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Johnny Vega Musical legend Composer and Vocalist

Born in Santurce, Puerto Rico, veteran songwriter, and singer Johnny Vega grew up surrounded by music and relatives with the same natural talent he discovered in himself at an early age.

It wasn’t long before his obvious gift of writing accompanied by strong vocals was in demand.

Many salsa greats highlighted Johnny Vega, as a songwriter and vocalist at an early age New York was the vanguard of his success.

Relocating as a teenager, with his family, he mastered his craft in both Spanish and English being one of the first Puerto Rican musicians to compose and sing a bilingual hit, singing with Cortijo for the legendary band “Cortijo y su Combo” in the early 70s.

His musical career as described here gave him the notoriety that follows today, currently involved in multiple projects, Johnny continues to write and often performs at sold-out venues in his hometown.

It wasn't long before his obvious gift of writing accompanied by strong vocals was in demand. Many great salseros highlighted Johnny Vega, as a songwriter and vocalist at an early age New York was the vanguard of his success.
Johnny Vega veteran Puerto Rican singer and songwriter Born in Santurce, Puerto Rico

Johnny Vega has participated with a myriad of orchestras to name a few:

Trio Las 3 Voces

Jóvenes Del Ritmo

Gil Suarez Y Su Orquesta Latin Highs

Sonora Casino

Cortijo Y Su Combo

Kako And His Trabuco

Conjunto Los Imposibles

Orquesta Sabor

Conjunto Antonetti

Orquesta La Muralla

Conjunto La Villa Arecibo

Paquito Guzman Y Su Orquesta

Conjunto Santurce

Los 7 Gatos

Renovación 90

Hermanos Gonzalez (Help Yourselves 2015)

Noel Quintana & Latin Crew Popeye Y La Flaca 2016

Soloist Tribute To Celia

From this era of inspiration, Johnny gives the master Tommy Olivencia the song "Pancuco", especially for Frankie Ruiz.
Johnny Vega has participated with countless orchestras.

Some of his compositions:

Popeye – Ay Caray – Adalberto Santiago

Pancuco – Frankie Ruiz

Tú y tu novela – Pasado, presenté y futuro – Mike Cora

Avísale – Clown – incredulous – La Muralla

I’m dying inside – Rafi Marrero

Volver- Tito Rodriguez Jr. Singing Gilberto Santa Rosa

My Salsa is my Cura- Josean Rivera

Hermano Cortijo- Josean Rivera

Sueño de un Borincano- Willie Morales “El Piloto de la Salsa”.

Que le Pasa al Cielo- Chevy El Pitirre de la Salsa

Aquí Mando Yo- Chevy El Pitirre de la Salsa

From that moment on Johnny began to write and share his compositions with local bands so that they could establish their own musical identity.

From that era of inspiration, Johnny gave the maestro Tommy Olivencia the song “Pancuco”, especially for Frankie Ruiz.

Also “Ay Caray” & “Popeye el Marino” for Adalberto Santiago. Many of the musicians who grew up under the supervision of maestro Johnny Vega initially, went on to form part of the orchestras of Celia Cruz, Sonora Ponceña, Héctor Lavoe and many other high caliber bands.

In Rochester, Johnny sang with Orquesta Sabor, Antonetti, and Mike Rosario’s Muralla with whom he formed a solid partnership which included great productions, one of them being “Avísale” a collector’s item for which royalties are still being paid three decades later.

Songs by Johnny Vega-

Father and Son

Compañera Mía

Tribute To Celia

Listen To My Message

Born To Sing

Johnny Vega lives in Rochester NY with his wife of 56 years, 5 children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He continues to leave his great musical legacy.

Contact:

Facebook: Johnny Vega

https://www.facebook.com/johnny.vega.7503

Instagram: @vjohnny220

https://instagram.com/vjohnny220?utm_medium=copy_link

If you require Vega’s pen write to email.

[email protected]

Por: Erika Muñoz 

La Mulata Rumbera

Erika Muñoz 

“Se Armó la Rumba en México”

Corresponsal de International Salsa Magazine

Article of Interest: Willie Morales The Salsa Pilot Taking off with force… New, Tasty and Danceable Salsa!

 

What has happened with salsa in New York City recently

The ultimely passing of El Judio Maravilloso

Here you can see Larry Harlow
Larry Harlow

On August 20 this year, salsa fans around the world received of the devastating news about the death of Larry Harlow Kahn, who was one of the most transcendental figures of the Fania All-Stars at the time and Latin music in general. There have been many artists, writers and the general public have expressed their profound regret at the departure of pianist, leaving an unforgettable legacy and a profound mark in the minds of all those who admired him throughout his career. 

According to what writer specialized in music Aurora Flores said, Harlow, also known as “El Judio Maravilloso”, marked a unique style with great ease and innovation while staying attached to his traditions. From the hand of Johnny Pacheco and Jerry Masucci, this musician became a talented producer and creator for much of the work done by orchestra La Fania, resulting an approximate of 270 recordings for other artists and a good number of hits that continue to be heard today. 

This extremely talented pianist broke down all sorts of cultural barriers during his lifetime thanks to his great talent. He reached corners he has never dreamed of and will always be remembered for his great artistic endeavors. 

Ricky Gonzalez and Angel Fernandez make donations to support the Salsa Museum 

Johnny Cruz with two musicians
Angel Fernández, Johnny Cruz, and Ricky González

In recent days, it became known that both Ricky Gonzalez and Angel Fernandez have met with the director of the Spanish Harlem Salsa Gallery Museum, Johnny Cruz, to bring him with some highly valuable objects. Gonzalez is Marc Anthony‘s pianist and Fernandez is the musical director of his orchestra, so both musicians have much to contribute to the historic museum presided by Cruz. 

In the particular case of González, he plans to offer some jackets that were worn by the famous Puerto Rican singer, while Fernández will offer a trumpet played at one of the many concerts offered by the boricua and his team. Together with the already mentioned objects, both artists pledged to collaborate in every way necessary to continue donating valuable acquisitions to the cultural institution.  On the official Facebook account of Johnny Cruz, the president of the museum can be seen in the company of both musicians and some thanks from his part to both of them for supporting the Spaha Salsa Gallery, as this place is also known.  

Migdalia Sánchez joins the Salsa Museum 

Logo of Latino 99 FM
Logo of the station Latino 99 FM

It has been announced that Migdalia Sanchez, the head of Latino 99 FM in Florida, has agreed to join the Salsa Museum with Johnny Cruz. This means that the aforementioned station will start broadcasting the programme hosted by Johnny Cruz at the same time so that all its listeners can enjoy it without a single problem.  

Salsa returns to New York 

Following the restrictions imposed by the local authorities due to the advance of COVID-19, many clubs and nightclubs have decided to open their doors again, but meeting each and every one of the health requirements for these places can be considered safe for the clientele. 

Every day there are more well-known names that join the list of places that are working almost normally after all this time. Here we mention some of the places that have reopened their doors:  

  • La Marqueta  
  • S.O.B’s  
  • González y González  
  • El Sanjuan  
  • Taino Towers Crystal Ballroom 

ISM: Carine and Rafael, 8th World Salsa Champions

Meet the dance representatives of Brazil:

Carine and Rafael, 8th World Salsa Champions

Brazil, the country known for its tropics and its excellence in dancing Samba worldwide, especially dancing in popular festivals and its carnival every year, but that’s not all, at the level of salsa rhythm we have 2 important representatives that we were able to interview in This month, which are: Carine Morais and Rafael Barros, are great salsa dancers who represented their country in a great variety of dance competitions, where they became the Salsa champions 8 times in a row, these competitions are the that they conquered:

  1. World Salsa Open Brasil (2009/2010)
  2. Rey Castro Salsa Competition (2010/2011)
  3. World Salsa Open / Puerto Rico (2010, 2012, 2013)
  4. Six Degrees / Toronto (2012)
  5. World Latin Dance Cup / USA (2013, 2014, 2016)
  6. World Salsa Championship / USA (2016)

Each of them has its story, where we will start with:

Rafael Barros:

Photo by Rafael Barros
Photo – Rafael Barros

Who was born in Fortaleza, Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil; He tells us that he liked dancing from a very young age and practiced thanks to family festivals and from the age of 14 he decided to enter a dance school to improve himself and have more contact with this art, resulting in Forró already teaching at 18 , Samba, Bolero and other rhythms. His first contact with salsa took place in 2004 through a study group: the Salseira Rebellion.

Starting in 2005, she made her first trip to the São Paulo capital with the group she was part of to study and perform in one of the most important dance congresses in the country at that time: the Latin Culture Week. Two years later, he moved to São Paulo to join Cia. Phoenix and, at age 21, was third at the Salsa Open Brasil.

Carine Morais:

Photo by Carine Morais
Carine Morais – Photo

She was also born in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil, dance was part of her life since she was a child since she enjoyed it as if it were a game, at the age of 13 she began her ballroom dance studies and a year later already She was teaching as a teacher, and in 2003 she traveled with a dance group to Spain where she participated in two seasons of a Brazilian music show.However, her first direct contact with Salsa took place in a study group in Ceará and had a Paulo Burracha as his first partner; As time passed, he acquired quality, ingenuity and dedication which began to attract attention and from 2006 Carine traveled to Rio de Janeiro by invitation to improve her samba de gafieira and funkeado, but she always continued studying and training in salsa and in 2007 she won with his partner Paulo Burracha the Brazilian stage of the Salsa Open.

In September 2008, she began her victorious partnership with Rafael Barros and together they won 8 world titles, in addition to becoming one of the greatest references in world dance, Carine Morais, along with her new partner Rafael Barros, who have already traveled to more than 35 countries with the aim of teaching and acting. Not to mention the various invitations to be a judge at the main world dance championships and the various participations in television programs.

Carine Morais hanging out with Rafael Barros
On stage Carine Morais going around with Rafael Barros

For almost 12 years of collaboration between Rafael and Carine, they emphasize that it is not only about perfecting the technique and musicality in dance but also its harmony. And they did not remain in being professional dancers, but they are also professors and choreographers in demand in various congresses nationally and internationally, reaching more than 300 participations in congresses distributed in more than 35 countries, among them are: Argentina, Italy, Guatemala, Uruguay , Chile, Australia, Portugal, Venezuela, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Suriname, Puerto Rico, Canada, Turkey, India, Panama, Bolivia, Costa Rica, China, Canary Islands, Thailand, Spain, Lebanon, Ecuador, Bulgaria, Austria, Singapore, the United States, Germany, France, Greece and Switzerland; And these not only stay there, it is worth mentioning that they have had numerous participations in television programs, both entertainment and journalistic, in Brazilian and international stations, among them: TV Globo Fantástico, Encontro com Fátima Bernardes, Globo Esporte, Programa do Jô , Rede Record, among other outstanding appearances.

Carine and Rafael 8th championships
Flyer of Carine and Rafael 8th championships

For almost five years they maintained the Carine & Rafael Dance School unit in São Paulo, Brazil, which ended its activities in 2020 due to the Covid 19 pandemic, but since April 2021 they began to give online and face-to-face classes in compliance with the measures of security. They comment that for seven years they have been organizers of the largest Brazilian championship and ballroom dance project: the Brasil Latin Open, which you can have more information through on their Facebook and Instagram page through @brasillatinopen.

Thanks to this great feat that this dance couple did, they have placed Brazil at the center of the World Salsa, making Brazil a very important country regarding ballroom dancing.

If you want to contact these great artists, you can do so through:

  • WebSite: https://www.carineyrafael.com
  • Facebook e Instagram: @carineyrafael
  • Twitter: @Carineerafael
  • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDUg6yjWAfxzar7v5zWnlcA?view_as=subscriber

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4 Salsa Books You Can Read In One Week

Spanish Author Saúl Delhom Immerses Us Into The World Of Salsa In Four Simple Illustrated Texts

Ficcionario Salsero and El Antimanual de la Salsa by Saúl Delhom
El Antimanual Para Bailar Salsa. Episodio I: El Social was published in November 2019 and contains 73 pages

The computer engineer, illustrator and dancer, Saúl Delhom, recreates the culture of Salsa in an exclusive selection of four short books that are easy to understand, a substantial exploration of the representatives of the genre, and an enjoyable reading that you can finish in a week.

The author of these different texts tells us quickly and with the characteristic Spanish humor about the skills, efforts, adaptability, and approach of Afro-Caribbean music.

With these books aimed at Salsa fans, you will get motivation, reflection, knowledge of history, tips, and advice on social dance based on real stories that will not allow you to get left behind in this competitive and fascinating world of Latin dance.

The four books on Salsa by Valencia-born Saúl Delhom will make you learn the most relevant data of the Salsa industry in a fast and exceptional way.

En Clave

En clave is one of the books by the Valencia dancer with which he makes a chronological journey of Salsa through the lives of 77 women artists around the world. For this reason, you will find singers, instrumentalists, composers, and directors of the genre from Croatia, Denmark, Spain, France, the United Kingdom, Japan, Puerto Rico, the United States, Cuba, and Venezuela, just to mention a few countries.

En Clave is structured by a timeline dating from 1877 to 1995, separated by decades. So in the first instance, you will read the biography of an artist who is probably the source of inspiration for another. Then, you will come across a connection diagram as visual support and contribution of extra information that will provide you with emotional ties, teachers, professionals, and collaborations between members of the industry.

Likewise, you will find at the end of each biography the title of a song along with a printed code that you can scan through your smartphone that will link you directly to the Spotify digital platform to listen to it.

And finally, you will observe a second timeline with the exhibition as a frame of reference for contemporary male singers and groups and the exact date of the incursion and musical performance of the artist reviewed for that moment.

“In short, for this book, I have opted for that general vision of the term Salsa… This has also allowed me to include interpreters of traditional Cuban music, to travel back in time making prominent women visible, and to the future including generations of artists who merge, and they reinterpret. For that reason, you will find exponents of the Trova, Danzón, Danzonete, the Cuban point, Guajira, or Latin Jazz. ” Excerpt from the En Clave book.

Remember that you need to read this book because…

“More Salsas are known with female names than female names in the Salsa”. Saúl Delhom

El Antimanual Para Bailar Salsa: Episode I. The social

El antimanual para bailar Salsa is an ironic and humorous illustrated guide on how to successfully overcome a social dance of this Latin rhyme on a dance floor.

In this first book by Saúl, you will find answers to common questions of beginning dancers, such as: Should the girl be dragged to the floor? Is it better to dance only with your partner? Is doing many figures the best to stand out? Do I have to know all the songs of memory to be a real Salsero? Is criticizing other couples a national sport? Who moves my drink from here?

Delhom tells us that his intention in creating this project was initially purely personal and without any commercial intention, but due to its success and the liking of the experience acquired, he decided to write an extension of this book with a few extra chapters and face a second different book.

 Ficcionario Salsero. 50 New Words Explained For Normal People

The Ficcionario Salsero is a dictionary of 50 words invented by the author.

These simple words with minimal modifications in the union of two of them or the exchange of one or two letters make the meaning vary entirely, creating a new terminology in salsa slang.

To do this, Saúl Delhom developed an advanced algorithm that allowed him to generate each new term, which in the writer’s words, that should already exist today.

In addition, in the last pages of the Ficcionario, you will find a story about the events that take place in a Salsa Congress and in which these new words are used as an example and that make you actively get involved in this fascinating world.

It should be noted that the style and method applied to the illustrations here are different from those applied previously.

 Trivial Salsero

Finally, there is the Trivial Salsero, a Salsa cultural enrichment book. Its base consists of 360 questions that join a playlist of 160 songs.

In the questions related to a hit, for example: According to a song from El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, what city do you recommend living in summer to have fun with charm and beauty? You will have the information about the correct answer and bring you the exact time within the song through a mark on the digital link to listen to it on Spotify.

Trivial Salsero also includes a system to choose pages randomly without the need for dice or cards.

And is that if you consider yourself a real Salsero you should already know the answers to any of these questions that appear in this book and that I leave you here below as a preamble to what you will find in its internal pages:

  1. With what instrument is the artist Noro Morales associated?
  2. What discipline did Celia Cruz leave to dedicate herself to music?
  3. What nickname has the artist Charlie Palmieri received?
  4. What is the meaning of the word Segundo of the artist Compay Segundo?

“I’ll tell you a little personal anecdote… The first time I tried a Salsa class was in a pub called Cachao. At that time, I had no idea who was the legendary double bass player Israel López “Cachao”. I believed that it was an invented word or the name of some island. Years later, I not only know his story thanks to dancing and the controversial term Salsa, but I have ended up writing a book in which appears his sister Coralia López, much less known”. Saúl Delhom

Saúl Delhom dancing
Saul Delhom

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Enjoy Salsa In The New Zealand Winter

With Hanmer Salsa Winter Fest 2021

The longest and continuous annual event of Afro-Caribbean music in New Zealand since 1995 brings this year dancers from all over the country for you to enjoy moving to the rhythm of Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Cha-Cha, Kizomba, and Zouk in the snow. Join this festival even if you are a dance professional or a beginner, you will always have something that suits you.

Hanmer Salsa Winter Fest 2021 is an event for the whole family!

Couple dancing at Hanmer Salsa Winter Fest 2021
Latin Party Ticket (Online): $30 or $40 at the door

According to the authorities, New Zealand continues in the Level 2 category concerning the Covid-19 pandemic, which means that dancing as a couple is allowed as part of active recreation and is classified as a sport.

At alert level 2, the contact is possible:

  • Keeping track of peers
  • Constant hygiene of hands and surfaces
  • Using the masks (Optional)
  • Also, you can dance with only one partner if you choose not to be part of the rotation. (Swapping pairs in classes)

This year Hanmer Salsa Winter Fest presents ten Workshops:

Greydis (Cuba) dancing in the hanmer Salsa
Instructor for Salsa workshops: Greydis (Cuba)

Afro-Cuban – Palo: Recommended for all those who want to learn the Afro-Cuban roots. It is open to all levels. (Palo Monte belongs to the West African region of the Congo and is part of the Bantú religion).

Cuban Salsa Casino Partnerwork & Rueda Intro: The Cuban style will be worked in pairs and Rueda. In the Rueda style, a man (leader) turns instructions, and everyone executes the specific movements while exchanging pairs. Level: Intermediate. Duration: 60 minutes.

Afro Cuban – Oggun: This workshop will be held on Saturday at 10 AM, and that is ideal to continue learning about Afro-Cuban roots. Dancers of any level can access it. (Oggun: is a god of the Yoruba religion).

The Cuban Salsa Shines: It is recommended for dancers of intermediate and advanced levels. Here you will improve your footwork in the Cuban style.

Cuban Salsa Casino Partnerwork & Rueda: Workshop dedicated to improving your dance technique as a couple and in Rueda. If you have not practiced it for years, I recommend doing the  Cuban SalsaCasino Partnerwork & Rueda Intro workshop first.

In addition to these five Salsa workshops, you can also learn to dance Kizomba and Bachata. The Bachata workshops include partner work and mergers with Sensual Bachata, while the kizomba workshops will be focused on improving transitions.

​​Maybe You Would Like To Read: 7 Signs That You Should Attend A Festival

On Friday night, the Salsa parties and other Latin rhythms begin on a large dance floor and with an incredible sound system. The DJs in charge will be DJ Reuben and DJ Dave. Time: 9 PM – 12 AM. During this party, at approximately 10:30 PM, the dance animation will enter. A fun solo dance style like Zumba. Get ready to have fun and meet new friends here.

Information to access the Hanmer Salsa Winter Fest

For the first day, you must arrive 5 to 15 minutes earlier than the stipulated time to obtain the bracelet that will guarantee your priority entry to any of the workshops.

If you are one of those with a single entry, don’t worry, you can access the class if any member of the full access entries is not on time. Payment will be made on the same day of the workshop.

There is no set limit for people to enter for the late-night Latin parties. The passes will be available online until a week before the event.

Date: Friday, August 27th – Saturday, August 28th

Address: Hanmer Memorial Hall. 1 Jollies Pass Rd, Hanmer Springs. New Zealand

These Data May Interest You:

Thermal pool with snow around
In Hanmer Spring, you can enjoy the snow while relaxing in the thermal pools
  1. Hanmer Springs is a small town in the Canterbury region of the South Island of New Zealand. Winter in this country runs from June to August.
  2. At this premier alpine spa destination in New Zealand, you will find a complex of Thermal Pools, as well as new pools, and incredible attractions.
  3. Taking a bus or driving is recommended if you want to save a little. It is an average trip of 1.5 to 2 hours.
  4. Hanmer Springs Village is located a 90-minute drive from Christchurch International Airport. If you want to take the tour, you will travel through the hills of the wine country, the rugged coastal route, and the picturesque mountain pass, if you come from the west coast.

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