Search Results for: Salsa Fest

Ángel “Cucco” Peña and a great legacy

Cucco Peña has donated his emblematic tuxedo to the Spanish Harlem Salsa Gallery Museum

By Johnny Cruz

News from NY City

Who is Cucco Peña

The emblematic tuxedo — Ángel “Cucco” Peña

On September 1, 1948, Angel ‘Cucco’ Peña was born, someone who from elementary school showed his interest in music and as the years passed, showed that there were little flashes of that brilliant talent he had. His talent and passion were aligned, so he always spent his life surrounded by music. Today he could be considered an icon of Latin music thanks to his achievements as an artist and thanks to everything he offered to the industry; he has managed to trace a career full of successes, one that today continues to inspire many people.

Peña’s talent led him to interact in many music-related activities, not only did he graduate from the Puerto Rico Music Conservatory, but also, after graduation, he joined the Pan-American Orchestra, starting with what would be a career full of reached goals. In the orchestra, he would familiarize himself with many different styles that would help him as a musician, since in the orchestra he played a wide variety of music, from bolero, blues and jazz, to pop and even rock.

Cucco Peña’s path

Cucco Peña is a great artist

Cucco left the band and began to trace his own path with everything he learned, he didn’t just become a music director, but a producer, composer, and arranger for many internationally famous artists such as: Ricky Martin, Chayanne, Ricardo Arjona, Olga Tañon, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Luis Fonsi, Franco de Vita and many other artists; despite each artist’s very different styles, Peña’s talent has allowed him to understand perfectly what all of them needed. In his own words, “it is important to see that music has three perspectives: the artist perspective, the company’s perspective, and my own.” Finding a perfect harmony between these three perspectives, Peña has participated in the creation of great themes.

Achievements

The North American has not only managed to collaborate with a large number of renowned artists, but has also achieved a lot of recognition for his work, he is a two times Grammy winner, the first is the Grammy for the best tropical album contra la corriente, Marc Anthony’s album (1999), the second is Latin Grammy for best musical production, this thanks to Olga Tañón’s album, Yo por ti. Grammy is not the only award he has won, he also received a total of 60 Cuspide awards and 40 Addy awards, plus 20 awards from the New York Theater Festival and an “Agüeybaná de Oro” for Director of the Year.

The awards are not everything, he has been both the director and the composer of the Central American games’ opening and closing ceremonies, and the composer of two movie soundtracks (“La Gran Fiesta” and “Nicolás y Los Demás”); Plus, he has produced more than 100 compositions, not to mention that he also worked as a producer for important figures in the industry, such as Lunna, Jerry Rivera, Chayanne, and many others.

Without a doubt, Ángel “Cucco” Peña is a very important figure for the industry, and after a long career dedicated to music, he has shown that his talent is worthy of being recognized.

The invitation to tune in to the new Fm / Internet radio station on Live365.com: Salsagallery continues. Great music, artist interviews and much more.

At the Spanish Harlem Salsa Gallery Museum we are happy to affirm that New York City is preparing to resume its activities little by little. We hope to have more news soon and that we can return to normal soon.

The Museum is open free to the public. We wait for you!

“El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico” in a virtual concert

The musical group will give a concert for their country, Puerto Rico.

It is no secret that 2020 has been one of the hardest years in recent times, with a pandemic that caused a health emergency and economically destabilized many countries, it is normal that most population is negatively affected as a result, and of course, artists have also been affected; many concerts and festivals have been canceled due to the delicate situation, which led artists and organizations within the music industry to “improvise”.

On this occasion, this virtual concert will be presented by the Econo supermarket, on December 26 at 8:00 pm, and will be broadcast on both the supermarket’s Facebook site and on their YouTube channel; It is important to mention that not only El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico will be presented, but the concert will also have the participation of Fiel a la Vega.

The concert is prepared to celebrate the supermarket 50 years of history, and more than a celebration, it is also a gift of gratitude to the people of the region, that is why the event is called “Agradecimiento a Puerto Rico” (thanks to Puerto Rico); Furthermore, the president of Econo, Eduardo Marxuach, said that “The concert is our way of thanking all the public for the treatment, preference and all the support that we have had in Econo Supermarkets throughout these 50 years of history” Marxuach also mentioned how complicated the year has been but from an optimistic point of view. “Even though we have had a difficult year, we want to close it up with a musical celebration, which is the soul of all of us.”

As for the duration of the concert, it is estimated to be two hours of music, the place chosen for the recording is the Coca-Cola Music Hall, so the sound quality is quite guaranteed. Everything has been planned so that the audience can enjoy a great virtual concert, despite the fact that surely most of the people are not yet familiar with this type of show.

El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico — The musical group will give a concert for their country, Puerto Rico.

Virtual concerts during 2020

The unfortunate pandemic caused people to spend much more time than usual in their homes, but is everything absolutely negative? All negative things always have a positive aspect too, and in this case, the fact that people have more time to spend in front of a mobile or a computer, has brought some possibilities that artists had not considered before, and one of those possibilities is virtual concerts. These types of events can help the artists to promote themselves or to connect with their followers; plus, the concert organized by the Econo supermarket has made it quite clear that even organizations that are not directly linked to the music industry, can also take advantage of the situation to present this type of events.

Proof of how well these particular types of concerts have worked out is that not only the most popular artists can carry them out, but organizations that are not huge multinationals can also take advantage of them.

Home

Latin rhytms preferred by Europeans to learn to dance

A brief introduction about Latin music

In the last several years, Latin music has become a real phenomenon throughout much of the world, especially in Europe. Currently, Latin rhythms are heard in almost every corner of the Old Continent, which has been really beneficial for the great men of these musical styles, who have started their artistic careers in major cities of Europe.

After becoming an overwhelming success for this music in Latin America and the US, it gradually expanded throughout many European countries, in which Spanish and family languages have a strong presence. In these countries, the Latino community has been growing steadily, which has made locals take an interest in its culture and traditions, including music. There are many Europeans who want to learn how to dance many Latin rhythms, but there are some that distinguish themselves from others.

Salsa

Europeans love Latin music — A drum for Latin music

Among the many Latin rhythms that many Europeans wanted to learn how to dance, salsa can never be lacking. This is because this world-renowned musical genre is very sociable and entertaining, which few Europeans were accustomed to see in ages past. Salsa is commonly danced in Los Angeles and very present at all kinds of parties and amateur competitions, especially in Continental Europe. In that part of the continent, it is quite common to find dance academies that teach this specific style.

There are many European nations that organize dance championships in which salsa occupies a very special place.

Bachata

Another genre preferred by Europeans in order to learn how to dance is bachata, which is from the Dominican Republic and characterized by very slow and sensual movements on the part of the members of the couple. After all the success achieved by bachata artists, this genre has become one of the rhythms with the largest presence in European music festivals.

There is no denying that a set of soloists and groups have offered an unimaginable contribution to the expansion of bachata throughout the world, such as Juan Luis Guerra, Romeo Santos, Prince Royce, among others.

Tango

Europeans dancing Latin music — A young couple dancing Latin music

If there is a genre that cannot be out of any list of options to learn how to dance, it is Argentine tango. One of the reasons why this elegant and distinguished dance has had this incredible success in Europe and elsewhere in the world has been the huge presence it has had in numerous Hollywood films and the great interest which ballroom dances have awakened in countries like England.

It is anticipated that its popularity will increase and have as much presence as salsa and bachata in dance events throughout the Old Continent. It is not long before it does.

Rumba

One of the most interesting details of a genre like rumba is that it has undergone a great number of changes in the mists of time. This is due to its Cuban origin and its many fusions with certain Spanish and African rhythms, so no wonder the sympathy that many Europeans have for this colorful musical genre.

The ones greatly responsible for the expansion of rumba in Europe have been the dance masters who have devoted much of their work to the promotion of this and other rhythms from Latin America.

Home

“GOD LOVE UFO” is the new from Homero Gallardo

We present you Homero Gallardo’s new single

“GOD LOVE UFO” is what the great Ecuadorian guitarist and music producer, Homero Gallardo brings us to close the year with style. This single is produced by PC Records and distributed by Sony Music Entertainment.

The president of PC Records Hamilton Caucayo has expressed that Gallardo is The New Santana 2020. Because they consider the single as a masterpiece, and the best that Homero has done, since he was in charge of the lyrics, the music, arrangement, and production. This way the guitarist puts his touch and guitar on the current music, focusing on his projects.

“Immensely grateful to God and the entire team involved in the project! Without you it would not have been possible. I love you all very much”, Homero posted on his Instagram profile.

Homero Gallardo GOD LOVE UFO — Homero Gallardo is now presenting “GOD LOVE UFO”

MAFFIO is the multi-award winning artist and producer that Homero currently works with, to whom he entrusts all his projects, and both know how to work as a team to present the best of their talents. But he is not the only artist with whom Gallardo has worked, this great guitarist who comes from Ecuador, has managed to collaborate in many ways with artists such as: Maluma, Kymani Marley (Bob Marley’s son), Luis Miguel, Zion & Lennox, Yandel, Jencarlos Canela, NACHO, Nicky Jam, Manuel Turizo and many others. Not to mention that he has shared the stage with Marc Anthony, Puff Daddy and Jason Derulo.

A little about Homero’s trajectory

Homero Gallardo was born in Ecuador specifically in Guayaquil, from the age of 9 he showed love for music focusing on the classical genre, but three years later he was found performing professionally at festivals and activities in his hometown. His recognition as an artist was immediate, winning several contests at his school.

At just 16 years old, he managed to perform with renowned artists such as the Colombian Fonseca and the Venezuelan Jeremías. Then he decided to move to Miami in the United States to continue his studies in music, obtaining a scholarship with the Jazz Ensemble, that way Homero was in contact with Miami music scene which made him surround himself with Latin artists, and appearing with them in television, among those artists we can name: Thalia, Luis Fonsi, Chino & Nacho, and others.

In 2014, he was nominated for a Latin Grammy as a guitarist. Not only has he collaborated with many artists on stage, but he has done so much more behind the scenes as a producer and composer, as evidenced by his participation in the production and recordings for artists such as Periko and Jessi León.

With “GOD LOVE UFO” Gallardo wants to remain firm in the music scene, managing to conquer more audience simply by playing the chords of a guitar, that manages to make more than one fall in love, that is why he won the title of the New Santana.

Home

Project Pentagram Agrupación Gaitera de Venezuela in the USA

At present, Pentagram has international recognition for being the group that has made more national tours in the USA

Agrupación “Gaitera” was born in 2008 in the city of Miami, participating in various events and festivals, in 2012, they began to produce themes for the Spectator, which were very accepted by the public.

In 2017, the group was established as a group since they began to accompany great artists of the genre, as Neguito Borjas, Ricardo Cepeda, Nelson Arrieta, Rafael “Pollo” Brito among others.

Agrupación "Gaitera" was born in 2008 in the city of Miami, participating in various events and festivals, in 2012 begin to produce themes for the Spectator, which were widely accepted by the public — Project Pentagram Agrupación Gaitera de Venezuela in the USA

At present, Pentagrama has international recognition for being the group that has made more national tours in the USA and international tours in Panama, Chile, Spain, Argentina, and Colombia.

Members

Robert Richards-Four and Soloist

Jesus “Chuchito” Ibarra-Solista

Fernando Mindeola-Solista

Avelino Romero-Solista

Luis “Chua” Urdaneta-Congas y Coros

José Rafael Querales-Bajo y Coros

Gilberto Ferrer-Teclados

Ronald Guerra-Pianos

Adelmo Gauna-Battery – Timbal

Alejandro Araujo (Timbal)

José “Pokemon” Ferrer-Tambora

Melvin W. Alvarez-Charrasca

Melvin Álvarez Sr. – Furro

Arnaldo Quintero (Contra Bass)

Daniel González (Drums)

At present, Pentagrama is internationally recognized for being the group that has made more national tours in the USA and international tours in Panama, Chile, Spain, Argentina and Colombia — Project Pentagrama Agrupación “Gaitera” born in 2008 in the city of Miami

The Gaita and its History

In the first forms of bagpipes, the chants of the Mass that the Catholic missionaries taught, the percussion of the drums, the characteristic guttural sound of the furro (a derivative of the Zambomba), the maracas and the charrasca were combined, and the cuatro, derived from the guitar, together with the Spanish chants, represented the Iberian contribution.

The performance of the natives contributed the definitive style to this new music.

The following is an extract that comments a little more on the origins of the Gaita:

The origins of the Zulian Gaita have not been established with precision, but it is assumed that it was born with the republican concerns of the people, perhaps in the first decades of the 19th century, as demonstrated by the patriotic Easter songs dedicated to Ana María Campos, the Altagratian patrician who was whipped by order of the fierce Morales when she refused to withdraw her lapidary phrase: “O capitula o monda”.

Traditionally, the Gaita has been linked to the devotion to Santa Lucía in the El Empedrado neighborhood, and in this sense it is recalled that when Father José Tomás Urdaneta was in charge of the parish, he took the noisy bagpipers out of the temple. It can be said that since then, the Gaita has lost the religious character that it had for many years in the cobblestone district, to become definitively an instrument of healthy Easter joy and the most effective means of criticism and protest of the humble people.

Our Gaita has always been characterized by the freshness of its music and the mental agility of its players.

The origin of the Gaita according to Rafael Molina Vilchez

“The Zulian Gaita, like many other manifestations of Latin American costumbrismo, is mestizo. It has a polyethnic genetic mosaic, but its root is Hispanic, although the Hispanic nature is preserved in very different progressions than the maracaibera bagpipe (also called the furro bagpipe), the song of the criollo citadinos, in which it survives with strength, in comparison with the tambora and perijanera bagpipes, in which the blackness leaves a more intense mark”.

This scholar of folklore points out that the gaita is Spanish, but that over time two divergent tendencies have emerged: The maracaibera Gaita and the black Gaita.

This opinion has generated controversy, but it is quite shared, since the term “gaita” has Galician-Portuguese roots: it comes from the Gothic word “gaits” which means “goat”, because the bellows of the Galician gaita are made from the leather of the goat. From Spain through the African Arab countries it reached Turkey, in whose language it is translated as “shepherd’s flute”, which would be in accordance with the drawing Agustín Pérez Piñango found with the Glorious San Sebastián Gaita, which dates from 1668, according to a document located in the old National College of Maracaibo, which brings the lyrics and music in Gregorian characters. It would be the oldest Gaita known.

However, other scholars, among them Juan de Dios Martinez, maintain that the Gaita began with the black slaves in the haciendas of the South of the Lake, as a protest and evoking their festivals in the African areas from which they came.

The Gaita and its History The first bagpipe forms combined the mass chants taught by the Catholic missionaries, the percussion of the drums, the characteristic guttural sound of the furro (a derivative of the Zambomba), the maracas and the charrasca. — Our gaita have always been characterized by the freshness of their music and the mental agility of their performers.

Home