Posted by Elena del Valle on October 14, 2005
Juanita Ulloa’s new album cover
If music is the universal language, then mariachi is its Latin accent. Some think Juanita Ulloa speaks the language brilliantly. Juanita is a proponent of Operachi, a new Latin-American sound which combines classical opera with a meringue of traditional mariachi rhythms. Juanita sees her self as the creator of a new genre of music and the catalyst for the creative irreverence attracting music fans. Her music claims to be "an in-your-face fusion of classical stylings and contemporary harmonies."
Juanita believes that because she is is master of the mariachi medium, she doesn’t have to sweat the test of tradition. She feels free to play with new rhythms, sounds and ideas. She profeses an excellent knowledge of music history, and her musical inspirations ricochet from Debussy to Leonard Bernstein to Augustine Lara to Maria Grever. Some consider Juanita Ulloa one of the most gifted mariachi singers.
In "Paz y Alegria” (Peace & Joy), her new album, she sings of a peace and joy that embraces all religion. Juanita endeavors to make her lyrics seem like part of her emotional biography, drawing out a note until it seems exhausted, then punctuating it with a lyrical catch in her throat that sounds like the small sobs of a strong woman, or sometimes it is closer to the full-throttle glottal attack of a Linda Ronstadt. Sometimes Juanita slows down the tempo, teases out the vowel sounds, adds a huapango twist of a rhythm from Mexico or a fandango beat from Spain, or the big band sound from the forties, or a fiery Lando rhythm from the Afro-Peruvian culture.
Born in North America into a bi-cultural American Panamanian family, Juanita was raised in several Hispanic countries including Mexico, Spain and Panama. She earned her music degrees at Yale and UC Berkeley and trained at the Nice Conservatory in France. She has toured the world with solo performances in Spain, Peru and Mexico. She is especially drawn to Mexico and embraced Mexico’s rich musical history. She has performed ranchera songs, ballads and boleros in her own vocal style.
After her first taste of circus-cannon celebrity, Juanita decided to leave something more substantial than breadcrumbs behind her to mark her way back home, the result was Juanita’s last and most lauded album “Mujeres & Mariachi” a homage to Mexico’s pioneering female composers. Juanita’s ambition is to be a bridge between the United States and Latin America.
"When I want to go deep into my Mexican roots I listen to Juanita Ulloa’s voice. It’s a privilege to allow ourselves to be seduced by her voice, it allows us to relax and celebrate amongst each other. It keeps me from being lonely. Whether I am in Mexico or the USA I’m at home listening to Juanita!" – Juan Barragan, News Anchor, Univision KDTV-TV Azteca-El Universal.
Juanita will be performing from 10 a.m. to noon on Coast to Coast West Coast Live National Show for the CD Premiere of "Paz y Alegria" featuring Juanita Ulloa & Picante Ensemble and also featuring Jose Roberto Hernandez Freight & Salvage.The performance will take place at 1111 Addison Street, Berkeley(near University & San Pablo). For ticket information, call (415) 664-9500 or visit www.ticketweb.com. To listen to Juanita’s music, visit http://www.juanitamusic.com
Posted by Elena del Valle on October 13, 2005
Ricky Garay as Sergeant T. Noble
and Charles Sanchez as a recruit in "Funny is Funny"
“Funny is Funny” Kicks Off Production of Premiere Season
Los Angeles (October 6, 2005) – Sí TV, an English-language Latino network, kicked off production recently of the premiere season of “Funny is Funny,” the first all-Latino sketch comedy show. Thirteen episodes of the show will be produced before a live studio audience at Sí TV studios. “Funny is Funny,” Sí TV’s first fully scripted show, is slated to premiere on the network in Spring 2006.
“It’s important for us to continue to discover new talent,” said Jeff Valdez, Sí TV’s chairman and co-founder. “For ‘Funny is Funny’ we’ve brought together a group of fresh talented actors to act in and write edgy, satirical sketches. I’m a true believer in exposing new talent, and these kids certainly have what it takes to be the next big thing.”
Valdez will be executive producer. Other producers include Edward R. Leon, Sí TV’s senior vice president of production, Dean Crescenzi (“America’s Funniest Home Video”); and comedian/writer/producer Vic Dunlop. “Funny is Funny” hopes to feature fresh new faces of comedy as they combine cultural parodies with memorable reoccurring original characters to create a sketch comedy show that satirically addresses socio-political issues and cultural differences.
In addition to starring in the show, all the cast members are also writers on the show. Examples of skits include “Sister Joe,” a skit about a nun who lives in the Vatican and aspires to be the Pope; “The Big Fat Giant Gigante Show” which pokes fun at Univision’s sacred cow “Sabado Gigante,” and “Chola the Urban Explorer” which takes a look at life from the view point of a 15-year-old Hispanic girl living in the inner city.
Producers hope to infuse the show with fresh characters and thought-provoking wit to make "Funny is Funny” a new kind of sketch comedy for “Generation Sí.” The all-Latino cast is made up of seasoned comedians and performers including, brothers Joaquin Garay III and Ricky Garay, Angela Malhotra, Jonisha Rios, Charles Sanchez, and Jose Sonera as well as featured comic performers Gabbriella Gatto, Angel “Ace” Guillen, and Adam Jacobo.
Sí TV is an English-language, Latino network featuring hip and irreverent, culturally-relevant programming targeting the growing young Latino and multi-cultural TV audience. Voted by Multichannel News as one of the “Top 10 Next Networks,” Sí TV reaches 10 million homes nationwide. The network has forged affiliation agreements with Comcast Cable, Time Warner Cable, Cox Communications, Adelphia and Grande Communications, while EchoStar’s DISH Network features Sí TV as part of its “America’s Top 120” package. Investors in the network include Time Warner Inc. (NYSE: TWX), SYNCOM Funds, Columbia Capital, Rho Ventures, DND Capital Partners, Llano Partners, company co-founder Barshop Ventures and EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH). Co-founded and chaired by Jeff Valdez, who was recently named a “Top 10 Player” in Hispanic media by Ad Age Magazine, Sí TV was established in 1997 as a production company to develop, produce and distribute original English-language, Latino-themed entertainment. For more information, visit www.SiTV.com.
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Posted by Elena del Valle on October 12, 2005
The current issue of Hispanic Monitor, the Hispanic PR Wire national newsletter, featured the upcoming book signing of the Hispanic Marketing & Public Relations scheduled to take place from 5 to 6 pm on October 23 at the Fontainebleau Resort in Miami Beach. To read the article follow the link below and scroll to page 18.
http://www.hispanicprwire.com/Monitor/Hispanic_PR_Monitor_Sept_05.pdf
Posted by Elena del Valle on October 11, 2005
Miguel Gomez Winebrenner contributing author of Hispanic Marketing & Public Relations
Miguel Gomez Winebrenner, contributing author of two chapters in Hispanic Marketing & Public Relations, will be a panelist at the Reed Television Hispanic Television Summit taking place October 18-19, in Miami, Florida at the Omni Hotel Coral Gables. He is the author of the chapters on "Qualitative and Quantitive Research" and "Segmentation by Level of Acculturation" in Hispanic Marketing & Public Relations.
Cynthia Nelson, contributing coauthor of Hispanic Marketing & Public Relations
Cynthia Nelson, coauthor of the chapter on "Marketing to U.S. Hispanics Online" in Hispanic Marketing & Public Relations will be in attendance and/or speaking at several upcoming conferences as follows:
Latin Business Association – (book signing) October 14-15, Los Angeles, California (Los Angeles Convention Center)
Reed Television Hispanic Television Summit, (on panel), October 18-19, Miami, Florida (Omni Hotel Coral Gables)
Association of Diversity in Advertising and Marketing, Executive Summit, October 25-27, Raleigh, North Carolina (speaking) Sheraton Research Triangle Park
ANA (Association of National Advertisers) Multicultural Marketing Conference – November 6-8 Miami, Florida (attending) Ritz Carlton Miami Beach
Book readers and anyone interested in learning more about the project and the authors chapters are invited to contact Cynthia and Miguel during those events or by leaving a comment on their bio pages on this website.
Posted by Elena del Valle on October 10, 2005
24-7PressRelease/ – Miami, FL, September 23, 2005 – Barrio 305, a Miami based organization standing at the vanguard of two emerging trends: broadband video and the exploding musical genre of reggaeton, is launching a broadband video channel. Barrio 305 producers have obtained exclusive interviews with major hitters in the reggaeton and Urban Latino music scene. Hip hop mogul Fat Joe, MTV sensation Pitbull, reggaeton superstar Nicky Jam and urban legend Tony Touch are some of the big names that have participated, making Barrio 305 an authority on the coverage of reggaeton and Urban Latino music.
Barrio 305 believes its editorial standards have made it a favorite among artists, fans and music industry executives. Upon consideration, Barrio 305 offers its services for syndication and editorial contributions to other media outlets interested in covering the reggaeton/ Latino hip-hop music scene. The programming streams compact video segments are designed for broadband that reflect the lifestyles and musical tastes of the 14-34 U.S. bi-cultural Latino demographic. Barrio coverage will include the latest music videos, backstage concert footage, music reviews, street culture, exotic models and dancers and aftermarket import auto shows.
A Miami based outfit, Barrio 305 has the advantage of developing content for the Latino market in a trend setting hub for Latinos living in the U.S. Miami, often been referred to as the capital of Latin America, is a the hotspot for Latino styles.
Unlike traditional TV, which must cater to a general community, a broadband channel creates the opportunity to enjoy reggaeton and Urban Latino programming where it otherwise would not be available. The name Barrio 305 is a Spanglish term that describes the emerging Latino youth culture in the U.S. Barrio is Spanish for neighborhood and 305 is the area code for the city of Miami; the name refers to the bi-cultural nature of English dominant U.S. Latinos living in urban areas. Barrio 305 hopes to expand reggaeton’s audience outside the major U.S. cities. Visit the Barrio 305 website for information.
Posted by Elena del Valle on October 3, 2005
Discovery Kids en Español and Discovery Travel & Living (Viajar y Vivir) Offer Families Expanded Choices in Educational, Cultural and Lifestyle Television Programming
Miami, FL–(Hispanic PR Wire)–September 26, 2005–Discovery U.S. Hispanic Networks, the leading provider of high-quality, real-world Spanish-language programming, is expanding its product offerings for the U.S. Hispanic audience beyond its existing network, Discovery en Español, by launching two new networks, creating the first Spanish-language channels to focus on the interests of women, children and families. Discovery Kids en Español and Discovery Travel & Living (Viajar y Vivir) will provide stimulating programming in the Discovery tradition of excellence, giving viewers more choices in the family-friendly and lifestyle entertainment categories.
Discovery hopes to build upon its expertise in providing culturally relevant programming in 23 Spanish-speaking countries worldwide, coupled with the popularity of Discovery en Español in the U.S. Network content is closely tailored to meet the viewing preferences of the Hispanic audience. Discovery Kids en Español and Discovery Travel & Living (Viajar y Vivir) will each feature a mix of original productions and some of the best Latin American shows making their U.S. debuts. The networks are not SAP feeds of their English-language counterparts; they are unique channels that directly speak to the U.S. Hispanic audience with “transcreated” programming, corresponding to their interests through language, music, graphics and popular Latin American personalities.
“By expanding our portfolio of Spanish-language networks and services, we are strengthening our commitment to the U.S. Hispanic audience to provide the best and broadest choices in real-world entertainment,” said Luis Silberwasser, senior vice president and general manager of Discovery U.S. Hispanic Networks. “Children’s and educational content and travel-and-lifestyle programming represent two substantial areas of interest that have been unavailable to these discerning viewers.”
Discovery’s effort to provide greater programming diversity for U.S. Hispanics is validated by a recent survey conducted by LatinoEyes, a division of C&R Research, among bilingual and Spanish-dominant Latinos who watch Spanish-language television. A large majority of respondents said they want to see higher-quality programming dealing with travel, history and culture, as well as more educational shows for children. They also want the programming to be culturally relevant and to portray Latinos more accurately. Specifically:
— 91% of respondents rated “Have more educational programs for children to learn about Hispanic culture and language” as a “High Importance” program attribute.
— 86% rated “Have more educational programs for adults to learn about Hispanic culture and language” as being of “High Importance.”
— 85% gave a “High Importance” rating to “Have more family-friendly Spanish television shows.”
— 85% listed “Portray women in a better light” as a “High Importance” item.
Discovery Kids en Español, a safe haven parents can trust for quality, 24 hours a day, is the first U.S. Spanish-language channel to deliver programming for all members of the Hispanic household, targeting preschoolers, tweens and families. The network provides parents with entertainment for their children that reinforces classroom learning while also preserving their cultural heritage. Programs will stimulate and inspire kids’ curiosity and thirst for knowledge, creating lifelong learners, as only Discovery can. The network features these programming genres: Real Discovery for Kids, Signature Discovery content tailored for children; Real Toons, animated series that bring kids real adventure, real content and real fun; preschool Education, programming designed to foster children’s optimism and curiosity to create lifelong learners; educational Interstitials, fun segments providing preschoolers with the building blocks of learning: ABC’s, numbers, shapes and colors; Animals and Nature – Heartwarming programs focused on the emotional connection between humans and animals.
Discovery Travel & Living (Viajar y Vivir) is an in-home getaway for adults who want to experience the best the world has to offer. Providing an alternative to existing Spanish-language programs in areas of interest to Hispanic women and their families, Discovery Travel & Living (Viajar y Vivir) identifies itself as the first U.S. Spanish-language network to feature travel, lifestyle, well-being, food, design and décor subject matter. The programming hopes to encourage viewers to enhance and enrich their everyday lives by pursuing their own unique interests and experiences. Upcoming Discovery Travel & Living programs include: Around the Globe which shows viewers the most remote places on the planet where they can experience some of the rich cultures, diversity and natural wonders the world has to offer; Bricomania, which offers simple and practical tips for bricolage (the art of putting something together using whatever materials happen to be available), providing easy steps to fix, recycle, build and create furniture and accessories; Casas, which showcases exceptional homes, haciendas and estates in Latin America. Some of them have important architectural and historical value; others are merely magnificent examples of cultural expressions.
The 24-hour-a-day networks, including the existing Discovery en Español, are operated out of Discovery Networks’ Miami-based region. The region has a 10-year track record of earning consistently high marks from viewers in Latin America for its children’s and lifestyle programming.
Discovery Networks, U.S., a unit of Discovery Communications, Inc., operates and manages Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Travel Channel, Discovery Health Channel, Discovery HD Theater, Discovery Kids Channel, Discovery Times Channel, The Science Channel, Discovery Home Channel, Military Channel, Discovery en Español, FitTV, Discovery Kids en Español and Discovery Travel & Living (Viajar y Vivir). The unit also distributes BBC AMERICA.
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