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San Clemente 3rd Salsa Congress

Latin America / Argentina / Buenos Aires

San Clemente 3rd Salsa Congress

December 9, 10, and 11, 2016 – San Clemente del Tuyú, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Kicking off this December, we present the 3rd International Congress of Salsa, Bachata, and Caribbean Rhythms. Widely recognized as the most important congress on Argentina’s Atlantic Coast, the event will take place on December 9th, 10th, and 11th in the town of San Clemente del Tuyú, located 185 miles (300 km) from the capital, Buenos Aires. The official sponsor is Center Pizza, with additional support from Tandori Indumentaria SYS.

This international congress will bring together dancers, instructors, and aficionados from across Argentina and South America. The event features world-class workshops (professional training) and countless showcases by headlining artists and dance companies from Argentina and neighboring countries. Attendees can also look forward to sets by top-tier DJs and plenty of social dancing.

Dancers - San Clemente 3rd Salsa Congress 2016 — Dancers – San Clemente 3rd Salsa Congress 2016

“The following main artists will be performing:”

Stephanie Lucero: Hailing from Buenos Aires, Stephanie is making her first-ever appearance at this Congress. She is widely recognized as one of the most prestigious instructors in the scene, standing out for her ability to dance both lead and follow roles with expertise. Stephanie has refined her skills under world-renowned masters such as Gaston Vidarte, Troy & Jorget, Korke & Judith, Daniel & Desiree, and Ataca & La Alemana. She has also shared the stage with international artists like Daniel Santacruz and Domenic Marte.

Currently, she leads her own all-female choreography group, “Luceros de Fuego.” For this major event, she will be leading two world-class workshops: Partner Bachata and Bachata Ladies’ Styling.

San Clemente 3rd Salsa Congress 2016 Flyers

La Compañía Calambre: Also making their debut at the congress and in the city, Calambre is Argentina’s premier dance company. Widely recognized as 2013 World Champions, they will be hosting three world-class workshops for this massive event. In addition to their incredible showcase, attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy their performances, dance with them, and interact with the team throughout all three days of the congress.

Leandro Erni & Mariela Rondon: Traveling from the city of Mar del Plata, this duo is the reigning Bachata Championship winners. They serve as directors of the Conjunto Clave Academy and are widely recognized as a world-class couple with an extensive international career. Notably, they secured 5th place at the 2015 World Latin Dance Cup in Miami. During the event, they will be hosting two workshops and performing two showcases. You’ll also have the chance to meet them and share the dance floor with them throughout all three days of the congress.

San Clemente 3rd Salsa Congress 2016 Flyers 2

San Clemente 3rd Salsa Congress 2016 - Details — San Clemente 3rd Salsa Congress 2016 – Details

Gustavo Pinat: Originally from Rosario, in the Santa Fe Province, Gustavo has over 19 years of experience in the salsa world. He has trained extensively across Europe and the Americas, including Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Greece, the U.S., Cuba, and Venezuela. A seasoned professional, he has taught workshops at numerous national and international congresses.

Gustavo is also the organizer of the VIVE CUBA Afro-Caribbean Rhythm Festival held in Rosario. Currently, he serves as the Director of the Bamboleo Salsa Studio in Rosario and leads “RAÍCES,” Argentina’s premier comprehensive training program for Afro-Cuban dance.

Leonel Silva: Hailing from Montevideo, Uruguay, Leonel is ranked among the top seven salsa soloists in the world and is a celebrated figure in his home country. Following his incredible performance at the last event, he returns to the 3rd San Clemente Salsa Congress.

San Clemente 3rd Salsa Congress 2016 - Schedule — San Clemente 3rd Salsa Congress 2016 – Schedule

Carlos Aragon del Carpio: One of South America’s leading figures in the scene, Carlos is a regular at the region’s most prestigious congresses. He is the director of the first South American Mambo “On 2” school in Argentina and has refined his expertise through extensive training in Cuba and the United States.

Our event host will be Silvio González, the director of the Argentina and Puerto Rico Salsa Open. A teacher and dancer with an extensive professional career, he is one of the most prominent figures in our country’s dance scene.

We are also proud to feature our Official DJ: GASTON “TIBURON” TABORDA, a nationally and internationally renowned DJ who headlines the most important congresses and competitions throughout Argentina and South America.

San Clemente 3rd Salsa Congress 2016 - Prices — San Clemente 3rd Salsa Congress 2016 – Prices

You can visit our official website and follow us on social media:

San Clemente 3rd Salsa Congress 2016 - Social Media — San Clemente 3rd Salsa Congress 2016 – Social Media

www.sanclementesalsacongress.com

Facebook: San Clemente Salsa Congress
Twitter: @scsalsacongress
Instagram: San Clemente Salsa Congress
YouTube Channel: San Clemente Salsa Congress

Bolivia Salsa & Bachata Masters

Latin America / Bolivia / La Paz

Coming this December 9th and 10th, we are proud to present a National Salsa and Bachata Professional Competition, featuring workshops, showcases, and social dancing. The event will be held in La Paz, Bolivia. This prestigious competition holds the highest reputation in the country, backed by surveys conducted across top dance academies.

The event is organized by Ariel Tola, a renowned director, choreographer, DJ, promoter, and professional dancer. Beyond this competition, Tola is the force behind major events such as Bachata Fest Bolivia, Salsa Fest Bolivia, and Bolivia Salsa Breaking.

Sebastian and Sandra - Bolivia Salsa & Bachata Masters — Sebastian and Sandra – Bolivia Salsa & Bachata Masters

Joining us as exclusive guests and judges are the acclaimed Sebastian and Sandra, traveling in from Santiago, Chile.

Schedule - Bolivia Salsa & Bachata Masters Flyers — Schedule – Bolivia Salsa & Bachata Masters Flyers

Christmas in New York

North America / USA / New York

“The holiday season is a magical season. The cities are impregnated with the Christmas spirit illuminated with multicolored lights and Christmas decorations. In New York it may seem at times a modern version of a Dickens story. The city is dressed in this season; it is full of decorations, events and celebrations. Join with us to see the most striking traditions, majestic Christmas trees, shows and events that are to be done during these festivities in the big apple.”

Photo 1: Christmas in New York	Photo 2: Christmas in New York
Photo 3: Christmas in New York	Photo 4: Christmas in New York

On your feet

The Story of Gloria and Emilio Estefan

You cannot miss this whole month of December ON YOUR FEET!, the Broadway musical about two people who believed in each other, their talent, their music and later became an international sensation.

ON YOUR FEET! Has some of the most iconic songs of the past quarter century, including Rhythm is Gonna Get You, Conga, Get On Your Feet, Do Not Want To Lose You Now, 1-2-3, and Coming Out of the Dark. The Broadway musical features a magnificent creative team: two-time Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots), who directs a cast of twenty people with choreography of four-time Drama Desk nominee, Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys), And original libretto of the winner of the Academy Award, Alexander Dinelaris (Birdman).

Tickets: from $89. They will also have presentations on 24 at 14:00 and on December 30 at 20:00.

Andrea Bocelli

This formidable tenor will be performing with his great successes at the Mandison Square Garden this Thursday, December 15 from 19:30.

Tickets: from $124

Mega Bash 2016

The “Mega Bash” by Mega 97.9 FM and La Música will be a concert full of euphoria that will make the fans of Latin music vibrate along with the most important Hispanic artists. The concert brings a spectacular set of scenery, lights and sound that will allow these stars, as always, to make their masterful musical display.

Mega Bash

Tickets for this coveted show are on sale at ticketmaster and prices range from $184, $154, $124, $104, $84, $64, $44, including surcharges; And at the Prudential Center box office starting at 11:00 am (EST).

Other confirmed artists include: Enrique Iglesias, Ricky Martin, Juanes, Silvestre Dangond and Jencarlos Canela.

The reggaetoners Wisin and Ozuna also were confirmed for the Mega Bash event to be held at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey this Friday, December 14:00 at 20:00; MegaBash with Enrique Iglesias, Juanes, Ricky Martin, Silvestre Dangond, Wisin and others at Prudential Center, Newark, NJ.

Therefore, there are several things you can do to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere. Each year there is a giant Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center and the shop windows of Fifth Avenue stores are beautiful.

Warehouse Decorations

The department stores dedicate a whole plant to a magical Christmas town like the one called Macy’s Santaland. Everything is beautiful and even Santa Claus is present, with which you or your children can take a photo (paying). Keep in mind that the tail can be quite long.

Christmas decorations are usually unveiled in late November or early December, usually after Thanksgiving. After New Year’s Eve many shops remove the Christmas decorations.

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

The lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lights is a major event in New York. During the ceremony the Rockefeller Center is bursting, everyone wants to see the tree up close. The event is televised live and is viewed by millions of Americans. There is also the possibility of seeing some famous singer live. The tree is at least 20 meters long and 7.5 meters wide, but is usually much larger (between 23 and 27 meters).

The VIP tickets for this show are

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

The VIP tickets for this show are sold out every year, so be quick if you want to get tickets. With these tickets you will have the best seats: from an elegant cafeteria you will have a great view of the Christmas tree, drinks and snacks in an unlimited way. There is also a DJ.

The Rockefeller Christmas tree is decorated with more than 30,000 LED lights and the cable measures more than 8 kilometers. The ignition is a sight worth seeing.

Without the VIP ticket you will have to wait hours to find a place. The apples that surround the area are full of people waiting in the open, which also means that walking around the area is crazy. Many New Yorkers who are not going to go to the show avoid it.

In fact, the offices surrounding Rockefeller Plaza close at noon for employees to arrive at healthy and safe homes. The Rockefeller tree disappears the first week of January and the lights are usually turned off at 21:00 that same day

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony - 2 — The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony – 2

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony - 3 — The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony – 3

Rockefeller Center VIP Pack

Ice Skating & Top of the Rock

In addition to the beautiful Christmas tree, Rockefeller Center is famous for its ice rink. Ice skating in New York at Rockefeller Center is a wonderful experience. The queues at the Rockefeller are usually long, so if you want to skate during Christmas you can opt for a VIP package.

You will have access to the chalet next to the track, where you can rest after skating and warm up with hot chocolate, cookies and coffee. All this is included in the pack. And there is more! This option gives you free access to the Top of the Rock. From the lookout on the 70th floor you will have wonderful views of New York.

The Christmas Lights Tour of Dyker Heights

The holiday lights that decorate American homes are impressive. To see the best decorated houses (you’ve seen it in many series and movies) you have to leave Manhattan and go to Dyker Heights in Brooklyn. This area was selected as “the best decorated in the USA” in 2012. Take the Brooklyn Christmas Lights Tour of Dyker Heights and discover these beautiful decorations during this 3 and a half hour visit.

The Christmas Lights Tour of Dyker Heights - 2 — The Christmas Lights Tour of Dyker Heights – 2

The Christmas Lights Tour of Dyker Heights - 3 — The Christmas Lights Tour of Dyker Heights – 3

The tour starts in Lower Manhattan and from there the guided bus heads to Brooklyn. When you get to Dyker Heights you will not believe what’s in front of you! Some of the lush decorations cost more than $10,000. To soak up the Christmas spirit, on the bus they put carols and films about Christmas.

Radio City

Christmas Spectacular (The Rockettes)

Radio City Christmas Spectacular, starring The Rockettes, is one of New York’s most iconic Christmas shows. In it appear Santa Claus, the Nutcracker and of course the Nativity. You have all of December to attend one of the many daily functions out there. If you have already seen it, do not hesitate to return, because it changes a little every year. It is performed at Radio City Music Hall and is the best way to soak up the true Christmas spirit.

New Year’s Celebration

To conclude, more than a million people are going to Times Square to celebrate the beginning of the New Year: at midnight the crystal ball descends 23 meters and, when it reaches the ground, the marker lights up with the four digits of the New Year. Many even come in the morning of December 31 to be able to get a good spot before the crowd arrives.

Security is very strict: you do not accept the backpacks or bags and everything you need to fit in your pockets. It is usually quite cold, so it is best to wear clothes in “layers” to be comfortable and not suffer from hypothermia. Everyone is interested in knowing all about toilet services.

The closest ones are at the Port Authority Bus Terminal between 8th Avenue and 42nd Street, but the queue is going to be so long that you risk losing the drop of the ball and the beginning of the New Year. Also, take into account that it is unlikely that you can return to your original location, so you will need to go through security control once again, and the crowd is so narrow that the chances of returning to the same place are minimal.

If you decide to go to Times Square to celebrate the New Year, put snacks in your pockets, drink less liquid, wear more clothes, and have a lot of fun. Do you want to make a wish? Write it down and leave it, the day before, in the Times Square tourist center, or leave it online. Millions of cards, with New Year’s wishes, will be released as confetti on New Year’s Eve in Times Square.

‘‘El Griego Rumbero’’ visited the Salsa Museum and donated some objects

The artist we will talk about today is a very particular case, since he comes from a country which is not usually related to salsa or Latin music in general. However, the passion for these rhythms has captivated people from all over the world, so it is not surprising that our guest has experienced the same thing.

We’re talking about the Greek-born trombonist and composer Demetrios Kastaris, whom El Rubio Boris and I were fortunate to welcome at the Salsa Museum. Here’s a little of his fascinating story.

Demetrios’ early years

Demetrios was born in Thessaloniki, Greece, but moved with his family to the United States when he was just two years old. After living in Ohio for a few years, the family moved again, but this time to St. Louis, Missouri, a place that would be critical to the training of the Young man in the times to come.

The first contact of the boy with music was in elementary school during a live performance by a classical music quintet, but what really captivated him was a demonstration of a slide trombone by a member of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. It was at that instant the aforementioned instrument inspired Demetrios to take trombone lessons and join the school concert band.

More importantly, as Demetrios grew older, he spent countless hours practicing the trombone, especially in summer when he was free from school work. Finally, On reaching the age of 17, his perseverance began to bear fruit, and he got the opportunity to rehearse with the Stan Keaton Jazz Orchestra, which was the first great experience for the teenager. Just one year later, he sang as a soloist at the Classical Rimsky-Korsakov Concerto.

Other than that, Demetrios received the John Philip Sousa Band Award just before graduating from high school. He then studied music education at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, when he played in the jazz band and won several awards with the group.

Cover of the album ''El Griego Rumbero'' — Cover of the album ”El Griego Rumbero” by demetrios Kastaris

Moving to New York

Two years after having studied in Missouri, Demetrios moved to New York, where he received a scholarship that allowed him to attend New York University and take more steps in his musical career. While completing his studies, he met a bandleader on the subway and was invited to a rehearsal where he was given the opportunity to arrange Afro-Cuban jazz pieces for the first time in his life.

Latin music and its rhythmic features made such an impression on Demetrios that he began attending concerts by many of its great exponents, such as Willie Colón, Eddie Palmieri, Ray Barretto, Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaría, and many others. This led him to transcribe and conscientiously analyze these artists’ songs to satisfy his curiosity and learn more about these rhythms.

After graduating with honors, he earned a masters degree in jazz from the Manhattan School of Music. Soon after, he was already teaching in public schools while performing with one of the bands of the Concord Resort Hotel.

Other important details of his career

For over 50 years of artistic career, Demetrios has had the opportunity to perform with big Latin stars such as Tito Puente, Luisito Quintero, Alfredo De La Fé, Ray Barretto, Charlie Palmieri, Herencia Latina, Oscar Hernández from The Spanish Harlem Orchestra, and many others.

Already in the decade of 1980, the artist founded the Latin-Jazz Coalition and recorded several of his original compositions in genres such as Brazilian and Afro-Cuban jazz. In certain Circles, his work has earned him the nickname of “El Griego Rumbero”, a moniker by which he is still known today.

Johnny Cruz, Demetrios Kastaris and El Rubio Boris

Much more recently, Demetrios was invited to play with Los Leales de Cuba at the Buena Vista Curry Club and also to rehearse with Los Muñequitos de Matanza, which was a very learning afternoon and a memorable experience for him. Thereafter, he traveled to Cuba on several occasions to learn much more about this music.

Visit to the Salsa Museum

Just two years ago, Demetrios visited the Spanish Harlem Salsa Museum directed by yours truly and spent an enjoyable time with our entire team but he did not come alone. He brought us his photograph and a poster of the Latin Jazz Coalition, which were mounted on a wall alongside many other photographs of stars such as The Fania All Stars, Hector Lavoe, Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Larry Harlow, and many others.

His childhood trombone was also added to our extensive display of objects donated by artists and their families. This took place on March 20, 2024, and the instrument remains at our institution to this day as a reminder of a Greek man’s love for our music and a thank you to his dedication over the years.

Jairo Varela Music, Identity, and Social Narrative

The BE MORE publishing house is proud to announce the release of the new book by journalist and music researcher Robert Téllez M.

The work offers a deep dive into the social and narrative dimensions of the compositions of Jairo Varela, founder of the world-renowned Grupo Niche. It illustrates how his lyrics transcend music to become chronicles that interpret Latin American reality.

More than just a repertoire of songs, Jairo Varela’s legacy serves as a testament to memory and identity, born from his profound Afro-descendant roots. From this perspective, the book develops a discourse analysis that explores the symbols and meanings structuring his lyrics within a historical and social context.

Categorized within the field of ethnomusicology, the literary work proposes a rare perspective in Salsa studies: understanding Jairo Varela as a narrator of social reality.

“Through his lyrics, Jairo Varela challenged indifference, exposing what many preferred to keep silent,” states author Robert Téllez M.

To develop this research, the author brought together an interdisciplinary team of specialists in anthropology, communication, law, education, history, linguistics, music, journalism, and poetry from across Latin America. This diversity shapes a study organized into seven chapters, where symbols, metaphors, and narrative structures within Varela’s songwriting are analyzed and deconstructed.

“With an honesty that never yielded to artifice, Jairo Varela mapped the social landscape of everyday life; he narrated the intimate without betraying the collective, all in an effort to better understand the world,” Téllez notes.

As an innovative feature, the book Jairo Varela: Music, Identity, and Social Narrative incorporates QR codes that lead directly to Maestro Varela’s compositions. Each code allows the reader to use their mobile device to access the songs analyzed via Grupo Niche’s profile on Spotify, enhancing the connection between the written word and musical creation.

The publication also includes a prologue by writer Bella Martínez, illustrations by Frank Rosado, and photographs from the Varela family archive—elements that provide essential context to the composer’s creative universe.

Jairo Varela: Music, Identity, and Social Narrative is now available to the public on Amazon, with worldwide shipping.

The Book: Jairo Varela. Music, Identity, and Social Narrative

Jairo Varela (1949–2012)

Varela was the creator and founder of the iconic Grupo Niche and one of the most influential figures in Colombian Salsa. It was Jairo Varela who built the prestige of this orchestra through his artistic vision and his talent as a composer and director. With those five letters Niche Varela changed the course of Salsa made in Colombia, elevating it to a level of international respect.

Jairo Varela. Música, Identidad y Narrativa Social

Throughout his musical career, Jairo Varela wrote hundreds of songs and produced dozens of albums for his group. His compositions including “Cali Pachanguero” (recognized by Billboard magazine as one of the 50 most important songs in the history of Latin music), “Buenaventura y Caney,” “Mi pueblo natal,” “Ana Milé,” “Un caso social,” and “Han cogido la cosa” have traveled the world and become classics. In his lyrics, Varela portrayed everyday Latin American stories and the identity of Afro-descendant communities.

When Grupo Niche’s music plays, there is something for every listener. Behind that diversity lies the creative intuition of Jairo Varela, a composer who knew how to turn local stories into universal emotions. For this reason, from its beginnings in the late seventies to its international acclaim, the group has brought the rhythmic power, joy, and character of its culture to stages worldwide.

About the Author

Robert Téllez M. is a social communicator, radio and TV broadcaster, and producer with over 20 years of experience. He is an accomplished interviewer, journalist, and music researcher.

His analyses and reflections have been published in outlets such as Revista Semana, El Espectador, El Tiempo, El País, La República, and Agencia EFE, among others. He has also contributed to the scientific journal Nómadas of the Universidad Central de Colombia.

Robert Téllez is also the author of Ray Barretto: Giant Force (2016), whose English translation won a silver medal for Best Translation (Spanish to English) at the 2021 International Latino Book Awards.

In 2019, he presented the authorized biography Willie Rosario: The King of Rhythm, with a second edition released in 2024. He served as a judge for the annual international minimalist poetry contest for the anthology titled Siglema 575: Say What You Want to Say (2024).

As a result of his extensive research, Robert Téllez serves as a consultant and lecturer on topics related to the appreciation of Salsa music.

Press Contact: [email protected]

Also Read: Willie Rosario, El Rey del ritmo by journalist and music researcher Robert Téllez M.