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Search Results for: club
Albert Torres The Ambassador Of Salsa
North America / USA / New York
Albert Torres, a sympathetic boy with blushing cheeks who born in Brooklyn – New York – never suspected what his destiny had prepared him, to be the father of the Congresses of Salsa worldwide. His name would resound from North to South and from East to West, by the continents: American, European and Asian; in the different important scenes of the Latin music movement and would be the inspiration for many dancers of this branch.
His legacy would belong to the astonishment and shelter of the artists and the public that would applaud his talent, vigor and semblance to the rhythm of the phrase “Una Bulla”. This cheerful infant, without a doubt, was going to be a legend of Afro-Caribbean music. I’m talking about Albert Torres, The Ambassador of Salsa!
Albert began to listen to the salsa genre from the age of 5, staring in astonishment at the whole scene, sitting, of his first dance lessons … At the famous Palladium in New York, where his mother danced and liked the music of Mongo Santamaría and Tito Puente.
This child, future congressman of Salsa, grew up when the history of Latin popular music (salsa) was being written in the South Bronx, where Puerto Rican communities were having a great explosion of creativity and musical activity.
At the age of 12 years old his family decides to move to Puerto Rico, “By that time I did not want to speak Spanish, I did not want to be Puerto Rican. I did not want to be part of that environment”, said Torres. He only danced disco and Hustle. However, at the age of 15 his life took a dizzying turn when he heard:
“Oye que lio que lio se va a formar
cuando mi gatito sepa
y es tan simple la razón
El que a su gata le cuenta que el que a
su gata le cuenta
no es nada más que un ratón
un ratón…
…Échale semilla a la maraca pa que
suenen
chacucha cuchu cucha cucha
échale semilla a las maracas pa que
suenen
échale semilla a esas maracas oye
chacucha cucha cucha cucha
y hace rato está sonando sonando
chacucha cucha cucha cucha…”
Albert Torres simply fell in love with the Salsa thanks to this theme: “El Ratón” of Cheo Feliciano together to Fania All Stars. “The legends of salsa changed my life. When I heard these legends, that August 26th of 1971, in the Cheetah, something happened inside me. The music entered by the feet and came to my heart”. Thus, declared his beginnings in the Salsa, Albert Torres.
In 1991 his passion for Salsa took him to impress the girls of the neighborhood by his incredible steps to a Hollywood celebrity when he, first time, participated in the movie Mambo Kings in which he was chosen as one of the main dancers.
There he not only helped Antonio Banderas with the dance steps, but also with the English by that time for Banderas was very hard. In addition, during the filming of the movie Albert had the opportunity to share with big of Salsa like Celia Cruz, José Alberto “El Canario” and his great idol Tito Puente.
That film was the hit that catapulted Torres to world fame being chosen by Debbie Allen as one of the 4 dancers (of more than 400 couples) to participate in the Academy Awards (1993) and to dance “My beautiful Maria” whose Singer was Plácido Domingo and where he stood out as the first Puerto Rican to dance in the history of the ceremony.
Then, he returns to the cinema being the choreographer and dancer of Salsa scenes in the romantic film “Dance with Me” with Vanessa Williams and Chayanne during 5 months.
Later he worked on the movie “Out to See” (1998) with Jack Lemmon and Walter Matteau and in the same year he also made a guest starring appearance on the Keenan Wayan’s Show where he performed with Jennifer Lopez. Everywhere there was Salsa, Torres seemed to be there. At the time and with all this like trajectory Albert Torres in 1991 also began his stage as a producer.
He started promoting Salsa clubs in Los Angeles, “I lost a lot of money. Nobody wanted to know about Salsa”, said Albert. Nonetheless, he began to handle Johnny Polanco y Su Conjunto Amistad, which were the best-known salsa group in the Western United States.
In 1992 he founded his own company, Albert Torres Productions Inc. (ATP) and began to organize salsa parties in several places in Los Angeles. The most important were the Boathouse in Santa Monica, St. Marks in Venice and Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City.
At that moment the genre of salsa was losing popularity. However, Albert Torres with his wit, insight and a lot of intelligence pulled him forward on his own. He revived it in such a way that he became the most influential salsa promoter in the United States. He was who brought to Los Angeles some of the most important names in the Latin music such as: Fania All-Stars, El Gran Combo, Oscar D ‘León, José Alberto “El Canario” and the Spanish Harlem Orchestra, among many others.
In the late 1990s, after the I administration of President Clinton relaxed the laws restricting presentations by Cuban artists in the USA, Albert Torres was the first promoter, who brought to the famous and the notorious Van Van group to Los Angeles in January, 1997.
The show, which took place in a night club in downtown LA, was a success. Since then, Los Van Van has received major media awareness with prestigious publications such as Los Angeles Times, New York Times, among others and including the most coveted music honor, a Grammy and Latin Grammy nomination. Torres’s passion and promotional skills have played a key role in the U.S.A Latin Entertainment explosion. Ricardo Lemvo, musician and singer living in Los Angeles, founder and leader of the salsa band Makina Loka said:
“Personally, I have a great deal of gratitude to Albert. In 1996 when I released my first album, Tata Masamba, he was the one who presented my music to the Latin audience in Los Angeles. He also placed my band at Sportsmen’s Lodge, Grand Park and many other venues. Albert was also who recommended me to film director Randa Haines and as a result, my band, Makina Loca came out in the movie “Dance with Me” with Chayanne and Vanessa Williams. I will be eternally grateful to Albert Torres for giving me a hand at the beginning of my career”.
1997 was crucial for Albert and the world of Salsa in Los Angeles because began the dream of Mr. Eli Irizarri of Puerto Rico, the concept of the Salsa Congresses in San Juan. “I was not the first year, but I heard a lot of nice things even though it was a financial failure. I attended the event in 1998 and was the master of ceremonies. Then, I started the same concept in Los Angeles beginning in 1999 and in the next 8 years following the Los Angeles Congress stood out as the largest in the world. There attend more than 6000 people daily arriving from more than 42 countries”, said Albert for an Argentine media.
In 1998, at the head of ATP, organized the first edition of Los Angeles Salsa Congress and in May 1999 was carried out, with the presentation of Tito Puente in the opening. In this first congress Albert transformed the event into an exciting music and dance venue that attracted 20,000 Latin Music enthusiasts from all over the world and USA and with such great success that he immediately became co-producer Salsa Congresses in over 32 countries.
“My most important desire to be a promoter of the Congresses would be that this can be used for dancers, can realize their dream of dancing on a stage and also find a way to respect the dancers as they deserve it. This is extremely important”. Albert Torres.
In LA Salsa Congress the stars are born, many of the world renowned dancers have their start at this event. The mission of LA Salsa Fest is to pass on to the next generation through educational seminars, dance workshops and being able to perform on stage.
Since then, Albert Torres Productions has created and produced the World’s Largest Salsa Music event. In addition to this, ATP is the co-producer of the World Salsa, broadcast from Las Vegas every year by the ESPN TV network being watched by more than 20 million homes worldwide, where more than 1000 competing dancers will be known on the planet. “On ESPN told me that if I wanted to see it on TV I had to do competitions.
I do not like it, but for the dancers to get to know each other worldwide, I decided to make the World Salsa Championship, the biggest and most important salsa tournament in the world. Now, since April (2012) I decided to do it alone, without partners, and now it’s called World Latin Dance Cup. I added other categories like cumbia, bachata, casino, children and people over 45 years. We have about 20 categories”. Torres Said in an interview with a Peruvian media.
In the World Latin Dance Cup No requirements. You have to take stock and follow the world rules. These are of time, originality of the dressing rooms, of musicality. If you drop the wig, the earring (while dancing), points are removed; if you do not wear stockings, too. A wig will not give points, but if it falls it will take the points. In this championship there is not a world champion, so there is a champion in each category.
According to his friends, Albert was a “workaholic”. He was always on the road promoting salsa music through all the congresses he organized around the world. Always in transit, he spent one night in Istanbul, the next in Paris and the following week in Tokyo. For example, at the beginning of 2007 he had 48 weeks of travel and in one year he could travel to 48 exotic countries such as Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Japan, Hong Kong, Brazil, Bulgaria, Romania, China, Colombia, Venezuela, Spain, Mexico, Peru, Holland, Hamburg, Italy, Switzerland, Sweden, France, Ecuador, New Zealand, Australia and Puerto Rico.
Therefore, it is not surprising to see on your Facebook wall, the immense and felt messages of thanks from dancers from all corners of the earth. His latest project called “The Legacy Project” is an initiative to combine our music culture with the latest technology tendencies in order to reach and unite more people so future generations can appreciate, preserve and be part of the history of Latin dance and music around the world.
In 2011 Albert Torres was honored to be accepted as a Member of the Council for Dance of UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization) and Elected Grand Marshall at the National New York Puerto Rican Day Parade in front of 2 million spectators lined up on 5th Ave that past June 12 of the same year. This past May, 25th the world of Salsa and entertainment received a huge impact, the news of the death of Albert Torres, victim of a Stroke.
Family, friends, national and international press as well as web portals lamented and reviewed this regrettable fact. Rudy Mangual, creator of the famous magazine Latin Beat Magazine commented to an international media that before this terrible fatal outcome, Albert was very delicate of health in the last months; he had diabetes and had an infection in the pancreas. He also said that he regretted his gone because he and his wife Yvette Mangual had a very special affection to Albert.
Albert Torres’s family wishes to thank all of our Salsa Family for your thoughts, prayers and well wishes during this difficult time. Albert passed away today May 25th, 2017, peacefully, surrounded by family and loved ones. We all find comfort knowing that he is now promoting and dancing alongside his Idols, Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Cheo Feliciano, Tito Rodriguez and Ray Barreto. As well as his close friends Johnny Polanco, Rudy Regalado, Alicia Gomez and many others. We would love nothing more than for you to help us continue keeping his legacy and DREAM OF UNITY alive by supporting the great event that he started 19 years ago:
The LA SALSA FEST.
Thank you again and may you all be blessed. UNA BULLAAAA!
Rest In Peace ALBERT TORRES
6/14/1956 – 5/25/2017
On the other hand, different personalities of the artistic world expressed their deep pain:
“Salsa and I lost a good friend. Like everyone else in the music world, I was in shock: Albert was an exuberant, vibrant person. It seems unfair that he left the planet in the prime of his life at only 60 years old.
I remember in one of our many conversations, he expressed his great desire to bring the famous African salsa group Africando to the United States. Africando had a song, “Yay Boy,” that was all the rage not only in New York but also in Latin America, but not many people had seen the group live. It was a huge undertaking to organize a concert with Africando since the lead vocalists lived in Senegal, Togo, and other parts of Africa. When Albert finally managed to bring Africando to Los Angeles in 2004, he was over the moon. That was one of his greatest triumphs.
Albert, your passing is a huge blow to all of us in the salsa world. We will miss you terribly. Thank you for everything you’ve done to promote our music. Salsa. We will never forget you.
Rest in peace, brother.” Ricardo Lemvo
“Creating Unity through Salsa”, words from my brother Albert Torres. That’s exactly what we are trying to do, will keep this in my heart forever… Your legacy lives. Thank you Albert! Thank you Edwin and the #LASalsaFest team for this”. Tony Succa
Famed Salsa legend, dancer and Hollywood choreographer turned mega event planner Albert Torres is already part of our history. His continuous efforts to globalize Salsa have made a major impact on the preservation and accessibility of both Salsa Music and Salsa Dance around the world. To achieve this, he was constantly traveling around the world, encouraging conferences and festivals, discovering talents for dancing.
No doubt, Albert Torres brought the music it in the blood. He had his own vibration and constantly he was being a role model. He played that key role in the confluence of people and places that created an environment for the growth of Latin music in America and the world.
For that reason, on the Facebook wall of Albert thousands of emotions multiply. And the messages coincide in the gratefulness and the claim of “una bulla”, una bulla salsera para Albert. Today on some side of the Salsa´s Big, sure, you’re dancing and singing!
Albert Torres in solidarity with charitable causes
“Before I was an event producer, I handled 50 beds in a hospital helping people with drug, alcohol, and mental problems… I have been sober since December 14, 1985. For that, I can live and help others to live their Dreams”. Albert Torres
Great dancer and Champion fell ill last year after the WLDC. With the support of dancers worldwide he was able to beat leukimia and will be back this year. What an inspiration and great story. Let’s all appreciate each day that we are blessed with. Welcome back Jeremy.
ATP continues with the Albert’s legacy and offering top-notch quality events with world-class performers. His bands are legendary and his events feature some of the finest musicians and dancers the world has ever known.
“Para mí la salsa no es latina sino mundial. No tiene barreras de colores ni de país. Es increíble ver niños chiquitos bailar como los de los 80 que bailan… Para mí la salsa es como si fuera una paella, una comida increíble: tiene tantos condimentos y tantas cositas.
La salsa es así: con un poquito de rumba, jazz, tango, y si le pones swing, ballet y se mezclan todos con una bella canción de Óscar de León, algo sucede que nos afecta desde los tobillos hasta el corazón… Los problemas siempre van a estar esperándonos en casa, pero qué cosa bonita llegar a un lugar donde todo el mundo se lleva. Cuando empieza esa música todos tenemos algo en común. Ojalá el mundo aprendiera de eso”. Albert Torres (June 14, 1956 – May 25, 2017)
To learn more about Albert Torres and his events, please visit: www.worldlatindancecup.com, www.mysalsacongress.com and www.alberttorresproductions.com
To read more about Albert Torres’ work with Baile de Los Niños, providing cultural outreach programs to at-risk youth and low-income families, visit: www.alberttorresevents.com/bailedelo sninos/mission.asp
Caesar Vera Y Su Sexteto NuevoSon, traditional Cuban music with a touch of modernity
It is very important for us to show and provide coverage to the most important Latin music artists of today in the United States and now it is the turn of Chicagoan musician Caesar Vera, who very kindly accompanied us in this edition of International Salsa Magazine.
Caesar is the current director of Caesar Vera Y Su Sexteto NuevoSon, which we will talk about later along with other equally important issues for the musician’s career.
How Caesar began his journey in music
Although Caesar has developed his professional life in Miami and currently lives there, he was actually born in Chicago and spent the early years of his life there. His parents arrived from Cuba in 1966 in the freedom flights and, once in the United States, the Catholic Church helped them and placed them in Chicago, where he was born and lived until 1978. Later, the couple divorced and his father went to live in Miami, so Caesar spent long holiday periods together with him in that city.
The path with music for Caesar began in high school, when he became very interested in rock music, to the point of creating a band with some of his classmates. He played the drums and was a huge fan of Led Zeppelin, Kiss, Van Halen, and other groups of that style.
The only connection the young man had with Latin music was his grandfather, who loved to dance danzón and always played Orquesta Aragón records so that they could both move to the beat music in the living room of his house. Although these moments with his grandfather were very pleasant, he did not yet like this kind of music, but that would change over the years.
In Miami, there was a time when there were many Latin bands playing, and every corner had a nightclub with orchestras playing. Caesar and his friends used to attend these places a lot, which led the young man to finally become interested in these genres. This coincided with the arrival from Cuba of his uncle who was a musician and had a band there, which they talked about constantly, and he even taught his nephew to play instruments such as the tumbadora, bongos, timbales, and all minor percussion.
In 1987, what happened was a turning point for Caesar musically speaking, as he finally decided to take Cuban music more seriously and study its history to understand it better.
Groups prior to Caesar Vera Y Su Sexteto Nuevo Son
Before creating his own group, the wife of a friend who had a group invited him to play percussion with them, a proposal Caesar accepted, and he started playing the tumbadora with the orchestra. Something new in this case was that he had never played with an established band in formal performances, so it was something new for him.
By 1992, he had met the famous Cuban bongo player Juan Méndez, who had played with the Roberto Faz Orchestra, Roberto Torres, and Luis Santi Y Su Conjunto. Méndez told him that he needed a bongo player in an orchestra he was forming at the time and asked Caesar to fill the vacancy, to which he answered yes and remained in the group until 2003, that is, for around 11 years.
In addition to that, he was a replacement in various orchestras in Miami for a while, one of which was Gilberto Díaz Y Su Conjunto Los Profesionales. He was with them for two years, but by then traditional Cuban music, more specifically Cuban son, had captured his full attention. It just so happens that one of his orchestra fellows told him that Norberto from the group Norberto Y Marcela Y El Septeto Caribe called him because they needed a bongo player and asked if he was interested in the vacancy. Caesar did not think twice and went to play with the orchestra even though he did not have much experience with the bongos, but he took the risk anyway. It was with this group that he started playing traditional Cuban music and prepared to do the same once he became independent.
Foundation of Caesar Vera Y Su Sexteto NuevoSon
Still playing with Norberto and Marcela, Caesar started having his own creative ideas on how to lead an orchestra, but he could not carry them out because he was only a musician who collaborated with the orchestra, which started to bother him and cause him enormous dissatisfaction. One day, his wife saw him stressed and frustrated by the situation, leading her to ask him why he did not become independent and create his own project.
That is when he started thinking about it seriously until, in early 2007, he finally founded the group Fusión 4 with Carlos Alberto “El Flaco”, who had previously sung with Fajardo Y Sus Estrellas, Larry Harlow, and La Fania. They managed to play every Saturday at the Deauville Jazz Club for a year.
However, the sextet as we know it today was created just two years ago because it was costing to Caesar much to find work for such a large orchestra, especially after the pandemic when much of the live music scene fell off a cliff.
Today, some of its members are tres player Roberto Acosta, bassist Arturo Santi, conga player Hebert García, trumpeter Orlando Fraga, and singer Billy Velázquez.
Read also: Young promise of music Sofia Grace Doellefeld tells us about her dreams
New York International Salsa Congress 2017
North America / USA / New York
The New York International Salsa Congress is New York City’s largest and longest-running Latin dance and music event where the world comes to dance every Labor Day Weekend. This year is the 17th annual edition and will take place at the prestigious New York Marriott Marquis, in the heart of Times Square, footsteps from Broadway theaters, museums and other NYC attractions.
Taking place August 31 – September 4, 2017
Featuring live band concerts, performance showcases, instructional workshops, and non-stop social dancing all in the center of the world’s greatest city, come see why the NYISC brings thousands of attendees from New York and over 40 countries worldwide for an annual celebration of Latin dance, music and culture.
This year, the 2017 NYISC promises to build on this foundation and take it to the next level. Taking place once again in the HEART of Times Square at the extraordinary Marriott Marquis, you will feel that you are dancing in the center of the world. We’ve upgraded to the larger Broadway Ballroom for an even more extraordinary dance experience.
Enjoy workshops and performances from today’s most talented dancers, live music from world-famous bands, and social dancing all night long. All this in the mecca of culture and entertainment, home to countless attractions, parks, museums and shows – join us again for another memorable edition of New York City’s premier latin dance and music event!
Tickets
- Vip Upgrade – $100: (For Full and Evening Pass holders) Upgrade to VIP status! VIP amenities include preferential VIP seating for evening performances, no waiting in line, plus a special VIP commemorative gift, and discounted access to official Congress pre-events.
- Vip Upgrade (1 Night) – $35: (For Full and Evening Pass holders) Upgrade to VIP status for 1 night only! Includes preferential VIP seating for evening performances and no waiting in line.
- Vip Full Passes – $399 + $22.94 Fee: provides access to all Congress workshops, performance showcases, live bands and social dancing for the entire event. (Does not include bootcamp).
Location
The New York Marriott Marquis is the host hotel for the 2017 New York International Salsa Congress, located in the heart of Times Square, at 1535 Broadway, New York, NY (45th Street).
Surround yourself with the sights and sounds of the city at the New York Marriott Marquis. Get relaxed and energized simultaneously as you step into some of the largest guest rooms in NYC, amid the hustle and bustle of famed Broadway. Nestled in the heart of Times Square, this Broadway hotel gives you easy access to exciting shows, Fifth Avenue shopping, Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center, Central Park, Lincoln Center and Madison Square Garden.
The New York Marriott Marquis puts you in the midst of popular NYC attractions or near several subway lines to access any part of NYC.
Dance Instructors
Today’s most talented, creative, and popular dance instructors to bring their skills and technique to the next level. They are offering a number of workshops over the course of the weekend for beginners to gain confidence and for advanced dancers to enhance their repertoire.
Antonio Doza (Doza Dance Company, New York):
He is dancer, Actor, Model, Health & Fitness Advisor, Founder and Owner of Doza Dance Company from New York City. Known for his great performance presence, Antonio brings so much heat to the stage that he guarantees all eyes are on him.
As an instructor, he brings his intriguing style with his amazing Spinning, Isolation, Body Movement, Styling, Lead and Following, and Technique to his workshops and classes. He is featured in the salsa documentary La Epoca Pt.2 and is featured in various music videos by many top name commercial artists.
Antonio has traveled throughout the world teaching and showing off his talents. Antonio began dancing at the age of three. After many years of studying hip-hop and modern he took an interest in dancing Salsa. In 2008, he trained with the world renown, Clavekazi Dance Company, directed by Shaka Brown. He is currently touring, advising for Visalus, directing his dance company & acting.
Anya Katsevman (New York):
Born in Kiev, Ukraine, Anya Katsevman has been living in the United States since 1993. She began her dance training at the age of ten. After watching her brother become National Champion, Anya developed her own competitive drive that hasn’t stopped since.
She has won over 20 prestigious world titles in the international Latin dance arena, including Eastern United States Championships, Ohio Star Ball, La Classique Du Quebec, American Star Ball and the United States Open Championships. She has also starred in touring shows Burn the Floor and Dancing with The Stars. Anya also took part in numerous television productions including Sabado Gigante, Good morning America and multiple programming on Univision.
Anya has also danced for many latin artists such as El Gran Combo and Gilberto Santa Rosa. Often referred to as the future of salsa, Anya’s combined background of training, dynamic stage presence, elegance, graceful style, feminine approach, and strong technical action Anya quickly became one of the most sought after Latin dancers in the world. Currently, specialize in teaching all levels, coaching competitors and current champions and adjudicating competitions worldwide.
Delille “Mambo D” Thomas (New York):
Delille Thomas, also known as “Mambo D”, is one of the world’s most creative and dynamic Latin dance performers and instructors, internationally recognized for his pure style and virtuosity.
His dance background includes extensive training in Jazz, Modern, Hustle and Latin (Afro, Mambo, Cha-Cha, Tango) and various Caribbean and street dances. Since October 1992, Mr. Thomas has been teaching Mambo classes and conducting special workshops in New York City and various parts of United States and the world.
Ernesto And Denisse (Florida/New York):
Ernesto ‘El Watusi’ Bulnes was born in Honduras and raised in Miami, Florida, the city where he discovered his passion for dance. His initiation into Salsa began with training under the Mayan International Champion, Danny Bravo, an instructor who inspired Ernesto’s distinct dancing style.
Through training across various dance disciplines, he has developed his own style, a fusion of various arts and techniques that make him a distinct member to any dance floor.
After years of training, in 2011 Ernesto founded his own school, Potencia Latina Dance. Born in Miami with an Argentinean heritage, Denisse Cambria has accomplished many of her life goals starting with becoming one of the most well-known and recognized “Salsa” dancers in Florida, USA.
She has taught and performed with many top dance companies including Shaka Brown, Jayson Molina, Al “Liquidsilver”, Casa Salsa Dance Studio, Salsa Lovers Dance Studio, Project Generation, Energy One, Salsa Heatwave and Salsa Mia. She also competed at the ESPN World Salsa Championships with her partner Alfredo DiNatale.
After a total of 10 years of dancing salsa, she continues to enrich her craft with her partner Ernesto Bulnes and the New York Movement Competition team who are the new Professional Large Team WSS World Salsa Champions of 2016.
Lorenz Latin Dancers (New York):
The Lorenz Latin Dance Studios, With Four Locations In Nyc, Is A Complete Dance Academy Dedicated To Providing You With Professional Dance Instruction. We Offer Classes At All Levels, For Children, Teens And Adults, As Well As Choreography, Private Lessons, And Entertainment. Whether You Are An Experienced Dancer, Or Have Never Stepped Out On A Dance Floor,
We Have A Class That Suits Your Needs. Learn To Dance Salsa, Bachata, Cha Cha, Merengue, Hustle, Tango Or Ballroom, With Our Experienced And Dedicated Instructors. They Have Locations In Glendale Queens, Corona Queens, The Bronx And Manhattan. Their Website Is Lorenzdancestudio.com
Among much other artists…
DJ’s
Their passion is bringing you the music that fills your soul and keeps you dancing the night away. They spin at the most popular socials, clubs and events where the serious dancers come together. Meet the best Salsa DJ’s in the world – They are 11 and you will be with them in the New York International Salsa Congress.
Dj Frankie Flores (Cleveland):
DJ Efrain “Frankie” Flores is The Main Resident DJ for the Renowned Baila Duro socials and festivals in Cleveland, OH and is working actively at keeping Classic Hard and Rare Salsa alive. He ignited his passion for music when he first started spinning house music in the basements of warehouses in Cleveland during the early 90s.
Dj Gonzo (Texas):
The musician, producer and DJ was born and raised in El Callao, Peru. At the age of 17, he moved to New York City. He studied music at Queens College music school and learned Latin percussion at Boys Harbor Conservatory for the Performing Arts located in El Barrio, NYC.
His musical studies helped him develop an eclectic taste, and led him to the authentic salsa vieja sound for which he is known. DJ Gonzo’s unique style and soundly rich music selection has made him one of the most influential and top salsa DJs in the U.S. In September 2014, DJ Gonzo launched DJ Gonzo Productions, and signed salsa legend piano virtuoso, Mr. Alfredito Linares.
DJ Gonzo productions’ first album was released the first week of November 2014. The album “DJ Gonzo presents Alfredito Linares – Salsa Pa Todo El Mundo” includes 10 dance floor killer tracks and is now a favorite by salsa DJs world-wide.
Dj Mike Calderon (Miami):
Mike Calderon is a native born and raised in the Magic City of Miami with descendents from Quito, Ecuador. At 21, he started taking Casino salsa lessons and that is where his journey to become a very popular local DJ began. Mastering Casino, he took his dancing to the next level with LA Style and On2 on his own with no classes, just by being in the socials and with other dancers.
DJ Mike Calderon has been doing weekly and monthly events since 23 years old in the salsa scene in Miami. DJ mike calderon (Miami) and much more Djs in New York salsa congress 2017… to get more information and detail about this amazing event, visit http://www.newyorksalsacongress.com
Alain Pérez Triumphs in Puerto Rico with a Confident Stride
The exclusive Tropicoro Club at the Fairmont El San Juan Hotel in Isla Verde was overflowing to welcome the multifaceted Cuban musician Alain Pérez, who performed in Puerto Rico for the first time as a solo artist. Before the dance concert, held on Puerto Rican soil, which closed Alain’s first solo tour of the United States, he had performed in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Tampa.
To open the concert, the Cubanísimo concept, led by Puerto Rican bassist and cuatrista Jesús Algarín, set the mood for the audience. The young musician made a confident entrance, accompanying himself with powerful interpretations on his instruments, skillfully directing his own orchestra. Prior to Alain Pérez’s show, the musicians of Cubanísimo—cuatrista, singer, and director Jesús Algarín, trumpeter Miguel Ortiz, vocalists Carmen Jiménez and Gilberto Félix, bassist Félix Juan Algarín, bongos player Freddy Camacho, conga player Jeren Guzmán, and flutist Juan Ortiz—brought to life songs like ‘El yerbero moderno,’ ‘Esa niña,’ ‘El bodeguero,’ ‘La rosa oriental,’ ‘El paralítico,’ ‘Así fue,’ ‘Parampampam,’ ‘Lo que fue no será,’ ‘Que te pedí,’ and ‘El cuarto de Tula.’ Once the musicians, directed by Algarín, finished their set, Alain Pérez made his triumphant entrance.
The singer, bassist, guitarist, percussionist, pianist, orchestra director, arranger, and music producer had been in Puerto Rico on a handful of occasions as a backing musician for artists of the stature of Issac Delgado and Chucho Valdés, to name a few. This time, of course, he arrived as a solo artist and with force, to the rhythm of ‘El cuento de la buena pipa.’ Once on stage, the “guajiro,” who confessed in an interview to having “converted to flamenco,” showed that he felt at home while singing, dancing, guaraching, playing the bass, soneando, and rumbando. Once Alain and his orchestra warmed up the luxurious venue, which was overflowing with people, the virtuous multi-instrumentalist performed songs such as ‘ADN,’ ‘El sabor de mi rumba,’ ‘Amor fugaz,’ ‘Son con moña,’ ‘Hablando con Juana,’ ‘Shorcito,’ ‘Modo avión,’ ‘Batilongo,’ ‘La lámpara,’ ‘Pa’ to’ la vida,’ ‘La moneda,’ the title track from his most recent production: ‘Bingo,’ ‘Andaba solo’—a duet with the “Caballero de la Salsa,” Gilberto Santa Rosa—and ‘Pistolero,’ the latter loudly requested by the elegant audience.
Gilberto joined Alain to sing ‘Andaba solo’ as a duet, but not before giving a “welcome to this beast of music, with whom I had the opportunity to record and whom I had the opportunity to meet in person recently,” clarifying that he already knew him musically, adding that they would sing “without rehearsal, but with affection.”
During the show, the musician who defines himself as a guajiro, sonero, guarachero, and rumbero, delivered fusions characteristic of Alain’s great contribution to Latin music, within Afro-Cuban traditions influenced by his exposure to Hispanic folklore. Pérez built the show using a varied repertoire that included salsa, timba, son, and bolero in interesting fusions. Accompanied by his band—composed of Mauro Cabrejas, Josué Puig, Roberto Medina, Víctor Oliva, Alejandro Sosa, Robelis Arévalo, Julio Puig, Yunnier Stoker, Cristhian Díaz, Darío Andrés, Alejandro Fernández, and Isaac Cambar—Alain Pérez delivered on his promise: “a night full of Caribbean flavor, rhythm, and
energy.”
From the moment Alain started the dance, the energy did not wane. The audience connected with the artist and the person, who visibly emotional, repeatedly expressed gratitude “for the affection received and the nobility perceived,” adding that since setting foot on Puerto Rican soil he has “felt a lot of peace” and that he’s going to have to buy “a little ranch here.”
With the Puerto Rico performance, Alain successfully concluded his first solo tour of the United States with resounding success. That was the idea. Here in beautiful Borinquen, the audience while demanding makes sure the artist feels the love and respect with which they are received and celebrated. Congratulations!
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