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Search Results for: Puerto Rico

Adrián Joel Rodríguez Rivera is a musician with extensive experience as a Bassist

Adrián Joel Rodríguez Rivera (a.k.a. “AJ”) had his first experiences with the electric bass at 14 years old.

Adrián Joel Rodríguez Rivera is a musician with extensive experience as a bassist.
Adrián Joel Rodríguez Rivera is a musician with extensive experience as a bassist.

He began formal studies at the Antonio S. Paoli Specialized Music School in Caguas, Puerto Rico, that culminated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music in Jazz & Afrocaribbean Music Execution with a major in Electric Bass from The Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico.

Throughout his career, he has played and recorded with musical groups in diverse music genres, e.g. reggae, rock, jazz, urban and tropical music.

He’s had the pleasure of collaborating with artists like Calma Carmona, Yaire, Auudi, Brytiago, Raquel Sofía, Jean Carlos Canela, Galé, among others.

Adrián Joel Rodríguez Rivera (alias “AJ”) gained his first experiences with the electric bass at the age of 14

Adrián Joel Rodríguez Rivera (alias “AJ”) gained his first experiences with the electric bass at the age of 14

Presently works from Puerto Rico and has performed in the United States, Colombia, and Ecuador.

The History of the Electric Bass

The history of the electric bass is intrinsically linked to the need for a more practical and amplified alternative to the bulky double bass, especially as musical bands grew larger and louder.

The Early Steps and Paul Tutmarc (1930s)

Although there were some earlier experiments, the first functional electric bass is considered to have been developed by Paul Tutmarc in the 1930s. In 1936, his company, Audiovox, launched the Model 736 Bass Fiddle.

This instrument featured a guitar-like design, with a solid body, frets, and an electromagnetic pickup, making it easier to transport and play compared to the double bass. However, Tutmarc’s invention was not a great commercial success at the time.

Leo Fender’s Revolution (1950s)

It wasn’t until the early 1950s that the electric bass truly took off, thanks to Leo Fender. Seeking to solve the problems of size, volume, and tuning of the double bass, Fender applied his expertise in electric guitar manufacturing to create an innovative instrument.

In 1951, Fender launched the Precision Bass, the first mass-produced and commercially successful electric bass. Its design was robust, with a solid body and frets (hence the name “Precision,” for the tuning accuracy the frets offered). This bass quickly became a standard, used in a wide variety of musical genres, from soul and R&B to rock.

Adrián Joel Rodríguez Rivera
Adrián Joel Rodríguez Rivera

Later, in 1960, Fender introduced the Jazz Bass, which offered a slimmer neck and two pickups (one near the bridge and one near the neck), providing greater tonal versatility and a sound that many jazz musicians found closer to the acoustic double bass.

Expansion and Evolution (1960s Onward)

Throughout the 1960s, other brands like Gibson, Höfner, and Rickenbacker also began manufacturing their own electric bass models, flooding the market with new options. The popularity of the electric bass grew exponentially, solidifying its place as a fundamental element in modern music.

The 1970s saw further experimentation. Preamplifiers began to be integrated into instruments to expand the tonal range, and multi-string basses emerged. In 1974, bassist Anthony Jackson and luthier Carl Thompson collaborated to create the first six-string bass, with the goal of expanding the instrument’s sonic range.

From the 1980s onward, innovation continued. 5 and 6-string basses became popular, as did active circuits and “boutique” basses from specialized luthiers. Designers like Ned Steinberger introduced headless basses and experimented with materials like carbon fiber. Influential musicians like Jaco Pastorius brought the fretless bass to the forefront, and techniques like “slap” and “double thumb” were developed and popularized.

Today, the electric bass continues to evolve, with a vast range of designs, configurations, and sounds, adapting to the needs of the most diverse musical genres and the creativity of bassists worldwide.

He began formal studies at the Antonio S. Paoli Free Specialized School of Music in Caguas, Puerto Rico.
He began formal studies at the Antonio S. Paoli Free Specialized School of Music in Caguas, Puerto Rico.

Also Read: Charlie Haden was an extraordinary double bassist and composer who was a key figure in the history of modern jazz

Latin America / July 2025

Adrián Joel Rodríguez Rivera is a musician with extensive experience as a Bassist

The Night Hector Lavoe, “The Singer of Singers,” Refused to Please Pablo EscobarAn Argentinian with a taste of Cuba Carlos Argentino, the King of PachagaAlain Pérez Triumphs in Puerto Rico with a Confident StrideCalibrated maracas

DIRECTORY OF NIGHTCLUBS

Argentina flag
ARGENTINA

Aruba circular flag
ARUBA

Belize circular flag
BELIZE

Bolivia circular flag
BOLIVIA

Brazil flag
BRAZIL

Chile circular flag
CHILE

Colombia
COLOMBIA

Costa Rica circular flag
COSTA RICA

Cuba circular flag
CUBA

Dominican Republic
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Ecuador circular flag
ECUADOR

Guatenala circular flag
GUATEMALA

Mexico Circular flag
MEXICO

Panama circular flag
PANAMA

Peru circular flag
PERU

Puerto Rico circular flag
PUERTO RICO

Venezuela circular flag
VENEZUELA

 

 

Tito Nieves’ concert “50 Años, La Historia” made it clear that ‘Salsa Lives

On Saturday, May 17, 2025, Tito Nieves celebrated half a century of a successful musical career at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico (El Choliseo) with a massive concert titled “50 Años, La Historia,” part of his “Mi Último Tour” (My Last Tour) tour.

Tito Nieves smiles in front of a packed coliseum
Tito Nieves smiles in front of a packed coliseum

Music started powerfully around 9:00 p.m. with “Señora Ley” (Lady Law), followed by “Mañana es Domingo” (Tomorrow is Sunday). This led into a medley of songs Tito popularized before going solo: “El Pregonero” (The Town Crier), “El Piragüero” (The Shaved Ice Vendor), and “Panadero” (Baker), all penned by Ramón Rodríguez. In this first segment, the honoree was joined by Rodríguez and Norberto Vélez, setting the theme for the show, where Nieves was accompanied by various guests.

Tito Nieves bid good evening shortly before asking the audience to record the concert, asserting it would be the first and last time he would perform solo at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico for a historic concert that the singer declared was “sold out.”

The soloist demonstrated the evolution of his career, moving to the next stage of his journey, which included the songs “Quiero Perderme Contigo” (I Want to Get Lost with You) and “El Amor Más Bonito” (The Most Beautiful Love). Before starting “Perdido en la Oscuridad” (Lost in the Darkness), Tito stated that during one of the most difficult stages of his life, he asked José José for permission to record it. “Un Tipo Común” (An Ordinary Guy) preceded Tito’s spoken interlude, during which he requested “a big round of applause for Ismael Miranda ‘the eternal handsome boy,’ who is with us tonight.”

For the next segment, Gilberto Santa Rosa and Gerardo Rivas joined Tito Nieves for the song “Soy” (I Am). Gilberto explained that he and Tito Nieves have been musical brothers for over forty years, shortly before saying, “Tito and I are family,” a phrase that led into the performance of “La Familia” (The Family).

The next stage featured a medley of hits including “Sueño” (Dream) and “Lo Que Son Las Cosas” (What Things Are Like). From this same solo period, “Manías” (Obsessions) and “No Me Queda Más” (I Have Nothing Left) stood out. Tito Nieves’ voice was recorded on several of the few salsa lyrics in English. For the concert, Tito brought to life “I’ll Always Love You,” “Celebration,” and “I Like It Like That,” with which he later bid farewell.

Tito paused during the concert to dedicate the song “Gracias Madrecita” (Thanks, Little Mother) to his late mother, Victoria Nieves.

The next guest, Rey Ruiz, “the salsa heartthrob,” performed “Almohada” (Pillow) with Tito, then sang “Mi Media Mitad” (My Other Half) to a bolero rhythm before transitioning to the same song in its usual salsa tempo, which is how it became popular. The turn of also invited Carlos García brought him to the stage to sing “No Me Vuelvo a Enamorar” (I Won’t Fall in Love Again) as a duet with Tito.

Shortly after, Tito Nieves continued singing his most notable hits, including “Déjame Vivir” (Let Me Live) and “Tuyo” (Yours). When it was José Alberto “El Canario”‘s turn, he sang “Le Gusta Que La Vean” (She Likes to Be Seen) with Tito Nieves and “Baila Que Baila” (Dance, Dance) solo. For this particular performance, dancers and choreographers Flavia Tamara Livolsi and Tito Ortos Gutiérrez were in charge of the dance that connected with the guest’s music, who also performed his characteristic “flute” solo, without a flute.

The super orchestra accompanying El Pavarotti de la Salsa
The super orchestra accompanying El Pavarotti de la Salsa

For the song “Fabricando Fantasías” (Manufacturing Fantasies), Tito Nieves took the stage accompanied by 9 child choristers; both the singer and the choristers were dressed in white. Tito sang alongside a hologram of his deceased son, whose passing preceded the song’s release; for the concert, this led into “Un Amor Así” (A Love Like That) and “Soy Cantante” (I Am a Singer).

Continuing with the idea of being accompanied by his guests, Tito Nieves welcomed Tony Vega to the stage to perform their duet and give voice to “Tú Por Aquí, Yo Por Allá” (You Here, Me There), shortly before Tony performed “Aparentemente” (Apparently). Once Tony’s participation concluded, Tito returned to the stage dressed in blue to perform “Te Amo” (I Love You) and “Más Que Tu Amigo” (More Than Your Friend).

Tito Nieves y Daniela Darcourt
Tito Nieves y Daniela Darcourt

Immediately after, Tito Nieves commented: “In salsa, we’ve had Celia, La Lupe, Graciela, India…”, as he welcomed one of the new salsa promises: Daniela Darcourt. With her, he sang “Si Tú Te Atreves” (If You Dare) shortly before suggesting his “musical daughter” perform the soloist’s new single, titled “La Sinvergüenza” (The Shameless Woman).

The concert’s peak was reached during the performance of “De Mí Enamórate” (Fall in Love with Me) and “Sonámbulo” (Sleepwalker), songs with which the artist demonstrated that the voice that earned him the title of “The Pavarotti of Salsa” remains intact.

Next, Tito and his wife—Janette Figueroa, the self-proclaimed “toxic one”—showcased their influencer skills, leading into a theatrical interlude of their interaction with the public during the COVID-19 lockdown: “Conversa con Tito” (Talk with Tito). For this, the couple was accompanied by the new talents Daniela Darcourt and Christian Alicea. Once the micro-theater segment concluded, the production celebrated the sold-out status by presenting a plaque indicating the exclusive status, after congratulatory greetings to Nieves from Víctor Manuelle, Rubén Blades, and Marco Antonio Solís were projected.

It was at this moment of various congratulations that it was demonstrated that ‘Salsa Lives’in the key of fierce salsa. For this, Christian Alicea joined Tito Nieves’ vocal and stage mastery, contributing with his voice and an energetic conga solo.

At 12:40 a.m. on May 18, the concert hosted by “The Pavarotti of Salsa,” accompanied by his super orchestra, concluded with the same power it began, though in English and to the beat of “I Like It Like That.” For the closing, the dance corps, made up of Tito Ortos, Tamara Livolsi, Christina Reyes, and Yadiel Carrasco, complemented the interpretive energy with which Humberto “Tito” Nieves once again demonstrated the connection he has maintained with the salsa audience, regardless of the language he sings in.

Bella Martinez Puerto Rico

Photographs By: Francisco J. Rivera Rosado Photographs

Also Read: Oscar Rojas Oscar Rojas has 54 years of musical career full of passion, rhythm and flavor

Steps Dance Studio Inc.

North America / Canada /  Toronto

Steps Dance Studio

Steps offers a complete curriculum of Salsa, Bachata, Hustle and Latin Dance for all skill levels. Working from a comprehensive dance syllabus designed by Jennifer Aucoin and refined by 20 years of Salsa teaching experience, their professionally trained instructors are patient, dedicated and passionate about their craft. Want you to leave your class and the dancefloor feeling great. The program is designed to allow students to begin anytime! Start any week, even absolute beginners. And come as often as your schedule allows. Steps Dance Studio has classes every night and on weekends, and most levels are offered twice a week or more.

Dancers teachers - Steps Dance Studio Inc.
Dancers teachers – Steps Dance Studio Inc.

Located just a few minutes walk from Bloor & Wellesley subway stations. 819 Yonge St. 3rd floor. Toronto, ON M4W 2G9 SE corner of Yonge St. & Davenport, north of Bloor St.

Meet Jennifer Aucoin, Founder, Executive Director and Instructor.

A full-time salsa instructor, choreographer and event organizer. She is co-artistic director for Steps Dance Company & co-founder of the Women’s Salsa Retreat. As a trained adjudicator, Jennifer has judged competitions in Puerto Rico, Ecuador, New York, Las Vegas, Orlando, Miami, Detroit, Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto. She has also represented Canada on the judging panel for the World Salsa Championships televised on ESPN.

Jennifer Aucoin
Jennifer Aucoin

She is on the judging panel for the prestigious Global Salsa Championships at the World Salsa Summit. Jennifer was also the first instructor in Canada to be certified to teach Latin Hustle by the IHDA. Jennifer is the founder and organizer of the annual Canada Salsa & Bachata Congress, an international salsa festival that takes place in Toronto every October.

This 4-day extravaganza, now in its thirteenth year, is the largest salsa event in Canada and features nightly performances by over 60 dance companies from all over the world and daily salsa workshops given by worldrenowned instructors. The Canadian Salsa Championships, part of the Canada Salsa & Bachata Congress weekend, is the largest and most widely recognized Salsa & Bachata competition in Canada.

Classes offered in Steps Dance Studio

Salsa

  • Salsa Level 1: No previous dance (or salsa) experience required. Start this class at any time. Each class starts with an explanation and review of the basic Salsa step and the timing and rhythm of Salsa music, followed by a new beginner level turn.
  • Salsa Level 2: Geared to those who are comfortable with the basic Salsa step, basic right and left turns and Cross Body Lead. Build on Level 1 material and learn new turns and combinations, add footwork (i.e. Salsa shines) and reinforce your timing and partnering skills. Learn proper posture, frame, weight transfer and connection.
  • Salsa Level 3: Cross body lead patterns, traveling turns, back breaks, checks and different hand hold variations will be linked into fun turn pattern combinations. Start developing a flow of motion between the moves that will make you feel good and look good on the dancefloor.
  • Salsa Level 4: This course will focus on high intermediate level turns and turn pattern combinations, how to maintain balance and connection with your partner while incorporating directional changes & intricate moves, improving musicality, how to remember shines and turn patterns and use them in different combinations, tips on how to be a better leader and follower, adding styling to your dancing – in short, how to be a more complete dancer!
  • Salsa Level 5: This course focuses on taking your dancing to the next level. Advanced level turn patterns, technique and skill development. Execute double spins, multiple turns and variations, intricate choreography, advanced level syncopations and sexy styling. Adapt and combine your moves to suit the level of your partner.

Bachata

  • Bachata Level 1: Bachata is a seductive and flirtatious dance that originated in the Dominican Republic and is played in all Salsa nightclubs. Learn the basic Bachata footwork and how to lead and follow some fun and simple Bachata turns and turn pattern combinations.
  • Bachata Level 2: Learn new turns and turn pattern combinations while focusing on the correct connection, tension and movement of Bachata dancing. Learn body isolation exercises and drills to help make this dance look smooth and sexy.
  • Bachata Level 3: Learn more intricate and complex Bachata turn pattern combinations. Learn how to execute syncopated Dominican style footwork. Learn body isolation exercises and drills to help you to incorporate the sensuous Bachata body movement needed to make this dance look effortless.
  • Bachata Level 4: Learn more intricate and sexy Bachata turn patterns. Add syncopated Dominican style footwork into your partner dancing. Learn how to incorporate the sensuous Bachata body movement needed to make this dance look effortless. Refine your leading & following technique in order to build a connection with each dance partner. And much more… For more information about schedules, classes, lessons, workshops and contacts, visit
Flyer Hustle Foundations
Flyer Hustle Foundations

https://www.stepsdance studio.com/

Latin America / June 2025

Oscar D'León's La Crítica was founded in Caracas in 1978

Los Surik group that was created in Victoria Las Tunas CubaIsadora Duncan the creator of Contemporary BalletBeatriz Márquez Castro, an exponent of romantic songs, "Feeling" and BoleroTito Nieves' concert “50 years, history”.Calibrated maracas

DIRECTORY OF NIGHTCLUBS

Argentina flag
ARGENTINA

Aruba circular flag
ARUBA

Belize circular flag
BELIZE

Bolivia circular flag
BOLIVIA

Brazil flag
BRAZIL

Chile circular flag
CHILE

Colombia
COLOMBIA

Costa Rica circular flag
COSTA RICA

Cuba circular flag
CUBA

Dominican Republic
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Ecuador circular flag
ECUADOR

Guatenala circular flag
GUATEMALA

Mexico Circular flag
MEXICO

Panama circular flag
PANAMA

Peru circular flag
PERU

Puerto Rico circular flag
PUERTO RICO

Venezuela circular flag
VENEZUELA

 

 

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International Salsa Magazine (ISM) is a monthly publication about Salsa activities around the world, that has been publishing since 2007. It is a world network of volunteers coordinated by ISM Magazine. We are working to strengthen all the events by working together.