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International Salsa Magazine Celebrates 2020 Latin Grammy Nominees

North America / United States

Latin Grammy Awards

The Latin Grammy Awards were created to honor Spanish-speaking artists. They are awarded by the Latin Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, created from the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, an American organization specializing in music and production in general. The Latin version was broadcast for the first time in 2000, through the CBS network.

The Academy was founded by Michael Greene and Mauricio Abaroa. The first Grammy ceremony was held in 1959. 41 years later the Latin version was inaugurated. They are not awarded by popularity but by the number of votes received by members of the academy.

The award for excellence in Latin recording achievements is a gramophone. Its base is red and the gramophone is gold. For its part, the statuette of “Awards for Musical Excellence” has a copper-colored gramophone. As you might imagine, its creation goes through a long process, it is composed of a zinc alloy and is plated in 24-karat gold.

Latin Grammy Nominees were announced recently — The Latin Grammy 2020 Edition will be soon

The ceremony is held annually in the United States, in the third week of November. The locations have varied through the years between Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Houston, Las Vegas for the last nine years and in 2020 is returning to Miami, at the American Airlines Arena.

The presenters have been a true parade of stars: Jennifer López, Gloria Estefan, Antonio Banderas, Lucero, Eugenio Derbez, Patricia Manterola and Ricky Martin, among others. In this opportunity, the honor will go to the Dominican Carlos de la Mota and the Polish, nationalized in Mexico, Ludwika Paleta.

On September 29, the names of the candidates for the awards were announced.

Among the nominees are:

Best Salsa Album

40 Años De Power
Luisito Ayala y La Puerto Rican Power
Record Label: Musical Productions, Inc.

Tentaciones Vol. 1
Charlie Cruz
Record Label: Get Crazy Note, LLC

40
Grupo Niche
Record Label: PPM USA

Memorias De Navidad
Víctor Manuelle
Record Label: Sony Music Entertainment US Latin LLC

Un Gallo Para La Historia
Tito Rojas
Record Label: J&N Records, LLC

Some of these nominees belong to JN Music Group, J&N Records and Musical Productions Disquera, a company that for more than thirty years has been in charge of producing Latin music for the whole world. Tito Rojas and Luisito Ayala and La Puerto Rican Power have received the support of the record company and their directors are very proud of their representatives.

The emblematic band Puerto Rican Power — Pure energy of Puerto Rican Power

Puerto Rican Power was born in the 70s by the hand of its founder Jesús Castro. Later Luis Ayala, assumed the role of director and trumpeter of the band. They became known quickly, thanks to the participation they had with greats of the show such as Ismael Miranda, Cheo Feliciano, Héctor Lavoe, among others. The group has mixed the roots of Puerto Rican folklore with its great performance on stage; becoming known in the United States and Latin America. This is his first Latin Grammy nomination.

Charlie Cruz, a Dominican salsa singer, also competes in this category. He has collaborated with greats of the genre such as Tito Nieves. Cruz is proud to be Latino and to work with his heart. He thanked his producer, work team and members of the academy for their support in reaching his nomination.

For its part, Grupo Niche is enjoying its third nomination for the Awards. They proudly represent their home country, Colombia. 40, his latest production, refers to the number of years since his birth. The album was recorded between Puerto Rico, Cali and Miami.

Victor Manuelle participates with his album “Memorias De Navidad”, he sought to rescue the traditions of the Christmas season and remember two loved ones. In early 2018, he lost his father Victor Manuel Ruiz and last year his younger brother, Héctor Gustavo.

To finish the round of nominees, we find Tito Rojas, known for his salsa songs. He began his artistic career in the early 70s. He has more than thirty record productions (one with La Puerto Rican Power). Rojas thanked through his social networks for the support of his career.

Best Merengue and / or Bachata Album

The Genetics Of Bachata
José Manuel Calderón
Record Label: Baile Records

Bailando Contigo
Manny Cruz
Record Label: Manny Cruz / La Oreja Media Group, Inc

Los Conquistadores
Grupo Manía
Record Label: Mania Music, Inc.

Ahora
Eddy Herrera
Record Label: Intermusic

Larimar
Daniel Santacruz
Record Label: Penluis Music

Thanks to Diario Libre, we could know that Latin Grammy Awards were evaluating the possibility of eliminating this category. This, due to the lack of submitted proposals. This warning activated the exponents of the genre. The academy received around 40 applications. The competition is very close between artists with a long history and young people who have come to give a new air to the genre.

José Manuel Calderón is considered the pioneer of bachata. Most of his hits are his own and he has also dabbled in merengue. The artist is very happy with this recognition for so many years of experience. He considers it “a great blessing.”

Manny Cruz receives his fourth Grammys nomination in two different categories. “Bailando Contigo” is the singer’s second album and it took him more than a year to produce. The Dominican was very happy and sent his thanks through his Instagram account. He became the Dominican with the most Latin Grammy nominations.

For its part, Grupo Manía celebrates its tenth nomination. The Puerto Rican singers released their album “Los Conquistadores” to celebrate their twenty-five years of artistic career.

Eddy Herrera, renowned merengue singer, has been nominated for the fifth time and, within the framework of his virtual concert, he expressed his happiness.
“Being nominated in normal times is wonderful, but being nominated within this world of the pandemic is doubly great. This has fallen from my soul, from heaven, “he said.

Daniel Santacruz, has his eighth Latin Grammy nomination for his album “Larimar”, his seventh musical production. The artist was in charge of all the elaboration of the disc that counts on eleven subjects.

Best Tropical Song

Among the 5 nominees are:
Imaginarme Sin Ti
Elvis Crespo & Maribel Vega, songwriters (Elvis Crespo y Manny Cruz)
Record Label: Flash Music

Quédate
Paula Arenas, Debi Nova & Juan Pablo Vega, songwriters (Debi Nova & Pedro Capó)
Record Label: Sony Music Entertainment US Latin LLC

Y Basta Ya
Pavel Nuñez, songwriter (Pavel Nuñez)
Reco Grrd Label: La Oreja Media Group, Inc

Tropical Music is present in the Latin Grammy — Manny Cruz and Elvis Crespo

Elvis Crespo by the hand of his wife and manager Maribel Vega and the composition of Manny Cruz, received a nomination for the album “Imaginarme Sin Ti”. The promotional theme was dedicated to Crespo’s daughter. The singer thanked through his social networks and made special mention of his label and the singer Manny Cruz.

Debi Nova, a Costa Rican singer-songwriter, bet on romantic bachata and had the collaboration of Paula Arenas and Juan Pablo Vega. The promotional theme of the album talks about taking advantage of time with our loved ones.

We finished the round with the Dominican Pavel Núñez, a young man who has surprised with the amount of Sovereign Awards obtained, a total of eleven; took advantage of the global pandemic to make music. With his album “Y Basta Ya” he adds his third nomination for Los Premios.

The 21st edition of the Latin Grammy will be held on November 19, in the city of Miami. Although it is an achievement to be on the coveted list, everyone wants to be recognized.

Who will be the winners?

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Somos Latinos in Mexico

Latin America / Mexico / Ciudad de Mexico

Somos Latinos is a company based in Mexico that has specialized in the production and organization of salsa music events since 2006. We had the opportunity to speak with the General Director, Omar Gonzales, who told us that he is an Audio Engineer. Before starting the company “SOMOS LATINOS,” he worked for another company providing services to most of the international singers or musical groups that came to the country. He also mentioned that he has always liked the salsa genre, even though it’s difficult to find since it’s not the country’s native music. However, this doesn’t mean there aren’t small to medium-sized groups of “Salsa” followers.

Oscar D'Leon - Somos Latinos in México — Oscar D’Leon – Somos Latinos in México

One day, he decided to create his own office with the idea of doing something—promoting “Salsa.” Starting in 2007, they took a chance and organized their first event. After some time, the famous singer Tony Vega came to the country and gave him the opportunity to produce his first event there. Thanks to its success, “Somos Latinos” became his exclusive office in Mexico. One of their biggest successes was an event they organized with the salsa artists N’Klabe and NG2, who were known as “The Pioneers of the Future of Salsa.” The salsa fans who attended the event applauded like never before, as it was a world-class show.

Somos Latinos in Mexico - Roberto Blades and Viti Ruiz — Somos Latinos in Mexico – Roberto Blades and Viti Ruiz

The company currently has 10 years of experience and is known for:

An extensive roster of artists.
A solid reputation for event production, recognized as a reliable and trustworthy production company, earning the confidence of the public, their clients, and the artists they promote and represent.
Broad knowledge of musical genres and an excellent team trained for massive events.
Having the necessary equipment and infrastructure for event production (stages, audio, backline, lighting, voltage generators, giant LED screens, and other technology to create top-level shows).

Omar also mentioned that to celebrate their anniversary, they created the “Somos Latinos International Salsa Festival,” their most important event, which has been held 8 times in different parts of Mexico, such as “Mexico City,” “State of Mexico,” and the “State of Veracruz.” In the latter, they participated as organizers and suppliers for the fourth edition of the Boca del Río International Salsa Festival 2014, the world’s largest salsa event, which takes place over 4 days (with an average attendance of 120,000 people per day). This event has earned the State of Veracruz recognition as the world capital of salsa.

Upcoming Event

On July 14, 2017, the event “Roberto Blades & Viti Ruiz #EntreAmigos” will take place at the “La Maraka” venue located at Mitla No. 410, Esq. Eugenia, Col. Narvarte, 03023 Benito Juarez, Mexico City, Mexico.

If you want to get to know them and learn more, you can contact them through:

Website: http://www.somoslatinosmexico.com/eventos.html
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
Phone: +52 (55)5082-9580 / +52 1 5523281427
Instagram: @somoslatinos
Twitter: @somoslatinos
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/channerl/UCzNWbZ7HyIPxE5tmkrwIRag

The Perfect Salsa Alignment - Somos Latinos in Mexico — The Perfect Salsa Alignment – Somos Latinos in Mexico

Rumbao Latin Dance Company

North America / USA /

Rumbao Latin Dance Company represents the vision of five Charlotte Latin dancers to provide a fusion of fun and technique for Salsa Dancing. Rumbao combines two key aspects of salsa dance to provide the best performance and instruction possible. Our emphasis is on Rumba and the Tumbao.

Dancers - Rumbao Latin Dance Company — Dancers – Rumbao Latin Dance Company

Tumbao is the percussive beat in salsa music that On2 dancing follows. Rumba implies a party aspect where people get together and have fun. Together the words make “Rumbao”. Rumbao was formed in March 2013 by a group of five talented and dedicated individuals who are passionate about Latin dance and who are always striving to new heights

Each dancer enjoys creative freedom and brings unique talents to the group following an On2 New York Style. Rumbao has been able to present beautiful choreographies full of sabor (flavor) and has quickly made a mark in Charlotte and surrounding cities. In addition to being passionate Salseros, Rumbao dancers are also proud Charlotteans and are committed to the continued growth of salsa in their hometown.

Meet Rumbao Latin:

Brian Frias | Dancer:

“I have always liked to dance growing up, but somehow salsa dancing had never crossed my path, until it was casually introduced to me in 2007. I have been in love with salsa ever since. I love being able to create a fun and unique experience with a dance partner over the course of just a few minutes.”

Morgan Cruz | Art Director:

“Learn the music before you learn the dance. The music will guide you and make learning more enjoyable. Also, don’t be embarrassed by being less experienced. Everyone starts somewhere.”

Chan Martinez | Audio Specialist:

“I like salsa because it connects me with all kinds of people. Everybody is very generous and they really get along. I discovered more of my interest in salsa when I moved to the US. I saw a group of performers doing cool moves while dancing salsa. They were able to go to big events and perform beside some other really good dancers. I wanted to be part of that experience.”

Connie Chen | Stage Manager:

“Have fun, relax, and never stop wanting to learn! Salsa is an enjoyable experience; make it a great one with Rumbao!”

Jennifer Geyer | Business Operations Manager

“I was inspired to dance salsa while at Davidson College, I joined a student organization called Dance Ensemble and there was always a salsa choreography. I would always try out to be in the routine but I would never make it. It looked like fun and it was something I always wanted to do. I finally made it into a choreography my junior year with a professor and after that experience took classes in the Dominican Republic while studying abroad and got hooked!”

Classes

Rumbao aims to provide excellent instruction for salsa dancing focusing on the foundations for music, movement and connection. They bring sabor (flavor) to the basics and emphasize personal style and expression while having fun. Also emphasize the importance of posture, timing for on2 salsa dancing, footwork, proper technique for connection in partner-work and musicality.

Location: Abundant Life Creative Expressions 2424 North Davidson Street, Ste 110, Charlotte, NC

Salsa class time: 7:30PM – 8:30PM, Every Tuesday
Bachata class time: 8:30PM-9:30PM, Every Tuesday
New Brazilian Samba Class! Mondays at 7:00pm
New Cha Cha Class! Mondays at 8:00pm
Drop In Price: $20.00 per class
Class Packages: $150.00 (ten classes)

Photo - Rumbao Latin Dance Company — Photo – Rumbao Latin Dance Company

Benefits of Salsa Dance Reduce Stress

Help loose weight
Increase energy
Increase muscle tone and stamina
Meet new people, make new friends
Learn about musicality, rhythm and other cultures

http://www.rumbaolatindance.com/

The composer and singer Carlos Xavier reveals unpublished details of his career

The composer and singer with Nicaraguan roots Carlos Xavier is a very good friend of the house due to his collaboration with the Editor of International Salsa Magazine Eduardo Guilarte and we are extremely pleased to have invited him to this edition and to know him in a more personal way. The artist born in San Francisco talked to us about his musical career, his facet as a composer, his great inspirations, among other relevant topics.

Carlos Xavier is a friend — Composer and singer Carlos Xavier is a great friend of the house

Carlos’ beginnings in music

From a very young age, Carlos was already in close contact with music thanks to his father and older brother, since they always sang, played the radio or listened to records they bought. At home, he listened to all kinds of music in both English and Spanish, but it was not until he was 16 years old that he became really interested in singing in a more serious way. He was not accompanied by a teacher to tell him exactly what to do, so he had to start practicing alone and be guided by what he saw in professional singers like Christian Castro, Luis Miguel and Marc Anthony when it was his turn.

As for his musical debut, in 1999, Carlos ventured to look for an orchestra to sing with once he felt ready to prove his vocal skills on stage in front of a crowd. Then, he found Orquesta Caché, which had just been created and was looking for a singer, a post for which he was finally selected and made his first performance with the group that same year. This concert took place at the well known Café Cocomo and, since then, the artist has not stopped.

Interest in Latin music

Although Carlos states that he likes English music and has recorded several songs in English, he also clarifies that his focus is and always has been Latin music. He has worked on other people’s projects in which English is the base, but whenever he releases something of his, he always tries to base it on Latin or salsa music and always in Spanish. It’s a matter of preference.

This is partially thanks to his parents, who always made sure that their children had as much contact as possible with their Nicaraguan roots through the rest of his family, music, food and Nicaraguan culture in general.

In addition, most of his family also went to live in the United States, so he always spent time with them, which helped Carlos to know much more about Nicaragua and the way of life in that country. They always instilled in him the pride of being Latino and he still keeps that feeling intact.

Solo debut

Although Carlos spent many, many years playing with orchestras, he says that becoming a soloist at some point was always his greatest goal. That moment came in 2010 when the singer released his first single as a soloist called ‘’Mientes’’, which was the piece that gave him the confidence to know he could have a solo career and write his own music.

When we wanted to know the biggest challenges faced by him, he replied that he never thought of his solo career that way, but that he was working for a purpose, drawing inspiration from his greatest idols who had already achieved what he wanted. He simply saw his goal as something he had to achieve at some point, not as a challenge that would make the path more difficult for him.

Vive Todo Ahora

‘’Vive Todo Ahora’’ was the representation of the dream of Carlos, who always wanted to be able to release an album of the same quality as those of Marc Anthony, La India, and Frankie Negrón. The fact that it was his first album did not mean that the singer was going to let his first album reveal his inexperience in this field, so he hit the deck and contacted producer Efrain Davila. At that time, Davila was working with Victor Manuelle, Marc Anthony and Carlos Vives, so Carlos decided to send him a message and show him his song ‘’Mientes’’ to cover it in salsa.

The producer responded enthusiastically that he liked the song and accepted the proposal, leading ‘’Mientes’’ to be released as a single in 2014 and the rest of the album was made and released in the same way. Fortunately, Carlos succeeded in including some of Marc Anthony’s musicians such as bassist Ruben Rodriguez, percussionist Luisito Quintero, backing vocalist Guianko Gomez, among others.

Carlos Xavier and Luis Enrique — Luis Enrique and Carlos Xavier posing for the camera

His facet as a composer

Another facet that has been of vital importance to Carlos’ growth as an artist has been composition and, of course, he has his own creative process, although it is not extremely complex. He simply sits down at the piano and looks for the most beautiful melody he can think of, but it is a creation that is born from the inside of him.

n the year 2000, together with the Orquesta Caché, he had the opportunity to record a cover in Peru, but he told the members of the group that he wanted to write that song in his own hand and they agreed. That is when he created ‘‘Marchate’’ and it was the material they recorded in the aforementioned country.

Even then Carlos showed that he wanted to be original and follow his own ideas, which he finally achieved thanks to his perseverance.

Clubs where he currently plays

As mentioned above, Carlos worked closely with Eduardo Guilarte at Charley’s LG Club in Los Gatos, California for some time a few years ago. Of that time, Carlos recalls that Guilarte was one of the few people who truly praised him for his talent on stage, which he appreciated today. He mentioned that he always offered him nice words and advice regarding the way the industry works, so he has the best memories of his collaboration with the editor of International Salsa Magazine.

For the time being, he keeps playing at other clubs such as Building 43, Vino Godfather Winery, The Dawn Club, among others.

Carlos and Viviana — Carlos Xavier during an interview with Viviana Paez and Brian Lozado on Univision

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.

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.

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

https://www.stepsdance studio.com/