Last year the San Diego Salsa Festivalfeatured lots of dance shows, great social dancing, and introduced a new focus for the event:Bachata dancing.
With the advent of bachata specific dance rooms, attendees to last year’s San Diego Salsa Festival were able to add some variety to their night and take advantage of the varied music offerings.
This year the festival will feature both salsa and bachata dance workshops, so if you need to learn or simply brush up on the dances you’ll have great opportunities to learn from the best.
At first glance you probably wouldn’t think that San Diego has much going on apart from the traditional surfing and other recreational diversions for which this place is known.It takes a simple look under that well known surface to see that San Diego is a teeming hot bed of salsa dance talent.
Much of that dance talent is due in part to the myriad of salsa dance competition teams that offer a wide array of styles and philosophies of salsa dance.San Diego is fortunate to have a salsa scene influenced by such a great group of performers that help inspire those new to the scene to learn more about the dance. Here at Ritmo Bello I’ve been privileged to get to know these performance groups over the years and I wanted to highlight some of them here.
These and many other dance teams which I haven’t mentioned here all deserve to be recognized for the great exposure they give salsa dancing to the general public. For many people here in San Diego, joining a dance team is a great way to accelerate your learning of salsa dance while expressing yourself through performance.
If you’ve had a good experience with a local San Diego dance team feel free to leave a comment on this post.
Even though the 2010 San Diego Salsa Festival is not until September of this year, it is not too early to submit your entry to perform at the event. The organizers for the event are accepting video submissions via YouTube and Facebook for anyone that might be interested in performing.
To submit your entries simply email the links to info@sandiegosalsafestival.com.
For more information on the event keep checking Ritmo Bello and the official website for the 2010 San Diego Salsa Festival at www.sandiegosalsafestival.com.
That’s right!Dimelo! Records is hosting their annual Holiday Party on December 10th and this year they are hosting over 50 Latin music groups for the event.
Dimelo! Records recording artists Orquesta Tobaco y Ron, Chino Espinosa, La Charanga Cubana, Johnny Polanco, and Lucky 7 Mambo are just some of the great acts that will be performing live at the Mayan Nightclub where the event will take place.
San Diego salsa dancers have the opportunity to take part in this great event and hop on the Dimelo! Records Tour bus giving us all round trip travel to the event. For more information about the bus and event make sure you check out the Dimelo! Records website.
Dancing during the winter is like a natural prozac; when it gets dark earlier and the cold air forces us inside, we seek the refuge of the dance floor: it keeps us warm, it creates a blissful distraction from the shortened daylight hours, and, unfortunately, it creates a paradise for viruses, the dance room essentially becoming a petri dish for breeding strains that pass from one dancer to another.
The good news, though, is that there are some simple things dancers can do to stay healthy during the flu season.
Wash Your Hands
Before you go out, while you are out, and when you get home.A simple thing that can prevent the majority of germs that cause sickness.Avoiding touching your mouth/nose while dancing will also aid in keeping you healthy.Simple soap and hot water are clinically proven to kill most germs, and the best choice but if you are unable to get to a sink, an alcohol based cleaner such as Purell will help in a pinch.
Get Plenty of Rest
Our bodies’s immune systems are directly affected by the amount of sleep we get and jeopardizing our defense system by inadequate sleep will increase the risk of catching a cold or the flu. Maintaining your daily quota (most adults need 7-9 hours) during the flu season will keep you feel better and healthier out on the dance floor.For those of you who love to dance till dawn during the week, consider calling it a night a little earlier if your job requires an early wake-up call.
Stay Warm
It may sound funny, but staying warm is another vital key to keeping well during flu season.Sure you feel warm after you’ve sweated your heart out to 30 salsa songs, but leaving the dance floor, soaked in sweat, and going outside and getting chilled can compromise your immune system and leave you feeling not-so-hot in the morning.Bringing a change of clothes, or at least a dry shirt to change into before going to your car is the best method to prevent chilling.
Vitamin C
Medical experts agree that while most healthy adults need about 250 mg of vitamin C daily, when the immune system is compromised or our bodies are exposed to illness or excess stress, or vitamin C requirements are increased. A supplement such as Airborne or Emergen-C has 1000mg and is easy to mix with water.When out dancing, keep in mind that excess alcohol is known to lower immune system, so when considering a drink at the bar, why not opt for OJ on the rocks?
Get Vaccinated
There is not much debate between doctors about whether or not to get the flu shot.According to physicians at San Diego’s Lifewellness Institute, the flu shot is the most effective means of flu prevention.
This year especially there are questions about the H1N1 virus, or swine flu, LifeWellness breaks it down for us dancers:The H1N1 virus is a new genetic strain of virus which was created when viruses infected both mammals and birds.The result was altered DNA in the virus, creating a new “bug’ for which we have no antibodies.So the H1N1 vaccination, when available, is by far the best means of preventing this infection from curtailing your time on the dance floor.
Remember to Keep Dancing!
Being healthy means participating in a moderate amount of exercise, so by all means keep dancing.Following these tips can help arm your defenses and keep you well throughout the winter so you can salsa, boogie or swing your way through flu season.
About Kelly Rice
Kelly (a San Diego native) is a substitute teacher, graphic designer and health coach.When not working, Kelly enjoys dancing and teaching zouk lambada.Check out what this dance is all about on the San Diego Zouk website.
Back by popular demand, Café Sevilla is planning one last yacht party for 2009.
For those of you that attended the last few yacht parties you know that this will be a great event that should not be missed.This time around Café Sevilla is providing a more intimate experience with a different twist.
Join Cafe Sevilla and Ritmo Bello along with 450 guests as we celebrate along on the waters of the Pacific.
The Adventure Yacht is an intimate boat that holds only 450 guests.You will be able to enjoy breathtaking views of the San Diego bay by night.
Some other highlights of the night will include:
* 2 Floors of music (Live Salsa Band & Hip Hop )
* Professional Photography
* An Outdoor deck to enjoy the California Ocean
* Complimentary Tapas(These were really good last time!)
* 2 fully-stocked bars
* Official After-party at Sevilla nightclub
The San Diego Salsa and Latin Dancing Meetup Group along with Ritmo Bello will be there to enjoy the evening with you. For more information about the event and to RSVP please visit the Café Sevilla Boat Party Page.
See you on the Café Sevilla yacht and message me via Twitter at @RitmoBello!
Although San Diego has many different dance companies, each one shines in their own special way. A good example of this is Alma Latina Dance company. Directed by Gabriela Equiz and Sergio Jasso, their dance company is known in San Diego and throughout the world as one of the best around (they are currently ranked #5 in the world in the On 1 division of the ESPN World Salsa Championships).
Apart from world class salsa dancing, Alma Latina is also known for its great work with dancers of all levels, including kids. I recently sat down with Gaby and Sergio to discuss their dancing, what motivates them, and what they have in store for San Diego salsa dancers. I hope you enjoy the interview!
Ritmo Bello: Sergio and Gaby, thanks for taking the time to address the Ritmo Bello dance community. Let’s begin.What would you say is the main focus of Alma Latina Dance Company?
Alma Latina Dance Company:We focus on helping salseros dance better than they ever thought they could and even helping them get to competitive levels while enjoying the process. Many people have told us that they really enjoy our sabor and the attitude that our dancers project on stage!
Ritmo Bello: What are the origins of your dance company? Why did you choose Alma Latina Dance Company for your name?
Alma Latina Dance Company:As a child, I went to a performing art school in Mexico City and loved it- all I wanted to do everyday was sing and dance. I realized that Tijuana didn’t offer anything like that, so I decided to start a performing art school in the summer of 2005. Later, I asked Sergio to come and help me instruct the boys in salsa dancing and we became partners. Then we expanded into teaching salsa to adults in 2006 in Tijuana and in San Diego in January 2008. We just started teaching in Los Angeles as well.
Ritmo Bello: What type of salsa dancing does Alma Latina perform? What types of influences have impacted how you both dance salsa?
Alma Latina Dance Company:Unlike other salsa companies, our dance teams aren’t exclusively On 1 or On 2- we focus on the musicality and that means we train our dancers to easily switch into whatever timing the music calls for. You’ll see that our salsa choreographies usually incorporate many other dance influences: hip hop, ballroom, modern, flamenco, ballet and tap- it gives our routines their distinct style. On top of that, both Sergio and I contribute different aspects of what makes us so strong: Sergio has a strong sense of musicality ( & humor) and that comes through in our choreography and I have a good eye for lines and details and tend to polish and perfect things.
Ritmo Bello: Does Alma Latina Dance Company have a particular focus on teaching certain age groups to perform?
Alma Latina Dance Company:We don’t like to limit ourselves to any age group: We have people 3 years to 70 years old. But we do earn a lot of attention for the accomplishments of our young dancers: Our kids couples took 1st and 2nd place in three age divisions in the first Annual Kids Salsa Convention in LA, and Albert Torres has invited our kids to be featured in a showcase at the 2009 World Salsa Championships in December! We’ve recently decided to form a non-profit around our kids dance troupe. Our Mission statement is to connect kids to culture using Latin music and dance to promote discipline, pride, health, and the history of Latin culture all while having fun. If you or someone you know would like to make a donation, please contact us at Info@AlmaLatinaDanceCompany.com
Ritmo Bello: Are you taking on new dancers now? How does someone audition to be a part of your salsa performance team?
Alma Latina Dance Company:YES!!! We are always taking new dancers for our Amateur & Intermediate teams. We also have Semi pro and Professional levels that do require a private audition- but we can do that anytime- just send us an email: Info@AlmaLatinaDanceCompany.com. In addition, we have members of each team learn the routine of the team above them so they are always challenged and so they can get ready to step up a level.
Ritmo Bello: I understand that your dance company operates out of Tijuana , Mexico as well as San Diego, California . How has this impacted the types of dancers you train?
Alma Latina Dance Company:I think it has made all our students really happy and inspired- there is such diversity in the dancers! The San Diego students always comment how they love the warmth of our Tijuana studio culture (we all kiss hello and goodbye to everyone at our TJ Studio). And our Tijuana students love the enthusiasm of our San Diego dancers! Also, a big plus is that all our dancers can come to the Tijuana studio and practice for free whenever, and there is always a Social going on at Alma Latina … I am not joking, there is a party every night…. And then TACOS at a stand by our studio :) We’re working to bring that same atmosphere to San Diego- starting on November 14th, we’ll have a monthly Social in San Diego too. Our new studio, The Woodroom, is in Northpark, which has a big neighborhood party called Ray At Night. As part of that event, we’ll be offering a free beginner lesson from 7:30-8:15 and free social dancing open to the public from 8:15-10:00 (just in time to head out to the other salsa clubs and socials)!
Ritmo Bello: Where has Alma Latina Dance Company performed?
Alma Latina Dance Company:We love to perform locally as well as at all the big West Coast Congress events like San Diego, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Palm Springs, Arizona and San Francisco. We have also regularly traveled to the Acapulco Congress, the Mexico National Championships in Mexico City, and the World Salsa Championships. We recently performed at the Mayan Team Competition and WON- we are so excited to have earned that distinction! We are also really pleased to have been invited to headline the Seattle Salsa Congress over Thanksgiving weekend. We are hoping to add Europe to our list of performance destinations in the next year!
Ritmo Bello: In many of those performances and competitions you’ve won a number of awards. Can you share with us some of your best memories involving winning those awards?
Alma Latina Dance Company:Yes- we are so proud of our many dancers who have done so well in competition! Just this year we have claimed 6 first places and 6 second places in competitions Nationally and Internationally.
Competing is really hard work but we love it- it is the best learning experience. Competing takes all the challenges of performing and adds judges into the mix! You learn to cope with your nerves and the pressure– and dance regardless. The challenge is doing it like it is a show even when you see the judges just in front of you. You want to think that they are going to be entertained!
Admittedly the competitions add pressure, but they also push us to grow as dancers and be the best performers we can be. That’s where the great memories come from: working together towards a goal and achieving it- and traveling as a group to perform for very appreciative audiences!
Ritmo Bello: Is is true that you’ve been ranked within the top 10 salsa dancers in the world according to the ESPN World Salsa Championships?
Alma Latina Dance Company:Yes, we are currently ranked 5thin the world and this year we want to go back and rank higher if possible! It is really hard because you compete with the best in the world and everybody is improving and getting ready- there’s no way to get an advantage…so imagine!!! But I think we could do something good this year…
Ritmo Bello: How was your experience at the San Diego Salsa Festival this year?
Alma Latina Dance Company:Great! We closed the show on Friday and performed the 2nd to last number on both Saturday and Sunday- just before Yamulee from NYC closed the show- and after great dancers like Adolfo Indacochea, Hacha y Machete etc.- what a compliment! We were incredibly flattered by the fact that we got standing ovations on Friday and Sunday.
Ritmo Bello: In your opinion, what is the best thing about dancing salsa in San Diego ?
Alma Latina Dance Company:Everything! The people are genuine and nice, there is a huge number of incredible dancers, and everyone has a good attitude.
Ritmo Bello: I’ve noticed that there are a number of videos on YouTube showcasing your salsa dancing. How do you feel about being a virtual salsa celebrity for the YouTube crowd?
Alma Latina Dance Company:I think that YouTube has helped us a lot. We find a lot of people who have never seen us in person but they follow us on YouTube. We have even had people hire us based on that- can you believe it? We hardly can!
Ritmo Bello: Is there anything else you’d like to share with the Ritmo Bello readers about your dance company and yourselves that we haven’t covered yet?
Alma Latina Dance Company:We want to thank you and all of the San Diego salsa community for your support! We feel really blessed to be teaching here where people really believe in us.
Ritmo Bello: Do you have contact information in case anyone from the Ritmo Bello audience wants to contact you?
Alma Latina Dance Company:Yes- please contact us- we are still growing and want to serve the needs of the San Diego Community!
As many of you already know, I have a YouTube channel for Ritmo Bello that highlights some of the great dancing we see here in San Diego. What you may not know, though, is that you can now access these videos directly from the Ritmo Bello Website.
You’ll see on the right hand side of this website a small player that cycles through the videos on the Ritmo Bello YouTube channel. Let me know what you think (@reply me on Twitter at @ritmobello) and I hope you enjoy all the videos.
As any salsa dancer will tell you, it’s ten times better dancing to live music as compared to recorded music. The obvious reason for this is that the salsa dancer can really connect with the energy, enthusiasm, and excitement of the live entertainer as the performance goes on.
Johnny Polanco and his group La Conjunto Amistad are a prime example of how great live salsa music is to the dancer and listener alike. With years of experience in the salsa music world, Johnny Polanco is a rare gem that plays frequently in the Southern California area. I had a chance to talk with Johnny Polanco before his upcoming performance at Anthology night club this Saturday October 17 and learned that if something is to be done, you ‘DO IT WITH SALSA!’ I hope you enjoy the interview which follows below.
Ritmo Bello:Johnny, thanks for taking the time to address the Ritmo Bello dance community. Let’s begin. What would you say is the main focus of your salsa music?
Johnny Polanco:Hi John. The main focus of my music are two reasons. One is to make everyone dance. Secondly is to give the listener a great visual through our performances. Everyone listens to CD’s. But it’s a lot different when you actually see it “live”. The listener can actually feel and absorb the music. It becomes more versatile. And the most important issue about a “live” performance is that the number can be stretched out a little longer, thus letting the band be more creative. Especially during the solos.
Tito Puente once told me, “Live tells no lie”. AND THAT’S SO TRUE. In this age of recording and digital “Pro Tools” you can do wonders in the recording studio. But you can “clean it up live”!
Ritmo Bello:What are the origins of your salsa music career?
Johnny Polanco:My career begin in the Bronx, New York City. I performed with various bands, in the earlier days, but the first known band I played with was with JOHNNY PACHECO and PETE “EL CONDE” RODRIGUEZ. I was 17 years old.
Ritmo Bello: Why did you choose La Conjunto Amistad for your band name?
Johnny Polanco:I choose Conjunto Amistad because the band was composed of all of my friends.
Ritmo Bello: What types of influences have impacted how you’ve created your salsa music?
Johnny Polanco:The conjunto music of ARSENIO RODRIGUEZ, who is one of the most well known Cuban tres guitar players. Also the BIG 3 bands of the fifties that consisted of TITO PUENTE, TITO RODRIGUEZ and MACHITO. The sounds of trio music like LOS PONCHOS and TRIO MATAMOROS also played a role.
And believe it or not, the music of the big band era featuring FRANK SINATRA, TONY BENNETT, JOE WILLIAMS, SARAH VAUGHN and many others from that era were so musically rich for me to listen.
Ritmo Bello:How and where do you find inspiration for creating new salsa songs?
Johnny Polanco:The inspirations come to me in spurts. That’s why I always try to have something to write notes or my cell phone to record the moments. My song feature all different types of topics. If you listen to my latest CD, “AMISTAD PARA EL MUNDO ENTERO” you will see the many topics.
Ritmo Bello:What has your experience been like working withDimelo Records?
Johnny Polanco:My experiences with Dimelo Records has been an enjoyable one and something that I wish I would have done years ago. Nissim Baly is a great guy and is very business savvy in the direction that the recording industry has been heading. He possesses very strong marketing skills and that has contributed immensely in the success of the bands under his label. Not to mention his assistant Valerie Guzman. She is definitely on the ball at the office.
RitmoBello: Can you tell me a little about your CD’s that you’ve released to date?
Johnny Polanco: Absolutely. Amistad Para El Mundo Enterois my best production yet. It has 14 original, never recorded numbers. It features some of the best musicians in Salsa music today such as RAY DE LA PAZ, FRANKIE VASQUEZ, AZUQUITA, FRANKIE MORALES, JIMMY BOSCH, ARTIE WEBB, NINO JESUS and others. The production was great. It took a while but I’m very happy with it. I also put on it, my version of ”Happy Birthday”. It has been very popular in all the clubs.
Ritmo Bello: Are there current plans for new CD releases coming up soon?
Johnny Polanco: The last CD has only been out for 9 months and DIMELO RECORDS is going to release it on their label soon. My next CD is going to be recorded live on a venue to be announced later. I feel that this will really capture the true sound of the band.
Ritmo Bello: I’ve noticed that there are a number of videos on YouTube showcasing your salsa music. How has YouTube and other types of social media like Facebook and Twitter helped you gain more exposure worldwide?
Johnny Polanco:It truly has. My music has reached places throughout the world that I haven’t traveled to yet. We have had the pleasure of working with Albert Torres, who has been my personal manager for 15 years. And he is helping create and participate at all these Salsa Congresses world wide. These types of social medias have been a blessing. Also non commercial radio has played an important part also. They play everyones music and we are very blessed to have Canto Tropical and Alma Del Barrio here in Los Angeles.
Ritmo Bello:What are some of your best memories from your performances? Are there any in particular that stand out in your mind?
Johnny Polanco: Oh GOD, there are so many because each of those have left me with something unique. Such as performing for our new L.A. Philharmonic conductor from Venezuela, Gustavo Dumadel a couple of weeks ago at the Hollywood Bowl. He is the first Hispanic to lead this great orchestra. Working with Prince in Las Vegas was great too. He is an extraordinary musician. Doing the 2007 Playboy Jazz Festival., the 50th Anniversary of the Grand Prix in Macau. Doing our Mayor’s Inaugural Ball. And the many Salsa Congresses throughout the world such as in Spain, Toronto, Japan, New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Vancouver etc.
Ritmo Bello: I’ve seen you perform in San Diego in the past. How often do you make it down to San Diego and when can we expect to see you again in America’s Finest City?
Johnny Polanco:I don’t perform as much as I like but I will be performing Sat Oct 17th at Anthology. This is the premier venue to perform in San Diego. It is such a beautiful supper club with great sound, food and hospitality. I am so looking forward to it!
Ritmo Bello: What advice can you give to up and coming salsa singers?
Johnny Polanco:The best advice is to listen to the old stuff from the early years. Especially from the 70’s. All those guys are now salsa legends now. PERIOD. I had the pleasure of working with many of them. Their sonero’s and deliveries are unmatched. Any vocalist after that era will tell you that they were influenced by them. If they don’t admit it, they are just plain lying.
Ritmo Bello: Is there anything else you’d like to share that I haven’t covered so far?
Johnny Polanco: You covered many of the issues that are important to me. But the final thing I would like to say is to please support live entertainment. It take an enormous commitment for someone to get musicians together and form a band. And a lot of work to get music and the administrative side of it in getting booked. It’s not easy. But we do it to spread the music, make you feel good, help you meet new friends, dance to great songs, see musicians do what we do best and let’s face it guys. The most beautiful women in the world are dancing to salsa and waiting for you. So if you guys aren’t Salsa dancing, you better get some lessons because you are DEFINITELY missing out. Most clubs offer lessons. So you have no excuse. Ever wonder where your best friends at? He is at a salsa club dancing away with the girl of your dreams Ha, Ha.
Ritmo Bello:Do you have contact information in case anyone from the Ritmo Bello audience wants to contact you?
Johnny Polanco:Yes. My website iswww.johnnypolanco.net Also we have a hotline where you can find out where we are at on a weekly basis at 562-220-4929.
Ritmo Bello:Johnny, thank you so much for your time and I hope to attend some of your salsa performances in the near future.
The 3rd Annual San Diego Salsa Festival has come and gone but there remains the great memories of performances, dancing, and meeting new friends.
The videos that appear here give but a glimpse of some of the great dancers that performed during this year’s festival. If you want to see all the videos from the Festival check out the Ritmo Bello YouTube channel. Hope you enjoy the videos!
1st Wednesdays of the Month with Meetup.com is coming up again this week and with it a great opportunity to meet new people here in San Diego. This time the event is FREE to attend too!
The monthly event held at Café Sevilla is a great way to break the ice with new people in a safe and friendly environment.This month we are going back to basics and having a simple Meetup event without any overarching theme. Roman Castro Photography, a sponsor for our Meetup group, will be on hand at 8pm to take pictures of the event. As an added bonus, Café Sevilla eliminated the cover charge for Wednesday so now it will be FREE to attend!
The event is open to everyone so feel free to come alone or bring any friends. We’ll meet downstairs at 8pm in the VIP area of club that will be reserved for our group. Just look for the Meetup.com signs. Valerie will give a free salsa lesson starting at 8:30pm.
Local San Diego salsa dancers Christina Santana and Pepe Alvarez were recently highlighted on national television as part of their appearance on “So You Think You Can Dance.” Here is the YouTube video of the pair during the audition for the show.
Ritmo Bello congratulates Christina Santana on moving on to the next step for competing in the show!
If you’ve been a part of the salsa and Latin jazz music scene for a while I have no doubt you’d recognize Tito Puente. Known throughout the world as “El Rey” (the King) of the timbales and “The King of Latin Music,” Tito Puente left an incredible legacy of Latin jazz and mambo music.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Tito Puente Jr. continues that great musical tradition and brings new life to Latin jazz and mambo today. Tito Puente Jr. will be performing live in San Diego on September 5th at Anthology in downtown’s Little Italy district. Ritmo Bello was fortunate enough to connect with Tito Puente Jr. before his upcoming San Diego show and talk with him a bit about him being the standard bearer of Latin jazz royalty.
____________________________
Ritmo Bello: Tito Puente Jr., thanks for taking time to the talk to the Ritmo Bello readers about yourself and your music. Let’s begin with a question I’m sure you get all the time. How has being the son of the famous Tito Puente affected your decision to pursue a musical career for yourself?
Tito Puente Jr.: Music was always a part of me growing up, but by choice - my father never forced it on me. Of course, being my father’s son poses challenges in the sense that it’s next to impossible to follow or match such an incredible talent, so I’m very clear that my mission is not to try and compete, it’s simply to entertain audiences and carry the torch of my father’s music to a new generation of people.
Ritmo Bello: When and how did you begin your own musical career?
Tito Puente Jr.: I started in the mid 1980’s surrounding myself with all types of music growing up in New York City, where there were so many influences. Professionally I started on the trap drum kit when I was 16 years of age, working in different nightclubs in Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens.
Ritmo Bello: It’s clear that you are often compared to your father, Tito Puente and his musical style. For those unfamiliar with Tito Puente can you explain how you might be similar and different to his legacy?
Tito Puente Jr.: I think of course one blatant similarity is that I look a lot like him! I seem to have a connection with older fans that were fans of his and to younger ones as well. I have a certain quirkiness about me when I’m performing that people seem to enjoy. I dance and sing like my father did when he was younger in the 1950s, but I give it a modern edge, like a taste of Latino classic and urban mixed up with cha cha and mambo…
Ritmo Bello: How and where do you find inspiration for creating new music?
Tito Puente Jr.: My father taught me to always surround myself with creative people, as they will serve as inspiration…it works.
Ritmo Bello: I know that you have collaborated and performed with many notable artists in the salsa and Latin jazz world. What are your most memorable performances that you’ve had over the course of your career?
Tito Puente Jr.: Well, I’ve been fortunate to have many: Ricky Martin, Gloria Estefan, Celia Cruz and José Feliciano come to mind. But I think the most influential would have been with my father himself – being on stage together.
Ritmo Bello: Can you tell me a little about the albums that you’ve released to date?
Tito Puente Jr.: I’ve had three major label releases to date but the most exciting is my new album coming out next month entitled “Got Mambo?”. It’s a really exciting project where I step up my game with original material and some great guest artists like Jon Secada and others.
Ritmo Bello: Are there current plans for new CD releases coming up soon?
Tito Puente Jr.: “Got Mambo?” is scheduled for a late October release, along with a new music video, tour and the whole internet promotion scene.
Ritmo Bello: I know that you, like your father, are a master at percussion and in particular the timbales. What is it about this particular instrument that excites you the most? Are there other instruments that you feel comfortable performing with as well?
Tito Puente Jr.: I have to correct you - I am a student of percussion, not at all a master percussionist. I would hope through practice and time I could be. My father was a “master.”
Timbales have a distinct sound in all aspects of music plus it gives an engine to any song. I also enjoy piano and bass.
Ritmo Bello: On a side note, I know that you’ve expanded into different enterprises including acting as the official spokesperson for Havanera Co., a clothing line I absolutely love to wear myself. How has this and other experiences outside of your music affected your musical career?
Tito Puente Jr.: In today’s world attaching yourself to a brand is important. I like to be a part of certain brands which can help bring our Latin music to the masses. The consumer is looking for more now. Branding and endorsing certain products and items has helped me bring my music to other parts of the globe.
Ritmo Bello: My first contact with you was via Twitter and I was impressed to find you using the medium to reach out to your fans. How has social media like Twitter and Facebook impacted how you interact with your fan base?
Tito Puente Jr.: Amazing how Twitter and Facebook has gotten me directly in touch with the fans. It’s the new millennium of marketing and promotion for any artist out there. And yes it’s really me responding to you!!!
Ritmo Bello: Although I know that you perform great music, do you ever get an opportunity to dance to salsa or Latin music as well?
Tito Puente Jr.: I do, at home in front of my kids because that way I will look silly for them and not the rest of the world. I have great rhythm in my blood but it doesn’t seem to travel to my feet that well.
Ritmo Bello: I’ve heard that you’ve also given back to the community in a number of ways. Can you share with me some of the fundraising events you’ve supported?
Tito Puente Jr.: The cancer, leukemia, diabetes and AIDS foundations are the ones closest to my heart since I have people and personal friends who have these horrible diseases. I love animals as well so give back wherever I can for them.
Ritmo Bello: Is there anything else you’d like to share with the San Diego salsa and Latin dance community that we haven’t covered yet?
Tito Puente Jr.: Get ready to mambo and cha cha the night away on September 5th at Anthology…and bring your dancing shoes!
Ritmo Bello: Do you have contact information in case anyone from the Ritmo Bello audience wants to contact you?
Ritmo Bello: Tito Puente Jr., it has been an honor to talk to you today. On behalf of the San Diego salsa dance community and Ritmo Bello thank you for your time!
Tito Puente Jr.: Muchas gracias and thank you to all the Tito Puente fans and the new Tito Puente, Jr. fans…I’m looking forward to seeing everyone!
As many of you know, the 3rd Annual San Diego Salsa Festival is coming up September 17th-20th and with it great opportunities to interact with the world of salsa dancing.
As a Festival Promotional Partner, Ritmo Bello has 1 Full Event pass (a $220 value) to give out to one lucky reader. The Full Evening/Day pass gives you access to shows, competitions, & social Dancing - including the Pre-Party. We are going to give away the Full Event pass to someone who can share their best “Salsa Dance Story” i.e. how salsa dancing has changed their life.
To enter into this competition we are simply asking for our readers to:
1. Share your salsa dance story in 600 -1000 words (What attracted you to salsa, your initial experiences learning salsa, funny stories about you learning salsa, etc.). If you want you can also include a YouTube video clip about yourself explaining your experiences as well (your article will get better consideration if you have it in writing and supplement it with a video).
2. Explain how salsa dancing has been an important part of your life.
3. and share with us why you should receive the Full Event pass.
Along with winning the Full Event pass, the winning article will appear in a special post on Ritmo Bello recognizing the winner.
Please submit entries to Ritmo Bello (bello_jf@ritmobello.com) before 3pm on August 28th, 2009 and use the header “My Salsa Dance Story - YOUR NAME HERE.” Also, please include your contact information at the end of your submission so we can contact you if you are the winner and the YouTube Video link you’ve created. The winner will be announced the first week of September on Ritmo Bello and the San Diego Salsa and Latin Dancing Meetup Group.
Good luck and we look forward to reading about your salsa dance experiences!
Last month our group met for Tapas and drinks upstairs at Café Sevilla before going to the salsa club for lessons and the live band. For those of you unfamiliar with Café Sevilla, the venue is known for its great Spanish Cuisine and as a great salsa dance venue. The photos, taken by Roman Castro Photography (a Sponsor for our Meetup group), give a glimpse of the great people that attended and the fun time we had. This month we are having a DRESS IN RED theme where we encourage our members to wear any red shirts, skirts, dresses, shoes, etc to identify members of our group at the club.
We plan to meet DOWNSTAIRS at 8pm to take advantage of the free lesson offered by Valerie at the club. If you don’t take the salsa lesson you are invited to join us in our special VIP area of the club set up for Meetup.com members.
The event is open to everyone! Bring your friends or come alone to meet some great people. We’ll be there by 8pm.
