Search Results for: salsa

Pietro’s

North America / USA/ Miami

Pietro’s: Italian Restaurant & Party House

Created in 1979, Pietro’s is a restaurant suitable for going to enjoy exquisite Italian food, good drink and a unique dance night in a friendly atmosphere where you can relax and forget the stress of your everyday life.

Pietro is characterized by its classic pastas and signature, including the number one pasta West Michigan, fettuccine Michael. As soon as you walk through the doors of Toscana you can enter the aroma of freshly baked bread and handmade ravioli, made in its pasta factory every day.

Pietro’s

There are large portions on the menu with affordable selections as Delmonico, tender veal scallopine, salmon fish with hook and hand cut homemade mozzarella. Soups and pizzas are also freshly prepared with the freshest ingredients made from zero.

In this restaurant, located in the heart of Grand Rapids, you can find a service dinner family style perfect for any meeting and special event in the private party rooms and recently refurbished semi-private.

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Also, in this place the dance floor gets hot with tropical music every Saturday night from 22:00 to 2:00 with Sergio and Cecilia. Contemporary and traditional salsa, bachata and merengue music are the most sound about.

The requirements to attend and enjoy this party Saturday are a few: be 21 years old and comply with the dress code. This way you can meet with a group of friends, people from different countries, socialize and have a good time with the music that you like in a dance track wide and safe environment. The kitchen is open until midnight.

Pietro's: Italian Restaurant & Party House - Photo 3 — Pietro’s: Italian Restaurant & Party House – Photo 3

So you know, you told ISM. Visit Pietro’s Italian Restaurant & Party House. You’ll love it!

Address: 2780 Birchcrest Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, USA. Open: Monday – Thursday: 11:00-22:00; Friday – Saturday: 11:00-02:00 and Sunday: 11:00-21:00

www.pietrosgr.com Facebook: Pietro’s Italian Restaurant

Pietro's: Italian Restaurant & Party House - Photo 4 — Pietro’s: Italian Restaurant & Party House – Photo

Christmas in New York

North America / USA / New York

“The holiday season is a magical season. The cities are impregnated with the Christmas spirit illuminated with multicolored lights and Christmas decorations. In New York it may seem at times a modern version of a Dickens story. The city is dressed in this season; it is full of decorations, events and celebrations. Join with us to see the most striking traditions, majestic Christmas trees, shows and events that are to be done during these festivities in the big apple.”

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On your feet

The Story of Gloria and Emilio Estefan

You cannot miss this whole month of December ON YOUR FEET!, the Broadway musical about two people who believed in each other, their talent, their music and later became an international sensation.

ON YOUR FEET! Has some of the most iconic songs of the past quarter century, including Rhythm is Gonna Get You, Conga, Get On Your Feet, Do Not Want To Lose You Now, 1-2-3, and Coming Out of the Dark. The Broadway musical features a magnificent creative team: two-time Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots), who directs a cast of twenty people with choreography of four-time Drama Desk nominee, Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys), And original libretto of the winner of the Academy Award, Alexander Dinelaris (Birdman).

Tickets: from $89. They will also have presentations on 24 at 14:00 and on December 30 at 20:00.

Andrea Bocelli

This formidable tenor will be performing with his great successes at the Mandison Square Garden this Thursday, December 15 from 19:30.

Tickets: from $124

Mega Bash 2016

The “Mega Bash” by Mega 97.9 FM and La Música will be a concert full of euphoria that will make the fans of Latin music vibrate along with the most important Hispanic artists. The concert brings a spectacular set of scenery, lights and sound that will allow these stars, as always, to make their masterful musical display.

Mega Bash

Tickets for this coveted show are on sale at ticketmaster and prices range from $184, $154, $124, $104, $84, $64, $44, including surcharges; And at the Prudential Center box office starting at 11:00 am (EST).

Other confirmed artists include: Enrique Iglesias, Ricky Martin, Juanes, Silvestre Dangond and Jencarlos Canela.

The reggaetoners Wisin and Ozuna also were confirmed for the Mega Bash event to be held at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey this Friday, December 14:00 at 20:00; MegaBash with Enrique Iglesias, Juanes, Ricky Martin, Silvestre Dangond, Wisin and others at Prudential Center, Newark, NJ.

Therefore, there are several things you can do to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere. Each year there is a giant Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center and the shop windows of Fifth Avenue stores are beautiful.

Warehouse Decorations

The department stores dedicate a whole plant to a magical Christmas town like the one called Macy’s Santaland. Everything is beautiful and even Santa Claus is present, with which you or your children can take a photo (paying). Keep in mind that the tail can be quite long.

Christmas decorations are usually unveiled in late November or early December, usually after Thanksgiving. After New Year’s Eve many shops remove the Christmas decorations.

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

The lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lights is a major event in New York. During the ceremony the Rockefeller Center is bursting, everyone wants to see the tree up close. The event is televised live and is viewed by millions of Americans. There is also the possibility of seeing some famous singer live. The tree is at least 20 meters long and 7.5 meters wide, but is usually much larger (between 23 and 27 meters).

The VIP tickets for this show are

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

The VIP tickets for this show are sold out every year, so be quick if you want to get tickets. With these tickets you will have the best seats: from an elegant cafeteria you will have a great view of the Christmas tree, drinks and snacks in an unlimited way. There is also a DJ.

The Rockefeller Christmas tree is decorated with more than 30,000 LED lights and the cable measures more than 8 kilometers. The ignition is a sight worth seeing.

Without the VIP ticket you will have to wait hours to find a place. The apples that surround the area are full of people waiting in the open, which also means that walking around the area is crazy. Many New Yorkers who are not going to go to the show avoid it.

In fact, the offices surrounding Rockefeller Plaza close at noon for employees to arrive at healthy and safe homes. The Rockefeller tree disappears the first week of January and the lights are usually turned off at 21:00 that same day

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony - 2 — The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony – 2

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Rockefeller Center VIP Pack

Ice Skating & Top of the Rock

In addition to the beautiful Christmas tree, Rockefeller Center is famous for its ice rink. Ice skating in New York at Rockefeller Center is a wonderful experience. The queues at the Rockefeller are usually long, so if you want to skate during Christmas you can opt for a VIP package.

You will have access to the chalet next to the track, where you can rest after skating and warm up with hot chocolate, cookies and coffee. All this is included in the pack. And there is more! This option gives you free access to the Top of the Rock. From the lookout on the 70th floor you will have wonderful views of New York.

The Christmas Lights Tour of Dyker Heights

The holiday lights that decorate American homes are impressive. To see the best decorated houses (you’ve seen it in many series and movies) you have to leave Manhattan and go to Dyker Heights in Brooklyn. This area was selected as “the best decorated in the USA” in 2012. Take the Brooklyn Christmas Lights Tour of Dyker Heights and discover these beautiful decorations during this 3 and a half hour visit.

The Christmas Lights Tour of Dyker Heights - 2 — The Christmas Lights Tour of Dyker Heights – 2

The Christmas Lights Tour of Dyker Heights - 3 — The Christmas Lights Tour of Dyker Heights – 3

The tour starts in Lower Manhattan and from there the guided bus heads to Brooklyn. When you get to Dyker Heights you will not believe what’s in front of you! Some of the lush decorations cost more than $10,000. To soak up the Christmas spirit, on the bus they put carols and films about Christmas.

Radio City

Christmas Spectacular (The Rockettes)

Radio City Christmas Spectacular, starring The Rockettes, is one of New York’s most iconic Christmas shows. In it appear Santa Claus, the Nutcracker and of course the Nativity. You have all of December to attend one of the many daily functions out there. If you have already seen it, do not hesitate to return, because it changes a little every year. It is performed at Radio City Music Hall and is the best way to soak up the true Christmas spirit.

New Year’s Celebration

To conclude, more than a million people are going to Times Square to celebrate the beginning of the New Year: at midnight the crystal ball descends 23 meters and, when it reaches the ground, the marker lights up with the four digits of the New Year. Many even come in the morning of December 31 to be able to get a good spot before the crowd arrives.

Security is very strict: you do not accept the backpacks or bags and everything you need to fit in your pockets. It is usually quite cold, so it is best to wear clothes in “layers” to be comfortable and not suffer from hypothermia. Everyone is interested in knowing all about toilet services.

The closest ones are at the Port Authority Bus Terminal between 8th Avenue and 42nd Street, but the queue is going to be so long that you risk losing the drop of the ball and the beginning of the New Year. Also, take into account that it is unlikely that you can return to your original location, so you will need to go through security control once again, and the crowd is so narrow that the chances of returning to the same place are minimal.

If you decide to go to Times Square to celebrate the New Year, put snacks in your pockets, drink less liquid, wear more clothes, and have a lot of fun. Do you want to make a wish? Write it down and leave it, the day before, in the Times Square tourist center, or leave it online. Millions of cards, with New Year’s wishes, will be released as confetti on New Year’s Eve in Times Square.

Jairo Varela Music, Identity, and Social Narrative

The BE MORE publishing house is proud to announce the release of the new book by journalist and music researcher Robert Téllez M.

The work offers a deep dive into the social and narrative dimensions of the compositions of Jairo Varela, founder of the world-renowned Grupo Niche. It illustrates how his lyrics transcend music to become chronicles that interpret Latin American reality.

More than just a repertoire of songs, Jairo Varela’s legacy serves as a testament to memory and identity, born from his profound Afro-descendant roots. From this perspective, the book develops a discourse analysis that explores the symbols and meanings structuring his lyrics within a historical and social context.

Categorized within the field of ethnomusicology, the literary work proposes a rare perspective in Salsa studies: understanding Jairo Varela as a narrator of social reality.

“Through his lyrics, Jairo Varela challenged indifference, exposing what many preferred to keep silent,” states author Robert Téllez M.

To develop this research, the author brought together an interdisciplinary team of specialists in anthropology, communication, law, education, history, linguistics, music, journalism, and poetry from across Latin America. This diversity shapes a study organized into seven chapters, where symbols, metaphors, and narrative structures within Varela’s songwriting are analyzed and deconstructed.

“With an honesty that never yielded to artifice, Jairo Varela mapped the social landscape of everyday life; he narrated the intimate without betraying the collective, all in an effort to better understand the world,” Téllez notes.

As an innovative feature, the book Jairo Varela: Music, Identity, and Social Narrative incorporates QR codes that lead directly to Maestro Varela’s compositions. Each code allows the reader to use their mobile device to access the songs analyzed via Grupo Niche’s profile on Spotify, enhancing the connection between the written word and musical creation.

The publication also includes a prologue by writer Bella Martínez, illustrations by Frank Rosado, and photographs from the Varela family archive—elements that provide essential context to the composer’s creative universe.

Jairo Varela: Music, Identity, and Social Narrative is now available to the public on Amazon, with worldwide shipping.

The Book: Jairo Varela. Music, Identity, and Social Narrative

Jairo Varela (1949–2012)

Varela was the creator and founder of the iconic Grupo Niche and one of the most influential figures in Colombian Salsa. It was Jairo Varela who built the prestige of this orchestra through his artistic vision and his talent as a composer and director. With those five letters Niche Varela changed the course of Salsa made in Colombia, elevating it to a level of international respect.

Jairo Varela. Música, Identidad y Narrativa Social

Throughout his musical career, Jairo Varela wrote hundreds of songs and produced dozens of albums for his group. His compositions including “Cali Pachanguero” (recognized by Billboard magazine as one of the 50 most important songs in the history of Latin music), “Buenaventura y Caney,” “Mi pueblo natal,” “Ana Milé,” “Un caso social,” and “Han cogido la cosa” have traveled the world and become classics. In his lyrics, Varela portrayed everyday Latin American stories and the identity of Afro-descendant communities.

When Grupo Niche’s music plays, there is something for every listener. Behind that diversity lies the creative intuition of Jairo Varela, a composer who knew how to turn local stories into universal emotions. For this reason, from its beginnings in the late seventies to its international acclaim, the group has brought the rhythmic power, joy, and character of its culture to stages worldwide.

About the Author

Robert Téllez M. is a social communicator, radio and TV broadcaster, and producer with over 20 years of experience. He is an accomplished interviewer, journalist, and music researcher.

His analyses and reflections have been published in outlets such as Revista Semana, El Espectador, El Tiempo, El País, La República, and Agencia EFE, among others. He has also contributed to the scientific journal Nómadas of the Universidad Central de Colombia.

Robert Téllez is also the author of Ray Barretto: Giant Force (2016), whose English translation won a silver medal for Best Translation (Spanish to English) at the 2021 International Latino Book Awards.

In 2019, he presented the authorized biography Willie Rosario: The King of Rhythm, with a second edition released in 2024. He served as a judge for the annual international minimalist poetry contest for the anthology titled Siglema 575: Say What You Want to Say (2024).

As a result of his extensive research, Robert Téllez serves as a consultant and lecturer on topics related to the appreciation of Salsa music.

Press Contact: [email protected]

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

Timbalero Manolito Rodríguez Debuts a Fresh Sound as Musical Director of La Zónica

On Friday, March 27, 2026, Manolito Rodríguez and La Zónica performed at La Respuesta, a unique venue a hall where diverse musical genres blend, creating an atmosphere where a dance concert serves as the artists’ formal introduction to the public. The ensemble has been working together since August 2025, when the new orchestra was formed under the leadership of the virtuoso timbalero.

Timbalero Manolito Rodríguez arrives with a renewed energy as musical director of La Zónica

When Manolito began assembling the group, he sought out songs that resonated with him, such as “Gente Luminosa” and “A Mi Medida.” He has also been working with unreleased compositions by Anthony García and Leni Prieto. La Zónica marks a new chapter for the timbalero as the director of his own orchestra. Nevertheless, they continue to perform hits from Manolito’s previous era, now brought to life by the vocal front: Ángel Pomales, Joelis Crespo, and Gabriel Cotto. Manolito has promised to step back from singing to focus entirely on his instrument and musical direction.

The director of La Zónica hopes the dance concert at La Respuesta on March 27 marked a turning point for the band. “It’s an event we’ve been working on with great intensity,” Manolito says with enthusiasm. With energy and conviction, the timbalero adds: “I want to leave a legacy like El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, like Sonora Ponceña, like Roberto Roena’s Apollo Sound, or Willie Rosario’s band. I want people to say in 25 years, ‘Look, that’s Manolito’s La Zónica.’ It’s a long road, but it’s possible.”

As if that weren’t enough, a new line of Meinl Percussion instruments, inspired by the young Puerto Rican timbalero, is now available.

The new line of instruments - from Meinl Percussion - inspired by Manolito — The new line of instruments – from Meinl Percussion – inspired by Manolito

A Prodigy’s Journey

The career of this salsa virtuoso began early. Manolito Rodríguez is a percussionist, musical director, singer, and dancer. While he was still in middle school, piano genius Papo Lucca invited him to record on the 45th-anniversary album, Homenaje a Tres Grandes del Teclado. “At that time, I was just entering the Escuela Libre de Música; I was in ninth grade,” the timbalero recalls. Four years later, upon graduating from the Ernesto Ramos Antonini ELM in San Juan, Manolito earned the timbalero chair with Sonora Ponceña on Papo Lucca’s recommendation. “Don Quique” accepted him, and the young musician remained with the group for four years.

Puerto Rico’s salsa stages watched Manolito Rodríguez grow up, flanked by musical institutions such as Sonora Ponceña, his now-colleague Willie Rosario, and Roberto Roena’s Apollo Sound.

His skill as a percussionist grew by leaps and bounds, and his versatility was tested on multiple fronts. In fact, his vocals were featured with the orchestra Del Sur al Norte, led by the renowned director, arranger, and producer, trumpet master Julito Alvarado. “Julito was the first one who gave me the opportunity to record as a singer,” Manolito acknowledged in an interview.

Manolito Rodríguez and La Zónica performed at La Respuesta, a different venue.

Thanks to his interactions with salsa veterans since childhood, Manolito served as musical director for various youth projects along the way. This included Revolución Juvenil in high school and Manolito y su Trabuco, an orchestra that performed every Wednesday at El Doble Seis in Caguas.

Legacy and Discipline

According to Manolito himself now a music professor—he owes much of his career to the support of his mother and grandmother, who nurtured his musical interests and encouraged him to pursue formal training. Today, the instrumentalist considers himself a “music worker” who approaches his craft with respect and maturity.

His new orchestra, La Zónica, finds him with a different mindset: he wants to concentrate on the timbales and direction. He considers Master Willie Rosario—who treats him as a protégé one of his greatest influences as a timbalero-bandleader. Rodríguez shares that when he read the authorized biography of “Mr. Afinque” (Willie Rosario, El Rey del Ritmo by researcher Robert Téllez) and saw himself mentioned, he was overcome with emotion. “My eyes welled up. I didn’t expect it,” he says. “Since I started taking things seriously, Willie has always mentored me.”

Despite his vast experience, the young musician felt deeply blessed to be chosen to fill in for the leader of “the band that delights” (la banda que deleita) on several occasions, and to perform at the Willie Rosario Centenary concert at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico. “I feel very fortunate because Willie is a very serious person, someone highly respected in the world of salsa with an impeccable career. He is a true role model.”

Following the passing of Roberto Roena, Rodríguez was also entrusted with the legacy of the Apollo Sound—a testament to the confidence and solidity he projects despite his youth. “Wow, yes. It was an honor,” he recalls nostalgically. “Roberto was the first person to give me a big break in Puerto Rico,” referring to his participation in the 1998 Día Nacional de la Zalsa at the Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium in Bayamón.

On Sunday, March 22, 2026, Manolito Rodríguez returned to the Día Nacional de la Zalsa as the timbalero and director of La Zónica, a project that debuted last November during Sonora Ponceña’s 70th-anniversary concert. The current lineup includes: Airemyelisse Díaz (bass), Reinaldo Burgos (piano), Savier Díaz (congas), Manolito Rodríguez (timbales/director), Carlos Arroyo (bongo), Víctor “Yuca” Maldonado (baritone sax), Efraín Martínez (tenor sax), Rubén Díaz (trumpet), and Jan Santana (flugelhorn).

Manolito is well aware that “people pay to be entertained,” as he mentioned in a Zoom interview, and he views himself as a craftsman of music. He feels fortunate to be a full-time musician. “That’s what keeps me grounded. I get paid to make music. I am a music worker with great aspirations who trusts his talent and knows he must stay focused.”

Also Read: Sessions from La Loma brings together salsa fans from all over the world in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rican bandleader and musician Diana Sosa talks about her many projects in Nashville, Tennessee

We had a wonderful and very nice conversation with Puerto Rican percussionist, timbalera, conga player, and cuatro player Diana Sosa, who kindly told us about all the projects she has in the pipeline. Her husband and bandmate, guitarist and vocalist Chuck Nelson, put us in touch with her so we could learn more about both the project they share and the one she has undertaken on her own.

Then these are the things the talented Puerto Rican shared with us on this warm Sunday before Easter.

Diana Sosa is playing — Diana Sosa is posing for the camera while playing the timbales

How Diana got into the world of music

Diana was born and raised in Puerto Rico, where she began to love music and play, but not professionally yet. She was just experimenting with some traditional instruments of her homeland, such as the Puerto Rican cuatro, which she even studied with a private teacher.

At the age of 39, she moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where she finally got her first big opportunities in music, and the background she brought for years helped her a lot. It all started with a short rehearsal she was invited to, and from there, she has done nothing but prove what she is really made of.

Of course, she keeps studying and preparing to improve every day. When she is not learning to play with fellow musicians like John Santos, she is taking online courses to solve any doubts she may have.

Diana’s first opportunity with The Bicho Brothers

The first serious group that gave Diana the opportunity to develop professionally—and with which she keeps to playing to this day is The Bicho Brothers, a classic rock band whose members really appreciated the contribution provided by Diana. For this reason, it is she who brings that Latin flavor, the product of her heritage and years of training in these genres.

Something that really attracted the audience was that she was the only woman in the group and, incidentally, she played the timbales, which was uncommon back then. In addition, she added atypical sounds to certain well-known songs, which was also remarkable.

Diana Sosa and the rest of the Bicho Brothers — The Bicho Brothers from left to right: Jeff Krinks (guitar and vocals), Ron Krasinski (drums), Diana Sosa (timbales, congas, percussion, and Puerto Rican cuatro), Chuck Nelson (guitar and vocals), and Kenny Zarider (keyboards and vocals)

Another important personality who encouraged her to follow this route was the great producer Bill Cuomo, who told her she was very good at playing but needed to improve her technique. Twenty years later, it can be said that she took him at his Word seeing all she has achieved since then. From that point on, there have been many other projects and opportunities that make her very happy and keep her fulfilled.

Soul Sacrifice

Soul Sacrifice is a Santana tribute band founded in 1969 that has won a high reputation in Nashville by becoming one of the best tributes to Santana to date. The mix of familiar melodies and infectious rhythms they play at every show transports audiences to the biggest classics of the legendary Latin rock group created by Carlos Santana.

The band also includes some of the same members of The Bicho Brothers, such as the cases of Diana and Chuck due to all the years they have spent playing together, but including Cuban musician John Santos. He plays a fundamental role in making people feel they are listening to the original Santana rather than an imitation, which is why both he and Diana are key to the band’s performance.

Diana’s Mambo Maniacs

Diana also has her own project, which she decided to call Diana’s Mambo Manics. This Latin music group was founded in the early summer of 2025 as part of Hispanic Heritage Month. In that time of year, there are always many festivals dedicated to Hispanic and Latin music in the United States and around the world, so Diana and a group of musicians she had been in contact with for some time took the opportunity to play wherever they were able to make themselves known.

Among some of the musicians in the band we can mention John Santos as singer and timbalero, whose presence is essential at every show. The group also includes conga player Josvany Cordero, bassist Isoel Villareal, pianist Kenny Zarider, trumpeter Joe Mercado, and trombonist Huge Lindsay.

The main difference between this band, The Bicho Brothers and Soul Sacrifice is that it plays exclusively Latin music, but of the great artists in the 1950s and 1960s who performed at the Palladium Ballroom, the Copacabana, El Corso, Chez José & 3 and 1, among many others. Diana feels that, to a certain extent, she pays tribute to her parents, who used to go dancing and enjoying these rhythms to some of these places in their youth.

However, not all are covers. She is about to release an original song featuring Puerto Rican cuatro player Prodigio Claudio, but she did not have the details to share with us yet.