Our friend, conguero and La Bolá leader Aryam Vazquez reports that the group has recruited "Gerardito", an ex-NG La Banda vocalist. The new singer will debut with the band on Saturday, January 23 at DROM -85 Ave. A (between 5th and 6th streets) in New York City. Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 8pm. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door.

La Bolá is gaining force world-wide after their debut release SIN COMENTARIOS, which has been picked up for radio airplay in Paris, France.

Schooled in the top Havana conservatories and music schools in the US, La Bolá encompasses some of the most in demand and successful musicians in NYC, all whom enjoying thriving careers in Latin music performing, touring and recording with such artists as Celia Cruz, Marc Anthony, Miles Peña, Michael Stuart, Alfredo de la Fe and many more. 

Chékere Making & Playing

with Bobi Céspedes
Join us: January 9th, 16th, 23rd, and February 20th
From 1pm to 3pm
(Chekeré Playing starts April 3rd)
For registration and location of classes information please call 510-290-8551 - Oakland, California

Registrations open January 4th 2010.
1. Chekeré Making starts January 9th, 1 to 3pm
2. Orisha Song Class starts January 10th 1 to 3pm
3. El Igbodu February 22nd through 26th  7to 9pm
4. Chekeré Playing starts April 3rd

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Monday's sold out show (over 1,000 people) was greeted with - and closed by -- the most thunderous, sincere and heartfelt ovation that I can recall hearing ... ever.

photo by Tom Ehrlich - click here to view more

The music, the dancing and the crowd were all amazing. Tonight was the formal show with one set of Afro-Cuban music and one of rumba. Tonight, Tuesday, will be a much more informal setting, at the Mission Language and Vocation Center with Los MdM's crack dancing troupe squaring off against the "the locals", who of course, in this town, include plenty of transplanted Cuban masters like Sandy Pérez, José Francisco Barroso and Rosita Villamil who played with major folkloric groups in Havana and Matanzas. Next stop is Savannah, Georgia, then Atlanta, then Florida and the buzz is that the three New York shows are already almost sold out. CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL TOUR.

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José Torres y Salsa Tropical have scored a major coup. They have added ex-Klímax singer Juan Carlos "Juanky" Hechavarría to their line-up. Juanky is one of few young singers today with the ability to sing like a true sonero. He's also in touch with the youth culture as witnessed by the recent Klímax repertoire. His addtion brings a shot of fresh Havana energy to this already established band.

Since their formation in April 2000, Salsa Tropical, based in Wroclow, has built-up their name in Europe having performed at congresos in Germany and Poland  as well as on many Polish television programs. In addition bandleader José Torres is commited to Cuban music and  organized Poland's first salsa congress, which has now become the annual Torres Salsa Carnival. He has brought artists such as Manolito y Su Trabuco and Maykel Blanco y Salsa Mayor to Polish fans.

José comes from a musical family. His cousin Alina Torres is well-known as a composer of hits for groups such as  La Charanga Habanera, Los Van Van and Pupy y Los Que Son Son. His son is the band's drummer and recently Salsa Tropical has expanded it's repertoire with new songs written by yet another Torres, 18-year old Fernando Torres of La Habana. The catchy and danceable tunes "Dándole la vuelta al mundo" and "Tiki Tiki" were both written by this talented young composer who happens to be José's nephew.

José Torres y Salsa Tropical are in the process of recording their new material. The instruments are finished and now the vocal tracks, mix and master remain. But you don't have to wait, you can already listen to a good live recording of "Dándole la vuelta al mundo" with Juanky on Timba.com radio. And below is a video of the live performace. Stay tuned because we will soon be adding "Tiki Tiki" to the radio as well. Click on the link below that says "Continue reading" for a video of "Dándole la vuelta" al mundo and the list of bandmembers.

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Paulito and Yoshi herself burning up the dance floor at his recent Oakland tour. Click here for Tom Ehrlich's full gallery. [Kevin Moore]

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