International Salsa Magazine May 2014

Edition 41 / May 2014

- Homenaje fotográfico:CHEO FELICIANO- Literally Dancing Through LifeASHLEY REYES- VALENTÍN AZEMAThe Magic in Organizing a Great Event

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ISM / INTERVIEW

First we roll over. Then we crawl. Upgrade to walking. With some confidence, we run... And if we’re lucky, we dance. Part of life is about progression. We can find ourselves in a constant state of learning, but somehow always moving forward. We have the ability to use our past to pull us into the future. A New Jersey native and South Florida resident, Ashley Reyes, is a shining example of progress meeting success.

Surrounded by music, theater and the arts while growing up, Ashley absorbed creativity and, in turn, developed her own. She began as an instrumentalist playing the clarinet, alto, baritone, and tenor saxophone. Her love for music then expanded into musical theater where she performed in shows such as Fame, Into the Woods, and Little Shop of Horrors. However, playing the role of Anita in West Side Story with Union High School Performing Arts Company is Ashley’s most memorable experience where she was able to combine her passion for theatre and love of latin dance.

Ashley was introduced to salsa at a young age. Salsa didn’t become her pastime until she was 21. Yet “pastime” seems like an understatement. “Lifestyle” is more fitting. For 6 hours a day, 7 days a week, you could find Ashley on the dance floor. She would rehearse at the studio then head straight to the next

LITERALLYDANCING THROUGH LIFE

WITH ASHLEY REYESand Natalia Sanchez

social. Being an avid social dancer is what Ashley says helped her refine her skills... And if you haven’t seen her move, the lady truly has legit skills! Today with a high frequency of appearances at events and on stage, it’s not a surprise that she is one of South Florida’s well known and respected salseras.

Aside from dancing, Ashley made it clear that she has a taste for adventure. She has travelled, citing the Inca Trail as one of her most daring experiences; and admitted that she would even be willing to hop on a flight to a foreign country without notice. This kind of bold risk-taking is also essential for entrepreneurship. This year, Ashley and her business partner Natalia Sanchez opened up a new studio called “Dancing Through Life” in Davie, FL. Enamored with their venue, Ashley calls it “1400 square feet of pure bliss.” Breaking the boundaries of Salsa and Bachata, the studio also offers Zumba, Hip Hop, Ballet, Jazz, and Yoga. They have even added a new and challenging Contemporary Jazz class designed for dancers who have more technical backgrounds. For its grand opening, Dancing Through Life welcomed waves of dancers from all genres and levels of experience to enjoy a jam packed day of workshops and an exceptional evening filled with latin rhythm. The social featured an intimate, private concert and performances by the some of the top salsa dance

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By: Giselle Bodden

“Learn to Dance Through Life”

schools and companies in the area.

The vision for the studio is that its students, especially young children, will grow and attempt to advance their dancing with all of the diverse offerings available there. As a mother and wife, Ashley places a high value on family. The beauty about the salsa community is that it is an extended family. Early on, the studio has already established a nice, comfortable, and family-friendly environment where parents and their children can come learn together. Surely, Dancing Through Life will grow to be an enriching addition to the South Florida dance community at large. Starting a business requires hard work, sacrifice and serious juggling, but it’s all a part of Ashley and Natalia’s race each day to bring a vision to fruition. But how fortunate is it that - as an alternate to running - we can learn to Dance Through Life with them instead?

Currently, the studio is seeking fun, energetic, passionate, and experienced instructors in both dance and fitness for all styles and levels. If your skills motivate, innovate and inspire others and you’re in the South Florida area, consider applying! Furthermore, Dancing Through Life offers competitive membership packages in both fitness and dance and has options for the entire family. Custom packages for choreography, “Quinces”, Sweet 16 services, and more, are available as well. For more information on job opportunities, classes and special events, please visit www.dancingthroughlife.com or contact them at 954-680-9919 or at [email protected].


ISM / INTERVIEW



By: Ana Rosa Massieu

Valentine Azéma has been the Director of Kings of Bachata Congress of Le Mans, France in four editions, from 2011 to 2014.

Valentin AzémaTHE MAGIC IN ORGANIZING A GREAT EVENT

ABOUT THE BACKGROUND OF KINGS OF BACHATA CONGRESS:Why do you think that the Latin Music is so popular in France and in Europe?

When you talk about Latin Music, especially in France, sweet pictures of the beach, sun and holidays come to your mind.

Tell us, which Festival or Congress specializes in Bachata Music in France or Europe, do you consider it as a competitor or a challenger of Kings of Bachata?

Although our passion for bachata in France has recently appeared, more and more congresses specialized or mixed with Kizomba have started to appear in France – maybe too many.

Kings of Bachata had a particular concept because it was the first real Bachata congress in France that had a team and couple contest to “elect” the annual Kings of Bachata and send them on an all-inclusive trip to the Dominican Republic. Before that, in most

of events, Bachata was just non-existent.

But two other congresses are now sharing this interest for Bachata in France: the Lyon loves Bachata and the Paris Bachata festival, having respectively different concepts.

ABOUT THE CONGRESS “KINGS OF BACHATA 2014” - 4th edition - I realized, watching the web and videos of Kings of Bachata 2014, that it is a well designed festival. Tell us about the work of organizing the festival: For how long do you need to work for it? How many people work with you? Are there any volunteers? Do you want to add extra information?

Including the creation of the communication, the promotion, the logistics, etc…Kings of Bachata takes almost one year of preparation. However, the last 3 weeks are the most intense. On the commercial aspect, phone calls, Facebook, E-mails: everything rings day and night. Concerning the artists line-up, every artist has their own personal (sometimes crazy) requests and it is a huge puzzle to make everything



ISM / INTERVIEWISM / INTERVIEW

fit perfectly with the congress schedule. I think it is the most stressful part because they really have the power to ruin an event.

I work mainly alone. Like all organizers, the costs are a big a problem, so the only way I could create Kings of Bachata was to do as many things as possible by myself. For example, even if you don’t know how to make a trailer, you have to open the books and learn.

During the congress in itself, my parents are also producers/artists so they gave me good support. The Backstage team is not big, but solid.

Is this Congress only for specialists, intermediate and advanced dancers?

It is a dance congress, so the first audience is never a total beginner. Usually people don’t pay for something they don’t know. The dancers can choose, according to their level, any classes of Bachata in 5 different rooms from Low Intermediate to Advanced.

Tell us about the results of the just ended Festival (April 11- 13, 2014): How many public went? Who were the winners of the competitions? Did the

Congress achieve the expectations of the organizers and of the public?

This edition the team Esencia (from France) and the couple Andrea and Alessia (from Italy) won the title of KINGS OF BACHATA.

Like the past year, more than one thousand people were dancing at the same time on Friday and Saturday. This edition was really special because I had announced the last edition of Kings of Bachata in France. An edition filled with emotion to close this chapter.

4 Editions means 5 years of work. Despite being limited, the legal and economic French context is absolutely not helpful for the time spent to elaborate an event… unlike other countries. We will see what will happen in the future.

From which countries is mainly the public that participated in the Congress?

The dancers are mainly French of course. But our friends from UK, Italy, Spain or even from Egypt and Poland were there.



Were there any participants from The USA and Latin American apart from the artists and teachers?

Due to transportation and flight prices, it is not really affordable for people from overseas to come.

When are you going to start organizing next year’s festival?

Like I said, as this version of Kings of Bachata has now ended, I will start thinking of new projects…

Which is, in your opinion, the distinctive touch of Kings of Bachata?

KOB was really appreciated by the bachata lovers. So many people had the habit of meeting each other once a year at this event.

The aim was to deploy big equipment, decoration, lights, large screens etc... to “transport” the people and make them feel in a place out of time.

Though the number of dancers is important, the unique and big evening room allowed everyone to feel a great cohesion.

The DJs did a really good job at playing a mix of the newest hits along with authentic Dominican bachatas (really appreciated in France).

ABOUT VALENTIN AZÉMA: Have you been the Director of KOB since the first edition?

Yes. I created and organized Kings of Bachata from the start to the end.

Do you coordinate other events? Which ones?

No, KOB was the only one.

Tell us about your personal work, are you a dancer, a musician or just

a bachata lover?

Bachata has been a hobby of mine for many years and working in a television production inspired me to create Kings

of Bachata. Apart from this, I have been a close-up magician for many years.

What else do you want to tell us about your experience as the director of Kings of Bachata? Can you tell us an amusing anecdote, for example?

KOB totally changed my life. I have met a lot of people that are now close friends and gave me the opportunity to travel. My favorite memory will always be the surprise the artists did for me on the last night supported by the entire audience and the moving words they said to me.


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Fotografías cortesía de Kings of Bachata


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Rumba Calzada started as a quartet back in 1991 in Canada with Bo-ying Geronimo and son Raphael as founders.They came up with the name by looking the words up in the dictionary. It expresses the idea of dancing and playing (Rumba) on the streets. Raphael was 25 years old when he took over the band after his father’s death occurred during the first tour of RC outside Canada, in the Philippines. It was 1995.

Now in his forties, this Canadian, boxing lover and jogger plays with six outstanding musicians. He writes most of the songs but since his Spani-sh is very limited, the process is unusual. Raphael writes out the mu-sic on the piano first, rehearse the music with the band and, according to the feeling he gets, writes a bit. Finally, the song is completed with a little help from the Spanish native speakers of Rumba Calzada.

These seven talented musicians make a sound you do not want to miss.

RUMBA CALZADALATIN JAZZ + SALSA+ AFRO CUBAN

http://rumbacalzada.com/Email: [email protected]

@rumbacalzada


By: Ingrid Hernández


ISM / INTERVIEW

RUMBA CALZADA is (from left to right): Miguelito Valdes (trumpet / vocals), Roderick Murray (trombone), Nick Apivor (vibraphone / percussion),

Raphael Geronimo (timbales / drums / vocals), Louis Mastroianni (piano), Allan Johnston (bass)and Rolando Preza (congas / vocals)



Who writes the songs, who makes the arrangements?

It’s a combination of musicians within the band. We write songs individually or we collaborate with each other.

I like to create new and original music each time we release a new album.

Is there any change in the sound of your band compared to your father´s?

Yes, as a child my father would play Latin music at home everyday and in the car when we went out. So I became familiar with the classic Latin Jazz and Salsa songs. So when I took over RC I had a similar style of music to my father. But after a few years I started to explore rhythms like Cumbia and Bomba and added them into our repertoire where as my father was very traditional and focused mainly on Mambo, Cha Cha Cha, Salsa and Guaguanco. I have kept the Mambo, Salsa and Cha Cha Cha in Rumba Calzada, as I love it just as much as he did.

What are the next plans of RC?

We are in the planning stages for another tour in 2015, so we will see how it unfolds. And I’m currently writing new music for a new Rumba Calzada CD, possibly in 2016 .

When did you start playing and when did you know you wanted to be a musician?

I started playing guitar at the age of 15 with my high school rock band. But we didn’t have a drummer. One night, during a rehearsal, the guys in the band saw all of my father’s drums and said to me... just go downstairs and get those drums! And so I did... and I haven’t been able to put them down since. It wasn’t till I was about 19 that I wanted to be a musician.

When I did start to play, just like anyone else, I had


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to learn, and I wasn’t that good. But my father was really good. And he was always around very heavy players like Poncho Sanchez and Luis Conte, so I always tagged along and would learn a few things. But I still couldn’t do much back then. The real talent hit me after my father passed on, and when I took over RC.

You are a gifted musician: is it a blessing or a curse?

I think I’m a gifted musician, but only after a lot of training and hard work. It’s a blessing being a musician because I enjoy playing music. It feels gratifying after I do gigs and sessions, and I enjoy creating new music and seeing other people enjoy what we do.

What´s the role of music in society?

Music’s role in society is to inspire, create, comfort, unify, drive, calm and most of all to enjoy. Music gives us so much yet in some ways society doesn’t realize how important music is and how instrumental its role is and will be.

What does RC bring to the world?

Rumba Calzada brings a new classic latin sound coming from traditional Latin Jazz and Afro Cuban roots. We bring enjoyment, inspiration, drive and the energy to move and dance when we play to an audience.

Any funny story while performing?

One night Harry Connick Jr. approached the band and asked me if he could sit in with us. I asked him... are you really Harry Connick Jr.? He said. “Yea, I am... and then he played with us... it was a fun night.

What does RC mean to you?

For me, Rumba Calzada is a continuation of my father’s dream, to build a world class Latin band. It was a gift that was passed on to me from him, for me to enjoy. RC is now a vehicle for me to express myself as a artist and a musician for others to enjoy.



Photographer: Janine Coney


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Cheo Feliciano 1935 / 2014

WORLD SALSA CONGRESSES 2014

PALLADIUM VOYAGE - INTERNATIONAL SALSA FESTIVAL BREMEN

MAYA SALSA FEST 2014

4TH COPENHAGEN SALSA FESTIVAL

1ST INTERNATIONAL PRAGUE SALSA MARATHON 2014

5 STAR CONGRESS 2014

LUXEMBOURG KIZOMBA CONGRESS 1ST - 4TH MAY, 2014

THE COLLEGE SALSA CONGRESS

LA NEGRA SALSA FESTIVAL

SALSA MAMBO FEST 2014

THE MONTREAL SALSA CONVENTION CELEBRATES ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY

LULAWORLD 2014

10TH ANNUAL CELEBRATION PORTLANDSALSA CONGRESS

1,3,4 May

2, 3, 4 May

2, 3, 4 May

2, 3, 4 May

2, 3, 4, 5 May

1, 2, 3, 4, 5 May

3 May

9,10,11 May

8, 9, 10,11 May

14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 May

May 18 To June 7

13,14,15 Jun

Germany

México

Denmark

Czech Republic

England

Luxembourg

Los Angeles

España

México

Canadá

Toronto

Oregon

DATE EVENT PLACE


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MAYA SALSA FEST 2014Talleres, Shows, Fietas y MÁS!

En colaboración con A GOZAR!

Place: MéxicoDate: 2 al 4 de Mayo

Web: https://es-la.facebook.com/salsamaya.fest

PALLADIUM VOYAGE - INTERNATIONAL SALSA FESTIVAL BREMEN Germany’s oldest & world wide recognized Annual Salsa Festival!The worlds very first Festival event honoring& celebrating Mambo & Salsa dancing origins...The Palladium Ballroom established 1948!The worlds foremost Salsa promoter & iconic figure: Albert Torres (producer of the world wide respected competition & Salsa industry standard: “World Latin Dance Cup”) is joining us in Bremen, Germany for the 2nd time!Bremens first official qualifier for the 5. World Latin Dance Cup in December 2014 in Miami, Florida!25 years of Salsa expertise from his Founder & Artistic Director: Gallo Suarez. Him & his Team have invited quality performers from around the Globe for great performances, history & dance instruction.3 nights of dancing, over 50 Performers & Workshops that will make you more comfor-table on the dance floor!3 very special nights of parties, dancing, lear-ning, drinking, eating & making new friends!

Place: GermanyDate: 2, 3, 4 MayWeb: www.palladium-voyage.com

4TH COPENHAGEN SALSA FESTIVAL Copenhagen. A city steeped in history and beauty. The gastronomical capital of the North. Home of fairy tales, Vikings, and…Salsa! Welcome to the social dancing experience of the season. The 2014 Copenhagen Salsa Festival offers 42 workshops in different Latin dance styles and levels: beginner, intermediate, advanced & master class, presented by some of the best instructors in the world. Come and be a part of an intimate festival in the beautiful Danish ca-pital, which will provide the perfect backdrop for an incredible experience filled with inspiring workshops, fantastic shows and last but not least, amazing social dancing.

Place: DenmarkDate: 2, 3, 4 MayWeb: www.copenhagensalsafestival.dk/en/

1ST INTERNATIONAL PRAGUE SALSA MARATHON 201448 hours of crazy salsa and mambo party with the best dancers • TOTALLY BRAND NEW CONCEPT in Salsa Events• Are you bored from huge and crowded festivals and congresses, where is almost impossible to meet your friends, neither the people you came with?• You don’t need the workshops, neither the shows, but you’re just looking for a great party?• Your friends call you party-animal, because you party hard?Enjoy this family-like salsa event and meet the BEST salsa dancers from all over the world.Spend 48 hours in a row with people like you, on the dancefloor, during the brunch, the dinner and a relaxing time.

Place: Czech RepublicDate: 2, 3, 4 MayWeb: www.praguesalsamarathon.com/

5 STAR CONGRESS 2014 2 Days of Dance Workshops catering for all Levels, from absolute Beginners to Advance, in various dance styles: Cuban Son, Afro Cuban, Rumba, Cha Cha Cha, Cross Body Style Salsa “On1″, New York Style Mambo “On2″, Ladies Styling, Kizomba Afroluso and more, plus 3 nights of shows and dancing to some of the UK’s finest Dj’s.This year’s Congress features Eddie Torres, Eddie Torres Jnr, Shani Talmor, Melissa Rosado, Nelson Flores, Juan Matos, Ataca Jorge and Tanja, Korke and Judith, Terry & Cecile, Grupo Alafia, and many many more…

Place: EnglandDate: 2, 3, 4, 5 MayWeb: www.salsadance.co.uk/congress/

LUXEMBOURG KIZOMBA CONGRESS 1ST - 4TH MAY, 2014The First Kizomba Congress in Luxembourg, from May 1st to May 4th 2014.We will host you in a luxury hotel in the heart of Luxembourg. A key location from where you can admire the splendor of our beautiful city.Don’t miss this chance to improve yourself in Kizomba, Semba and other African nces, and learn from the best international performers’ workshops and shows.Prepare yourselves for a great weekend full of emotions!

Place: LuxembourgDate: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 MayWeb: www.kizombalux.lu/en

LA NEGRA SALSA FESTIVALEs el quinto campeonato de pasos libres. Un gran festival de salsa ON1, ON2, Cubana, Bachata, Kizomba

Place: EspañaDate: 9,10,11 MayWeb: lanegrasalsa.com

THE COLLEGE SALSA CONGRESS will be held on May 3rd, 2014 at the

Four Points Sheraton in LA. The event showcases college dance

teams from across California, and also features a college salsa team

competition.

Place: Four Points Sheraton in LADate: 3rd May

Web: www.collegesalsacongress.com

SALSA MAMBO FEST 2014Whether you want to spend your days joining in on the workshops taught by internationally renowned artists or relax on a poolside lounger under the sun with an unlimited supply of drinks, the choice is up to you. During the day, workshops will be taught in a variety of dance styles including salsa on2, bachata, Cuban style, Kizomba, styling, lifts and tricks, as well as more.

Place: MéxicoDate: 8,9,10 y 11 MayWeb: www.salsamambofest.com

THE MONTREAL SALSA CONVENTION CELEBRATES ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARYThis Victoria Day weekend, the annual Montreal Salsa convention will showcase some of the best in Latin music. The festival brings thousands of dancers with a wide range of experience and background, so everyone has the opportunityto learn and grow as dancers. DJs will be performing until 3am each night of the festival, playing salsa, bachata and kizomba music.

Place: CanadáDate: 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 MayWeb: www.montrealsalsaconvention.com

Buy Advanced Tickets Online.Ticket to all Lulaworld concerts with the exception of May 20, can be purched at Be-mused.ca.Please note that ticket sales do not guarantee seating. Seating can be secured by making a dinner reservation at 416 588 0307 or [email protected]

Lulaworld 2014 - May 18 To June 7Now in its ninth year, The Lulaworld festival brings together Toronto’s finest world, jazz and Latin musicians performing alongside and collaborating with celebrated international guests. In anticipation of the Toronto 2015 PANAM games, Lulaworld will focus on artists with cultural roots in Mexico, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Haiti, Trinidad, Guadalupe and Brazil and will also include influences from Angola, Israel, Portugal, Turkey and Italy.

The 2014 Lulaworld festival will highlight the incredible breadth and calibre of the Toronto live music scene. For the very first time, the festival will conclude with a day of free outdoor programming as part of Dundas West Fest on June 7.

Lulaworld isresented by Lula Music and Arts Centre with the support of the Toronto Arts Council, The Ontario Arts Council and The Government of Ontario, as well nas sponsors CBC Toronto, Mill Street Brewery, Telelatino, Barocco Coffee Company, Toronto Hispano and co-presenters CIUT, Jewish Music Week in Toronto, Small World Music, Nossa TV Canada, LACSN, Soul Drums, Uma Nota, Dos Mundos, Cubaintoronto.com, Latinjazznet.com, Mexicatessen, Alucine, The Music Gallery, The Dunas West BIA and Dundas West Fest.

Sunday May 18Opening Night With Malika Tirolien + Kobo Town+ Yasgurs Farm + DJ VasMusic of Guadalupe & Trinidad followed by soul, funk dance partyPresented in partnership with CIUT marking the 25th anniversary of Global Rhythms7pm doors, 8pm showfree until 10pm, $10 advance, $15 at the door

TUESDAY MAY 20 Vanunu Ethno-Jazz Ensemble

WEDNESDAY MAY 21Ron Davis Symphronica with the Nagata Shachu Ensemble

THURSDAY MAY 22Fred Martins with Luanda Jones

THURSDAY MAY 22Ruben Esguerra New Tradition + Vox Sambou

FRIDAY MAY 23Los Hijos De Tuta + Orquesta Fantasia + Steps Dance Co + Dj Alejo

SATURDAY MAY 24Willy Torres with Conjunto Lacalu

SUNDAY MAY 25Dominic Mancuso Group releases Sub Urban Gypsy

WEDNESDAY MAY 28Dafnis Prieto Proverb Trio with opening set by Mustafa The Poet

THURSDAY MAY 29M.A.K.U. Sound SystemDirect from NYC: Colombian percussion+ soul & reggae psychedelic punk & afro-beat

FRIDAY MAY 30Hilario Duran Solo Concert

FRIDAY MAY 30Zeynep Ozbilen w Roberto Linares Brown + Dj Yumaniche+ Vladimir!

SUNDAY JUNE 1Martha Gonzalez w Café Con Pan + Amanda Medina Pinedo + Mamselle

TUESDAY JUNE 3Roberto Occhipinti with special guestsJuno-winning veteran bassist producer + members of Gryphon Trio and Annex Quartet

WEDNESDAY JUNE 4David Virelles with Eric McPherson

THURSDAY JUNE 5 Samantha Martin Roots N Roll Revue

FRIDAY JUNE 6Yami with Joao Frade and Marito MarquesAngolan, Portuguese & Canadian trio led by bassist for fado sensation Mariza

FRIDAY JUNE 6Jimmy Bosch And Ralph Irizarry With The Lula All Stars + DJ Suave + Baila Boogaloo

SATURDAY JUNE 7Lulaworld at Dundas West Fest

10TH ANNUAL CELEBRATION PORTLAND SALSA CONGRESSThe 10th Annual Portland Salsa Bachata Congress June 13th - 15th, 2014. Doors Open at 9PM - 5AM! All Ages Welcome! Make Your Reservations at the Sheraton Airport Hotel Now! Buy Your Full Pass Now to experience all the workshops, so-cial dancing, performances and more!

Place: OregonDate: 13,14, 15 June Web: www.portlandsalsacongress.com

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