Take a picture, it’ll last longer
Ritmo Latino Dance Company on stage at Salsa en la Calle 2010
Salsa fans and Facebook users have been treated some great photos from Salsa en la Calle this past week. Seems hardly an hour went by without someone posting a photo of themselves, their friends, or their favorite performers on their walls. (Guilty as charged.) So I thought you might enjoy having a few links to some of the albums and photographers who were nice enough to share their photos with the rest of us.
Of course, it was not surprising to see our friends PDXLatino at the event, their weekly posting of club photos has become almost expected. Their signature orange shirts make them a cinch to spot at Mambo Lounge, Aztec Willie’s, Club 915, Santa Fe and other salsa venues. Here’s a link to their site where you will find no fewer than 12 albums from Salsa en la Calle.
Photo courtesy of Jorge Esteban Alonso
Also making the rounds was Seattle photographer and salsa enthusiast Jorge Esteban Alonso. Jorge was one of two official photographers at the 2010 Portland Salsa Congress and has some great shots to share on Facebook. (You will have to “Friend” him first.)
Photo courtesy of Shannon Butler
A new face on the scene – and behind the viewfinder was Shannon Butler. Shannon was a busy little bee flitting from street to stage grab photos, packing what appeared to be a 50 lb. camera! Here’s a link to some of Shannon’s shots of bands and dance teams as well as to shots of the rest of us enjoying the festivities. Shannon, like Jorge, is a professional photographer by trade, and specializes in unique portrait photography. See for yourself.
As I was saying, these photographers were nice enough to share their photos with us for free. Grabbing a low resolution photo for your Facebook album is basically as easy as click-and-drag. (Keep in mind, however, that these photos are still the licensed property of each photographer, and if you are a band or a performer, you cannot use them for promotional purposes without the expressed written permission of the photographer.) Higher quality images are also available for a small fee – just contact each photographer for details. If you are a band or a performer, low res photos for use on your website are also available for a few dollars.
Photo courtesy of Jorge Esteban Alonso
Well that does it. Catch you on the dance floor. And if there is a photographer standing nearby, don’t forget to say “Queso.”
Phew!
Salsa en la Calle 2010
Well, another Salsa en la Calle has come and gone, and all I have to say is “Phew!” My knees and feet are still reeling from 11-plus hours of dancing on the concrete – does anyone know the Spanish for “I need a foot massage”?
Oh well, I guess have a full year to recover before next year.
A salsa fan whoops it up.
All in all, it looked as though a great time was had by all. Yes, there was some major disappointment in that the headline attraction missed their connecting flight out of Dallas, but the bands that did show up to play delivered as advertised.
In case you haven’t figured it out yet, I love Salsa en la Calle. Where else can you dance with someone from Columbia, Cuba, Mexico, Venezuela and not even be able to speak their language? All that seems to matter is that you share the magic of dance. In that sense, salsa really is a universal language.
Salsa en la Calle 2010
It was great to see so many new faces this year too. I made lots of new friends from the Spokane and Yakima area, and it was nice to finally meet Seattle photographer Jorge Alonso, who was generous enough to share some of his Salsa en la Calle photos on Facebook this past week. Muchas gracias, Jorge! Jorge is a salsa junkie and can be found photographing salsa events throughout the Northwest. Be sure to drop him a note on Facebook to thank him for sharing his work with us.
If you stuck it all night – as many of you did, you saw some great dance performances. And while I won’t pick a favorite, I will say that Los Peques de la Salsa certainly stole the show.
Well, I’m off to soak my feet now – I hope I recover by Thursday so I can start all over again. Thanks to everyone for following my blog these past few weeks. I’ll be back with more salsa news soon.
See you on the dance floor!
The Lion is out… long live the King
International Latin superstar Eddie Santiago headlines this year's Salsa en la Calle
You have probably heard by now that Oscar D’ Leon – the Lion of Salsa who was scheduled to headline this year’s Salsa en la Calle has been sidelined to due health issues. A great loss indeed. But, at the same time, we have literally struck gold – as Gold album gold – in landing international Latin superstar Eddie Santiago to take his place!
Eddie Santiago is hardly what you would call a substitute…
A native of Puerto Rico, Eddie Santiago catapulted to fame in the late 1980′s with solo hits such as “Tú me quemas” (You Burn Me), “Qué Locura Enamorarme de Ti” (What Madness To Fall in Love With You), “Me Fallaste” (You Failed Me), Antidoto y Veneno (Antidote and Venom), “Tu Me Haces Falta” (I Need You), and his mega hit, “Lluvia” (Rain), which at the time of its release set an all-time record in salsa sales.
Most fans of Latin music will tell you that Eddie’s popularity is based, in part, on the romantic content of his songs. (I guess everybody loves a poet.) The melodic quality of his voice combines perfectly with the sensual nature of his lyrics, and has firmly established Eddie as the King of Romantic Salsa. Indeed, by most accounts, his “Romantico y Sensual” (Romantic & Sensual), is a musical masterpiece, and a must-have for any true fan of the salsa genre.
Over the years, Eddie has maintained his romantic style, spicing it up with a bit more Swing. In 1999 he released Celebration: Epic Duets, joining other Latin stars such as Víctor Manuelle, Huey Dunbar and Elvis Crespo.
Eddie has had great success and has earned a ton of gold and platinum records, as well as numerous awards. As recently as 2006, he was nominated for a Grammy Award in the Salsa/Merengue Album of the Year category, so the man is still at the top of his game.
So, let’s all send Oscar D’ Leon a virtual get well card, and give a proper greeting to this year’s Salsa en la Calle headline attraction, Mr. Eddie Santiago!
The asphalt is going to be hot!
Cambalache is burning up I-5 and the stage
Cambalache returns to Portland Sunday, August 29 for Salsa en la Calle
If there’s a Mileage Plus plan for traveling I-5 this summer, Cambalache must be raking it in.
Cambalache, a Seattle-based band, recently put on a high energy show at Mambo Lounge that was easily one of the best shows ever. And lucky for Rose City salsa fans, the band will be returning to Portland Sunday, August 29th for this year’s Salsa en la Calle.
This dynamic 9-piece group definitely knows how to boogie. Or, in their case, salsa! With their lively mix of merengue, salsa, Latin, cha-cha and rhumba, Cambalache is redefining what Northwest Salsa is all about.
Pancho Chavez, Lead Singer
The band’s performances are a highly entertaining blend of salsa classics and contemporary tunes. Borrowing from the latest music movements in Cuba, Puerto Rico and other salsa hot spots, the band’s style is a refection of both the cultural richness and musical diversity of Latin America. As a result Cambalache is able to consistently create a lively, festive atmosphere that literally yanks you out of your seat and onto the dance floor.
Cambalache has broken club attendance records everywhere they have played, which includes most of the Northwest, Southwest Canada and even Alaska. (If the line to the ladies rest room two weeks ago was any indication, I’m sure they set a new one at Mambo Lounge, too.) Need proof of their popularity? How many other salsa bands do you know that have played at a Major League All-Star game? The band has also opened for some of the most popular names in Latin music, including Grupo Niche (Columbia) and El Gran Combo (Puerto Rico).
For a taste of Cambalache, visit their website: Cambalache
So, if you missed Cambalache a couple of weeks ago, don’t make the same mistake twice. Be sure to catch them on their return trip to Portland at Salsa en la Calle. Bring comfortable shoes, as I guarantee you will end up dancing in the street!
Just a cotton-pickin’ minute…
This year’s Salsa en la Calle – that’s Salsa in the Street for you non-initiated, features 5 of the Northwest’s hottest salsa bands. Over the next few days, I’ll be giving you a brief profile of each group. So, in no particular order (well, okay, let’s make it alphabetical, just to avoid hurt feelings), let’s start with one of my favorites…
Afincando makes a return visit to Salsa en la Calle, Sunday August 29th.
Afincando
A regular attraction at Portland’s Mambo Lounge, Afincando is one of the area’s most popular salsa bands. And while the name Afincando often translates to “cotton picker,” the name also means “Groove,” which is exactly what happens every time they take the stage. Small wonder that the band enjoys such a huge and loyal following. In fact, this year’s visit to Salsa en la Calle marks a return engagement for the group.
Originating in the basement of band leader Giovanni Cruz‘ basement, the band has risen steadily establishing their own unique brand of New York style salsa. As Giovanni explains, “We spent over a year in my basement, just playing around with our sound…working to get our rhythm section tight.” To say they have succeeded is a huge understatement. Some of the band’s major musical influences include Spanish Harlem Orchestra, the Ray Barreto Orchestra, and Johnny Polanco y Sun Conjunto Amistad out of Los Angeles.
Members of the band include some of Portland’s top vocal and musical talent, including local favorite Oscar Herrera, Christine Cruz, Edgardo Perez and Zapoura Calvert. Their hot horn section includes local Jazz sensations Ben Medler and Farnell Newton. Keyboardist Michelle Medler, Sam Lett and Justin Smith round out the group. (You can beat me with a maraca if I’ve left anyone out.)
If you love great salsa or simply love to dance – I think you will agree, Afincando is definitely worth the price of admission.
More bands to come. So as they say in the music business, “Stay tuned.”
Happy Times for all Latin music lovers
Making a return engagement to Salsa en la Calle next month is one of the Northwest’s most popular Latin bands, Conjunto Alegré. For those of you who haven’t bookmarked RosettaStone.com on your computer, that means “Happy Assembly.”
A mainstay on Portland’s Latin music scene, Conjunto Alegré recently celebrated their 20th year with the release of a hot new CD. What separates Conjunto Alegre from most other Latin bands is their wide mix of music. Their sizzling repertoire has more flavor than a 7-layer dip, with hits from nearly every Latin nation on the planet: salsa from Puerto Rico, Cuba, Colombia & Venezuela; merengue and bachata from the Dominican Republic, and cumbia, cha-cha-cha, Latin jazz and traditional boleros from all points south.
To call the group “accomplished” would be an understatement. They’ve shared the stage with several international artists including Tito Puente, Oscar D’ Leon, Grupo Niche, Eddie Santiago, Wilfrido Vargas, Marvin Santiago, Roberto Torres, and – still with me? – Francisco Aguabella.
Odds are good that you’ve seen this group on stage before. Conjunto Alegré has performed at Portland’s Cinco de Mayo Celebration, the Rose Festival, the Mayor’s Ball, the Mt. Hood Jazz Festival, the Salem Arts Festival, and on college campuses throughout Oregon, Washington and even Canada – yes, our neighbors to the north need their salsa fix too!
Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy one of the Northwest’s premier Latin bands. Mark your calendar for Sunday, August 29th and Salsa en la Calle. See you on the Eastbank Esplanade!
~ Manaña
My dog ran off with my ex-wife…
… Gosh, I sure miss that dog.
Portland Adrenaline of Gemini Salsa
Yeah, it’s an old country music joke, but it does bring us to the subject of today’s blog: the Bachata. Or, more specifically Portland Adrenaline, who will be showcasing their celebrated bachata routine at this year’s Salsa en la Calle, August 29th.
Portland Adrenaline is one of many dance teams trained and choreographed by Javier Solis of Gemini Salsa, one of Portland’s most recognized dance companies. Portland Adrenaline is comprised of 8 amateur salsa dancers: Ångel Zapata, Azucena Jimenes Alejandro Gomez, Angela Rico, Antonio Murillo Rodriguez, Brenda Cota, Alejandro Maldonado, and Ana Alonso. Most of the team members have only been dancing for a short time and are completely new to performing on stage. All confess to having a deep and abiding passion for salsa and pursue the dance as a means of creative expression. (Click here for complete bios on each dancer.)
Now then, a few words about the Bachata…
Bachata frame in the Open position
The Bachata is the Dominican Republic’s second most sexiest export – right behind Amelia Vega, the 2003 Miss Universe. Here’s a little more you might like to know about the Bachata…
“Bachata,” literally means “party,” and as I just mentioned is a dance and music style native to the Dominican Republic. Much like Country and Blues music here in the United States, bachata lyrics often center around heartbreak, romance, lost love, and other melancholy themes.
Like all great music, bachata had a rough start as a music and dance form. Originating in the bars and brothels of the lower class, bachata was nearly censored into extinction by the Trujillo dictatorship of the Dominican Republic. (Much in the same way early Rock & Roll was considered the Devil’s music here in the US of A.) Once the Trujillo dictatorship lost power, however, bachata gained new fame and quickly spread to the rest of the world.
The Bachata is not just the same old grind.
The bachata dance is composed of 4 steps with a tap on the 4th beat. The primary motion is from side to side, in either a closed or open frame position. This is not a dance for the shy or introverted. The close proximity of the partners – literally buckle to buckle sometimes, leads the casual observer to think the partners are merely grinding away at each other. In truth, the actual technique is more about shifting one’s weight by bending and straightening one’s knees, creating a seductive hip movement that is tremendous fun to watch.
But hey, don’t just take my word for it. Come see it for yourself at this year’s Salsa en la Calle.
A “little salsa” for everyone
It seems as though everyone is taking up salsa these days. And by everyone, I mean everyone. Even kids are getting into it.
And this year’s Salsa en la Calle will feature one the best children’s performance teams in the Northwest: Los Peques de la Salsa. For all you mono linquists, that translates to “The Little Ones of Salsa.”
Los Pequeños de la Salsa
Los Peques de la Salsa is a new 10 member salsa ensemble from Hillsboro, Oregon. Under the tuteledge of Analine Villardo, the children range in ages from 7 to 12 years, and most have been dancing for less than six months – which makes their performances all the more amazing!
Analine has been dancing salsa and teaching adults for years. She was inspired to form her children’s group after watching several young dancers at the LA Salsa Congress. She claims she was was practically moved to tears by what she saw and soon devoted herself to forming a children’s dance team of her own. She even showed a video recording to her 9 year old son, who was also amazed by what he saw.
Analine sees dance in general – and salsa specifically, as being terrific for children. Besides just being great exercise and a fun alternative to sports, salsa helps build self confidence and promotes sense of pride. “The transformation I’ve seen in some of my dancers has been amazing,” says Analine. “When some of my students first come to class they are very quiet and introverted. But dancing with other children their age helps brings them out of their shells. And when their fellow classmates see what they are able to do, the ir sense of pride grows by leaps and bounds!”
Each member of Los Peques de la Salsa is very dedicated to the team and spends upwards of 3 hours a week perfecting their routine. Though they have been dancing together for less than 6 months, the group already has a number of public appearances under their shoes, including Aztec Willie’s, Mambo Lounge, and most recently at the Portland Salsa Congress, where they were a crowd favorite.
Analine hopes to introduce even more children to salsa. On the heels of the recently completed Portland Salsa Congress, she has been approached by several parents who wish to enroll their children in her dance program, which is taught at the Lena Dance Studio in Hillsboro, Oregon.
Says Analine, “My goal is to provide a creative outlet for self-expression and to give our local children something worthwhile to pursue after school. For me, teaching children salsa is not a business, it’s a passion. And a way of passing along something to them that will last them a lifetime.”
Kudos, Analine! We all look forward to seeing you at Salsa en la Calle!
Not all the Salsa in the Street will be in the street
If you’ve never been to Salsa en la Calle before , you should realize that not all the Salsa in the Street actually takes place in the street. In fact, the very best dancing takes place on the stage. And this year is no exception, with a number of local dance teams scheduled to show their stuff. In the coming weeks, I’ll be telling you about some of the teams who will be performing at this year’s event.
And since I’ve been talking about Venezuelan superstar Oscar D’Leon who will be headlining Salsa en la Calle this year, let me tell you about another pair of Venezuelans who will be joining him on stage this August…
Ernesto & Dahiana of Ritmo Latino PDX
Ernesto Vegas and Dahiana Oliver – aka Ritmo Latino PDX, arrived in Portland from Caracas, Venezuela just over a year ago. Since then, they’ve become two of the most popular performers on the Portland salsa scene. Ernesto and Dahiana have danced and competed all over the world, and have amassed a rather impressive record of titles along the way.
Ritmo Latino PDX Dance Company
Ernesto and Dahiana will be joined by Israel Guerrero and Linda Maldonado, who are new to the Ritmo Latino PDX team and have been dancing for only a couple of months. So be sure to come give them your love and support. For a sneak peek at Ritmo Latino PDX, check out their website. I know you’ll be impressed!
Stay tuned for more Salsa en la Calle news to come. Until then, I’ll see you on the dance floor.
Who is this Oscar D’Leon guy?
Portland’s salsa scene has been a buzz this past week over news that the star attraction of this year’s Salsa en la Calle will be none other than world known salsa icon Oscar D’Leon. For those of you new to salsa music, here’s a brief bio about him.
Oscar D'Leon - "The Lion of Salsa"
Oscar, who was the son of a music-loving brick layer, was born in Caracas, Venezuela. (For you U of O grads, that’s in Central America.) From these humble origins, he would grow to become one of the true legends in Latin music.
Though an undisputed icon in his own right, Oscar was influenced by the masters of Cuban music, most notably Beny Moré and La Sonora Matancera. He also credits other influences for helping shape his style, including salsa artists from the 60′s, such as Eddie Palmieri.
Ocar started his musical career in 1972 as part of an orchestra called Dimensión Latina. In 1977, he formed his own band, La Salsa Mayor. (No, that is not an elected position.) One year later recorded his best selling album ever, “El Más Grande.” (The album name may sound like a Burger King promotion, but it isn’t. Just check the link on YouTube.)
Over a career that has spanned nearly five decades, Oscar has remained true to his original style, and is as popular today as ever. Along the way, he has performed in every corner of the world and recorded with the most recognized names in Latin music, including Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, José Alberto, Arturo Sandoval, Luîs Enriquest, Dyango, and Los Billos Caracas Boys.
Salsa en la Calle is indeed fortunate and blessed to have someone of Oscar’s caliber gracing its stage this year. And let’s face it: the man aint getting any younger. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience an Oscar D’Leon performance.
Stay tuned for news of other bands and dance performances coming to Salsa en la Calle. And be sure to mark your calendars for this once-a-year celebration of Latin culture: Sunday, August 29.
