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Search Results for: live music

Salsa: From New York to the world!

North America – United States – New York

Last February we actively participated in different activities in New York, promoted by different instances and always supported from the Spanish Harlem Salsa Gallery Museum and The Johnny Cruz Show.

Johnny Cruz: We were part of the Somos Puerto Rico event, together with more than 25 artists and with the collaboration of La Boom, which allowed thousands of people to work for our island: Puerto Rico. There was a lot of music, and we were accompanied by artists such as Jova Rodríguez, Arlene, Roberto Vásquez, Anissa Gatners, Fernando Berniero, Alex Bautista, Jen Carrasco and Kevin Tapia, among others.

We also had typical food for sale and many initiatives aimed at saving so many lives in need. From this event we want to continue bringing families to the United States and they can be calm until they stop shaking in the south west of Puerto Rico. You are not alone!

In addition, we are working hard on a documentary about Frank Ferrer, always thinking of immortalizing figures that have consolidated Salsa in the world as a Latin genre of world projection.

Salsa, as you know, is a typically New York musical genre, the result of the influence of great Latin jazz musicians, and the existence of a youth of Latin origin born, or resident in New York, in slums where Salsa is the best expression, spiced up by the exile produced by the Cuban Revolution and the awareness of American racial minorities.

In 1964, Johnny Pacheco, a flutist of Dominican origin, and Jerry Masucci, a young businessman, founded the Fania label, which gave the old Latin labels, a more modern sense of Caribbean music. Musicians and singers of the previous generation were reinvented, but others were incorporated as a young Willie Colon, the Palmieri brothers, Eddy and Charlie; Papo Luca, Ray Barreto, Larry Harlow. And, there were also singers who put their voice to Salsa to tell stories of the street, daily or reflexive, that were the mirror of the life of the neighborhoods: Cheo Feliciano, Adalberto de Santiago, Andy Montáñez, the Ismaeles -Miranda and Ribera-, Justo Betancourt, Héctor Lavoe or Rubén Blades.

Johnny Cruz Salsa: From New York to the world!
Johnny Cruz Salsa: From New York to the world!

The influence of the Cuban revolution had led composers and salsa musicians to become aware that it was necessary to compose songs that talked about what was happening in the streets from a critical perspective, giving way to a new salsa and foot reality for characters as Frank Ferrer started from folklore and protest to arrive at salsa mixing both concepts in an exemplary album: Yerbabuena. All this and much more can be enjoyed very soon.

For this month of March, Puerto Rico will organize the 1st World Salsa Collectors Meeting and of course we will be there representing New York with the Salsa Museum (SPAHA Salsa Gallery Museum). From March 7th, at least 15 organizations of this type of collector from seven countries will exhibit their collections of the Caribbean genre.

The collectors meeting will take place at the Sheraton Hotel, in Miramar, under the theme “La Salsa se baila así” and will be free admission. It will be attended by collectors from Puerto Rico, Colombia, Panama, Peru, Ecuador, Mexico and several cities in the United States.

That day will be the official release in LP format of the album “Mario Ortiz, 55 Aniversario”, nominated for the last edition of the Latin Grammys.

The event includes memorabilia exhibitors of legendary salsa artists such as Willie Rosario, Bobby Valentín, Roberto Roena o la Sonora Ponceña, as well as the Museo de la Salsa de Puerto Rico or the Fundación Nacional para la Cultura Popular.

Pieces from the Jairo Varela Museum, renowned deceased Colombian musician, whose orchestra Grupo Niche is still active and triumphing around the world will be presented. The writer Daniel Nina, will give a lecture about Salsa, and Puerto Rican dancer Tito Ortos will talk about the history of salsa dancing. We can enjoy live music with the group Cubaneo 54, and a great closing with the several times awarded Big Band of the Free School of Music of San Juan, directed by Professor Manuel García. See you there!

As always, remember that Spanish Harlem Salsa Gallery is in 1708 Lexington ave New York N.Y. 10029. Open free to the public all Thursdays & Fridays from 4 to 7 pm and Saturdays from 1 to 8 pm. Check the updates in our website: spahasalsagallery.com.

Johnny Cruz - Spaha Salsa Gallery
Johnny Cruz – Spaha Salsa Gallery

Also, The Johnny Cruz Show, the #1 Salsa Show on television on all 5 Boroughs of New York on CH67.  Saturdays from 3:30 to 4:30 pm.

Contact: Johnny Cruz. 917-747-8505.  [email protected].

 

By Johnny Cruz Correspondent, New York City, New York

Edwin “El Calvito” Reyes

Edwin El Calvito Reyes, Winner of the Paoli Prize 2019, as Tropical Revelation of the Year

Edwin El Calvito Reyes
Edwin El Calvito Reyes

Undoubtedly, today, considered by legends and colleagues of the salsa genre, as one of the fastest growing exponents, projecting and establishing its brand, at a firm pace and worldwide; Winner of the Paoli Prize 2019, as Tropical Revelation of the Year, he is Edwin “El Calvito Reyes”.

Born on April 19, 1974, he had his childhood in a humble 20-foot-square wooden house and graduated as an Electrician from the Higher Vocational School in his beloved Trujillo Alto in May 1992.

He then graduated with studies in Tele-Communication at the University of the Sacred Heart of P.R. This 2020, “El Calvito” is scheduled to finish his Master of Science, with a major in Entertainment Business, at Full Sail University in Orlando, FL. (Entertainment Business, Master of Science).

Edwin El Calvito Reyes on stage
Edwin El Calvito Reyes on stage

Although in OCT 2018, it was his first appearance in the world, with his own musical proposal, “El Calvito” has a career and / or musical history, of more than 25 years, which began to the tune of Plena in his native Trujillo Alto.

Since childhood, music has been his passion. Edwin continued to show his leadership and passion for music, and already in 1993, Edwin began to make himself known in his hometown with PLENA, keeping the culture and tradition of a people alive. As early as 1996,

Edwin joined the US Army and, in his spare time, began singing salsa, thanks to Mr. Víctor París and Mr. Godreau “Papo Salsa” who offered him the first opportunity to share his talent with the community of Hinesville, Ga in 1996, singing salsa classics.

Since then, “El Calvito” has been performing all genres of Latin music in the United States; Never leaving behind its origin, nor its vision.

Edwin El Calvito Reyes with the award
Edwin El Calvito Reyes with the award

“El Calvito” Reyes has several many LIVE SALSA performances in South Korea and the Middle East (Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Turkey), with more than 10 thousand soldiers (combined count) dancing to the rhythm of live music, relieving all types of stress in combat and highly raising their morale. A genuine leader, who brings that same leadership to the sauce in a very entertaining way.

Over time, thanks to Sergeant Alberto Sánchez and Sub-Officer Carlos Negrón, he joined the Official Salsa Orchestra in the U.S. Army (LATINO CONJUNTO DEL ARMY DE USA), to later become the officer in charge of it.

An Officer who, for 6 consecutive years, was personally tasked with selecting and forming the Only Latin Music Orchestra, ever assembled, in the US Army, whose purpose was to act for dignitaries and personalities (Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, Jennifer López, Olga Tañón, Vicente Fox, etc.), within the National Conventions of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and Annual Presidential Galas. Clearly leaving an immense legacy in that difficult world. Also, El Trujillano is one of the few salseros in the world that has been able to perform live at the Seoul Olympic Stadium in South Korea.

Edwin El Calvito Reyes
Edwin El Calvito Reyes

Immediately after that performance, “El Calvito” performed in 2012, at the Asian Salsa Congress, where dancers from around the world gathered to compete along the rhythms of their music in the course of an extravaganza of 7 days.

He is an artist without equal. After 22 years of active military service, including more than 65 months accumulated in combat, “El Calvito” Reyes has established his own brand, appearing before a large number of people throughout the American country and Puerto Rico. “El Calvito” is a true warrior and avant-garde in this new era of salseros that will surely keep them dancing from start to finish.

Don’t wait for the magic call. He seeks his own, very professional, and has earned the respect of many employers, DJs and Promoters around the world, for his kindness, professionalism and above all his show.

In this past March 2020, “El Calvito” was one of the guests of honor for one of the Bailables prior to the National Day of Zalsa in Puerto Rico, sharing the stage with greats such as NG2, N’Klabe, Carlos Javier, and Abrante, as well as, Julio Badillo and the Salsa Stars, Julio López, Kayvan Vega and many more, making their music shine by its own light and gain the respect and admiration of several present, the international press and their colleagues.

Edwin El Calvito Reyes on stage
Edwin El Calvito Reyes on stage

Also, Edwin is part of the first star cast to perform at the FIRST NATIONAL DAY OF LA ZALSA in ORLANDO, FL, alongside stars like Willie Rosario, Eddie Palmierie, India, Jerry Rivera, Grupo Niche and many more “El Calvito” does not stop here, as he has also been chosen to be a fundamental part of the 22nd Anniversary of the Salsa Cruise, along with stars such as Maelo Ruiz, Luisito Carrion, Andy Montañez, Grupo Gale, Grupo Niche and Chino Núñez.

Publicly blessed by Legends such as TITO NIEVES, TITO ROJAS, TITO ALLEN, BOBBY CRUZ, CHINO NÚÑEZ, LALO RODRIGUEZ, WILLIE ROSARIO, PAQUITO ACOSTA LUIS GONZALEZ “EL TSUNAMI”, among others, confirms Edwin “El Calvito” Reyes, as a S Today, at the level you deserve.

Since it came out live on OCT 2018, “el Calvito” has not stopped shining in its own light. Now, he celebrates the worldwide successes of his latest songs, “QUIERO BAILAR CON ELLA”, “TOCALE LA MOÑA”, “MI RITMO SE LLAMA” ZALSA “,” MI TIERRA QUERIDA ”SONEROS DE SANGRE NUEVA, and the most recent SO CALLED THE COUNT.

So what’s next for Edwin “El Calvito” Reyes? “Work hard, with honesty, respect and dignity, in favor of the genre of salsa, in general. Stay humble, loyal to my followers and, of course, continue with my faith in God.

Edwin “El Calvito” Reyes The music of our Hispanic brother and Boricua, Edwin “El Calvito” Reyes is found on all digital platforms (CD Baby, iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, Google Music, YouTube Music, etc.) His music continues to occupy prestigious positions on Global Radio.

Edwin “El Calvito” Reyes has a high reputation, as a truly dedicated human being, passionate about contributing to the salsa genre, who studies and respects the genre’s pioneers and their contemporaries.

With an energy on stage that will make you dance from start to finish. Also, as a person who provides a great environment with his leadership and professionalism, with Latin Music for his communities, but above all, as a family man; and of faith.

Edwin El Calvito Reyes
Edwin El Calvito Reyes

The rise of Latin rhythms in Madrid

Latin music has been gaining popularity for the last decade so you can notice many Latin rhythms in Madrid, and it seems that it will never stop. The reason behind this success is simple: the dance steps seem to be very easy, although they aren’t but everyone can stand up to dance. Throughout the city you can see people dancing salsa, bachata and rumba on street corners, in restaurants or at various events that take place throughout the city.

Some of the most popular styles of Latin American music include salsa, bachata, cumbia, and cha-cha-cha. But there are many more that are enjoyed by the inhabitants of the city. There are two great aspects that have achieved this love that the people of Madrid have for Latin rhythms, the great Latin parties in the best nightclubs, and learning to dance in the best academies in the city. Learn a little about both in this article.

Best Latin parties in clubs

For all the inhabitants of Madrid, there are several venues dedicated exclusively to Latin music, so it cannot be denied that the best Latin parties in Spain exist in the capital nights. Check the following list:

New One Madrid

This place located in Pueblo Nuevo offers all kinds of Latin parties full of good rhythms. Bachata, salsa or rumba One Madrid manages to please everyone in the audience, and not only with the music, the setting and even the drinks with food have their Latin touch.

Parche Disco Bar

Despite the fact that its space is not that big, it is one of the best places in the city to enjoy a Latin party, have an intimate place for friends and meet new people, as well as taste liquors brought directly from Latin America, at reasonable prices.

Azúcar Salsa Disco

Azúcar is one of the most danceable clubs in Madrid, located right in the center of the city. His forte is dancing but you can also enjoy excellent drinks to the rhythm of live music. It is more than certain that you will return to this club.

Faces Latina

With an excellent location near the Castellana and the Santiago Bernabéu, Faces Latina offers the best Latin rhythms so that Madrid continues to discover these danceable rhythms. With a pleasant atmosphere and quality service, Faces is what you need.

Latin Dance Schools in Madrid

Latin parties are very cool, but the rise of Latin rhythms in Madrid has been so great that people no longer just want to spend a night full of music, but this passion now translates to learning the dances professionally. It is not about wanting to be a professional dancer but about learning the best moves to be the king of the dance floor. Get to know in this list the best Latin Dance schools.

Salsabachata

The most unique dance school in Madrid, since its method is extremely interesting. First of all, it must be said that they play a lot of Latin rhythms and in different groups: for soon-to-be-married couples, for girls or boys, as a couple, zumba and even pole dance. But its catch is that you only pay for each class taken, plus the schedule is set by the student. It is very flexible in that aspect, and even the first class each student seeks is free.

They also offer bonus-style plans, with a number of specific classes where Salsabachata is in charge of reminding you of the classes you have pending. Another of its great characteristics is that you can go completely alone, and there they look for a partner for you, added to the fact that the group does not stop you, you level up without waiting for the others with whom you take the classes. Find more information on their website.

Studio11

For its part, Studio11 is the opposite, with classes for couples of any Latin rhythm where they are proud to say that they have the best dance professionals, for all classes. This school offers an exclusive environment with well-planned schedules.

They do not believe in “bonuses” but to achieve quality it is necessary to do our part and comply with what has been agreed. There is individualized monitoring but the classes are in pairs. They assure that in 8 weeks you can learn from 0 any Latin rhythm. At the same time, they specify that their classes last an hour and a half in order to offer the best attention. Find more about their classes on their website.

The rise of Latin rhythms in Madrid is becoming more and more established, but there is still much more to offer in this incredible city in Spain. Do not miss the other notes of International Salsa Magazine so that you know the best events in Europe.

Sundays Are Salseros In London

5 Clubs to not stop dancing Salsa even on the last day of the week

Salsa parties don’t stop in London, its fusion of Caribbean rhythms with a subtle swing and a few drops of Latin folklore make this genre one of the most contagious and fun to dance as a couple or with friends.

For that, here we make a list of the best places to dance Salsa on the last day of the week and if you do it regularly you will obtain health benefits such as muscle toning, improvement of cognitive functions (memory and coordination), the release of stress, increased self-esteem through a positive and confident attitude, in addition to improving circulation and the physical appearance of the legs. Let’s start now!

Room 1 alternates Salsa & Bachata, while in Room 2, they present Kizomba starting at 8 PM
Room 1 alternates Salsa & Bachata, while in Room 2, they present Kizomba starting at 8 PM

We started with Medbar in Southampton. It’s the perfect place to drink, dine, and dance, as well as being one of the hottest hotspots in the heart of Oxford Street (50 Oxford St, Southampton SO14 3DP). Every Sunday from 6 PM is about Salsa, Bachata, and Kizomba. Beginner classes start at 6 PM, and advanced level lessons start at 6:45 PM. The value of each lesson is £8.

End the week with Medbar’s famous Latin nights and take advantage of the S.B.K social parties on Sundays from 7:30 PM until 2 AM.

Government-issued photo identification is required to access the bar.
Government-issued photo identification is required to access the bar.

A totally Latin atmosphere in London is the Salsa Soho Bar, Restaurant, and Nightclub, cataloged by many as one of the most authentic Latin music venues in the United Kingdom. Here you can enjoy the free Latin warm-up with Crossbody (LA) style Salsa classes for 45 minutes from 7:15 PM and continue with Salsa and Reggaeton lessons at all levels starting at 8 PM, you can also enjoy excellent South American dishes and 50 types of cocktails in this bar open seven days a week and located at 96 Charing Cross Rd since 1997. So live the experience of visiting Salsa Soho every Sunday and enjoy the Sundays X–perience until 2 AM with DJ José Luis. Admission is £5 after 8 PM. For more information visit their website. https://www.bar-salsa.com/soho

You can get there by train within 8 minutes of travel from Victoria
You can get there by train within 8 minutes of travel from Victoria

We continue with the Off The Cuff Live Music Bar located in the heart of Herne Hill (Arch 645, 301-303 Railton Road, Herne Hill, London SE24 0JN, UK). Voted by Mr. Hide magazine as one of the top five independent music venues in London, this bar offers one-hour Salsa Sessions every Sunday of the month from 6:15 PM to 7:15 PM, and the cost of admission is £10. Get fun the Sunday afternoon in the excellent company of Salsa.

During the weekly events there is a rotation with the best DJs in East London
During the weekly events there is a rotation with the best DJs in East London

We now walk through Juju’s Bar and Stage open six days a week. This place with a wide variety of events brings Latin parties every Sunday night for seven hours with DJ Javier “La Maquina De Cuba” and the Sambroso Sambroso dance academy.

Admission is free and starts from 4 PM to 11:30 PM. Juju’s Bar and Stage  is located at Ely’s Yard, 15 Hanbury Street, London, E1 6QR.

And in November! This prestigious space will play host to the EFG London Jazz Festival, London’s largest annual event, acclaimed for showcasing talent from around the world. This year the constellation of established and emerging stars will be intoxicating starting on Sunday, November 13th with the presentation of Cuban artist Yuri Hernández, who organically entered Latin Jazz in 2020 with the single Loco Soñador. DJ Flecha (Joel Verdecia) will also perform in this presentation. The ticket costs £8.50 and the sets will be distributed as follows 6 PM – 8 PM and 9:30 PM – 11:30 PM. Get your tickets and don’t miss out on the EFG London Jazz Festival from November 11th to November 20th.

Bar Salsa Temple is located on Victoria Embankment, Temple, London WC2R 2PH, United Kingdom
Bar Salsa Temple is located on Victoria Embankment, Temple, London WC2R 2PH, United Kingdom

We end this tour at Bar Salsa Temple. Every Sunday is Cuban hits night. Relive the Havana of Puros by the River Thames! DJs Jorge Andre & DJ JJ Latin mixes the most recognized songs of yesterday and today from Timba, Salsa Cubana, Cubatón, and Bachata. Free Beginner Salsa Classes start at 6 PM, one-hour Sensual Bachata lessons start at 7 PM (£7), and Intermediate Cuban Salsa (Salsa Rueda) instruction is at 8 PM (£7).

Bar Salsa Temple is one of the largest Latin clubs in the country and is located on the Embankment, London. Join and experience the flavor of Cuban Sundays until 2 AM.

Melissa Aldana Will Headline The Wellington Jazz Festival

The Most Acclaimed Latin Saxophonist On The International Jazz Scene

Melissa Aldana started playing the alto saxophone at the age of 6
Melissa Aldana started playing the alto saxophone at the age of 6

Melissa Aldana is a Chilean saxophonist and composer nominated for the Grammy Awards (2020) for her skills with this wind instrument, she has six studio albums, and her fame has spread to all Jazz circuits around the world.

Aldana with his quartet will headline the Wellington Jazz Festival 2022 to present to the fans the debut album with the company Blue Note Records titled 12 Stars, and you cannot miss the opportunity to experience this exceptional live performance with flowing harmonic notes seasoned with feeling in the Wellington Opera House (111 – 113 Manners Street, Wellington, New Zealand) on Sunday, October 23rd from 7PM to 8:30PM, and the ticket price is $69.

The Wellington Jazz Festival is an entry point into the Jazz music calendar for fans and the curious. This event will offer more than 100 magical concerts in bars, restaurants, and live music venues in the capital. This year the splendid festival will take place in mid-spring in Aotearoa (New Zealand’s Maori name), featuring some of the best international Grammy Award-winning and nominated artists, as well as renowned talent from this Oceanian country and the world.

On the other hand, Melissa Aldana was the first South American woman and instrumentalist to win the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Contest (Washington -USA) in 2013. This artist born in Santiago de Chile in 1988 is a graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music with a full music scholarship in 2009, moreover, she also comes from a musical family where her father and paternal grandfather played this instrument.

The discography of this tenor saxophonist goes back 12 years when, at only 22 years old, she came out on the music market with her debut album Free Fall (2010). It is followed by Second Cycle in 2012, Melissa Aldana & Crash Trio (2014), and Back Home in 2016. Her fifth studio album was Visions (2019), an album that earned her first Grammy nomination for Best Solo by Improvised Jazz in recognition of her impressive tenor solo on her composition Elsewhere.

12 Stars was composed in Harlem (New York - USA) in 2020
12 Stars was composed in Harlem (New York – USA) in 2020

Most recently her record production is 12 Stars, an anecdotal album that she wrote during the Covid-19 pandemic and the product of the struggles she went through due to the breakup of a long relationship. “This is a very important album for me. I felt like I had a lot to say because of all the experiences I had during 2020. After the personal process that I went through, I feel more connected to myself and my imperfections… Embrace everything I hear, everything I touch, including mistakes, is more significant than perfection”. Aldana exposed in her biography

12 Stars was recorded under the Blue Note label and released on the music market on March 4th. “I feel super privileged, but I had a feeling that this had to happen at some point. I’ve been very consistent with my band and my projects for a long time. I am very motivated for what comes next”. Aldana expressed to an international digital medium.

Melissa will end her presentations in Europe this year with a tour during November that will take her to the capital of Spain on Friday, November 11th (Teatro Fernán Gómez) and on Saturday 12th, she will be in Badajoz (Teatro López De Ayala). While on Monday, November 14th, she will perform at the Zig Zag Jazz Club (Berlin-Germany), and on Wednesday, November 16th, she will have the same but this time at the Porgy & Bess in Vienna, Austria.

The Padova Jazz Club (Padua- Italy) will be handed over to Melissa Aldana on Friday, November 18th, and a day later she will do so at the Teatro Lauro Rossi in Macerata, Italy.

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International Salsa Magazine (ISM) is a monthly publication about Salsa activities around the world, that has been publishing since 2007. It is a world network of volunteers coordinated by ISM Magazine. We are working to strengthen all the events by working together.