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Willie Colon’s in Concert – Mexico City, Mexico 2021

The 50th anniversary of Willie Colón’s musical career will be celebrated in the National Auditorium in Mexico City.

William Anthony Colón Colón Román, better known as Willie Colón, was born in New York City, United States on April 28, 1950, his passion and dedication were highlighted in the salsa genre, being a salsa musician, singer, American composer of Puerto Rican origin which gives him a special touch, since salsa is characterized by the abundant use of percussion (clave, maracas, conga, bongo, tambora, cowbell, among others). This is inherited from the African musical influence mixed with jazz, which permeated the Latin American Caribbean since the colonial times and gained high popularity in 1960 for being the novelty of the moment in the lowest and highest society, starting in New York with Dominican singer Johnny Pacheco.

In the case of Willie Colón as a musician, he has been characterized by the fusion of rhythms such as son, mambo, guaracha, cha cha cha, guajira, Colombian cumbia, rumba, Venezuelan joropo, among others; He was also known as the master trombonist, blended various Caribbean African, and urban rhythms, formed one of the most important teams of Latin music of the seventies with vocalist Hector Lavoe and is considered one of the pioneers in the development of the genuine salsa movement in the late sixties and the early seventies.

His music, which has been a great influence on modern Latin Jazz, because it reflects a traditional lyrical rhythm and generates the goodbye and the hope as he was forced to leave his country to settle in the United States, and during his musical career, he got 11 Grammy nominations and received 15 gold and 5 platinum records.

It is worth mentioning that Willie Colón is one of the few artists who have worked with several well-known artists on the international scene in his entire career, some of them are: Hector Lavoe, Ray Barretto, Bobby Valentin, Reynaldo Jorge, Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, and David Byrne.

With the arrival of the new coronavirus (COVID-19) in late 2019, the world changed drastically everyone, including artists of which many have remained quarantined and others have been promoted on social networks or online events to avoid catching this dangerous virus. Now in 2021, the quarantine has relaxed and we have managed to keep a highly effective biosecurity system to be able to do certain witnessing activities such as events and/or musical concerts.

Willie Colon's at the National Auditorium of Mexico
Willie Colon’s Flyer at the National Auditorium of Mexico

So if you want to do something different during this quarantine, buy your ticket for the Willie Colon concert to be held on June 18, 2021, which promises to be a unique spectacle at the National Auditorium in Mexico City to commemorate the 50th anniversary of his career in the world of music.

The National Auditorium is known for being an entertainment center located on Paseo de la Reforma Avenue in Colonia Chapultepec (a neighborhood in Mexico City) where a variety of musical events are held to promote musical talent in general and to be an appealing tourist point for culture.

the organizers that boast the salsa event confirmed to us that “With his retirement still far from his list of priorities, Willie Colón is ready to go to Mexico again.” And if you want any news, we inform you that the artist is also currently engaged in writing his memoirs and producing emerging salsa groups, so we will be able to delight in the knowledge acquired by the salsa master Willie Colon soon.

Buy your ticket through the various websites:

  • https://www.songkick.com/concerts/39730937-willie-colon-at-auditorio-nacional?utm_source=53907&utm_medium=partner
  • https://www.stubhub.com.mx/boletos-willie-colon-mexico/ev1103843

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José Alberto “The Nightingale” Several genres one style, composer and singer of Cuban music

Cuban Cultural with José Alberto “El Ruiseñor” Nominated for Best Latin Tropical Album  “Mi Tumbao”For the 63rd Grammy®Awards.

Hollywood, CA. The 63rd Grammy Nominations were announced on November 24, 2020.

The astonishing surprise was the Nomination of Cuban born José Alberto “El Ruiseñor”, Nominated for Best Tropical Latin Album “Mi Tumbao”.

The excitement is building and it could not have happened to a better man.

José Alberto Tamayo Diaz, aka The Nightingale. Born into a musical family, José’s parents played a key role in his musical journey; his father was a tres player and his mother was a singer.

At fourteen years young José flourished as the leader of the Cuban based band, Grupo Rock Lasser; his charisma and popularity spurred his passion, and the rest is history.

José Alberto "The Nightingale" Several genres one style Composer and singer of Cuban music
José Alberto “The Nightingale” Composer and singer of Cuban music

José Alberto has dedicated his love of Cuba through his music. A win for José Alberto on Jan 31, 2021 would make him the first solo Cuban male vocalist to win a Grammy in 21 years, since Chucho Valdez in 1999.

El Ruiseñor confesses, “The Grammy Awards are way up there, it is the Oscars for music, winning a Grammy award would mean a lot to my country.”

Hailing from Bayamo, the capital city of the Granma Province of Eastern Cuba, “Bayamo is my life”, Alberto admits proudly in reflection of his group BNM, Bayamo National Movement.

For over 30 years, Jose has thrived as a prominent citizen of Cuba, and has constantly worked hard for his city, his music and his valuable culture. As the most internationally awarded solo artist of Granma, José Alberto El Ruiseñor has dedicated many songs to his fellow countrymen.

With the pandemic numbers growing, he curated an online philanthropic concert, to recognize the efforts of doctors and nurses titled, “Cuba Saves”, broadcasted from his own backyard. Before the pandemic he was keeping up with his hometown roots by performing every Saturday in the main street of Bayamo.

Hailing from Bayamo, the capital of Granma province in eastern Cuba, "Bayamo es mi vida" (Bayamo is my life)
“Bayamo is my life” José Alberto “The Nightingale”

The album title, “Mi Tumbao” translated to “swag” or “grace to move,” transcends the listener into the origins of Cuban music, and the raw roots of his Cuban nation.

The album breathes three decades of artistic life, composed of Guaracha, Son, Salsa, Cumbia, and Merengue. Homage is vibrantly paid to his influencers and godfathers of Cuban music; Sindo Garay, Ñico Saquito and Miguel Matamoros, all who were introduced to him by his father.

The album has 10 illuminating, action packed tracks, some unpublished and others adaptations of known Cuban classics.

In the feature track “Emigrante” (Immigrant), José narrates the overlooked struggles of migrant life with pure vulnerability, through lyrics such as “This has to change, down ambitions, there is only one heaven in this world, why so many divisions”.

In the title track, "Emigrante", José narrates with pure vulnerability the forgotten struggles of migrant life, through lyrics such as "This has to change, lower your ambitions, there's only one heaven in this world, why so many divisions".
The album’s title, “Mi Tumbao”, translates as “swag” or “grace to move”,

A timely song meant for acknowledging all the current problems brought on by controversial governments. In contrast, José transforms the internationally known anthem, “Lagrimas Negras”  (Black Tears), to more of an inspired traditional salsa.

The project is backed by English label Tumi Music. With legendary A&R director Mo Fini at the helm, the UK based label specializes in authentic and original music from all corners of Latin America.

José Alberto’s innate vocal techniques, and the ability to relate to the common man through his music, will captivate and inspire any and all of its listeners.. Miracles do happen and this time it’s all rolled up in a profoundly talented troubadour, José Alberto; he is a force to be reckoned with. If you’ve never heard his music before, now is the time to listen; make yourself a cubano and a cafecito, take the old Victrola for a spin, your feet will do all the work. José Alberto’s contagious rhythmic vocals will get you going!

With legendary A&R director Mo Fini at the helm, the UK-based label specializes in authentic and original music from all corners of Latin America.
José Alberto Tumi Records

José Alberto

Tumi Records

www.tumimusic.com

Media Inquiries

Jodi Jackson

JJ Entertainment

323-356-0797

[email protected]

 

 

 

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We may enjoy the Minga Cup championship this year.

Known..

“The Future is our” Minga Cup 2021

 

America is one of the five (5) continents that have been affected by COVID-19 at the cultural level, as the majority of its events, festivals, concerts, congresses, among others were canceled because of people’s safety. This year, many things want to return to normal, and others have gone somewhat different ways such as jobs and online events that have been of much use to avoid a total paralysis of the whole world paralyzed not only socially and economically speaking and create a new lifestyle to which to date we are doing everything we can to adapt.

Members of the Minga Cup
Dancing at the Minga Cup Competition

The return of the festivals and mass events in two thousand and twenty one “2021” will be conditioned upon what happens in Europe and the United States in the coming months because they are the ones with the highest infection rates. In Latin America, several events have been scheduled with tentative dates which will be met (only if it is live “face – to – face”) if there are not a lot of contagions or the country and organizers allow it in compliance with all bio-security standards to protect us and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

In Chile, a wide variety of musical and dance events have been held for many years and, currently, some of them have been held online and, on this occasion, we have one of the best known South American championships in Latin America; we have a competition called Minga Cup, which is a tournament that aims to boost the healthy competition between national and international dancers in Chile to generate new forums for the style and category exposed.

The cost of the access passes are as follows:

  • 40% discount on Access Passes, which includes workshops, competitions, and parties (Offer Price $42.000 / Actual Price $70.000).
  • 30% discount on Masterclass with Antonio Berardi which includes 4 closed and exclusive classes by Antonio Berardi (Offer Price $50.000 / 2020 Price $70.000).
  • 30% discount on Competitor Registrations.

In this opportunity, the jury has already been elected and chosen in 2020, which includes:

  • From Italy, The brothers Antonio and Jasmina Berardi, Professional Dancers World Champions of Caribbean Dance.
    • Facebook: @AntonioyJasminaBerardi
  • From Canada and Cuba, dancers Harold and Regan.
    • Facebook: @haroldandregan
  • From Peru, Deklan, and Natalia the nine-time salsa and bachata champions.
    • Facebook: @FCOPIURADYN
  • From Argentina, Yonel Blanco, dancer, and director of SOMOS!, which is a Cuban Folk Dance Company.
    • Facebook: @yonel.blanco
  • From Argentina, Gustavo Pinat, dancer and teacher of Estudio BamBoleo Salsa.
    • Facebook: @GustavoPinat
  • From Chile and Australia, Karen Connolly, director of the Karen Connolly Professional Institute of Performing Arts.
    • Facebook: @ipaekc
  • From Chile, dancer Roberta Cifuentes.
    • Instagram: @robycifuentes and Facebook: @ Roby2310
Dance back
Dancers dance pose

For this year two thousand and twenty one “2021” it will be held from April 8 to 11, 2021, if you want to have more information in general, ticket sales or other questions write to their email info @ copaminga.cl, or they can also contact them through their page from Facebook @copaminga or his website www.copaminga.cl and enjoy a moment full of fun, learning and much joy with everyone else.

 

Note: “If you want to get out of this quarantine, take care”

José Madera Niño “Salsa became part of my growth”.

Latinoamerica / Venezuela / Caraca

The also visual artist has the technology to complete his project in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Venezuelan José Madera Niño & 3er.Mundo Orchestra launched its new song “Me gusta, pero…” in the voice of guest singer Memo Arroyave, accompanied by a video clip showing the other facet of Madera Niño: painting. This single is the fifth one to be included in his second album Matices.

The musician, composer, and orchestra leader said: “This song of my own was already in post-production when the pandemic was announced. It would not have been possible to complete this project from our homes without technology, the dedication and commitment of Irving Manuel and Jorge Estevez to mixing and mastering, the working hours of Alfredo Montilla for the editing of the video between Venezuela and Colombia“.

Voice of guest singer Memo Arroyave
The Venezuelan orchestra José Madera Niño ; 3er.Mundo launched their new song “Me gusta, pero…”,

José “Flaco” Bermúdez was at the forefront of the musical direction and arrangements. Yomar Méndez “Caballo” (timbal), Arnaldo Guacarán “Patatín” (bongó and bell), Wilman Sánchez Jr. (trumpets), Hugo Olivero (saxophone), José Antonio Padilla (trombone), David González (bass) and Irving Manuel (piano); Rodrigo Mendoza and Eloy Ríos on backing vocals, with José Madera Niño (congas and minor percussion) as executive producer.

Matices combines the voice color diversity of each of the guest soloists thus far such as Pedrito Flores, Irving Manuel, and Charlie Guzman. This salsa album will be composed of ten pieces and shall have the participation of several performers: “We want to present the world with good music, food for the soul and for the spirit in this difficult time we are living“.

MULTIFACETED

La orquesta venezolana José Madera Niño & 3er.Mundo lanzó su nueva canción "Me gusta, pero..."
José Madera Niño “Salsa became part of my growth”.

It should be emphad that José Madera Niño is extremely multifaceted because in addition to be a visual artist as a profession, he is also a musician by conviction: “I have been drawing as far back as I can remember. When I was 14, I entered the School of Plastic Arts Cristóbal Rojas. I alternated my artistic activities with my high school studies and weekends were for the music”.

From there, he became a self-taught percussionist from a very young age thanks to the salsa boom in Venezuela in the mid-70s. This synergy between his two passions led him to form his orchestra: José Madera Niño & 3er Mundo, which flirts with Latin Jazz.

It seeks to extrapolate his plastic compositions to music and then create true works of art for the demanding music lover’s ear and the elegant dancer at the same time.

His first recording De amor, desamor y rumba took four years to come to light, due to the pauses imposed by self-management: “It is not easy to make an album without sound financial support. This first album is a sort of day-in and day-out chronicle of any ordinary individual. Inspired by all the music I listened to in my teens in simple and clear language”.

"It's not easy to make a record without a solid financial backing. This first album is a kind of chronicle of the everyday life of any ordinary person. Inspired by all the music I listened to in my adolescence, with a simple and diaphanous language".
The Venezuelan orchestra José Madera Niño ; 3er.Mundo

Journalist María Fernanda León recently interviewed him about his second CD Matices, consisting of ten musical tracks. He has released four of them on digital platforms from last year to 2020.

Madera Niño 3re Mundo
Madera Niño 3re Mundo

-Why the name 3er Mundo?

-The name thing was an irreverent way of saying that in spite of our disadvantages, we are capable of great things from passion, talent, and study. We are much more than a qualification.

-Why salsa and not another genre?

-I listen to all kinds of music. In fact, when deciding to live from it, we get to handle different genres and I enjoy that, but I have a special taste for salsa because it became part of my growth. It was always present in the atmosphere while I was playing in the street in my neighborhood, in high school, and on the bus when I was going to art school.

– Most of the songs are written in your handwriting, what inspires you?

-I was always interested in writing, I had a lot of unfinished ideas. When I began pre-production I dusted off all that material and turned it into songs.

-Why Matices?

– This production is a kind of canvas; music is the pigment, the stuff. The musicians and singers are their nuances. I think it is a different production from the first one, but the same essence.

-You changed your concept of an album with only one performer. Now you invited several of them…

-For me, it was very important to build a sonority for the public to recognize us when listening to one of our songs. Gustavo Gerardo was for a long time the voice that identified us, but it is not easy to hold someone if you cannot guarantee economic stability. Besides, he was already planning to start a career as a soloist, which by the way is already beginning to bear its first fruits at an international level.

-Who is participating?

-In this second production I have Pedrito Flores, who is an excellent singer and inherited this responsibility of being at the forefront of the band in live performances. Besides, I am privileged to have several guest vocalists such as Rodrigo Mendoza, Irving Manuel, Charlie Guzmán, and Memo Arroyave, among others that I will soon announce. All this with the intention of reaching a wider audience. I think such alliances are beneficial for the genre.

-When will all the songs come out of the oven?

-I have been presenting the songs as singles. Every month or every 45 days I make a release until completing the ten songs. Later last year, I have been released four songs. However, the pandemic that affects the entire world delays the production a little bit further, but we continue to work.

– You are an artist. How do you shuttle between your two passions?

-It’s not easy but I think it would be more difficult not to. I’m not very organized so I live in a constant effort to divide my time. I have participated in more than sixty group exhibitions and three solo exhibitions. My work is present in several art galleries and private collections.

Madera Niño 3re Mundo
Madera Niño 3re Mundo

-Your son also ventured into salsa last year. What do you think of the support offered to talent today?

-I think the boys are increasingly better prepared to meet the challenges.

The industry has changed and maybe those of us who have years of experience years in the business spend more time assimilating it. Young people know that besides recording on their own, they have to handle the many forms of promotion, know about graphic design, marketing, etc. That is very good because there are no record labels that invest in emerging artists. There are lots of young talent.

-How do you see salsa in Venezuela? Is there sufficient promotion and support?

-There is not sufficient support so I think we cannot wait any longer, we have to conduct ourselves. Work hard toward our dreams, we must learn to use the tools that technology offers us.

-Do you consider your albums a work of art?

– Yes, they consist of the same elements: color, balance, space, and atmospheres.

-What does José Madera Niño want to show every time he is on stage?

-A good show, a well-assembled band, a costume according to the situation, in short, the respect the public deserves.

Editor/ Lic. María Fernanda León

President of San Juan Producciones

Photos/ Courtesy: José Madera Niño

 

 

Por Maria Fernanda Leon, ISM Corresponsal – Caracas – Venezuela

 

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Circulo Offers Innovative Online Courses For These Times

Circulo Dance School in Munich

In these times of Pandemic, the Circulo dance school in Munich offers you the opportunity to continue preparing and staying active in the authentic Cuban Salsa dance with innovative online courses that transmit in explanatory videos the material of the respective levels in well-structured units and simple to practice and exercise from the comfort of your home and regardless of fixed schedules.

In this new generation of dance schools in Germany, the aim of Circulo is not to convey a dance course in the typical school style, but to teach it in such a way that it can be understood and mastered. Therefore, the focus is on the joy of moving to the rhythm of the music with dance steps and individual figures that form the basis in these lessons that guarantee success due to their more than 20 years of experience.

Cuban Salsa Festival 2020

In these Online Courses they teach the Cuban Salsa or Salsa Casino, so-called in many Latin American countries, which does not mean a rigid sequence of steps and figures strictly learned, but a kind of communication, with feeling, wit, and eroticism.

At the Salsa´s basic level, you will start from the beginning with basic steps, twists, and simple figures to establish the basis. Its content includes Basic steps (Casino and Son Montuno), Take Fly as an isolation exercise, spins (alone and in a couple), combinations of several spins, and the basic and important circle of the Salsa Casino with various variations. At the end of this course, you will come across a video that summarizes everything that has been learned thus far.

In these online courses, you will also find the basic level of modern Dominican Bachata with combinations of steps, lilting rhythm, and a variety of figures. The course contains: Basic steps, Basic with a cross in 2, spins in 2 (alone and in a couple), combinations of several spins and figures.

 

How Does It Work?

 

Diamarys – Circle dance instructor
  1. Enrollment in the online course.
  2. You will receive a confirmation by email from the Circulo dance school office and at the same time the bank details of the transfer.
  3. Payment is made by bank transfer.
  4. Once the payment is received, they will send you the access data to the Circulo customer platform by email.
  5. From then on, you can watch the dance videos as often as you like for 8 weeks.

Price: € 95 per course

 

6 Reasons To Choose The Circle Dance School:

 

Marc um Mejrem – Circle Dance Instructor
  • It is the only Academy in the center of Munich’s ostbahnhof that has a school for learning Caribbean dances and a Salsa Club for Latin parties in the same place.
  • Since 1998 they have combined the teaching of the original Cuban Salsa with the essence of their culture.
  • At its basic level, the first steps and turns are simple, creating an environment of achievement for people without prior knowledge during the first minutes of the lessons. During the same level, additional steps are implemented and simple figures are danced.
  • At the following levels: Intermediate and Advanced, La Rueda Salsa Casino is added in which movements are made in synchrony with the announcement of a so-called Singer and they change partners. At these levels, dance figures are practiced and they learn sequences of movements that they implement quickly.
  • Additional weekly lessons for advanced groups are held in fixed groups with permanent teachers in so-called salsa clubs to offer fresh and safe dancing.
  • Also in this dance academy, you can master Salsa Suelta, Cuban Rumba, Ladystyling, and Menstyling.

CIRCULO Munich dance school – Practice and dance without limits!

 

Telephone: +49 (89) 494 888

Venue: Rosenheimer Str. 139, 81671 Munich, Germany

 

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