Search Results for: World Salsa

Betty Zapata ¨The Lady of Salsa¨

Latin America / Venezuela / Caracas

In Venezuela, Caracas, the neighborhood is a way of life with its own identity. The neighborhoods of the entire National Territory, its inhabitants, become outstanding characters. Such is the case of Betty Zapata who was born in the emblematic La Pastora Parish located in the Capital (Caracas). There he spends his childhood in a neighborhood of colonial and historical houses of Venezuela.

There are many memories of that legendary Zone, they are inevitably built by those associated with survival, preparation, development, work, love, struggle and family formation, its magic and what marked it for life… . “Music”.

My connection with music is due in part to the fact that I live in a popular area where the music that was heard was Afro-Caribbean (mostly Salsa), the parties or meetings in my house and the neighborhood were always enlivened by that type of music, the most rooted and sticky collectively, originating the most varied dancers.

In the Carnestolendas festivities, improvised platforms (Templetes) were installed to stage the most varied costume and dance contests. Leaving my childhood and beginning my adolescent stage, I participated in dance competitions, obtaining recognition and prizes that were awarded to the young people of my generation.

I attended festive celebrations (dance meetings) with my older sisters at the age of 12, not because I was a dancer, but to not leave me alone, since I was the youngest of 3 sisters, this allowed me to share with people older than me and which I was learning the different dance styles “remembering with great affection the Cayender family, made up of excellent dancers” they are part of my school and love for dance. My cadence, flavor and body movement also allowed me to learn until I had my own dance style.

The music of the moment was the Danzones, Billo’s, Melodicos and in my house my sisters listened in the 70’s to Joe Cuba, Ricardo Rey and Bobby Cruz, Eddie Palmieri, the Latin Dimension prevails, Grupo Mango, Salsa Mayor, La Banda and his Young Sauce. That stuck with me forever and I felt drawn to Salsa.

That gave me the basis to fully incorporate myself into the exciting world of music. In the Barrio salsa is something essential, if you don’t dance it, enjoy it, feel it, you’re nothing.

Attending a meeting, an event, a concert, a presentation, a party or a meeting and there is no salsa, you feel an emptiness since with it we enjoy, we share, we dance and it definitely puts us to enjoy.

Photo - Betty Zapata ¨The Lady of Salsa¨ — Photo – Betty Zapata ¨The Lady of Salsa¨

In the course of my 6 decades of existence, I have not ceased to be linked to it in different facets: as an audience, spectator, guest, contestant, jury, organizer, producer and director of events.

Each of these participations has allowed me to stand out, stand out and be a well-known, popular and loved person, a reference in the organization of a good party, night events, presentations of representative groups of the world of Salsa such as:

Ray de La Paz, Herman Olivera, Frankie Vásquez, Bobbie Valentin, Willie Rosario, Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Sonora Ponceña, La Selecta, Mulenze, Carlos Cano Estremera, Julio López, Yolandita Rivera, Mambo Legends among others, and for those from the Patio: Bailatino, Rumberos del Callejón , Ensamble La Calle, Albondiga y su Pandilla, Repicao, Tributo, On Fire, La áquina de la Salsa, La Negramenta, Gerardo Rosales, Javier Plaza’s Son Risa Orchestra among others.

This has allowed me to be an obligatory reference when it comes to producing and making an event of great importance and musical quality where the Dancing Public is respected and appreciated, providing them with the comforts to enjoy an excellent show and Latin music is seen as an element of identity that belongs to all of us to live it and feel it.

I am (Betty Zapata) currently planning and developing projects in the short, medium and long term and to give you a heads-up I am giving you the scoop: I am here with my radio program to promote, support, disseminate and promote our exciting and magical world of Caribbean music.

Great Christmas salsa songs and their stories

Christmas is a time of joy where one of the most important elements is music, so we believe this is the best opportunity to feature some of the best Christmas salsa songs that we can remember. Here are the most cheerful songs in Latin music to listen to during the most beautiful time of the year.

Aires de Navidad by Héctor Lavoe and Willie Colón

”Aires de Navidad” is a great song which is part of the Christmas album ”Asalto Navideño Vol. I” from 1971. In the same year, Lavoe and Colón were already making preparations to record an album entirely dedicated to the festivities, indeed, they already had some songs recorded, but they knew that there were still details to finish.

Then, Héctor asked musician Roberto García to join the project that was underway, as they needed a guitarist to accompany them. Garcia accepted the proposal almost immediately and got excited about the project that he even proposed Yomo Toro to join them, to which Hector and Willie agreed with no problems.

The day they agreed to record the material, Toro came in first and began playing a Puerto Rican cuatro when he was scheduled to play the electric guitar. However, Johnny Pacheco, upon hearing the sounds, liked the arrangement and approved it without question.

That is how the four artists set out and recorded what would soon become one of the greatest Christmas hymns in recent times, and it will surely be in thousands of homes around the world this month.

One of the photos taken during the recording of ”Aires de Navidad”

La Fiesta de Pilito by El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico

”La Fiesta de Pilito” is included in the album ”Nuestra Música” by El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, which was recorded in 1985 as a tribute to the most beautiful and endearing of the Island of Enchantment during the Christmas holidays. Back then, any musical work created by El Gran Combo always became a resounding success once it was released and its members were sure that this would be no exception.

It is then when the composer of one of the main songs of ”Nuestra Música” came on the scene, and we are talking about Luis ”Pilito” Cruz, who would become part of the internationally acclaimed salsa group that same year.

What is known in the first instance about the song is that it did not have a specific name, so it was baptized as ”La Fiesta de Pilito” honoring the composer of its first two verses. Subsequently, the piece was completed with pregones and soneos created by the rest of the orchestra members.

Additionally, they received the support and collaboration from ‘‘El Caballero de La Salsa” Gilberto Santa Rosa, who served as a guest artist for the legendary recording.

Nuestra música at Christmas — Cover of the Christmas album ”Nuestra Música”

Bembé en Casa de Pinki by Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz

”Bembé En Casa de Pinki” is a Christmas song written by the famous duo Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz, which was released in 1971 and is the first single from the Christmas album ”Felices Pascuas”.

The song’s title comes from someone who would be very important in the career of the two aforementioned artists and that was the Panamanian-born diplomat named José Rogelio ”Pinki” Arias. The gentleman was a close friend of Richie and Bobby and, at the same time, director of the Panamanian Institute of Tourism. He used his friendship with the vocalists to invite them to various events in his country, knowing that they would be a complete success with the presence of the duo.

Such was the affection both exponents had for ”Pinki” that they dedicated to him two songs from their extensive repertoire, which were ”Bembé en Casa de Pinki” and one belonging to the album ”El Diferente”.

Among other songs, ”Felices Pascuas” also includes tracks such as ”Bomba en Navidad”, ”Mi Niñez”, ”San José”, and ”Aguinaldo Navideño”.

Felices fiestas at Christmas — Cover of the Christmas album ”Felices Fiestas”

Estelita by La Sonora Ponceña

Another group that never misses a chance to offer their talent to please their fans and make them enter the Christmas atmosphere during the holiday season, leaving great classics that can not be missing every year in our homes and one of them is ”Estelita”.

Something that can never be missed in a Christmas album is that colorful character who always brings playfulness and good humor to the atmosphere. In this case, it is Estelita, who is a party neighbor who always sneaks into the Christmas parrandas in her neighborhood, something that many people will surely feel identified with in various parts of Latin America.

The song was written by the late maestro Joe Torres and was part of the album ”Otra Navidad Criolla!” along with ”Opera Gandinga”, ”Vamonos Pa’l Campo”, ”La Vengo Siguiendo”.

El “Día de San Juan” Salsa Festival

North America / USA

El “Día de San Juan” Salsa Festival Western Region Puerto Rican Council, Inc.

Concilio De Organizaciones Puertorriqueños Del OEste

Countdown to El “Día de San Juan” Festival 2018

40th Anniversary

SAVE THE DATE

June 30, 2018

Due to the ongoing effects of the devastation of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, the WRPRC will be directing all proceeds of El Dia de San Juan Festival to aid in the educational programs of the youth of Puerto Rico. http://www.wrprc.org/

“Día De San Juan” Salsa Scholarship Festival Line Up

Charlie Aponte

Charlie Aponte, one of the most beloved and remembered voices by millions of Salseros worldwide, returns to the stage as a Soloist after 41 successful years with La Universidad de la Salsa…El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico.

With Charlie Aponte as their lead singer El Gran Combo recorded many hits Brujería; Amor Brutal; La Loma del Tamarindo; No hay Cama pa’ tanta Gente; Hojas Blancas; Arroz con Habichuelas; among many others.

Tony Vega

Internationally known salsa singer and band leader, Tony Vega, emerged from Puerto Rico in the 1980’s, He has worked with many of the greatest salsa stars from the beginnings of the genre, to the present.

Vega was exposed to music at a very early age; influenced by many adults in his family who were musicians. Even in those early days, it was clear to Vega that nothing could satisfy his musical preferences like the music of his native Puerto Rico.

He was greatly influenced then by Ismael “Maelo” Rivera and Cortijo y su Combo, Rafael Ithierand El Gran Combo. Vega signed with the then new RMM record label and released his solo debut with “Yo Me Quedo!” in 1988.

Vega’s riveting voice and his innate ability to perform contemporary salsa in the best tradition of the classic “soneros” has been honed and refined over 19 years as an artist, first as a percussionist and then as a singer. Thus far Vega has participated in the recording of 17 albums, including the last four on the RMM label with his own band.

Tony Vega has recorded Hablando del Amor, Greatest Hits, Aparentemente, Hoy Quiero Cantarte, the self-titled Tony Vega, and these have established Vega as a highly regarded salsa star.

Taino Orchestra

Taino Orchestra began as a project to deliver salsa and latin jazz in August of 2010. The concept is very simple, a nine piece band with the sound and elegant sophistication of a big orchestra.

Inspired by bands and individuals such as Ray Barretto, Tito Puente, Willie Rosario, Eddie Palmieri and many others, TAINO has developed into one of the most solid, hard-hitting salsa bands in the area.

The band is led by percussionist and lead vocalist, Aaron Routtenberg. Aaron has toured and performed with some of the biggest names in the salsa industry including Jerry Rivera, Tito Nieves, La India, Tito Rojas and many more.

The percussion section features Carlos Caro on congas and Papo Martinez on bongo. On bass, Taino is proud to have veteran bandleader and musician Gilbert Roman, while the extremely talented Erick Peralta occupies the piano chair.

The sizzling horn section is proud to have Mike Rinta and Charly Aguilar on trombones, while Carlos McCoy dazzles audiences on baritone sax and flute. With this strong vocal section, swinging rhythm section, and blazing horn section that will make you move, we invite you to experience a musical masterpiece that you won’t soon forget! Ya lo ves, que viene TAINO!

Latin Saoko The Latin Corner of the World – 2018

Latinoamerica / Argentina / Buenos Aires

Latin Saoko, the radio is dedicated to spreading the richness of our Latin culture to all the public who want to have an encounter with the magical Caribbean and its music.

It is the Internet radio station of Latin-Caribbean genres that produces interactive programs with top-of-the-line speakers, this is how Dj timbao and Víctor Rodríguez define Latin Saoko, a radio station that since 2016 dictates the rhythm of timba and salsa on the internet .

In a pleasant conversation with his mentors, we were able to learn that it is an idea that arose a long time ago from these two great DJs and dance instructors from Venezuela, for now Dj timbao making life and projecting himself in Argentina and Víctor doing the same in Spain .

The radio is dedicated to spreading the richness of our Latin culture to all the public who want to have an encounter with the magical Caribbean and its music. Our work comes to you from the hand of professionals who strive every day to produce the best programs with true dynamic content through our website, with an excellent technical team and specialized personnel who work 24 hours a day in each one. Of its different spaces, Víctor mentions the director of the Kimbara school from the beautiful island of Tenerife.

There are 24 continuous hours of the best musical themes of Latin-Caribbean genres, we can enjoy premieres that come at the hands of this pair of DJs thanks to their great trajectory around the world. Dj timbao tells us that:

At saokolatino.com we seek to innovate the way in which Internet radio is currently produced so that in this way we can introduce real radio programming with dynamic content, for all local audiences and also worldwide. , offering the best of products so that saokolatino.com becomes the number one reference radio station for Latin American musical genres.

Among its main objectives is to create a space dedicated to the public that loves Latin genres, strengthen and promote Caribbean music and culture worldwide, expand the horizons of Latin radio in the world and reach number 1 in the ranking of radio stations. internet radio.

One of our main missions is to be the first Internet station of Latin-Caribbean genres, with unique production of true and real programs broadcast live and in real time. Spread the true Latin culture through the music that represents us and is loved worldwide, so that everyone who is connected to the radio identifies with its image and content.

Work hard so that our broadcasts, programs, calendars and music reach all possible destinations hand in hand with professionals who strive day after day, week after week and year after year to produce true radio content programs on the web, I emphasize Víctor, in the same way that the production of programs with characters from all over the world will take this radio to another level, they seek not only to delight musically speaking, they also follow the idea of nurturing with programs aimed at substantially improving the offer.

They are currently in the registry of people who want to make programs, they offer excellent benefits and are open to proposals that are presented to promote programs dedicated to Latin music and Caribbean rhythms.

On the website we can also find several interactive sections, the largest of which is a chat room in which all listeners, whether registered or not, can chat with each other, sending messages, images and emoticons on the topics they most want to discuss. and in turn they can talk directly with the announcer who is making the program at that moment.

On the other hand, there is the video section, where you can see the artists of the moment and those that have been successes or classics in their times, which Important to note in this section is that it links you directly to the station’s YouTube channel which has a direct playlist of the channels of each of the artists, this is important because by watching the video you are contributing to the artist directly and growing its popularity.

Similarly, they have a section of biographies where there is the story behind each of the most important orchestras, groups, ensembles or groups in Latin music.

Estrenos Timberos - Latin Saoko — Estrenos Timberos – Latin Saoko

To close, they invite us to download the saokolatinoradio app through playstore and for IOS present at www.tunein.com as saokolatinoradio, in this way they will be able to have 24 hours of good music at hand in any corner of the world where they are. For contacts: +34654723798 and +5491161380106 or by e-mail [email protected], by facebok on Saoko Latino Radio, on Instagram and twitter as @saokolatino and the youtube channel where we can enjoy video premieres of the most popular artists. recognized is Saoko Latino.

The world’s sonero returns to dance with the bass, this time from the Coca Cola Music Hall in Puerto Rico

On October 26, 2024, the Sonero of the World, Óscar D’León, arrived at the Coca Cola Music Hall in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The concert, scheduled for 6:00 p.m., began an hour late. However, attendees waited patiently until Óscar made his energetic entrance onto the colorful stage that was dressed in salsa for the occasion.

The world's greatest singer returns to dance with the bass, this time from the Coca Cola Music Hall in Puerto Rico — The world’s greatest singer returns to dance with the bass, this time from the Coca Cola Music Hall in Puerto Rico

For approximately two hours, the bassist was accompanied by his own orchestra, whose musicians traveled from Miami, Florida, USA. Between soneo and soneo, the Oscar of Salsa informed us that the inconvenience causing the delay had to do with a musician, who having stayed in Miami did not have the possibility of reaching Puerto Rican soil on time.

D´León, with more than half a century of musical career and a long list of hits, delighted the audience with the songs that have made him one of the favorite salsa singers of the Island of Enchantment. He started the evening with “Llorarás”, which ignited the passion of the audience gathered at the Coca Cola Music Hall, and who sang the hit at the top of their lungs alongside the bassist. This was followed by the songs “Bravo de verdad”, “Yo quisiera”, “Hechicera”, “Taboga” -from Dimensión Latina-, accompanied by his backing singer, Johnny Silva, “La murga”, “Detalles”, “La cadenita”, “Idilio” -also a duet with Johnny Silva- and “Mi bajo y yo”. During the interpretation of the latter he was accompanied by the instrument with which he achieved fame to recall his beginnings as a bassist, vocalist and dancer.

The world's sonero dances again with the bass — The world’s sonero dances again with the bass

The historic concert with the bass was followed by ‘Irimó’, ‘Sigue tu camino’, ‘La piragua’, ‘Que buen baila usted’, ‘En mi Viejo San Juan’, ‘La Mazucamba’, ‘El frutero’, ‘El manicero’, ‘Esa mujer’, ‘Juanita Morell’ and ‘Matasiguaraya’.

As usual, the concert was characterized by the energy of El León de la Salsa and the affection he receives every time he visits Borinquen. Rosalis Torres’ production team took care of every detail, making sure that everything flowed with the same impeccability as always. Once again, the salsa audience was pleased and waiting for the next concert.

Oscar D' Leon The Return — Oscar D’ Leon The Return

Also Read: Willie Rosario, El Rey del ritmo by journalist and music researcher Robert Téllez M.