Search Results for: Timba

NOTICIAS CON SABOR MARCH 2022 by Luis Medina

Live music and other news in the SF Bay Area

I recently interviewed percussion phenom and timbalero for Santana, Karl Perazzo on my KPFA Radio program Con Sabor. He is quite a busy man…I caught up to him while he is in Las Vegas for rehearsals for Santana’s upcoming slew of shows at the House Of Blues. In addition to his busy schedule with Santana, Karl has other projects during his spare time that include the SF based all-star Salsa band Karabali as well as guest appearances with Salsa Caliente that kept him busy during the COVID. He also appears on occasion with fellow bongocero Jake Jacobs band VibraSON. On top of all of that, Perazzo also creates and manages his own line of jewelry.

Perazzo, a self taught musician who was drawn to the drum and Afro-Cuban music as a young child and started his musical studies at the age of 8. Karl is a phenomenal percussionist who plays masterful Timbales, Bongo, Congas, cowbell and an impressive array of percussion instruments. He has been a mainstay in the Santana band for the past 31 years inheriting the Timbales spot from the legendary Orestes Vilato. Perazzo is still going strong keeping the percussive fire burning on Santana’s latest recording Blessings and Miracles. The band will be launching a major tour with Pop legends Earth Wind and Fire later this year. He has his own signature line of Latin Percussion congas and bongos that he designed himself with a distinctive Dia De Los Muertos sugar skull theme to honor the ancestors.

Karl Perazzo and his instruments — Percussionist and timbalero for Santana Karl Perazzo

Perazzo has previously performed with the greats such as Tito Puente who mentored him when he was a young kid along with another fellow kid phenom Gibby Ross. I saw Karl and Gibby playing with Tito on stage-what a sight to see! Karl also played with Sheila E. (as a member of her band in her emergence as a huge star in the 1980’s), Prince, Pete Escovedo, Dizzy Gillespie, Malo, Pacific Mambo Orchestra, Ray Obiedo, Andy Narell, Jorge Santana, Raul Rekow and many others. Perazzo also formed the popular SF based salsa band Avance which had a long run starting in the early 1990’s. The group disbanded in 2020. Karl has kept himself connected to his roots which is Salsa and Afro-Cuban music but has always kept his hear open to all types of music since his childhood. He credits his father who always encouraged Perazzo to push himself to be a complete percussionist, to learn how to sing and be a versatile performer.

Perazzo is now launching his own YouTube show “The Backstage Show” on the TBS Music Channel in the next couple of months which will focus on fellow creatives such as musicians, artists, chefs, writers and other notable individuals involved in arts and culture. Perazzo who is the host of “The Backstage Show‘ told me that the program’s mission is “to turn music into inspiration“. I asked Karl Perazzo what keeps him going. He told me “you have to have passion in whatever you do in life…whether it’s sweeping the floor or playing the drum”. You can feel that burning passion, inspiration and enthusiasm along with those great playing chops whenever you see him play live! You can catch up with Karl Perazzo by following him on Instagram under karlpperc.

Music Notes

Music Notes: Salsa superstar Luis Enrique and Peruvian salsero Josimar Y Su Yambu are the new headliners replacing Victor Manuelle on Saturday, April 9th at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Burlingame. Promoters JC Coral and Bosco Vega are presenting the show which originally was scheduled for early February but was postponed due to COVID restrictions. The new lineup was announced earlier in February. For tickets, visit eventbrite.com, tickeri.com, ticketsparati.com or call 415-424-8809 or 650-218-0861.

Luis Henrique performing — Luis Henrique on stage

Former El Gran Combo vocalist Charlie Aponte will be singing his original solo material as well as a slew of his great Gran Combo hits on Friday, April 6 at Roccapulco in San Francisco. Pepe Y Su Orquesta will be opening up the show brought to you by Jaffe Events. Roccapulco will also be presenting the red hot Combinacion De La Habana with a high energy six man vocal front line for their SF debut on Saturday, March 5th. CDLH is under the direction of Gerson Valdes, the nephew of iconic pianist Chucho Valdes and performs Timba mixed in with Reggaeton and Salsa Dura. This popular group is embraced by Cuba’s youthful fans and making fans everywhere.

Jaffe Events in association with MGD Productions will be presenting a dream Cuban music double bill featuring Los Van Van and Havana d’Primera with Alexander Abreu on Friday, May 6th at Berkeley’s UC Theatre, 2036 University Avenue. DJ Antonio will also play in-between sets. I have the honor of serving as the Master of Ceremonies of this special event. For Info and tickets visit www.jaffeevents.com.

Former Los Van Van vocalist Yeny Valdes and her band will be visiting the popular Fresquecito monthly party at La Furia Chalaca, 310 Broadway in Oakland on Saturday, March 12 at 10 pm. Yeny will be joined by resident DJ’s Walt Digz and Pepe Timba. For tickets, visit www.eventbrite.com

La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Avenue in Berkeley is featuring a special “Baila” community dance party on Friday, March 18th from 7 pm to 1 am with a multi-room environment featuring the explosive salsa of BrauLio Barrera’s Somos El Son with KPOO/KPFA DJ Jose Ruiz in the main auditorium. DJ Ron will be spinning Bachata in the lounge. Salsa and Bachata dance lessons by In Lak’ech Dance before the show begins at 7:30 pm. Tickets are already going fast. For tickets and information, visit lapena.org.

World Salsa Radio is presenting their second in a series of dance socials on Friday, March 25th at The Beat, 2560 Ninth Street in Berkeley. There will be dance performances by renowned Salsa dance troupes as well as Salsa lessons starting at 9 pm. The DJ music will be provided by WSR CEO Felipe “El De La Clave SF” Martinez and WSR co-founder Orlando DJ Boricua” Felix. Special guest DJ will be yours truly, Luis Medina of “Sabiduria Con Tumbao” starting my set at 10 pm.

Be sure to tune in on your laptop, phone or devices by visiting www.worldsalsaradio.com. It’s on 24 hours a day!

Some of the DJ's — Walt Digz, Felipe “El De La Clave”, Antonio and Luis Medina

The Seahorse in Sausalito continues to showcase a variety of fine bands on Saturday and Sunday evenings starting at 5 pm. This month, the Seahorse features Julio Bravo’s 50+ Birthday Party with Julio and Salsabor 3/6, Rumbache 3/12, Edgardo Cambon and Candela 3/13, Anthony Blea & Friends and DJ Jose Ruiz’ Birthday Party 3/19, Louie Romero & Mazacote 3/20, La Clave Del Blanco 3/26 and Orquesta Taino on 3/27. The featured DJ is KPOO/KPFA’s Jose Ruiz. Great food, Beer and Wine are offered at this popular venue located across the Golden Gate Bridge at 305 Harbor Drive.

The Ramp, 855 Terry Francois Blvd near the water in San Francisco continues their popular Salsa Saturdays with N’Rumba 3/5, Orquesta Borinquen 3/12, Karabali 3/19 and Manny Martinez y Orquesta La Rebeldia 3/26. The shows start at 5 pm and feature DJ Mendy in-between the sets.

San Francisco’s The Cigar Bar on 850 Montgomery Street is continuing their hot Friday and Saturday night live Latin music schedule in March. This month, they are presenting Manteca, 3/4, Pepe Y Su Orquesta 3/5, The Latin Rhythm Boys 3/11, Josh Jones Latin Jazz Ensemble 3/12, Julio Bravo y Salsabor 3/18, La Clave Del Blanco 3/19, Somos El Son 3/25 and Edgardo Cambon y Candela 3/26. Enjoy the classic surroundings, the patio, the fine food, cigars, drinks and the swinging music at the Cigar Bar.

Promoter/DJ Bosco Vega is also opening a new local night spot Gustoso at the Atlas Lounge, 637 San Mateo Avenue, San Bruno on Sat. March 12th featuring Salsa, Bachata and Timba by DJ’s Franklin, Antonio and Bosco himself!!

Remember you can catch my radio programs Con Sabor (in its 25 anniversary year) on KPFA 94.1 FM and kpfa.org Saturday nights 9 to 11 PM PST & Sabiduria Con Tumbao on Wednesday nights 5 to 7 PM PST on WorldSalsaRadio.com.

That’s it for this time! Ciao 4 now!!

This is Julio Bravo — Julio Bravo performing with his orchestra

BY LUIS MEDINA, PRODUCER AND HOST OF CON SABOR ON KPFA 94.1 FM AND SABIDURIA CON TUMBAO ON WORLD SALSA RADIO.COM

Palladium in the New Millenium engalana el “Lehman Center for the Performing Arts”

On March 5, 2022, the heirs to the mambo will reunite once again, this time the concert entitled Palladium in the New Millennium will grace the Lehman Center for the Performing Arts in the heart of New York’s Bronx.

This concert coincides with the coming of age celebration of the establishment of The Big Three Palladium Orchestra. The initial idea of bringing together the three great Palladium orchestras in this innovative concept came to Mario Grillo, better known in the music world as Machito, Jr. approximately twenty-one years ago.

His counterpart, Tito Rodriguez, Jr. told me about it and, thanks to his complicity, I had a pleasant conversation during which Machito, Jr. shared with me a myriad of details. Having previously collected and shared the conversations I had with Tito, Jr. and later with Machito, Jr. I must now share the point of view of the youngest of the three mambo heirs -Tito Puente, Jr.- about this trilogy, among other things. During the beginnings of this historic reunion, Tito Puente, Jr. was barely 30 years old.

As with me, the two oldest members of the trilogy have been very supportive of Tito Puente, Jr. During an exclusive interview granted for this special assignment, Tito Puente, Jr. expressed his deep appreciation for having been so lovingly guided by Tito Rodriguez, Jr. and Machito, Jr. to the recording of what has become the legacy of the Palladium big three: The Big Three Palladium Orchestra live at the Blue Note (2004).

On March 5, 2022, the heirs to the mambo will reunite once again, this time the concert entitled Palladium in the New Millennium will grace the Lehman Center for the Performing Arts in the heart of New York's Bronx. — Palladium in the New Millenium engalana el “Lehman Center for the Performing Arts” en pleno corazón del Bronx de New York

The youngest of the three heirs of the mambo is doubly celebrating, as he has just released his sixth production, entitled The King and I. It contains nine tracks, as you can hear on the album. It contains nine tracks, as detailed below: Picadillo, featuring Humberto Ramírez on trumpet; Salsa na ma, featuring José Alberto “El Canario” on vocals; Pa los rumberos, with a masterful performance by Domingo Quiñones; Oye como va, with a performance by “Mulato Rumbero”, Michael Stuart; Para la niña y pa la señora, with none other than Miguel Angel Barcasnegras, better known as “Meñique” (EPD) on vocals; Hong Kong mambo, instrumental theme that highlights the Puente dynasty, with Ronnie Puente on xylophone; El bribón del aguacero, with Yolanda Duke on vocals; 20 años and El Rey del Timbal. Let’s be clear that this album is not the big band arrangement to which the eternal King of the Timbal has accustomed us. It is, however, the best tribute that the youngest of the three heirs of the Palladium pays to his father, keeping the legacy alive and kicking.

As you can see, each of the “Palladium’s Big Three” inherited a timbalero son. Coincidentally, Machito, Jr., Tito Rodríguez, Jr. and Tito Puente, Jr. grew up surrounded by music. Their family environments, respectively, supported them. Indeed, today, all three are musicians. These three bandleaders have made it their mission to keep the Palladium legacy alive and well. Although the mambo heirs have transcended the label of being the sons of the mambo owners, they do not forget that the Patriarchs are still a topic of conversation in musical circles around the world.

As the past is the past and the future is uncertain, here we are already waiting in despair. For this new reunion, first-class musicians have been secured, backing up the three heirs of the mambo. The musical constellation that will be part of this historic night is formed by: Carmen Laboy on baritone saxophone and musical direction, Jorge Castro on tenor saxophone, Mark Friedman and Al Acosta on alto saxophones; Larry Moses, Seneca Black, Mike Mossman, and John Carlson on trumpets; Gilberto Colón, Jr. on piano, Jerry Madera on bass, John “Dandy” Rodríguez on bongo and Eddie Montalvo on tumbadoras. On the vocal front, Sammy Gonzalez, Jr. leads with Luisito Rosario and Jeremy Montalvo on backing vocals.

I for one continue to live in salsa, which to put it in more earthly terms is, simply put: magic, fantasy, and illusion.

Article of Interest: Sigo entre amigos de Luis “Perico” Ortiz

By: Bella Martinez “The Irreverent Salsa Writer”

Puerto Rico

Get Through March With Latin Atmosphere And Sound

France is ready to enjoy Latin events during the third month of the year

Covid-19 and its multiple variants have already ceased in France and that is why this European country is ready to start enjoying Latin events during this third month of the year. So don’t miss the details of each of the Latin parties that we bring this month dedicated especially to you.

Mulatason & Alfredo Buendía Y Los Picaflores

(Salsa / Mambo)

The 5 Mulatason singers dressed in white — This event will comply with current health measures.

Join and enjoy the end of this winter in the country with the Latin concert of the female group Mulatason and the band with the singular joy of Mambo Alfredo Buendía y Los Picaflores, this Saturday, March 5^th at 9 PM at 3 Rue Ferdinand Buisson, 82000 Montauban, France Association Le Rio. Try to pre-sale tickets for € 20 because the price at the door will be € 24 per person.

And for those who still don’t know Mulatason, here I make a summary of their history. This orchestra formed in September 2013 by its director Yarelis Martínez Chávez is made up of five women with harmonious voices, and their music is a mixture of dance rhythms that range from Salsa through Timba and ending with the traditional melodies of the island of Cuba. Their popular and peculiar choreography called “Rikiti” has been their hallmark that they have managed to spread across large national and international stages.

The orchestra is made up of nine talented artists residing in Havana (Cuba) who graduated from higher art schools. Each member of the band is no older than 25 years old and they have a repertoire of original compositions.

Mulatason “Las Princesas de la Salsa” returns to Europe to present their new album No Vale Rendirse celebrating almost nine years in the art scene.

The 7 members of Alfredo Buendía and the Picaflores dressed in blue and black card — Seven musicians with a good dose of humor and passion for Afro-Latin music and Jazz make up the Mambo band, Alfredo Buendía y Los Picaflores

On the other hand, and for those who have not heard before about Alfredo Buendía y Los Picaflores, below I will tell you a little about them. This project of seven musicians was born on an afternoon in December 2016 in order to have fun on stage, make a type of music that injects energy into the audience, and transports joy and light madness to the spirit.

Alfredo Buendía (Lead Vocals – Trumpet 2) was returning from three years as a Jazz crooner in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), he wanted to bring something new, interesting, and different to the artistic scene in France since he had become accustomed to the type of show that it’s made in America. Also, he wanted to play rhythmic and deliberately festive music like the one he had been listening to for a long time-El Mambo by Pérez Prado-with its history from Cuba in the 1950s to Mexico.

This bewitching goal materialized with Pierre Levy (Tenor Saxophone), Jonas Chirouze (Drums), Clément Lefèvre (Trumpet), Hugo Lebeau (Congas), Guillaume Pique (Trombone), Youssef Ghazzal (Double Bass), and Alfredo Buendía managing to create El Mambo a novel concept between Afro-Latin music and jazz little explored on the French scene.

Le Balajo

(Salsa / Bachata)

Le Balajo nightclub open since 1936 brings Salsa and Bachata classes every Tuesday from 7:30 PM to 2 AM for beginners and intermediate level dancers. Salsa lessons for amateurs start at 7:30 PM while intermediate level classes begin at 8:30 PM followed by a Latin party hosted by DJ Karim until 2 AM.

Remember that to access the club you must present a Vaccination Certificate (Required) and an identity document.

The fees to attend this weekly event of joy and good humor are €8 and include non-alcoholic drinks and €12 if the drink is alcoholic, but if you just want to enjoy the bar and its atmosphere, the admission is €5.

La Pachanga

(Salsa)

The Bar/Restaurant/Club La Pachanga is a place of reference for Salsa lovers, it is located in Paris at 8, rue Vandamme 75014. This club is designed with a cozy and Caribbean style. At the bar, you can enjoy different types of cocktails, Mojitos, Caipirinha, or Cuba Libre, just as they offer only Latin American dishes at the restaurant.

At Pachanga, you can attend classes for beginner and intermediate levels from Tuesday to Saturday from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM with different instructors who will make you live an hour of Salsa Cubana and Salsa Puertorriqueña dance.

Latin Music Bonus In France

Dancing couple dressed in black — The Latin Party at Bar Le 3 is back

On Friday, March 18^th, you can enjoy the Soireé Mix Latino “La Calle” event from 4 PM to 9 PM at Bar Le 3 located at the French city and commune Valence at 4 rue André Lacroix. This bar has a tropical atmosphere with living rooms with sofas and armchairs as well as a cozy and warm decoration. It also has a selection of 30 cocktails and a permanent musical atmosphere with a selected playlist of Jazz and other genres.

And the last Latin Music Bonus in France that I bring you for this edition is the Fiesta Latina Metz to be held on Friday, March 26^th. This festival will offer you two workshops (Salsa and Bachata), in addition to having fun with the rhythm of Cuban Salsa, Dominican Bachata, Sensual Bachata, Kizomba, and other Caribbean melodies. There will be big parties with DJ Will, DJ Papy Culio, and DJ Kylian starting at 9 PM and ending with seven shows from 11 PM to 3 AM. Fiesta Latina Metz will have three rooms (Salsa/ Bachata/ Kizomba) and the prices to attend vary by combo: one workshop + evening: €12, while two workshops + evening: €20, and if you just want to attend to enjoy the shows the ticket has a value of €7. Fiesta Latina Metz will take place at the Quai Sablon Social and Cultural Center at 1 bis rue Castelnau 57000 Metz.

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Pedro González

Musician, Instructor, And Pioneer Of Salsa Casino In Venezuela

“If people dedicate themselves to this, it is because we are doing it well.” This nice phrase arose from the pleasant and attractive telephone conversation about the history of the pioneer of Salsa Casino in Venezuela, the charismatic Cuban-Venezuelan musician and instructor Pedro González.

This affable musician and Salsa Casino instructor told us that he carved out his career from a very young age. He was born in Havana (Cuba) in 1966 and began his musical studies at the National School of Arts in the Havana capital at the age of ten, graduating in the specialty of Guitar (Short Course of 8 years) in 1984.

He comes from a musical family, his grandmother was the soprano Rosa “La China” and his mother (teacher and school principal) Zoe Portuondo Suarez, a distant relative of the singer Omara Portuondo.

“…Since I was little I liked to dance, I would dance everywhere. I learned with my cousin… I went to places like Playa… Besides, my mother danced a lot and my grandmother was a singer and she was also linked to the world of art…” Pedro commented.

His first job was as a music teacher in the Pinar del Río city, three hours from Havana. A short time later, he joins the Caranday group, and they play Son Cubano every night at the luxurious Hotel Nacional De Cuba.

After 45 days from his first presentation with the group, they meet the Venezuelan businessman Martín Gutiérrez, who takes them to Venezuela in 1993 to perform at private parties in the Falcón state.

Due to the few opportunities he had in Cuba, he decided to stay in Venezuela and formed the Latino Son band, made up of four Cuban musicians, and in turn began to be members of the Tropicana-style Cuban Fiesta Magazine (Show with a range of musical genres, interaction with guest singers, and dancers) in nightclubs of the Capital.

In Moments of pause with the musical magazine (1997), he undertook a tour with the Latino Son group with whom he traveled for almost all of Venezuela and toured the main stages of large national festivals such as La Feria del Sol (Mérida), Feria de San Sebastián (San Cristóbal), and La Feria de la Chinita (Zulia) among many others.

“We played permanently at La Giralda… At La Giralda we organized a party playing the Cuban Timba, then, there they called us “The Cuban Orchestra” in 1996, 1997, and 1998…”

During the ’90s and already residing in Venezuela, Pedro became the first Salsa Casino instructor in Venezuela without planning it as a life plan, and in 2000 he founded his homonymous academy that has graduated thousands of fans of this style of salsa dance.

Dancing is one thing that keeps you active. That is good for the body. If you have a problem in two hours or an hour and a half dancing you forget it. For my part, I like to teach… And, I like people to have fun.” Pedro González

History And Evolution Of The Academy Dance

Pedro González with burgundy flannel and four women on the sides — Pedro González is the President of the Salsa Casino Organization in Venezuela

One night at the end of the 90s, Pedro along with his friend Milan (Medical and Countryman) began to remember the Dance of the Casino in La Giralda (old venue to listen to live music and enjoy various drinks on the Boulevard de Sábana Grande – Caracas) after his customary presentation with the Latino Son group.

Both began to stand out on the dance floor with the genre of La Timba and for a way of dancing Salsa different from the one practiced in Venezuela. “We began to dance with two Venezuelan girls in the Rueda style (which was not a Rueda because there must be 3 couples)… I began to say Milan “Give me one”, “Plugin”, “The Hat”, and we began to dance the Casino Style”. Pedro “El Cubano” told us between laughs during the interview.

The two ladies were so impressed by that way of dancing that they did not hesitate for a moment to ask Pedro for dance lessons. After so much insistence, “El Cubano” agreed for the first time to give Salsa Casino classes in the capital of Venezuela in an improvised and reduced space with his first five couples. “I am from the Cerro municipality, which is the closest to Old Havana. I used to go to Playa (Municipality of Havana) a lot to dance and I learned many dances and turns…”

And so Salsa Casino began spontaneously in 1999. By the following year (2000), Pedro had 20 couples and a larger room to teach.

The evolution of him in his rise during this year was impressive. Due to the influx of students, he began to teach in the blue auditorium of the Faculty of Economic and Social Sciences (Faces) of the most prestigious University in the country, the Central University of Venezuela (UCV) through Reinaldo Mijares, Director, and choreographer of the contemporary dance “Mudanza” attached to this institution and where González assures that this movement grows.

From there, he gave way to the Casa Monagas club, a place located in the Las Acacias sector (west of Caracas) behind the UCV with the capacity to hold up to 1,000 people. Here, Pedro’s students had more space to rehearse, and Salsa Casino Parties began to be organized monthly.

Pedro González with a blue shirt dancing with two women — Dance academies in Venezuela were teaching Puerto Rican Salsa Style in the year 2000

With this overwhelming success, the creation of the Academia Salsa Casino in Caracas was imminent. It had massive attendance, national impact with graduate students, and attendance at national and international festivals such as Curacao Salsa Tour, Festivals in Cuba, and an amazing show at the Amador Bendayán Theater.

With more than 20 years of teaching Salsa lessons, Pedro has graduated more than 2000 students and changed its name to Academia Pedro González. It currently has five locations: Sábana Grande (main location), Chacaíto, San Antonio de los Altos (Los Teques), Capitolio, and El Cafetal.

The classes are aimed at children and adults. The call is open, so you can sign up without a partner and don’t worry because the essence of the Rueda remains. The estimated graduation time is three years with four basic levels, four intermediate levels, six advanced levels, you will also receive a triple casino level, two dance technique levels, and to complete the process a final choreographic exam is done.

Every dance lesson is fun because of Pedro’s ability to teach. The names of each step such as “Pégale un Cacho” are adapted to the colloquial vocabulary of the Venezuelan so that it is easy and fast to learn.

Due to Covid-19, the Pedro González Academy makes the use of the mask and antibacterial gel an essential requirement for permanence within the institution, as well as reducing the maximum number of couples per level to only ten.

Vanessa Lovera y sus amigas vestidas de negro — Vanessa Lovera (Left) accompanied by two Salsa Casino dancers at the Caracas Carnival party

At the main headquarters, there are four instructors. One of them is Vanessa Lovera, a graduate instructor from the academy. For Pedro, she has been unconditional support in difficult moments of the institution. Vanessa teaches Salsa Casino and Ballroom Dance. You can also find her at the El Cafetal headquarters, but if you prefer the main headquarters, the address is as follows: Sábana Grande Boulevard, Fénix building, 5th floor, next to the Gran Café.

For this 2022 and if there is a return to normality, the Cuban instructor and musician residing in Venezuela hopes to resume the lost spaces in Caracas such as discos, nightclubs, presentations in theaters, once again hold large Salsa Casino parties in large rooms, the return of national competitions, and the continuation of the training of instructors in person (it is only online currently).

Casino Dance Or Salsa Casino?

Club Casino Deportivo in Havana, Cuba — Club Casino Deportivo no longer exists. Nowadays only the sports fields were preserved of this infrastructure.

According to the friendly instructor Pedro González, the origin of Salsa Casino on the island of Cuba has a unique story that begins like this…

Since 1956 numerous Cuban orchestras have been registered that played very popular and contagious musical genres such as Cha Cha Cha, Guaracha, Mambo, and Son. Rhythms that invited the young inhabitants of Cuba of this time to just want to dance and have fun all night with these melodies, but they not only wanted to do it with their partners but also with those of their friends, acquaintances, and strangers. However, for this decade that was not allowed because the rules of the strict and conservative society dictated it.

In this way and with the pursuit of that goal, the gentlemen created this style of dance. A style that did not require constant practice and where partners could be exchanged using keywords such as “Plugin” to perform the movement and for the theory to be carried out perfectly without altering society. The place where this event was recorded was Casino Deportivo, a private summer vacation club located in the Miramar residential area in Havana.

“We (in Venezuela) call it Salsa Casino because it is the commercial name already used in the United States. In Europe they call it Salsa Cubana, but the original name is Baile Del Casino”. Pedro Gonzalez

That is why at the end of 1950 this style of dance began to be generated that people internationally associate with the style of gambling performed in a Casino because it is a dance in Rueda.

The popular expression of most people in Cuba every time they saw this peculiar way of dancing was to say “Ah! But you are dancing like the people of the Casino (Casino Deportivo Club)” that each day was shortening the expression until reaching the Baile Del Casino.

The peculiarity of this dance style is that it does not have a musical genre, that is, no melody that identifies it. For example, a Danzón is danced with the music of the Danzón, the same happens with the Cha Cha Cha, Mambo, Son, and Bolero. There is no rhythm called Casino, therefore this style acclaimed in the world and preferred by Cubans began with the music that existed in this glorious decade of the ’50s.

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News “En Clave”

The Latest News From The Salsero Movement In Germany

We begin the section News “En Clave” that will be dedicated in this edition to Germany. Here, you will see the latest in the Salsa movement in this Western European country during March 2022. Are you ready? Let us begin…

a couple of dancers at Havanna Club in Berlin — Havanna is your Latin getaway in Berlin

We open with the Havanna club located at Hauptstr.30 10827 Berlin. Here you can enjoy Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, and other rhythms on four dance floors with resident DJs. You can also try the mojitos in one of its seven bars and before opening the venue you can participate in Salsa lessons with qualified instructors to advanced and amateur levels.

This club that opened its doors in 1997 and since then has been dedicated to Latin night entertainment in the German capital offers Salsa, Merengue, and Bachata classes (No registration or dance partners required) every Wednesday (7 PM – 8 PM ), Friday (Salsa / Merengue from 9 PM to 10 PM), and Saturday (9 PM to 10 PM) with a cost of € 6 that includes admission and the after-party.

At Havanna, you will find nice people and a great atmosphere on every dance floor. On the first floor (Lower Floor) you will have the purest Salsa every Saturday until dawn, while on the second floor (Upper Floor) on Saturdays there will be a mix between Bachata and urban rhythms. The third dance floor (Basement) is dedicated to the fusion of Anglo-Saxon rhythms, and the fourth dance floor (Big Room) will be available on Wednesday and Friday nights for those who love Salsa, Merengue, and Bachata. And as additional information, I recommend you arrive at 10 PM because at that time and until 11 PM the ladies have free admission.

conexion band dressed in black — Mayelis Guyat (Lead Vocals), Jörg Bücheler (Trombone), Daniel Stawinski (Piano), Sergio Gómez (Bass), Robby Geerken (Congas), and Hardi Barnewold (Timbales, Conductor)

We continue with the second recommendation that I bring you to enjoy Salsa orchestras live in Germany and this time I am talking about La Fiesta de la Salsa with the band Conexión feat. Mayelis, this Saturday, March 12th at 9 PM. This legendary band of six musicians from Cuba, Colombia, and Germany returns to Berlin nights playing live the hottest Salsa, Son Cubano, Cha cha chá, and the most popular singles such as “A Dios Le Pido” included in their most recent record production Felicidad released on February 25th on all digital platforms.

Likewise, La Fiesta de la Salsa will also feature Salsa and Timba sets along with dance classes starting at 8 PM with DJ FISMO brought directly from Cuba.

The event will take place at Casa Pfefferberg 13 at Calle Schoenhauser 176 and the cost of admission ranges from €14 – €18. The permanence in the place will remain under the 2G regulations, that is, you can dance without a mask and without keeping a distance, and consequently you can only attend if you are fully vaccinated or verifiably recovered.

a couple of instructors dancing at euro-dance festival — The Euro Dance Festival will have more than 50 individual workshops and seminars daily

And finally, I recommend the largest festival in Europe, Euro Dance Festival to be held from Tuesday, March 1st to Sunday, March 6th at the Europa-Park facilities located at Straße 2 77977 Rust. During these six days, they will give more than 370 workshops in a wide variety of dance styles, from standard to Salsa, Argentine Tango, and many more. The program of the Euro Dance Festival culminates with four unforgettable evenings of world-class shows.

The ticket cost at the box office is worth €620 and anyone who has not reserved a seat at the table will be assigned a fixed seat (theater seat) on-site (no surcharge). During the show (approx. 60 minutes) an FFP2 mask must be worn in the seat, and no drinks or food can be brought. Masks are mandatory (FFP-2, no cloth or surgical masks) in all areas and at all times. The only exception will be during workshops and when practicing at night, only while actively dancing.

33 actors on stage in the Cuban musical Havana Nights — Cuba’s hit musical, Havana Nights, has been touring in Europe since March 2018

I end this edition by bringing you this Cuban Salsa bonus. The musical Havana Nights will be presented on Sunday, March 20th at 7:30 PM at Europaplatz 12, 26123 Oldenburg, and the cost of admission in category 1 is €72.49.

In this musical, you will listen to live Caribbean rhythms performed by a band of 9 girls accompanied by the Havana Nights Dance Company, with its impressive performance in which Salsa & Merengue, as well as urban dance and hip-hop, merge harmoniously in a fiery choreography.

At their side will also be the technical precision of the artists of the National Circus of Cuba, winner of multiple awards at circus festivals around the world, including Monte Carlo, China, Italy, Spain, and France.

The stage is made with authentic decoration of Cuba and lights with 3D projection. The 33 artists on stage will impress you with their great production and warm Caribbean sounds that will transport you directly to the heart of Cuba.