Del Casino.

The peculiarity of this dance style is that it does not have a musical genre, that is, no melody that identifies it. For example, a Danzón is danced with the music of the Danzón, the same happens with the Cha Cha Cha, Mambo, Son, and Bolero. There is no rhythm called Casino, therefore this style acclaimed in the world and preferred by Cubans began with the music that existed in this glorious decade of the ’50s.

You Can Also Read: Sidney Poitier

News “En Clave”

The Latest News From The Salsero Movement In Germany

We begin the section News “En Clave” that will be dedicated in this edition to Germany. Here, you will see the latest in the Salsa movement in this Western European country during March 2022. Are you ready? Let us begin…

a couple of dancers at Havanna Club in Berlin — Havanna is your Latin getaway in Berlin

We open with the Havanna club located at Hauptstr.30 10827 Berlin. Here you can enjoy Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, and other rhythms on four dance floors with resident DJs. You can also try the mojitos in one of its seven bars and before opening the venue you can participate in Salsa lessons with qualified instructors to advanced and amateur levels.

This club that opened its doors in 1997 and since then has been dedicated to Latin night entertainment in the German capital offers Salsa, Merengue, and Bachata classes (No registration or dance partners required) every Wednesday (7 PM – 8 PM ), Friday (Salsa / Merengue from 9 PM to 10 PM), and Saturday (9 PM to 10 PM) with a cost of € 6 that includes admission and the after-party.

At Havanna, you will find nice people and a great atmosphere on every dance floor. On the first floor (Lower Floor) you will have the purest Salsa every Saturday until dawn, while on the second floor (Upper Floor) on Saturdays there will be a mix between Bachata and urban rhythms. The third dance floor (Basement) is dedicated to the fusion of Anglo-Saxon rhythms, and the fourth dance floor (Big Room) will be available on Wednesday and Friday nights for those who love Salsa, Merengue, and Bachata. And as additional information, I recommend you arrive at 10 PM because at that time and until 11 PM the ladies have free admission.

conexion band dressed in black — Mayelis Guyat (Lead Vocals), Jörg Bücheler (Trombone), Daniel Stawinski (Piano), Sergio Gómez (Bass), Robby Geerken (Congas), and Hardi Barnewold (Timbales, Conductor)

We continue with the second recommendation that I bring you to enjoy Salsa orchestras live in Germany and this time I am talking about La Fiesta de la Salsa with the band Conexión feat. Mayelis, this Saturday, March 12th at 9 PM. This legendary band of six musicians from Cuba, Colombia, and Germany returns to Berlin nights playing live the hottest Salsa, Son Cubano, Cha cha chá, and the most popular singles such as “A Dios Le Pido” included in their most recent record production Felicidad released on February 25th on all digital platforms.

Likewise, La Fiesta de la Salsa will also feature Salsa and Timba sets along with dance classes starting at 8 PM with DJ FISMO brought directly from Cuba.

The event will take place at Casa Pfefferberg 13 at Calle Schoenhauser 176 and the cost of admission ranges from €14 – €18. The permanence in the place will remain under the 2G regulations, that is, you can dance without a mask and without keeping a distance, and consequently you can only attend if you are fully vaccinated or verifiably recovered.

a couple of instructors dancing at euro-dance festival — The Euro Dance Festival will have more than 50 individual workshops and seminars daily

And finally, I recommend the largest festival in Europe, Euro Dance Festival to be held from Tuesday, March 1st to Sunday, March 6th at the Europa-Park facilities located at Straße 2 77977 Rust. During these six days, they will give more than 370 workshops in a wide variety of dance styles, from standard to Salsa, Argentine Tango, and many more. The program of the Euro Dance Festival culminates with four unforgettable evenings of world-class shows.

The ticket cost at the box office is worth €620 and anyone who has not reserved a seat at the table will be assigned a fixed seat (theater seat) on-site (no surcharge). During the show (approx. 60 minutes) an FFP2 mask must be worn in the seat, and no drinks or food can be brought. Masks are mandatory (FFP-2, no cloth or surgical masks) in all areas and at all times. The only exception will be during workshops and when practicing at night, only while actively dancing.

33 actors on stage in the Cuban musical Havana Nights — Cuba’s hit musical, Havana Nights, has been touring in Europe since March 2018

I end this edition by bringing you this Cuban Salsa bonus. The musical Havana Nights will be presented on Sunday, March 20th at 7:30 PM at Europaplatz 12, 26123 Oldenburg, and the cost of admission in category 1 is €72.49.

In this musical, you will listen to live Caribbean rhythms performed by a band of 9 girls accompanied by the Havana Nights Dance Company, with its impressive performance in which Salsa & Merengue, as well as urban dance and hip-hop, merge harmoniously in a fiery choreography.

At their side will also be the technical precision of the artists of the National Circus of Cuba, winner of multiple awards at circus festivals around the world, including Monte Carlo, China, Italy, Spain, and France.

The stage is made with authentic decoration of Cuba and lights with 3D projection. The 33 artists on stage will impress you with their great production and warm Caribbean sounds that will transport you directly to the heart of Cuba.

You Can Continue Reading News “En Clave” of previous editions.

God & Salsa

An Independent Film With Great Contribution To Society

Javier Luna with a blue sweater in God and Salsa — The God & Salsa Script was ready after six years after conceiving the idea

If we name you a series of words consisting of Family, Divorce, Suicide, and God, would you associate them? Los Angeles-based filmmakers Jess and Anayancy Thomas did. They devised, produced, and directed the film God & Salsa, a feature film that addresses the Mental Health of a teenager after the divorce of his parents and increases the Faith of a Christian woman.

“We are independent filmmakers based here in Los Angeles who met 9 years ago at church. Our film project is a story that is very close to our hearts as it mainly deals with the devastating effects of broken families, which can lead to depression and sometimes even suicide.” Jess commented on a digital medium.

He further added that “working on the story and the script was cathartic for both of us. We had friends who experienced the loss of their son to suicide at that time.

Currently, the WHO (World Health Organization) revealed that more than 280 million people suffer from depression in the world, a common mental condition and one of the main causes of disability.

Image of the award for Best Narrative Feature Film for God and Salsa at the LAFA Awards — God & Salsa have garnered awards to date at LAFA and NYFA for Best Feature Film, Best Inspirational Feature Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Narrative Feature Film, and Best Original Story.

God & Salsa present a positive solution to this disease. This drama feature film with heartbreaking characters fulfills the promise of Ecclesiastes 3:4 and was made on a really low budget so some of the crew members had to play multiple roles. “…Pre-production was crucial. Many details had to be ironed out long before production began, which was a challenge as we both have full-time jobs. It was nothing short of a miracle…” Anayancy Thomas said for this international medium.

But, what is the plot of the story?

God & Salsa unfold in a wonderful emotional meeting between two people with generation gaps. On one side is Raquel, a divorced single mother (40 years old) and grieving therapist who partially loses faith over the loss of her daughter to suicide, while Shane (16 years old) is an unhappy teenager whose parents are in the midst of a battle of divorce. Both characters are looking for answers, both are angry and hurt.

Raquel and Shane are in different phases of their lives; however, their lives intersect creating a beautiful collision where each one makes a valuable contribution to the other’s life with the interventions of a pastor who will not give up, an instructor of wise but extravagant dance, a wise old nun, and a sermon.

According to Jess and Anayancy Thomas, God & Salsa is the embodiment of Ecclesiastes 3:4, “There is… a time to mourn and a time to dance.”

How did the story come about?

The story is based on statements by Jess Thomas to a local digital media outlet.

Rebeca and Shane together in an outdoor scene from God and Salsa — In the summer of 2018, they recorded a “Proof of Concept” and ran a crowdfunding campaign in the spring of 2019 reaching 90% of their goal.

“Anayancy and I met at an Entertainment Business Ministry event that our church at the time, Bel Air Presbyterian, was hosting. She expressed to me that from her personal experience, she had it in her heart for quite some time to write a book or make a documentary about the long-term negative impact that contentious divorce can have on both children and parents.

It immediately intrigued me because when I was a kid, my parents went through a horrible divorce and I was able to relate to it from a kid’s point of view. I remember as a preteen and teen I was really confused, depressed, and lost. I acted in many ways, anger, lethargy, drugs, and alcohol, and over the years I contemplated suicide on more than one occasion.

We met several times to follow up on the idea and both decided that a narrative feature film showing characters going through this would be a much more effective and impactful way to make the point.

We got to work on the plot and although the film is not autobiographical, numerous are things that both Anayancy and I experience: the sense of loss, depression, hopelessness, not to mention faith, and Salsa dancing.

But over time, something beautiful happened; we fell in love and got married. Now, nine years later, with the help of many talented people and organizations like Film Independent, we have a complete movie.”

Knowing A Little About The Cast

Javier Luna

Shane is played by Javier Luna. He is a young model, actor, and singer from Madrid known for his role as Felipe Díaz in Disney’s “Violetta”.

“I play a 16-year-old boy who is struggling a lot since his parents are divorced. He has a lot of pressure and starts to take drugs. It is a story about overcoming these struggles,” Luna told a European digital media outlet.

For this leading character, the Spanish actor pointed out that he lost weight and was intensely involved. “It was a bit difficult to have that mindset at first, but I hope this movie can help a lot of people. As an actor, I tried to make it as authentic as possible… I’m excited about this movie. I gave it my all,” he added.

Jovanna Vidal

Raquel is the character played by Jovanna Vidal, an American film and television actress, presenter, producer, broadcaster, and businesswoman. She has ventured into shows like Disney Vacations and Girls Night Out, as well as representing Dr. Sánchez in TLC’s Evil Things and participates in the YouTube series Dahr Mann.

Enio Cordoba & Terryl Jones casual dress — Enio Cordoba & Terryl Jones

Enio Córdoba & Terryl Jones

Enio and Terryl are married and they are also partners on the dance floor. Both are professional dancers, have participated in numerous championships, and took part in Dance With Me (1998). Since then, Enio and Terryl have performed in more than 26 countries teaching Salsa around the world.

“My deepest congratulations to Jess and Anayancy for risking so much while trusting that this would be a hit. In the dance scenes, we had to show beginners learning. I told some of my old students to dance like they used to before taking lessons. Several scenes later they get to dance normally. OMG, they made me look like the world’s greatest dancer teacher”. Enio Córdoba expressed in his Facebook account for the award obtained for God & Salsa as the best narrative feature film at the Los Angeles Film Awards.

Carlos Navarro

Navarro performed and composed two of the original songs for God & Salsa. Carlos Navarro is the founder/singer/percussionist/producer of La Orquesta “Son y Clave”, which has been a part of the Salsa-Latin-Mambo dance genre in the United States for many years. This band is well known for being dancer-friendly from beginners to professionals with their tight, contagious rhythm and impeccable elegant presence. One of Hollywood’s best, this band has participated in many media events including, dance competitions, festivals, concerts, etc. They also featured in the film Almost A Woman which won two Imagen awards and one Peabody award. The Fragment was taken from the official website of Film Independent.

Jess Thomas

Jess is the Writer, Director, and Producer of God & Salsa. Jess Thomas studied Drama/film at San Francisco State University. In 2000, he wrote, directed, and edited a B-Action-Movie titled Checking the Gate, which was picked up for distribution by Echelon Entertainment. Since then, Jess decided to focus on more uplifting and inspirational films such as The Seeker (2004), a human interest story, which was his first documentary feature film. It won the award for Best American Documentary at the Rome International Film Festival. In 2007 he co-wrote, directed, and edited the short film Forever, which premiered at the Dances With Films Film Festival. That same year, the second documentary feature Beijing Girl: Made In China was an Official Selection at the Santa Fe Film Festival. Jed (2010) is his third documentary on opera singer Jess Thomas senior. In 2017, his short Love Always was nominated for five awards at the 168 Film Festival. The fragment was taken from the official God & Salsa website.

Anayancy Thomas

Anayancy was born in San Salvador (El Salvador) and is the writer/producer of God & Salsa. Anayancy went to Watterson College, a vocational school in Pasadena, California. She has worked in the healthcare field since 2001 at various organizations based in Los Angeles and currently works as a contract administrator. In 2007 she was certified as a domestic violence support group facilitator working with battered women. In 2011, Anayancy joined a mission trip to Mexico with the Bel Air Presbyterian Church, where she helped build a home for a family in need and served as a translator. Under the instruction of Enio Cordova and Terryl Jones, she participated in dance exhibitions and joined a salsa dance team trained by Enio and Terryl, the team won first place at the Aloha Ball in Kona, Hawaii. Anayancy Thomas produced Love Always in 2017. Part of the fragment was extracted from the official page of God & Salsa.

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