Posted by Elena del Valle on February 8, 2006
The Pinker Tones’ “The Million Dollar Revolution” album cover
Photos: Nacional Records
The Pinker Tones, the brainchild of Barcelona natives Mister Furia and Professor Manso, is coming to the U.S. to launch the band’s second album, “The Million Color Revolution,” scheduled to be released in March by Nacional Records. Described as a cult sensation by some, the group’s music is an eclectic and explosive cocktail mixing pop, funk, soul, bossa, break beat, swing, lounge, and psychedelia.
From the beginning, The Pinker Tones realized that their new project had good potential thanks in part to the very positive energy they had during their initial recording sessions. They composed and produced their first album released in 2003, “The Pink Connection,” in what became their temporary new home, Pinkerland, a tiny rooftop studio in the center of Barcelona. It resulted in two maxi singles, “Mais Pourquoi?” and “One of Them.” The album was chosen for the FNAC New Talent Award in Europe which attracted the attention of foreign labels.
The Pinker Tones inked a deal with U.K. label Outstanding Records to release their debut album worldwide under a new name “The BCN Connection.” Thanks to the videos for the singles “Mais Pourquoi?” and “Viva la Juventud”, The Pinker Tones started to appear regularly on MTV Europe and other channels around the world. The video for “Mais Pourquoi?” spent 19 weeks in the top 20 on MTV Spain’s Dance Floor Chart.
The Pinker Tones
Prior to the release of their second album, The Pinker Tones produced various albums and singles for Spanish and international bands; composed a couple of film soundtracks (Sincopat & Survival Train) and dedicated some of their time to experimenting with remixes. The Pinker Tones, made up of Professor Manso and Mister Furia, also developed a live show with the help of DJ Niño, The Pinker Tones DJ Crew, in which they combine the intensity of a rock band and the excitement of a DJ set. The DJ Crew has taken them from Barcelona to London, Caracas and Johannesburg on tour. Details and the new animated video for “Sonido Total” are available at The Pinker Tones
To listen to “Sonido Total,” The Pinker Tones recently-released song, visit HispanicMPR.com and scroll down until you see “Podcasts.” Select the file with the artist name and song title of your choice and click on the play button to listen to the song online.
Posted by Elena del Valle on February 1, 2006
Jazmin sings on La Academia USA
Mexico City, Mexico – In concert eleven of La Academia USA, Diana, a very talented contestant from Chula Vista, was voted off the show; Iván and Mariana are slipping in eyes of judges; Jazmín has "the makings of a star" according to some; and Adán sang well.
“I feel very sad, but at the same time content, because I’m going to be able to demonstrate many things here outside. There’s much more of Diana to go around,” said the 20-year-old entertainer.
Diana was on born on Sept. 6, 1985 in Tijuana. She showed an aptitude for music at an early age, and under the guidance of her grandfather studied the violin, flute and piano. She said that her relationship with the Puerto Rican contestant, Frankie, will continue. With ten contestants as of concert eleven, the La Academia USA action heats up as contestants continue to pursue their dreams.
The opening medley was of Mexican favorites like “Mi Ciudad,” “Que Bonita Es mi Tierra,” “Dos Arbolitos” and “Cielito Lindo.” With a strong audience reception, Diana gave a stellar and sensual performance of “Muriendo Lento” that left the panel judge Arturo López Gavito in awe.
“You were daring and I like the way you faced the judging panel. You took a worn-out ballad and showed that you are a stellar artist in any genre,” said López Gavito.
Next was Iván, from Phoenix, with “Te Buscaría.” His performance was described by judges as “boring” and “disappointing” due to recurring errors. Lolita Cortés concluded that part of the blame was with the La Academia USA instructors. Frankie received a surprise when his parents were invited on stage. His feelings appeared to get the best of him when he sang “En mi Viejo San Juan.”
“You were a little rigid, as you have been in several occasions. You were nervous in front of your parents, but don’t abuse your vibrato and continue to grow,” said the judge María Conchita Alonso.
Mariana, from El Paso, gave a disappointing performance with "Me Asusta, Pero Me Gusta.” Lolita Cortés blamed the results on the scenography and song selection. Afid, from Houston, received the second surprise of the evening when his mother and wife were invited onstage while he presented “Volveré.” Gustavo, from Santa Ana, California sang “La Camisa Negra.” His nervousness once again was blamed for a lackluster performance.
“Your moves were good. You have a strong voice. However, your challenge was timing. You approached the song with fear, and that wasn’t good,” said Adrián Pieragostino.
Nohelia, a Honduran contestant from Miami, once again showed her versatility with "Como Olvidar.” Then Yoshigei interpreted the hit song “Listen to Your Heart,” in what was considered by many to be one of the best performances of the evening. Adán’s performance of “Mi Bombón,” was described as sensual and beyond. Finally, Jazmín closed the evening, with her interpretation of “A Mi Manera,” dedicated to her father who passed away when she was nine.
Posted by Elena del Valle on January 27, 2006
Diego Diego album cover
Diego Diego released a new reggaeton-pop single in Spanish, "La Cuca." The song, similar in style to his previous hit "La Gasolina," was written by Antonio Portillo and has a "very extroverted touch" baptized as the Diego-ton rhythm.
Award winning Diego Diego, said to have "charismatic style and boundless energy," is recognized as a leader in the creation of the new millennium sound. Diego Diego’s professional career was launched with the television soap opera "La Culpa" directed by Pynkie Morris. This early experience motivated the young performer and inspired him to perfect his artistic skills and explore his potential talents. In competing for a role in a Disney Company production, he was chosen as one of only 60 candidates from a casting of more than five thousand applicants. He was one of three Latins selected to perform in this role at Disneyland in California.
His most recent CD "Quema Quema" (Spanish for Burn Burn) had many previously unpublished songs including: The Step/El Escalon, My Heart Weeps/Llora Mi Corazon, Burning Fire/Quema Quema,The Ay ay ay/Las Ay ay ay, Earth of Two/Tierra de dos, Adolescent/Adolecente, and I am Happy/Soy feliz. The new album has been popular throughout Central America, Mexico, and the United States, receiving significant radio air time. Diego Diego recently became a member of the Academy of Recording Artists. Diego Diego will release his second album entitled "Haciendo Escandalo" (Creating Scandal) dedicated to his close friend and collaborator, the performer Raul Vale.
"The best thing that can happen to an artist is the pleasure of entertaining while at the same time enabling others to achieve their own aspirations. Raul Vale taught me a lot of things, but the most valuable advice he gave me was when he said: ‘Diego, you are nothing more or less than a scandal! Fight for what you want; you have my blessing,’" said Diego Diego.
These words inspired Diego Diego to write his new hit single, "Blue Castle," a ballad that "transports the listener’s imagination to a world full of happiness, love, and beauty of life." Diego Diego was born in Merida, in the state of Yucatan, Mexico where he grew up. He moved to the United States when he was in his teens and later became an U.S. citizen. Now he lives in Hollywood, California. He says that in addition to the great strides he has made through his creative work, he is committed to helping others in the performing arts make their dreams reality.
Although he sometimes sings "Ave Maria" in Latin at weddings, untile recently all his songs were in Spanish. In his upcoming new album "Haciendo Escandalo!" to be released in April/May of 2006, he includes two songs "I Go Loco" and "Let It Go" in Spanglish to make a slow crossover. .
Recently Diego received an Honorary Doctorate in Classical Arts from Hispanic-American Public Radio . In 2001, he was recognized for his support of a music festival benefitting the victims of an earthquake in El Salvador, the Festival Musical A Beneficio de las Victimas del Terremoto de El Salvador, by Salvadorean Vice-President Carlos Quintanilla Smith. Last year, the Consulate of Guatemala thanked him for assistance to the Guatemalen victims of Hurricane Stan. A LARAS & NARAS (Latin Grammy ) member, he was invited to walk the green carpet during the 6th Annual Latin Grammy Awards. More information is available at Diego Diego
To listen to "La Cuca," Diego Diego’s recently-released solo visit HispanicMPR.com and scroll down until you see "Podcasts." Select the files with the artist name and song title of your choice and click on the play button to listen to the songs online.
Posted by Elena del Valle on January 26, 2006
Gloria and Emilio Estefan
Photo: Alberto Tolot
Miami, Florida – Grammy Award-winning Miami resident Emilio Estefan will be executive producer of a star-studded celebration on October 5, 2006 to launch the Miami Performing Arts Center’s (MPAC) highly anticipated, four-day Grand Opening. International singer Gloria Estefan will lead the performance along with other celebrities to be announced. Organizers want to create a musical tribute to Miami to highlight the many world-renowned artists who have played a major role in transforming the city into an arts and entertainment center.
"It is with great pride, passion and love for the city of Miami that I will produce the launch event for MPAC’s grand opening,” said Emilio Estefan. “Gloria and I have had the honor of witnessing the growth and evolution Miami has experienced over the years and have shared with the world the cultural diversity and uniqueness that has made our hometown an international centerpiece for arts and entertainment. The opening of MPAC will give Miami the opportunity to showcase the many talents that have risen from our great city."
Michael C. Hardy, president and chief executive officer of Miami Performing Arts Center
Photo: Miami Performing Arts Center
“Emilio and Gloria Estefan represent the creative energy that drives the city of Miami, and their names are synonymous with high-voltage entertainment,” stated Michael C. Hardy, president and chief executive officer of Miami Performing Arts Center. “We are very pleased that they are playing a central role in our grand opening. We could not celebrate our beautiful city, its abundance of talent, and the stunning diversity that gives it such worldwide appeal without them.”
Estefan will produce MPAC’s inaugural evening in association with Fred Stein, who serves as executive producer of the entire Grand Opening from October 5-8, 2006. Estefan, a producer, entrepreneur, and songwriter, is recognized as a leading force in the Latin music scene. Estefan, who received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2004, founded the Miami Sound Machine, owns and operates local hotels and restaurants, is co-publisher of Miami-based Ocean Drive en Español, and directs and produces television specials and music videos. He has produced special events such as the closing ceremonies for the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics and various Super Bowl Halftime shows. As a member of the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities, Estefan has produced musical events at the White House.
Based in Pennsylvania, Stein and his company, The Creative Group, Inc., have led event production for grand openings such as the Paris Las Vegas resort and the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia; as well as national year-long celebrations such as the 200 anniversary of the U.S. Constitution; the bicentennial of Columbia, South Carolina; the tricentennial of Mobile, Alabama; and the 50th-anniversary celebrations of Israel held concurrently in Philadelphia, New York and Washington, DC.
The Miami Performing Arts Center is Miami-Dade County’s largest ever public/private-sector partnership. Miami Performing Arts Center leaders expect the Center to greatly enhance artistic and educational opportunities in South Florida and offer significant and long-term economic benefits for the city and the region. Designed by world-renowned architect Cesar Pelli of Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, MPAC will include the 2,400-seat Sanford and Dolores Ziff Ballet Opera House, the 2,200-seat Carnival Concert Hall, a 200-seat black box Studio Theater, the Peacock Education Center, a restored Art Deco Tower, and an outdoor Plaza for the Arts. More information is available at Miami Performing Arts Center.
Posted by Elena del Valle on January 25, 2006
Jorge “El Travieso” Arce
Photo: TV Azteca
Los Angeles, California – Azteca America will present three championship boxing events live from Cancun at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 28, in one of the first major international events held in the beach resort since the devastating passing of HurricaneWilma. Jorge “El Travieso” Arce will face off against Adonis Rivas for the World Boxing Council, WBC, World Flyweight Championship; Jackie Nava, from Mexico, will be putting on the gloves against Kelsie Jeffries, of the U.S., for the WBC World Super Bantamweight Women’s title; and Rodel Mayol, from the Philippines, will face Mexican fighter Lorenzo Trejo for the WBC Strawweight Final Elimination Bout. Special invited guests include Julio César Chávez, Muhammad Ali, Laila Ali, Oscar de la Hoya, Sugar Ray Leonard, Mike Tyson and Tommy “The Hitman” Hearns.
Jorge Armando “Travieso” Arce was born in 1979 in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico. He made his professional debut in Tijuana in 1996. The 5′ 6½ boxer’s record includes 46 official fights, 42 wins (32 by knock out), three losses and one draw. He has held the Interim WBC Flyweight title, the WBC Light Flyweight title, WBC Youth Flyweight title, the WBO NABO (North American Boxing Organization) Light Flyweight title, and the WBA Fedecentro Light Flyweight title amongst others. Travieso entered the entertainment world participating in a popular Reality TV show establishing himself as a young celebrity. Last December Arce fought Adonis Rivas and won when the referee stopped the fight on the tenth round. Adonis Antonio Rivas Ordoñez, born in Leon Nicaragua in 1972, has held 32 fights of which he has won 21 (10 by knock out), lost eight and drawn two. He has held the WBO Super Flyweight title, the WBO Latino Flyweight title and the Interim WBO Flyweight title as well as the WBC Fecarbox Bantamweight title.
Boxer Laila Ali, event guest
Photo: TV Azteca
Jacqueline “Aztec Princess” Mouett Nava was born in Tijuana Mexico in 1980. She lives in Tijuana, trains in San Diego and fights as a boxer and kickboxer. She currently holds the WBA Female Bantamweight title and the WBC Female Super Bantamweight title. As a kickboxer she became the IKKC Female North American Muay Thai Featherweight champion. Her record shows 14 fights, 12 wins (eight by knock out), one loss and one draw. Kelsey “Road Warrior” Jeffrey was born in Gilroy California in 1975. At 13 she moved to Hawai where she became involved with kickboxing. She eventually became a champion and then switched to boxing. She started boxing as an amateur in 1994. After coached boxing in Japan she returned to California and won the California Golden Gloves title from 1997 to 1999. Kelsey made her pro debut in 1999. Her record shows 41 fights with 33 wins (two by knock out) and eight losses.
Rodel “Batang Mandaue” Mayol was born in Mandaue City Philippines in 1981. His record shows 21 fights, 21 wins (16 by knock out), with no losses or draws. Lorenzo “Explosivo” Trejo, born in Ciudad Obregon Mexico in 1977, has a record of 36 fights, 24 wins (11 by knock out), 12 losses and no draws.
Azteca America, one of the fastest-growing Hispanic networks in the United States, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of TV Azteca S.A. de C.V., one of the two largest producers of Spanish language television content in the world. Azteca America has presence in more than 40 Hispanic markets, including: Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Houston, Chicago, Dallas, San Antonio, San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose, Phoenix, Brownsville-McAllen, Albuquerque, San Diego, Fresno-Visalia, Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto, Denver, Orlando, Austin, Tampa, Corpus Christi, Tucson, Las Vegas, Colorado Springs, Monterey-Salinas, Hartford, Salt Lake City, Bakersfield, West Palm Beach-Ft. Pierce, Santa Barbara, Palm Springs, Omaha, Amarillo, Yakima, Naples-Ft. Myers, Wichita, Reno, Boise, Victoria, Oklahoma City, Charleston and Chattanooga. For more information, visit Azteca America’s website.
Posted by Elena del Valle on January 20, 2006
Fernando del Sola, La Academia USA host
Mexico City, Mexico – Concert 9 of La Academia USA was an evening of surprises. Catalina, from Miami, exited the show; Frankie, Nohelia and Iván made important gains; and Gustavo, decided to stay. Following a week where Gustavo appeared to change his mind daily on whether to stay or leave the program, and an interpretation of “Baila Morena,” La Academia USA host Fernando del Solar presented an ultimatum, “Do you want to leave La Academia?”
The public was divided between those that chanted for him to stay and others that chanted that he should go. After Gustavo’s parents, wife and children appeared on stage and spoke with La Academia USA Director Beto Castillo, his son decided to stay; kissed his wife and kids and went back to work.
With an opening medley dedicated to the Mexican pop group Maná, the students performed “Como te Deseo,” “Vivir Sin Aire,” “Perdido en un Barco” and “Oye mi Amor.” The first student solo was Yoshigei’s, “Bidi Bidi, Bombo.” It was well liked by the audience. Next was Jazmín, from Salt Lake City, with “Que le Den Candela.” Although the rendition brought the public to its feet, not all were enthralled by the performance.
Frankie, from Dubuque, Iowa, surprised many with his interpretation of “Corazón Partío.” Then Miami resident Nohelia, who received a large bouquet of roses sent by Honduran President-Elect José Manuel Zelaya and delivered by the Honduran Consul in Mexico, Miguel Lardizabal, gave a masterful performance of “Te Quedó Grande la Yegua.”
Also showing important advances were Adán, with “Sirena,” Iván with “Te Amo,” Afid, with “Salomé,” and Diana, with “Cómo Hemos Cambiado.” Heloisa, the performer from Seattle, gave a spirited performance of “I Love Rock and Roll.” The last act of the evening was Mariana, from El Paso, with “Ay Amor.” Although the number ended with a passionate kiss with her soul mate Iván, the critics expected more on the musical side.
Finally, with the votes tallied, it was Catalina, from Miami, who exited this ninth concert in a tearful moment following a tepid performance of “Ven Conmigo.” Catalina gave one last kiss to her beau, Adán, from Chicago, before bidding the audience farewell. For more information on the program, visit La Academia USA
Posted by Elena del Valle on January 12, 2006
Sara Valenzuela
Sara Valenzuela, the former lead singer of Mexican alternative-pop band La Dosis, recently launched her solo debut album entitled “Lado Este” (Spanish for east side) released by Nacional Records. Sara Valenzuela is a Mexico City born and Guadalajara-based singer and songwriter who hosts the radio program Jazz Solo in her hometown. She began hosting the show in 1991 and considers her role on the program as a way to remain informed about her medium.
“I didn’t know I liked jazz when I started the show,” said Valenzuela. “But when I started to dig in I realized I liked the music a lot. And all different kinds, from ragtime to avant-garde. I used to be influenced by The Who, by Peter Gabriel, but also by soul singers like Marvin Gaye. Now I’m influenced by Billie Holiday and other jazz singers, because I try to be more open. It’s easier to find your voice that way,” said Valenzuela.
For more information about Sara Valenzuela and “Lado Este” visit Nacional Records and SaraValenzuela.com. To listen to a song from Sara Valenzuela’s recently-released solo album visit HispanicMPR.com and scroll down until you see “Podcasts.” Select the files with the artist name and song title of your choice and click on the play button to listen to the songs online.
Posted by Elena del Valle on January 11, 2006
Emilio Azcarraga, president and chief executive officer, Televisa
Photo: Televisa
Las Vegas, NV- Intel Corporation and Grupo Televisa, S.A. (NYSE:TV), one of the largest media companies in the Spanish-speaking world, will joint efforts to provide consumers, for the first time, with a wide choice of on-demand, Internet-delivered Televisa content through Intel(R) Viiv(TM) technology-based PCs. They will provide digital programming that can be viewed and shared in the home on an Intel-based computer and variety of viewing screens and other consumer electronic devices.
The companies expect to work together to enable and verify Televisa’s wide range of popular content for compatibility on the Intel Viiv technology platform. Televisa hopes to make its digital entertainment services available over the Internet from leading manufacturers later in the first quarter of this year.
Intel Viiv technology is designed to make it easy for people to download, view, manage and share digital entertainment on a wide variety of viewing screens and networked devices such as portable media players, digital TVs and routers. As part of the proposed collaboration, Televisa plans to offer a wide range of content for Intel Viiv technology-based PCs, including its soap opera, movies, sports, news and late night shows, as well as music from Televisa’s recently launched Tarabu digital music service, plus future services.
"Today, Televisa programming and content are enjoyed by more than 425 million Hispanic consumers in the Americas and Europe, and with this exciting new collaboration with Intel our distribution reach will grow significantly," said Emilio Azcarraga, Televisa president and chief executive officer. "Making Televisa content compatible with Intel Viiv technology-based PCs will ease the delivery of our programming and services with an enhanced user experience to any customer in the world who has a broadband Internet connection."
Intel will provide Televisa with engineering support, specifications and tools to test and verify that Televisa content services will display properly and work in full-screen formats using a remote control device. This will enable Televisa to offer its Tarabu digital music service and future digital video service featuring Televisa’s rich television programming for viewing on Intel Viiv technology-based PCs.
Kevin Corbett, vice president, Intel Digital Home Group and general manager Content Services Group
Photo: Intel
"Intel’s collaboration with Televisa is a big step toward enabling global broadband access to a rich universe of digital content from the world’s leading media and entertainment companies," said Kevin Corbett, vice president of Intel’s Digital Home Group and general manager of the Content Services Group. "Together we will deliver exciting new on-demand viewing opportunities on Intel Viiv technology-based platforms to Televisa viewers across the world."
Intel, a world leader in silicon innovation, develops technologies, products, and initiatives to continually advance how people work and live. Intel and Intel Viiv are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries. Additional information is available at Intel.
Grupo Televisa, S.A. is one of the largest media companies in the Spanish-speaking world, and a major participant in the international entertainment business. It has interests in television production and broadcasting, production of pay television networks, international distribution of television programming, direct-to-home satellite services, publishing and publishing distribution, cable television, radio production and broadcasting, professional sports and live entertainment, feature film production and distribution, and the operation of a horizontal internet portal. Grupo Televisa also owns an unconsolidated equity stake in Univision, a leading Spanish-language media company in the United States.
Posted by Elena del Valle on January 4, 2006
Listen to a popular Andrea Echeverri song on the HispanicMPR.com Podcast section. Echeverri is the lead singer of Aterciopelados who won an MTV Latin America Award for Best New Artist. Echeverri’s self-titled solo debut also recently received a Grammy nomination in the “Best Latin Pop Album” category, as well as two Premio Lo Nuestro nominations. Her debut solo album “Andrea Echeverri” was released by Nacional Records, the new ADA/Warner Music Group-distributed label.
To listen to “A eme O,” a song from Andrea Echeverri’s recently-released solo album visit www.HispanicMPR.com and scroll down until you see "Podcasts." Select the files with the artist name and song title of your choice and click on the play button to listen to the songs online.
Posted by Elena del Valle on January 3, 2006
Andrea Echeverri, the lead singer of Aterciopelados, won an MTV Latin America Award for Best New Artist. She had recently been nominated for a Grammy and two Univision Premio Lo Nuestro awards. At the same time the new iTunes-only Andrea Echeverri/Aterciopelados live acoustic album entered the Top 10 Latin Albums Chart on iTunes.
Echeverri’s self-titled solo debut also recently received a Grammy nomination in the “Best Latin Pop Album” category, as well as 2 Premio Lo Nuestro nominations. Her debut solo album “Andrea Echeverri” was released by Nacional Records, the new ADA/Warner Music Group-distributed label.
Best known as the frontwoman for acclaimed Colombian Latin alternative band Aterciopelados, Andrea Echeverri has long captivated audiences with her potently melodic brand of feminism. After the critical and commercial success of Gozo Poderoso, which landed Aterciopelados on the Top 10 of the Billboard Top Latin Albums Sales chart as well as a coveted appearance on the "Tonight Show with Jay Leno", Echeverri took time off for the birth of her first child Milagros, who has proven to be a new point of artistic inspiration. The result is the self-titled album “Andrea Echeverri”, Andrea’s first solo release. The disc was produced by Hector Buitrago from Aterciopelados and mixed by Thom Russo (Juanes, Kinky, Johnny Cash).
Listen to “A eme O,” a song from Andrea Echeverri’s recently-released solo album in the Podcast section of HispanicMPR.com.
