Posted by Elena del Valle on March 2, 2007
Jose Cuervo Especial tequila
Photos: Jose Cuervo
New York, New York — Jose Cuervo, one of the world’s largest Tequila companies, partnered with urban singer Pitbull, Hip Hop artist Chingo Bling and rising talent Malverde on the second annual talent search for “La Nueva Generación.” Cuervotón, the contest, described as recognizing the next generation of Latino artists in urban music, promises to provide exposure to unsigned artists through a partnership with, BMI, Gibson, Def Jam’s Roc La Familia and Atlantic Records. Jose Cuervo is also partnering with LIFEbeat, an AIDS charity organization.
Cuervotón began touring the country in January 2007 in search of the hottest up-and-coming talent. Finalists have a chance to share the stage with popular urban music stars and tour with Cuervotón in 2008. Semi-finals will be in New York, Chicago, Miami, Phoenix and Houston. The final concert event will take place in Chicago in May 2007.
“As someone who grew up with obstacles to overcome, I know what it’s like to get a break and work tirelessly to achieve your dreams,” said Pitbull. “This competition provides an opportunity for success to some very talented people who otherwise may never have had the chance. Cuervotón is all about shining a light on Latino musicians and giving them a shot.”
Singer Pitbull
Last year, Cuervotón was led by Chingo Bling and DJ Tony Touch with the support of record labels Machete Music and Wu-Tang Latino. According to promotional materials, the campaign reached over 30,000 consumers across five cities in 12 weeks, while partnering with LIFEbeat to promote the message “Drink Responsibly, Play Safe.” The final concert took place in Times Square’s Nokia Theater in New York City with performances by Pitbull, N.O.R.E., and Chingo Bling.
“As a Latin American company, Jose Cuervo recognizes the potential of Latino artists and the influences they have on today’s urban music,” said Bertha González, commercial director Jose Cuervo Portfolio in North America. “The Cuervotón movement will help solidify the future of Latino artists in the U.S. for generations to come.”
Mexican Tequila producer Jose Cuervo exports more than 50 million liters annually. The Jose Cuervo portfolio of tequilas includes Jose Cuervo Especial, Jose Cuervo Clásico, Jose Cuervo Flavored Tequilas, Jose Cuervo Black Medallion, and Jose Cuervo Tradicional. Jose Cuervo Tequila is imported and marketed in the United States by Diageo North America, a subsidiary of Diageo plc.
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Posted by Elena del Valle on February 23, 2007
Singer Frankie Alvarado
Photo: SGM Records
Los Angeles, California.- SGM Records started the year signing a record deal with Puerto Rican Frankie Alvarado, singer, composer and former contestant of the first generation of La Academia USA, a reality show that airs on Azteca América.
“I want to thank SGM for the opportunity they have provided for me to materialize my dream. I am happy and honored because they have considered me to be part of this family,” said Alvarado.
La Academia México has generated stars like Yahir, who won fourth place in the first generation and remains a popular artists, and Yuridia, whose music sold a million copies worldwide.
According to promotional materials, Alvarado is the first artist from La Academia USA first generation to sign an exclusive record deal. As part of the agreement with SGM, he is preparing to change his look and planning new recording projects with the record label.
“I am very pleased to have Frankie in SGM. He is very talented and we have a lot of plans for him,” said Soledad Herrada, production director and chief operating officer of SGM Records. “Without a doubt his style and personality matches very good our label and Diana Mera, who we have been working with for five years. I expect some news very soon.”
The son of Francisco “Chalina” Alvarado, a musician and composer, and Luz Rivera, a music teacher Alvarado grew up surrounded by music. He has composed 75 songs.
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Posted by Elena del Valle on February 19, 2007
Peruvian singer Mariadela
Photo: Mariadela
Miami, Florida – Peruvian singer Mariadela is planning to release her first single, “En Silencio” (In Silence) March 2007 in Miami, Florida. Born in Lima, Peru Mariadela spent the majority of her childhood in the land of the Incas. She now resides in the U.S. At a young age Mariadela took music lessons and later learned to play the instrument that is her eternal partner, the guitar.
“My dream is that everyone will listen and enjoy my music as much as I do,” said Mariadela.
Mariadela composed the song “En Silencio” and two tracks on the single by the same title. Her songs are described as offering a journey along a range of emotions. She begins with “Busca Tu Voz” (search for your voice) in which she encourages listeners to look inside themselves for positive emotions. Mariadela strives to inspire listeners with upbeat songs.
In the ballad “En Silencio” she sings about a secret romance. “Tengo” (I have), the third track of the upcoming single EP, is described as a sweet and modern bolero representing true love.
Producer Carlo Magno, who has worked with musicians like Tamara, Ruben Blades, Chayanne, Aterciopelados, and AliCastro, supervised the production of her songs. SGM Records will represent the singer during the launching of her single in March 2007. More information about Mariadela is available at Myspace.com/mariadelamusica.
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To listen to the single “En Silencio” from the new En Silencio album click on the play button below.
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Posted by Elena del Valle on February 16, 2007
Deborah Franco, writer and producer
Photo: Deborah Franco
Hollywood, California — Writer and producer Deborah Franco secured the option rights to make two films; one about artist and Vietnam Veteran Jesse Trevino; another about dancer Nathalie Calderon. She plans to write and produce both biopic feature film projects.
The first project will be based on the true-life story of Trevino. In 1969, the young Trevino was attending the prestigious New York Art Institute on scholarship when he was called into active duty in Vietnam.
Struck by a grenade, Trevino tragically lost his right arm and spent two years recuperating in a hospital and then began the agonizing journey of learning how to paint with his left hand. According to promotional materials, Trevino went on to become one of the most respected artists of his generation and the only U.S. Latino artist to have his critically acclaimed work permanently hanging at the Smithsonian as well as in galleries across the country. In 1999, as part of an international art summit in Chile, every first lady in the world was asked to select one artist to represent their country and Trevino was selected by First Lady Hilary Clinton. The working title for this project is “The Color of Courage.”
She also has plans to make a film based on the true-life story of 15-year-old Latina dancer, Nathalie Calderon, who lost her leg at the age of one to a rare condition. Against all odds, Calderon went on to win three dance scholarships in Florida and was recently featured on MSNBC. The working title for this project is “Unstoppable.”
“I’m thrilled that both Jesse and Nathalie have entrusted their inspiring stories to me. These are individuals who haven’t allowed overwhelming obstacles to prevent them from realizing their dreams. I believe people want to see that kind of hope depicted on the screen. As a filmmaker, I’m committed to creating the most compelling projects possible” said Franco.
“As a Latina, I’m proud as well as motivated to authentically portray these two Latinos who have extraordinary stories to share. Jesse is a national treasure and his experience could not be timelier. He constantly visits soldiers who are coming home without their limbs and telling them if he could do it, they can too. That’s truly amazing. The fact that both these individuals are Latino is secondary. The common denominator is that they are American stories with universal messages about what the human spirit can achieve. I’m confident these projects will captivate both the U.S. Latino and non-Latino entertainment consumer and am hopeful the movie studios will agree.”
A former recording artist, Franco segued into producing in 2002 and began writing shortly after a serendipitous meeting with actor Tom Selleck, who encouraged her to write. Franco has several film and television projects in development, including a feature with Martin-Chase Productions. She made her directorial debut last year in a short starring Ricardo Antonio Chavira (“Desperate Housewives”) and Yeniffer Behrens (“A Day Without a Mexican”). Prior to her recording career, Franco was a senior vice-president at Hill and Knowlton, where she established the company’s national Hispanic Marketing Practice.
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Brenda Hurley and Liria Barbosa
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Posted by Elena del Valle on January 29, 2007
Mezklah is Angel Garcia and Greg Herhandez
Photos: Mezklah
Los Angeles’ alternative-Latin band Mezklah will make its first official appearance at the South By Southwest SXSW Festival and Conference in March in Austin, Texas. The band’s name, Mezklah, is pronounced similarly to the word for mix in Spanish.
“Being asked to play at SXSW is a stroke of luck,” said vocalist, Angel Garcia. “Our first year at the festival is going to be a crazy trip for us.”
Mezklah consists of Garcia’s vocals and Greg Hernandez’ sonic guitar. The two combine their rhythm with drum-n’-bass, cumbia, trip-hop and afro-Cuban beats to create a distinctive style of music.
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Band members hand-paint tribal illustrations over their bodies before every show
Their debut, SpiderMonkey, is described in promotional materials as breaking the rules of language and song structure. A video for their single, “Chango Araña” is in the final stages. But don’t call Mezklah a typical Chicano rock band. It’s that kind of pigeonholing that Garcia and Hernandez hope to avoid.
“It’s not that I’m not proud of my heritage because I am. It’s just that once that happens, it creates a void,” said Garcia. “Our music is not just a Hispanic thing -it’s about people, about human beings.”
In the past few years, Mezklah has toured Europe and America, collecting fans along the way. Among them was musician Ry Cooder who asked the group to record a track for a future compilation covering diverse Los Angeles musical genres. Another well known fan is KCRW’s Nic Harcourt, who picked the band from hundreds of CDs to feature on his show, “Morning Becomes Eclectic.”
“Whether you’re playing for five or 500 people, being a performer is like going to church,” said Hernandez. “You have to give it 100 percent of your heart and soul.”
Mezklah’s live performance exhibits the band’s innovative musical flair and the member’s visually artistic side. Garcia draws upon global cultures and rituals to hand-paint tribal illustrations all over the duo’s bodies before every show. To listen to the single “Chango Araña” from the new Mezklah album “SpiderMonkey” click on the play button below.
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Posted by Elena del Valle on January 19, 2007
“Dios hace ruedas y desbarata ruedas” a 2003 artwork by Jacqueline Brito
Photo: Drake University
Des Moines, Iowa – The Drake University Anderson Gallery will host “Cuba: Women Artists in the Revolution,” a rare exhibition featuring 50 works by Cuban artists. The exhibit will include works by Jacqueline Brito, Yamilys Brito, Rocio Garcia, Elsa Mora, Sandra Ramos and Julia Valdes on loan from the Center for Cuban Studies in New York.
The exhibition will open Friday, Jan. 26, 2007 with a reception hosted by Betty and Jon Torgerson from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Anderson Gallery in the Harmon Fine Arts Center. Jon Torgerson, Drake professor of philosophy, will give a public gallery talk at 6 p.m.
According to promotional materials, this will be the first time this public exhibit of Cuban art has appeared in the Midwest. The artwork ranges from small prints and drawings to large oils and mixed-media, addressing themes of politics, sexuality and relationships in the context of Cuba’s historical and social traditions.
“Most Americans know virtually nothing about Cuba,” said Torgerson. “Exposure to the arts in Cuba might be a way to show the richness of its culture.”
Torgerson, who has traveled to Cuba 12 times since 1986 and took the first class of American undergraduate students to Cuba in 1996, is organizing the exhibition to highlight women’s art in Cuba since the Fidel Castro-led revolution in 1959.
“Un Soldado de America” a 1997 artwork by Alicia Leal
“Any exhibit of Cuban art at this point is still quite unique,” said Sandra Levinson, director of the Center for Cuban Studies. “Certainly, there have been very few shows of Cuban women artists, and it’s even rarer to have a show devoted exclusively to women artists.”
All the artists showcased in the exhibition live and work in Cuba, with the exception of Elsa Mora, who married an American film producer and lives in Los Angeles. Highlights include works by Mabel Poblet, described as a rising star at just 20 years old, who attends San Alejandro Academy of Art an art school known for training many Cuban artists. This will be the first exhibit outside of New York to showcase her works. In addition, the works of Julia Valdes, one of Cuba’s few abstract painters, blend cubism and surrealism with an unconventional flair.
The exhibition also brings self-taught art to light, showing the works of artists Sandra Dooley, Cenia Gutierrez, Ileana Sanchez-Hing and the late Isabel de las Mercedes, little-known outside of Cuba. Dooley lives and works in a small studio in Santa Fe, Cuba, a village of wooden houses in the outskirts of Havana. Her lively paintings reflect daily life in Cuba and are filled with scenes of family, friends and fantasy.
“What you see most often in Cuban women’s art is their search for their own identity,” Levinson said. “The art is intensely personal.”
“Cuba: Women Artists in the Revolution” continues through Friday, February 16, 2007. Admission is free. Additional information is available at Drake.Edu/AndersonGallery. The exhibit is being co-sponsored by Betty and Jon Torgerson in addition to Drake’s Center for Global Citizenship, Center for the Humanities, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Office of the President and the Women’s Studies Program.
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Posted by Elena del Valle on January 12, 2007
A young DJ delivers a home-grown tradition to New York Mexicans, one of the city’s hardest-pressed immigrant groups
By Miguel Angel Angeles
Sonido Kumbala is a revered figure on New York’s sonidero scene
Photo: Elizabeth Campos
You can barely hear the lyrics of Julieta Venegas’ recent hit “Me Voy,” since a deep voice shouting over her number booms from the speakers. Some people stand and watch, as colored lights fall on disco balls spinning over the crowd on the dance floor. But others make their way to the man behind the voice: Alejandro Aviles, aka Sonido Kumbala, a Mexican DJ in New York who has developed a following and a measure of fame.
“He plays our music,” said Ramíro Salazar, 18, of the Bronx. “This is a place where we can hang out and dance and forget about everything out there for a while.”
Now celebrating his 10th anniversary of performing for crowds of Mexican and Mexican-American youth, Sonido Kumbala, 28, is an important figure in New York City’s sonidero scene, an essential part of Mexican youth culture. The practice, which migrated from Mexico City, centers around the sonidero, a type of DJ who, rather than mixing songs on a turntable, sends shoutouts over Colombian cumbia.
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Posted by Elena del Valle on December 22, 2006
Penélope Cruz as Raimunda and Lola Dueñas as Sole in Pedro Almodovar’s “Volver“
Photo: Emilio Pereda and Paola Ardizzoni/El Deseo. Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics
Sarasota, Florida – Gulf Coast area film buffs will be among the first in Florida to see “Volver,” Pedro Almodovar’s latest film beginning Friday, December 29. According to representatives of the Sarasota Film Society, the film will premier in Sarasota at the Burns Court Cinemas, weeks before it is slated to open in other Florida cities. Tickets cost $7.75 and $5 for Sarasota Film Society members.
The 121 minute long film from Spain is in Spanish with English subtitles. Penélope Cruz stars as Raimunda, a blue-collar mother who already has a lot on her plate; a disaffected teenage daughter, a troublesome sister, and a dear friend dying of cancer, among other things, when it appears that her dead mother (played by Carmen Maura) has come back as a ghost seeking some sort of justice.
Such a mad storyline is pure Almodóvar, and according to promotional materials the famous Spanish filmmaker tells it with “effortless humor, generosity and style.” The female cast was honored at Cannes for its portrait of three generations of women.
Established in 1983, the Sarasota Film Society endeavors to bring the “best in independent, classic and international cinema” to the community. Its mission is to cultivate an understanding and appreciation of film as an international form of artistic expression.
Posted by Elena del Valle on December 21, 2006
Pacha Massive
Photo: Nacional Records
Nacional Records will release the U.S.-based Pacha Massive duo’s new album “All Good Things” in February 2007. Straight from the boogie-down Bronx, Pacha Massive (from Pachamama meaning “Mother Earth”), is the creative collaboration between Dominican-born Nova (keys, guitar, writer and producer) and Colombian-born Maya (writer and bass). The result is described as a funky fusion of traditional Latin rhythms like Colombian cumbia, Dominican palo, reggae, dancehall, dub and electronica.
The duo met in New York while working on a project with Ivan Benavides (Sidestepper, Bloque, Carlos Vives). A creative collaboration between the two led to the formation of Pacha Massive in 2005. Pacha Massive landed an impressive first gig opening for Colombian rockers Aterciopelados at Madison Square Garden and has since gone on to share the stage with artists like Ozomatli, Sidestepper, and Yerba Buena.
After winning the Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC) Battle of the Bands contest (previous winners include Kinky and Los Abandoned who have both gone on to launch successful careers) the duo caught the attention of Nacional Records. Pacha Massive’s track “Don’t Let Go” was featured last year on the Nacional Records soundtrack to “La Mujer de Mi Hermano,” and landed airplay on stations Indie 103.1 (Los Angeles), KCRW (Los Angeles), KEXP (Seattle), and KUT (Austin).
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Nova’s Dominican roots exposed him to a lot of traditional music like palo in addition to music from England and the U.S. played on Dominican radio. As a youth he built instruments out of whatever he could find, using cans for drums, 2 X 4s, and rubber bands.
“When I came to the U.S. I got my first instrument on my 15th birthday, a drum set, and as the years passed I picked up guitar, bass, keys, percussion and finally the instrument that allowed me to solidify my ideas in a flexible and efficient way….a Mac,” said Nova. He describes his musical influences from people “who have influenced me in the way I make music” citing Bruce Lee, Benjamin Franklin and Leonardo DaVinci as “people who had a bigger perspective and were more holistic in their craft.”
Maya was born in Colombia and raised in New York City’s Washington Heights. Her love of music also started at an early age with the violin, and later became a career choice when she went to Cuba after graduating to study double bass. Her musical influences range from classical, salsa, bolero and traditional Colombian folklore to reggae, house and artists like Manu Chao, Hector Lavoe and Sidestepper.
To listen to the single “Don’t Let Go” from the new Pacha Massive album “All Good Things” click on the play button below.
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Posted by Elena del Valle on December 15, 2006
Places to kick back, hear bachata and savor a medianoche
By Monica Perry (NYU Livewire)
Great ropa vieja, stuffed potatoes and live music draw crowds to New York’s best Cuban restaurants
Photo: Monica Perry
Though New York has the country’s fourth-largest Cuban population, authentic Cuban food is, curiously, hard to find. You’ll stumble across plenty of poseurs and disappointments in your search for the great medianoche (Cuban sandwich), black bean soup or natilla, the traditional cinnamon custard.
Luckily, there’s Havana Central (22 East 17th Street), a lively Chelsea hangout. As hip-swaying bachata and sensuous salsa play in the background, you could make a feast of fried sweet plantains, rice and red beans alone. But don’t miss out on the barbecued ribs slathered with mango ginger habañero sauce ($12.95-19.95) or – success!– the classic Cuban sandwich, a grilled mess of ham, roasted pork, pickles and cheese ($6.95), called medianoche because it was originally conceived as a midnight snack. Wash this all down with soothing Guanabana nectar ($2). Though you’ll fill every crevice of your stomach, you’ll find yourself trying to get in a few more bites before rolling out the door.
If you’re in the mood for a romantic atmosphere with jazz undertones, head to Cubana Café in Greenwich Village (110 Thompson St.). Seconds after the salty roast pork ($9) grazed my tongue, I found myself eating the delicate yellow rice and soft brown beans to tone down the flavor, and to give my cholesterol a break. The Jarrito soda ($2) was an excellent accompaniment, bursting with sweet natural mandarin flavor. The restaurant’s most unfortunate feature is lack of space. Take the spot an inch from the door and you’ll not only get the same kiddie-sized table as everyone else, but also be interrupted by every arriving customer. (Admittedly, I liked the food so much that I didn’t care about being near the door).
For a more formal atmosphere, visit Havana Alma de Cuba, also in Greenwich Village (94 Christopher St.), where reservations are recommended. Dive into the papas rellenas (fried potatoes stuffed with ground beef and grated cheese, $5) that melt on your tongue, and tender and sweet ropa vieja (shredded steak and mashed plantains, $16). Throw in a little sangria and a clap-along to a live performance, and you’ll have yourself a night out on the town.
The meal at Café Habana (17 Prince Street) wasn’t bad, for a Latin restaurant in very-un-Latin Soho. It’s tricked out as a kitschy diner, and is another cramped spot, though it attracts couples. The one-page menu is at times mistranslated, so it’s good to know some Spanish if you’d like to figure out what you’re really eating. My steak was succulent, but accompanied by flavorless yellow rice and unimpressive red beans. My companion’s slivers of roast pork were pretty juicy, though they seemed dry and gummy at first. The odd signature dish: grilled corn on the cob, strangely smothered in butter, Parmesan cheese, and cayenne pepper. If that sounds good to you, you’ll probably like this place.
Don’t bother with midtown poseurs like Azucar, a new place near Columbus Circle (939 8th Ave.). Despite the elaborate décor and atmosphere– palm ceiling fans, white tablecloths, Guayabera-clad waiters marching past colorful murals of Cuban natives – the place lacks real savoir faire. The pollo criollo ($16) was acceptable, but the place spends more time keeping up appearances than producing magnificent food. No one stepped forward play the two lonely congas on the corner stage. Indeed, there was no live music at all; very late at night, a DJ finally appeared.
Through such restaurants you can experience a little of Cuba in Nueva York.
Listings
- Havana Central, 22 East 17th St. (Union Square), Tel: 212-414-2298
- Cubana Café, 110 Thompson St. (Greenwich Village), Tel: 212-966-5366
- Havana Alma de Cuba, 94 Christopher St. (Greenwich Village), Tel: 212-242-3800
- Café Habana,17 Prince St. at Elizabeth (Soho), Tel: 212-625-2001
- Azucar, 939 8th Ave. (Midtown), Tel: 212-262-5354
Monica Perry studies journalism and cinema at New York University, and has interned at Jane magazine. She is interested in film and music criticism, and enjoys photography and blogging.
