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Atmósfera Social: Desde la Isla
By: Yadira Nadal Naranjo, Entertainment Editor
Direct from Puerto Rico

LANDY: Fusion of Good Vibes and Latin Rhythms
By: Yadira Nadal-Naranjo

January 2010 - Born in Santurce and named Orlando Olivera after his father, Landy is a young songwriter, musician and singer who describes music as part of his lifestyle. He was a kid when he fell in love with the magic that surrounds music, but it was in the early 90’s and while still in high school that he started educating his voice in the classical style.

In 2000 he joined a rock band and officially started appearing in shows throughout the island. After a while, he became part of another band that merged carnival, rock, reggae, jazz, and salsa rhythms. But that is all in the past.

A few months ago, Landy made a wish come true. After years of hard work, he proudly presents his first independent musical production called “Obviamente”. For him, this project was born after a strong desire to permanently reflect all the impulses, sensations and satisfactions that singing provokes in his soul. The 10-song album benefited from the collaboration of local and very talented musicians, such as Paoli Mejías, Yan Carlos Artime, Tony Escapa and Ramón Vázquez, among others. This input allowed Landy to integrate bohemia, funk, rock, trova, bomba, jazz and pop, while maintaining a unique identity. The production has very autochthonous elements like the cuatro strings, bomba barrels, and of course, his guitar, which he carries everywhere he goes. There is also something, a je ne sais quoi in his strong, vibrant voice that forces you stay still and listen attentively the minute he starts singing.

“Obviamente”, “Hay una luz”, “All about love”, and “Tu” are some of the songs you’ll find in his CD, and all the lyrics (he wrote seven of the 10 songs) are splashed with everything from love, to lust, to traffic jams after a long day at work, to surfing, and nature. Speaking of nature, Landy who is also an industrial engineer, is a proud vegetarian, and has a very active and balanced lifestyle; he practices yoga, surfing and volleyball. Landy’s “Obviamente” can be found at the Itunes store and at his live presentations, which are held weekly in different venues throughout San Juan. You can learn more about his music in www.facebook.com/landymusic

September 2007
Hello dear readers! While there have been too many stressful situations happening at the Island, each and every one of them have made me focus on the positive things in life. Bad things happen and when they do we are given the opportunity to see the good ones. So inhale, exhale and let us understand that without the shadows there would be no light. Ok, now let me start my business…

Singer Melina León has recently launched her new CD titled: “Vas a pagar y sus éxitos”. Melina, who has cultivated plenty of hits within the merengue genre, will sing more romantic ballads because it’s the expression that she has most passion for. In her latest CD she presents songs: ‘Cuando una mujer’, ‘Cuando nos quema el deseo’, ‘Qué será de ti’, ‘Corazón de mujer’, ‘Desvelo de amor’, ‘Un hombre de verdad’ and the debut of ‘Vas a pagar’, among others. Melina will go on tour during November, when she will visit military bases with a high percentage of boricuas, like the ones in Turkey, Aphganistan, Italy and Berlin. Did you ever hear of the Salsa Kids? Well they have definitely grown. With song ‘Vive la esperanza’, both in salsa and ballad versions as their first promotional cut, Omar, Esteban and newest member Jomy, have launched their recent work, “Baila conmigo”. The album is supposed to have strong salsa beats with romantic themes, fusions of vallenato, and a salsa song with reggaetton. It was produced by Ramón Sánchez and Cuto Soto and has compositions from Esteban Tolinchi (member of the group), Eduardo Reyes and Alejandro Montalbán, among others. On September 7th, the group will give a concert where they will pay homage to Héctor Lavoe, at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente. Puerto Rico has a new bilingual TV channel: PRmixCW of the Caribbean Broadcasting Network (CBN). The TV station, which used to be CW, will provide exclusive programming for the Island’s younger bilingual crowd. As told by CBN, PRmixCW will become the only high potency station available through cable and satellite, with English and Spanish programming. The station will present a combination of original programs targeted to a young adult audience and will include: the successful modeling reality show “America’s Next Top Model”, action series “Supernatural” and wrestling show “WWE Friday Night Smackdown!”, as part of its programming mix. PRmixCW will also offer entertainment and music programs for the Spanish speaking audience, as part of its LATV block. Latino Alternative Television Network is the first bilingual network in the nation with bicultural programming for Latinos between the ages of 16 and 34. When we talk about Dean Zayas we need to mention his passion for the scenic arts and his dedication to theater, traits that make this veteran director the perfect candidate to receive the dedication of the 29th Theater Festival of Caguas, his hometown. Born in October 17th, Dean Zayas has excelled as an actor, professor and theater director, being this last phase the one he enjoys most. Today, Dean directs the Drama Department at the University of Puerto Rico and is also the director of the popular Teatro Rodante. The 29th Theater Festival will be held form September 7th to November 4th at the Luis M. Arcelay Theater. A year after his passing, jazz musician Hilton Ruiz is still very present in our hearts, and of course, in his daughter’s. Even if it snowed in Manhattan, Hilton Ruiz always discovered the wonders of our “Isla del Encanto” in the eyes of his beloved Aidita. Proof of this is his album “Island Eyes”; the cover has a picture of her eyes. Sadly, she will be returning to New Orleans hoping and trusting that the case of her father’s death will finally be cleared and over. She has also finished editing the CD “A New York Story” and is coordinating the launching of his last recording, “Going Back to New Orleans”, with Yomo Toro, Lou Soloff, Dafnis Prieto, Sweet Sue Terry, Leon Dorsey and Dick Griffin, among other guests. She explained that this is a tribute to the city’s jazz spirit but with Latin elements and a fusion with European and African rhythms. Some original compositions included in the production are: ‘Crescent City Blues’, ‘Michael’s Mambo’, ‘Home Cooking’, ‘Sweet Gumbo’ and ‘Peace & Love’. Aidita hopes to present this CD in San Juan during the end of November when she will also reveal the details of a Foundation, inspired by her father, which will offer scholarships to low income kids who wish to enter the world of jazz. Aidita also promotes her dad’s music through: www.hiltonruizmusic.com. Puerto Rican movies “El Cimarrón” and “El Clown” are participating in Michigan’s VII edition of the Tulipanes Latino Art & Film Festival, which will go on until September 2nd. The Festival’s organizers explained that the movies were chosen for their success in surpassing the stereotyped image of Latinos as an example of self-improvement. The festival, which includes presentations of film, art, dance and music, emphasizes the contributions of Latin communities to the world. “El Clown”, produced by Pedro Adorno and Emilio Rodriguez, tells the story of a clown (Israel Lugo) who debates between material success and creative freedom; it will be presented on September 1-2 at the Park Theater. “El Cimarrón”, from Iván Dariel Ortiz, presents the love story of a slave that escapes from his masters; it will be shown on September 1st at the Park Theater and next day at the Knickerbocker Theatre. Last but not least, giving voice to Pedro Knight, the inseparable husband of Cuban guarachera Celia Cruz, was an enormous challenge for playwrights Cándido Tirado and Carmen Rivera. This couple, of Puerto Rican origins, adopted the mission of writing the musical “Celia: La vida y música de Celia Cruz”, which will debut on September 12 at New York’s New World Stages Theater. The couple agreed that it was a great idea to review the transcendental episodes of the life of Celia Cruz (1925-2003), through the musician’s eyes. The play will make reference to Knight’s last days and, through his interpreter, he will remember his best moments with the artist. Both playwrights wish to share a glimpse of the singer’s first days as an artist until the climax of her career. Pedro Knight, played by Puerto Rican actor Modesto Lacén, will narrate Celia’s life to a male nurse (Pedro Capó) who will be with him until his last days; Cuban singer Xiomara Laugart will become Celia Cruz. The couple made an extensive investigation about the life of the interpreter of “La vida es un carnaval” and “Que le den candela”, with the advantage of the wide variety of biographical material available. “Celia: La vida y música de Celia Cruz” is a production of David Maldonado, and will be directed by Jaime Azpilicueta. We recently found out that Daddy Yankee will become executive producer of the musical.

This is all for now mi gente. Remember, positive thoughts attract good vibes. God bless!!

August 2007
Greetings my compatriotas! Here, having a wonderful time, inhaling refreshing melodies, and listening to the relaxing beats of modern art. Frankly, it’s been very hard to keep track of all these developing new artists that slowly but solidly emerge from our land. I have to say that we definitely give birth to some of the world’s best talents who shine for their best trait, versatility.

Let’s start with our ex-beauty queen Cynthia Olavarría who believes that beauty is not everything. She will have her debut in the world of cyber soaps. Yes, soaps are conquering the cyber world and Olavarría will have the lead role in “Mi adorada Malena”. She will co star with actor and model Julián Gil, and will give life to Malena Ferreira. Every Tuesday, a six minute chapter will go online on www.univision.com. With this project, Univision becomes the first TV network to launch a cyber novela.

Another ex-beauty queen who is starting her musical career with the right foot is Miredys Peguero. She might have never stepped on a contest stage such as Objetivo Fama or Latin American Idol but she just signed a contract with Music World/Universal, owned by Mathew Knowles; Beyonce’s dad. Peguero is now recording her first album, which will be called "Color de rosas" and is very happy for her debut in Monterrey, Mexico, where she opened Beyonce’s show. Miredys describes her album as a Latin R&B, and locally she is remembered for her work as a model when she became the first finalist of Miss Puerto Rico Universe in 1999. But, as she explained, since she was a little girl, her passion has always been music. One of the highlights of her career was when she co wrote and sang along Lionel Richie, "In My Dreams" for his album "Just for you". As an actress, she played the Gold Member Girl in the movie Austin Powers 3.

The city of Orlando will soon have a great reason to celebrate. The date of August 23rd will be a historic one for the cultural side of Orlando, and the entire Florida state. For the very first time in its more than 80 years servicing the community, the Orlando Museum of Art (OMA) will receive the biggest Puerto Rican modern art collection to be shown in the United States. It’s called “Imagen de una Cultura”, and it consists of a sample of 58 representatives pieces by 51 popular artists. The sample will be inaugurated in Florida at the traditional celebration of the Hispanic Month; it will last until October 28. So if you are going to be in the area, I recommend you visit the museum and see the show.

Those students who are going for the Master's in Screenwriting at the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón (USC) in Santurce, will have the opportunity to put in practice everything learned with the new series “Zona Y”, which will begin transmitting on August 5 at 12:30 p.m. through Telemundo. The half hour series has been written for teenage actors with the idea of attracting a younger audience. Good for them!

If you like Batucada, musician Aníbal de Gracia has launched the first musical production of his group Batukéalo. His album, titled “Atrevido”, includes eight songs in a fusion of plena with the heated Brazilian batucada. Batukéalo, created in 2003 as the evolution of group Plena Dulzura, recruited for its premiere: Giovanni Lugo, Víctor Muñiz, Juan R. Martínez, Henry Santiago, Héctor “Atabal” Rodríguez, Luis Aquino, Israel Vélez and Enrique “Kalani” Trinidad, among other national talents.

Another great production that takes the form of a ballad album from past and present times is “Románticos de ayer, hoy y siempre”, in which singer Bobby Cruz is accompanied by Medellin’s Symphonic Orchestra, reaching the 104 production of his artistic career. The song selection includes15 popular ballads like the promotional cut, “La novia que nunca tuve”, from Pablo Milanés; “Fichas negras”, “Qué te pedí”, “Cuando ya no me quieras” and “Ay cariño”, among others. The album also includes some other four songs written by Bobby: “Entra si quieres”, “No me acostumbro”, “Mensajero de tu amor” and “Mundo de mujeres”. Cruz, who left his church in the hands of his son Bobby Cruz, Jr., will dedicate himself entirely to the drug addict rehabilitation center he has been directing in Florida for more than 20 years. He’s also preparing to record a live album during a concert he will present in Colombia on August 6th. Then, on October 6th he will unite with Richie Ray to celebrate 45 years in music at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico.

Reality and fiction, honest and corrupt politics, past and present, and an Ángel that in occasions looks like a demon; these are the opposites that intertwine in Jacobo Morales’s new movie Ángel, which debuts next August 16. The film, which includes in its cast Braulio Castillo, Jacobo Morales, Yamaris Latorre, José Félix Gómez and Miguelángel Suárez, is said to be very intense and will keep the audience trapped in the plot. The movie is based in facts that happened in the Island during the eighties decade. Jacobo’s character is a professor who’s a pacifist independista, and actively involved in the protest of 81’ held at the University of Puerto Rico. An infiltrate in the group fabricates a case that sends him to prison where he receives a very cruel treatment. We definitely have to congratulate all the actors, directors, writers, and everyone who’s been working in our film industry. There have been a great deal of local productions lately and we hope they keep it coming!

Hasta la vista boricuas! Catch me next time with your Island’s latest cultural news. God bless!

July 2007

Ahhh, still enjoying the Island’s beautiful summer days. Very hot and very visited, we have been receiving tourists from everywhere. We have also seen many compatriotas who live in the States and have taken some well deserved vacations to relive the fun and excitement they miss. For those of you who can’t make it, this is what the month of June brought and what July will offer. Transcendental evolution. To talk about “El teatro de lo absurdo” will no longer be something exclusive to the world of Literature because this is the name of Dracos’ most recent production; a musical proposal that arrived music stores on June 26. With this album, that took nine months to come into this world, Draco finally obtains his artistic independence by separating once and for all from a multinational label and signing a one year contract with White Lion. The bits that we’ve heard reveal a transcendental evolution in the artist’s music thanks to the richness of its sounds. “Luchar por ella” is the first single and with new material under his arm, Draco is ready to return to the stage.

Puerto Rico will be one of the first countries to see this new tour, scheduled for next September at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico. Roselyn spreads her wings with “Yellow”. Humble. That’s the trait that Roselyn Sánchez treasures the most; the one that her character “Amarilys” symbolizes, and the one that described the atmosphere during the gala premiere of her latest movie “Yellow”, held at Plaza Guaynabo’s Caribbean Cinemas. Nervous and smiling, the native actress walked with boyfriend Eric Winter on a yellow carpet, stepped on by other artists that did not cease to talk and praise her work in favor of Puerto Rico’s cinematographic development. For example, cinematographer Jacobo Morales talked about how much Roselyn has grown as a dramatic actress, obvious in “Amarylis”. “It’s part of the rebirth of Puerto Rican cinematography and it shows the world what our Film Corporation is doing”, expressed Governor Aníbal Acevedo Vilá.

“Maldeamores” visits Italian ground. Puerto Rican film “Maldeamores”, from directors Carlitos Ruiz and Mariem Pérez, participated in the Taormina Film Festival in Sicily, Italy. This event, celebrated from June 16-22 only picks 14 films a year; seven Italian and seven international. The film also participated in Seattle’s International Film Festival and Tribeca’s in New York.

Salsa’s godfather. The title of Andy Montanez’s newest CD could suggest rap and reguetón, but it has nothing to do with the urban concept of his successful album and Grammy nominee, “Salsatón”. For Andy, the production of “The Godfather of Salsa” is an opportunity to take under his wing some of the gender’s youngest talents, including his sons Andy Jr. and Harold. His new repertoire includes: “Mi prueba de fuego”, “Me sabe a azúcar”, “Fruto que da”, “En las nubes”, “Montañez pa’ rato”, “Te amo tanto”, “Nueva generación”, “Ese amigo soy yo”, “Celos” and “Rubio, blanco y prieto”. Andy, who participated in Poncho Sanchez’s newest production, was also part of the final part of the triptych “Son, Cuba y Puerto Rico”, project in which he sings Bobby Capo’s "Soñando con Puerto Rico”, accompanied by the orchestra of Chucho Valdés and Irakere.

Daddy Yankee celebrates. Although he had to take a forced break from the promotion of his latest album “El Cartel: The Big Boss”, which went on sale June 5th, Daddy Yankee is tasting the success of being in the list of the top selling albums. “El Cangri”, who was hospitalized after suffering from dehydration, celebrated: being in the #1 spot in sales, under both categories, “Latin albums” and “Latin rhythm albums”; number nine in Billboard’s 200, and 2nd place in sales in Mexico. He also has the number one spot in iTunes Latino with the most sold album, and the single “Impacto” is in first place for most sold song and downloaded video. A musical gift for dad. After the success of their two shows named “Por tu amor”, dedicated to all mothers, the group CoroMío presented “Es un buen tipo mi viejo”, a show dedicated to fathers on their day. The event took place at the Sala Juan Marichal of the Centro de Bellas Artes Luis A. Ferré in Santurce, and had a bohemian concept with songs from the 80’s and 90’s. CoroMío, formerly known as Regalo de Tradición, includes members Francisco Zamora, José “Chelo” Rosario, Josué Castro and ex Menudo Rawy Torres. Remembering our musical history. On July 13 and 14 Chucho Avellanet, Dagmar and Nano Cabrera will unite their voices in “Cosa nuestra”, at the Centro de Bellas Artes in Caguas. With this event, the artists seek to confirm Puerto Rican cultural identity remembering the musical history of our people. The interpretations of Dagmar, Chucho and Nano will be intertwined by anecdotes from Jesús Omar “El Boricuazo”. Songs like “Son borinqueños” and “Anoche no dormí”, will be included in the repertoire and special guests include: José Nogueras, Alejandro Croatto and Otilio Warrington better known as “Bizcocho”.

The return of Yolandita. She was away for a while; today Yolandita returns to conquer the romantic ballad market with her latest production “Demasiado fuerte”. Although sales for this album have not stopped since its release, the American Association of the Recording Industry certified that in a time of piracy, homemade copies and music downloaded from the Internet, it will be difficult that “Demasiado fuerte” beats the 400 thousand units sold of her album “Vivencias”. “Demasiado fuerte”, produced by Jorge Luis Piloto is mainly composed by romantic ballads and the one before it, “Sexto sentido”, edited in 2002, practically went by unnoticed. Before 2007 ends, the artist would like to perform in concert held at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot.

Trova alive at Uncle Tom’s cabin. To keep alive the tradition of Puerto Rican typical music, husband and wife Miguel Rivera and Carmen Mercado have created a niche for trovadores of all ages, where they can have a forum all year long and present their art. Rivera, a trovador that during his childhood was artistically known as “El ruiseñor”, created with his wife this space at the La Cabaña del tío Tom restaurant, which they often visited. One day the found it abandoned and decided to take care of the place, located at barrio Guaraguao, close to Adjuntas. That’s how the new La Cabaña del tío Tom was born. Although the restaurant's menu keeps its variety of typical dishes, you can feel the change in administration on Sundays with the presentation of La Montaña Canta, a group of local trovadores. But the last Sunday of every month is even better because other musicians and guests singers get together in a show that goes live on radio through station WPAB 550 AM and www.lamontanacanta.net.

Have a great month everyone! If you are on vacation, make it memorable…and don’t forget to take pictures. God bless!

Summer is almost here! Some will travel, some will stay home, and many will be working and daydreaming of an exotic Island escapade. I will be one of those people.

Ok, the show that broke records in rating, reality show Objetivo Fama, finally came to an end. The winner was coameño Juan Antonio Vélez Rivera who won first place with 40.59% of the votes; Mexican Iván obtained 25.65%. Juan turned into the fourth winner of the competition that had its grand finale on May 20th. The celebration included a song by past winners Anaís, Janina and Marlon, who united their voices to sing the hit "Abriendo caminos". Daddy Yankee also made a guest appearance for his first presentation of the year, and sang his recent song "Impacto". On that same note, Puerto Rico will have nine representatives for the second edition of “Latin American Idol”, program that will start transmitting on the Island on June 13. From then on, locals and people from around 23 countries will have the opportunity to watch the battle of 30 participants from places like: Mexico, Colombia, Argentina and Venezuela. The jury, composed by entrepreneur Gustavo Sánchez, singer John Secada and his colleague Mimi, ex member of Mexican trio Flans, will evaluate their voice, projection and charisma. Sánchez and Secada participated in a press conference in which they talked about the program, based on the formula of “American Idol”, one of the most successful TV shows in the United States. The winner will receive a contract with Sony-BMG.

Those of you who enjoy a good book must know that this year over a thousand Spanish kids will decide if Mayra Montero’s recent novel, Son de almendra (Alfaguara, 2005), will prevail among the other finalist novels, also competing for the Premio Mandarache Jóvenes Lectores de Cartagena. In this pageant, Montero’s piece is competing with “Mi querida Eva” and “Inquietud”, from Spanish writers Gustavo Martín Gerzo and Oscar Esquivias, respectively. The prize will be notified in spring 2008, in Murcia, Spain. The Mandarache Award is handed out by young readers from the ages of 15 to 25. Although Mayra doesn’t consider herself a writer for young people, she considers that “Son de almendra” can be seductive to that mass of students because the main character is a young journalist that seeks to enter into that competitive area of work.

Imagine five girlfriends having coffee together. They talk about topics that only interest women or simply talk about those problems that our country and the entire world are facing. This is how actress Tita Guerrero describes the new TV proposal “Entre nosotras”, in which she will be accompanied by Gladys Rodríguez, Alba Nydia Díaz, Sonia Valentín and María del Carmen González. These five women will appear on a morning show from June 11. Beyond the feminine glance, this production promises to present generational perspectives and break typical stereotypes. “I believe there was a necessity to produce a program for women. We are a group that has important things to say and over the years, the audience has identified itself with our careers”, explained Alba Nydia, mentioning that the program will have a similarity with “The View”, the North American program that can be watched on ABC.

Music wise, on May 16, the Cayey campus of the University of Puerto Rico and the Music Program of the Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña celebrated the concert of the Danzas Composotion Pageant and homage to composer Juan Morel Campos in the 150 anniversary of his birth. The celebration included pianist Samuel Pérez, as well as the Cuarteto de Cuerdas Guanina that includes the ladies of the Orquesta Filarmónica Arturo Somohano, with the direction of Sandra Rodríguez. The presentation was part of the activities planned for the Week of Puerto Rican Danza, celebrated from May 14-20. To refresh your memory, Juan Morel Campos was born in Ponce on May 16, 1857. He was a disciple of Master Manuel G. Tavárez, who distinguished himself as composer of Puerto Rican Danzas. Among his funereal music is melody “La Carlota” and Danza “Laura y Georgina”, composed for Laura and Georgina Capó. He organized and directed Ponce’s Firefighters’ Band until his passing. On April 26, 1896 he collapsed while directing the Zarzuela “El Reloj de Lucerna” at La Perla Theater; he passed on May 12, 1896.

Glenn Monroig and his step daughter Paloma Suau got together once again to work on the filming of the video for the song “Qué falta tú me haces”, included in album “A papi”, which pays tribute to bolerista and guarachero Gilberto Monroig (1930-1996). “A papi” is not only an album; it’s an historic document because it includes 27 songs popularized by Gilberto Monroig. “It’s an audio-book”, explained Glenn, because between each song we incorporated some of my father’s dialogues. It also includes a family album of diverse eras, and chronics by Mayra Santos Febres. But the recording production is the first part of the project because there will be a launching of a “docu-performance”, in which Paloma will let her creativity run free, to show the musical story of her grandfather. “A papi” will include songs like: “Un imposible amor”, “Simplemente una ilusión”, “Nena”, “Usted”, “Nosotros”, “Fin de un amor”.

Michael Stuart is both surprised and happy with the thousands of ideas he received through endi.com to name his new album, “Sentimiento de un rumbero”, available on June 12. Javier Caro Torres was the one who came up with the name, that will help the artist promote his new musical work. As a prize, Caro will be with the artist during the New York’s Desfile Puertorriqueño. Just as “Sentimiento de un rumbero” suggests, in this production Michael returns to his roots as a salsero. "Me siento vivo", is the first promotional cut and the artist collaborated with the lyrics of “Lola”, a salsa with flamenco flavor; “Del barrio a la ciudad”, a montuno beat with social cut; “La vecina”, a sequel of his hit “Imaginando tu amor”, and “Pido perdón” in collaboration with Obie Bermúdez, which he recorded in salsa and ballad versions. Michael also had the talent of Jorge Luis Piloto and Luis Fonsi, who wrote “Si te vuelvo a encontrar”. As guest artist he made two duos with salsera la India in “Un amor tan grande” and with his idol José Alberto “El Canario” in “Dos con swing”.

That’s all for now my fellow boricuas. Have fun, be safe and God bless!

April 2007 - Hello everybody! A bit more refreshed than last month since rainy season is just around the corner, I am back to add a little Puerto Rican flavor to your lives…

The eternal romantics had a treat when they enjoyed the sweetness of Puerto Rican singers Lourdes Robles & José Feliciano. Both artists seduced the audience during the 3rd edition of “Noches de romance”, organized by radio station Romance (96.5 FM) at the Marriott Hotel in San Juan. Lourdes Robles started the evening with songs “Se te nota”, “Todo me habla de ti” and “Ayúdame”. She then treated her audience with popular hits: “Dónde se ha ido tu amor”, “Sola”, “Lo amo”, and a potpourri that included: “El corazón en blanco”, “Abrázame”, “Definitivamente” and “La nota ideal”. To end her presentation, she sang recent hits that included “Que Dios se apiade de mí”. It was Feliciano’s turn to go on stage and he offered a musical proposal that went from ballads to jazz and rock & roll. The musical virtuoso romanced everyone with tunes: “Oye guitarra mía”, “Lo que yo tuve contigo”, “Por mujeres como tú” and “Me has echado al olvido”. The artist also took time to indulge in his passion for North American music, performing rock hits “Sunshine of Your Love”, “Light My Fire” and “She’s in my Blood”. This last one included on his recent album. Once again, José Feliciano showed his versatility, not only by the agility of his fingers on his guitar, but also in his innate ability to make people laugh.

During the week dedicated to women and with the seventh art as instrument, a group of young women raised their voices to expose in short stories the daily problems they face in society. It was on the gala premiere of “Voces de mujer”, a project that invited women to submit scripts with topics like breast cancer, reproductive rights, domestic violence, repression, and self- esteem problems among others, where the audience had the opportunity to listen to their voices. One of the scriptwriters, Julianette Reyes, expressed that her short film, “Desde el otro lado”, speaks of domestic violence between younger people. She feels that on the Island, this problem is not given the importance it should. Some of the local actors that collaborated with the project were: Johanna Rosaly, Marian Pabón, Jacobo Morales, Junior Álvarez, Johemy Blanco and Dolores Pedro.

Another woman who is also raising her voice is Denise Quiñones who in 2001 became the 4th Puerto Rican Miss Universe. Then, she was always smiling and didn’t talk much. Now, she’s letting everyone know another side of her. Her recent expressions favoring the approval of the revision of our Civil Code that would give equal rights to same sex and heterosexual couples have exposed her evolution. “Our code of rights has to recognize the reality in which we live. This is why I support the recognition of same sex and heterosexual unions”, read a press release sent by the beauty. She also expressed the need to revise the gender in the birth certificates of transgender and transsexuals who have undergone a sex change. The purpose of raising her voice was to add a human perspective to the debate of the Civil Code amendments and motivate families of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender to share their stories.

If you thought Puerto Rican family comedies were history, on March 13, the debut of “¡Qué familia, mi familia!” in Tu Universo Televisión (TUTV) proves you wrong. This new program will be dedicated to the funny life situations that occur on a daily basis to the members of the “Duprey” family. The production, by Luisito Vigoreaux, shares the story of “Verónica” (Yamaris La Torre) an attourney, widow and mother of two very difficult kids, “Sofía” (Yenilis Mattei) and “Omar” (Josué Román). The woman has to deal with her children and with her father “Don Luis” (William Gracia), who lives with her after becoming a widow himself. “Don Luis” is a retired man, and a freak of technology that is always chatting, purchasing, and making romantic dates over the Internet. This family has other characters: “Don Chago” (Efraín López Neris), “Yolanda” (Luisa de Los Ríos) and “Doña Cleotilde” (Yasmín Mejías), who add flavor and dynamism to the comedy. The series will also include cameos by other local actors.

Next time you’re visiting Old San Juan, take time to enter the new home of local art. From José Campeche to Rafael Tufiño, without forgetting other masters of Puerto Rican painting like: Francisco Oller, Miguel Pou, Ramón Frade, Luis Hernández Cruz and Myrna Báez, to mention just a few, the National Gallery invites us to take a journey through the best of our art. A few weeks ago the old Convento de los Dominicos, located at the Norzagaray Street #98 in Old San Juan, opened its doors to let us appreciate its majestic walls. These hold a collection of paintings and wooden saints that allow us a very particular vision of our cultural patrimony through past centuries. Constructed in the XVI century, this building has been intimately linked to the avatars of San Juan and Puerto Rican history. Here, proportion and harmony reign and its walls have served to shelter all kinds of institutions, from a convent, purpose for its construction, to a military headquarter. It was precisely here that José Campeche took his first art lessons. The Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña, which guards an impressive art collection with a registry of over 1,000 pieces, has finally taken a very representative sample of this treasure that for the first time in decades is at everyone’s reach. In the first phase of this ambitious project, 150 pieces are shown.

This piece is not from a local artist but very much loved by us. It is the beautiful “Flaming June” and she left to the land where her creator, Lord Leighton, conceived her. On March 21, in presence of the Ponce Art Museum (MAP) delegation, entity that possesses the piece, and the curators of what is officially known as the Leighton House Museum, the painting’s visit to London was materialized. But she didn’t travel alone; “El Sueño del Rey Arturo en Avalon”, by Edward Burne Jones, accompanied her. The exhibition of both, which integrate the English Collection of the MAP in the Tate Britain Museum, will start on March 2008 and will extend until March 2009. “El Sueño del Rey Arturo en Avalon”, most important painting of Edward Burne Jones, will also have company: 10 drawings of the figures that appear on the piece and a preliminary painting of the management of its composition. The purpose of bringing these pieces is to open a collaborative study of the pieces in their original setting, with the experts and documentation needed to get a more specific conclusion of the painting. A complete catalog of the MAP’s English collection will also be created. The MAP’s founder, ex governor Luis A. Ferré, acquired both pieces in 1963.

Ahh, our heartthrob Chayanne is celebrating 28 years in music. Seems like yesterday right? Fortunately, the singer confirms having the same passion for his work, the energy to keep entertaining and the desire to continue learning and innovating. This is what he transmits while talking about his new album titled “Mi tiempo”, which will go on sale April 10 and will open a new concert tour that will let Chayanne return to his native Island on May 12 at the Hiram Bithorn Stadium. Since he didn’t go on tour for his past album “Cautivo”, his new show will include material of this production, as well as his popular hits. The rhythms and sounds of “Mi Tiempo”, produced by Colombian songwriter Estéfano, have a great Brazilian influence as well as some of Jamaica’s reggae, and can be heard in songs like “Río” and “Lola”. The singer explains that “Mi tiempo” is equally divided in ballads and rhythmic songs.

And with rhythm in mind, to offer some soneo and trova at the Bithorn, a great selection of artists participated in the 14th edition of the “Día Nacional de la Salsa”, where more than 50,000 persons gathered. The event, held for the first time since 2002 at the Hiram Bithorn Stadium, honored Raphy Leavitt, Sammy Marrero, Ramón Rodríguez and Ismael Miranda, better know as “El niño bonito” de la salsa, who will celebrate his 40 years in music. Other artists that made everyone dance to salsa music were Tito Nieves, Joey Pastrana, “Papo Cocote”, as well as trovadores Victoria Sanabria, Víctor Manuel Reyes and Mariano Cotto, and cuatristas Pedro Guzmán and Prodigio Claudio. Luis “Perico” Ortiz also shared the stage for the first time in 21 years with two ex members of his orchestra, Rafael de Jesús and Roberto Lugo.

Remember our “Gallito de Manatí”? Well he’s on tour. José Miguel Class is preparing to star a tour in some of Colombia’s cities, where he plans to take his popular rancheras show. “El Gallito de Manatí” left for Cali and other plazas of the South American country from where he will continue to the United States to present his show in New York & Boston. During the month of May and to honor all mothers, he will be in Philadelphia.

Hope you enjoy this beautiful season of spring and don’t forget to take time to pray, meditate or whatever you do that connects you to the Divinity.

God bless!!

March 2007 - Greetings from the Island! The weather has been crazy, plenty of heat and no rain. We are hoping to receive some needed showers to refresh the thirsty soil.

Since we celebrate women during the month of March, I will dedicate this column to those Puerto Rican women in the artistic field that in one way or another are contributing to our very rich culture.

We all know that Puerto Rican women are known for their exotic beauty, well, actress Roselyn Sánchez was chosen as one of the world’s most desirable women. This was stated by askmen.com cybernauts, who voted for their 99 favorites. Singer Shakira was the most mentioned in the list, landing at number 9. The first place went to 25-year-old singer and actress Beyoncé Knowles, followed by actresses Scarlett Johansson and Jessica Alba. The virtual magazine asked voters to value traits such as: intelligence, humor, charisma and ambition and leave aside sexual appeal and beauty. More than 8.5 millions of persons voted.

Another local beauty that has been contributing to our community is Jennifer Guevara, our new Miss Mundo de Puerto Rico 2007. For the pageant, she created the project "Belleza con propósito" (Beauty with a purpose), and now wishes to be an inspiration for Puerto Rican children with audio disabilities. The new national sovereign returned to the Colegio San Gabriel in Hato Rey to share with those students who collaborated in her project. She will put the project into action in both, the academic institution and the Miraflores community in her hometown of Orocovis, where there has been a reported proliferation of people with audio limitations. The Colegio San Gabriel was founded 102 years ago in Aguadilla, and is now located in Hato Rey. It attends children with audio disabilities from all over the Island. José Carrasquillo, the institution’s director, explained that it has a regular curriculum adapted for audio impaired children through sign language. They also offer speech and occupational therapy.

Once again, “Negi” will leave the country girl behind and turn into a successful hard working immigrant, sure of her abilities. But this time, her transformation will not take place in the pages of the novel that gave her life, but in the theater. The acclaimed piece “Cuando era Puertorriqueña”, written by Esmeralda Santiago, will be presented at the Centro de Bellas Artes Luis A. Ferré, starting April 23. Tere Martínez, Puerto Rican actress who lives in the States, has been in charge of the adaptation, montage and the interpretation of the lead character. Audiovisual elements complement the play, which had its debut in New York and has traveled to other other Latin communities in the States. More than a biography that allows spectators to watch the evolution of Negi’s identity, who, after being born in the Island by the end of the 50’s, moves to NY early in the sixties, “Cuando era puertorriqueña” is the testimony of a part of Puerto Rican history; the one she lives in Puerto Rico and the one in the United States. This causes a constant sensation of disarray in the main character and all of these aspects are left intact in Martínez’s adaptation.

On a very emotional day, 13-year-old Emanuel Santiago Rivera tried to convince himself that his encounter with Lucecita Benítez was not a dream. The wish of this boy was to meet “Puerto Rico’s National Voice”. After manifesting his interest in a local newspaper, he finally exchanged a strong hug with the interpreter of “Génesis”.

“Hey Emanuel, gimme five”, Lucecita asked the kid who came to meet her with his parents and sister. With so many emotions inside of him, Emanuel couldn’t help it and cried. “How happy you have made me!”, Luz Esther Benítez told him. “You are a musical jewel”, he answered. She immediately asked his mother what school did he attend; she was surprised with the boy. “What satisfies me the most is not the admiration, but watching how a 13-year-old expresses himself the way he does”.

Luz confessed to the boy that they day before his story was published, she was feeling depressed by the situation the country is going through. After looking at a crucifix, she asked God if she had come to the end of her career. “I asked for an answer, if my work had been valid and if all the struggle had been worthwhile. I asked him for a signal that I had moved somebody and now you have resolved my problem. As long as there’s a boy like you, that appreciates my literary work in music, I can feel that out of four million people, there is one I took to my side”. With a pat on the back and while caressing his cheeks, Luz told him that he will be part of the book about her life that her psychologist is writing. She told Emanuel’s family that Puerto Rico needs more patriots, poets and thinkers, people like this kid. She didn’t sing to him but told him that she will help him in his journey through life and invited him and his family to her next concert. Without hiding his emotions, Emanuel read aloud a card he dedicated to her: he thanked God for giving him the joy of meeting her.

What can better define beauty and women than Venus the goddess? Although this one is written Venusz, these five women share the experience of their first album. For them, it was like having their first baby, even if some of them are already mothers. Maybe it was because they brought it to life with illusion, effort, some pain and plenty of love. And this is precisely how they named it “Con amor” (With Love) and since last December it has taken its first steps as a testimony, not only of the musical vocation of the members, but also as the appreciation they share for danza as an archetypal expression of Puerto Rican culture. Founded and directed by Elena Sherbanesco, born in Rumania and who since 1982 is a member of Puerto Rico’s Symphonic Orchestra, the Venusz Ensemble was born in 2004, due, among other things, to it’s founder’s perception that women have a different way of making music. Venusz members are Elena Sherbanesco, Aida Sosa, Marta Hernández, Rosallyn Ianelli and Maricarmen Rivera. Elena expresses that the rigorous image of the classical musician has to adapt to modern times in order to invite another kind of audience. She explains that the album is an attempt to preserve and diffuse danza in a way that had not been explored: the strings quintet.

Now let’s go in a seductive musical journey. If this woman absorbs the comments and petitions of her first solo album, Harp Voyage: A musical journey with Lizary Rodríguez Ríos, she will confirm that local audience is receptive of a work that captures the special enchantment of the harp. Thirteen themes take its listeners into a voyage through those countries that influenced the harpist: Puerto Rico, Spain, Italy, France, Russia and Germany. The album is available in bookstores, museums and is soon to arrive in music stores. Lizary, who studied at the Conservatorio de Música and also obtained a PhD in Musical Arts from Arizona University, describes the album as the result of many years of study. During her postgraduates studies in Arizona, Rodríguez went to Spain, guided by her fascination of Spanish music, which turned into the focus of her academic investigation and got her a scholarship from the Spanish Agency of International Cooperation. She took advantage of the time spent there and obtained a title from the Real Conservatorio Superior Música. When she finished her studies and found free time, she adventured and created her album.

Last but not least, the vestibule of Cagua’s Centro de Bellas Artes will hold a photographic show with the transcendental career moments of talented actress Alba Nydia Díaz. This will be part of a homage dedicated to the veteran actress for her 30 years in acting. It will take place at the same time of the presentation in stage of “Tiempo muerto”, classic play written by Manuel Méndez Ballester.

Alba Nydia Díaz appears in the piece with Braulio Castillo and José Luis “Chavito” Marrero. “Tiempo muerto” presents the reality and circumstances of Puerto Ricans; the conflicts between nature and reason and between blind force and free will. It’s the tragedy of the sugar cane campesino drowned by the imperative social system that turns him into his tragedy and takes away his dignity. This piece unveils the effects of the disintegration of the family as a consequence of the exploiting system imposed by the powerful consortiums of the sugar cane industry.
Ciao Ciao everyone! Send some rain to the Islita…. God

February 2007 - Greetings my fellow boricuas! Hope the beginning of the year has received you and injected you with all the positive energy you need to accomplish your goals. I am back to share with all of you our latest entertainment and cultural news, regarding the Afro Caribbean essence that is still very latent in our souls…

We all have heard that Shakira’s hips don’t lie but Francheska’s ask for "mambo". The representative of Puerto Rico’s old school rap is promoting her latest recording. Just like she did in the early 90’s with hit "Menéalo", once again, Francheska combines her tropical music roots with urban sounds, such as reggaetón. We can perceive this in her newest single “Mambo”, already playing in the Dominican Republic. This formula will define the album, which she wishes to launch during the summer. The voice of "Atrévete a moverlo" had her official comeback on January 20th at the “La Feria Adventure Park”, held at the parking lot of the Hiram Bithorn stadium in Hato Rey. It was a special participation in a show dedicated to those representatives of old and new urban music; she was the only female in the artistic program.

On a sad note, the patriarch of the Sanabria family, who taught three generations of trovadores to love our culture and folklore, Leopoldo Sanabria Cruz, died on January 7th from a massive stroke. The father of the Sanabria brothers passed away after celebrating with his neighbors of the Pueblito del Carmen barrio, in the town of Guayama where he spent much of his life. He was 80 years old. Singer Alfonso Sanabria expressed that his father had been through open-heart surgery a few years ago and had also suffered from diabetes, medical condition that caused him to have his right leg amputated. The Sanabria family decided to celebrate the life of don Leo, how everyone called him. They set a stage in front of his home with an open microphone and let anyone that wanted to dedicate décimas, do so. Leopoldo Sanabria Cruz was a farmer from Salinas who taught his 17 children and 50 grandchildren to appreciate Puerto Rican trova. As a young man, don Leo used to play trova in the countryside. He used to take his guitar, mount his horse and sing in different parts of town. In 1998 the brothers created the "Leopoldo Sanabria" Foundation, created to help cultivate trova in low-income children.

Speaking about children, mega star and children advocate Ricky Martin, is very happy about starting his next tour in Latin America; he will visit the Dominican Republic where he will give a show on February 16 at Santo Domingo’s Quisqueya Stadium. The artist, who was chosen by the People en Español magazine as one of the 100 most influential Hispanics in the world, expressed to be very happy about reuniting with the country’s fans. This will happen after presenting his first show in his beloved Puerto Rico, on February 9, 10, 11 and 12. The tickets to the show are supposed to be at accessible prices, in order to satisfy a petition from the artist. After his presentation in Santo Domingo, Martin will fly to Costa Rica, and continue his tour, which he’ll also take to Guatemala and El Salvador. By the end of February he will visit Chile where he is supposed to attend the famous Viña del Mar Festival.

Our very own festival, the 37th edition of the Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián, the most relevant cultural event of the year, took place January 18-21 at Old San Juan. More than 300 artisans and artists participated; there was also a cinema festival going on with approximately 30 movies and documentaries, a book fair and a festival for kids, among other events. This year, the 2007 edition of the Premio Nacional San Sebastián, honored the cultural contribution of Rafael Ithier and El Gran Combo, with Quique Lucca and the Sonora Ponceña, as well as many others. So who entertained the crowds during the three nights of the party? Plena Libre, Joaquín Mouliert, La Selecta, Tony Vega, Sonora Ponceña, Plenarium and other popular orchestras. The Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián is an activity for the entire family, having the necessary cultural diversity to satisfy everyone.

Still standing and very renewed, our Hiram Bithorn stadium prepares once again to host big concerts in its refreshed facilities. Chayanne, the “Día Nacional de la Salsa” and the Dj Tiesto’s show will be the first to take place at Hato Rey’s stadium. After a millionaire inversion, not only there will be huge sports events, the spectacular structure will enlarge its entertainment offer. The stadium can accommodate approximately 18,000-seated spectators. This turns it into the public complex with the largest capacity of persons in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, with almost 4,000 parking spaces.

The Association of Entertainment Critics (ACE), announced that they will recognize Denise Quiñones as Best Actress for her role in “Zanahorias”. Quiñones, who was crowned Miss Universe in 2001, received the award for Best Actress in a Theater Epic, for her participation in Spanish Antonio Zancada’s play. The 39th award ceremony will be celebrated on May 6 at the Red Oak-Manhattan Valley Center, in New York.

Soneo with contoneo. That’s the concept of the dancing series "Soneros pa'l bailador", which will reunite a first phase of talented singers in an emulation of the 70’s golden era of salsa. The show will include presentations by Jimmy Sabater, Adalberto Santiago, Tito Allen, Ray de la Paz, Hermán Oliveras, Frankie Vázquez and Junior González, with the music of the Descarga Boricua orchestra, and the direction of Louis García and Eric Figueroa. Larry Harlow will also share the sweetness of his piano. There will be two shows: Friday, February 16 at 8:00 PM at the Pool Palace, in Old San Juan; and Saturday, February 17 at the same time in the Winners Club of the Camarero hipódromo, in Canóvanas. This will be a sneak peek of the "Historia de la salsa: El concierto", cancelled last year. It will also reunite a selected group of musicians, such as percussionists Pablo Rosario and Endel Dueño. The music offer will be seasoned with special participations of Jerry Medina and Wichie Camacho, who will add the boricua touch by singing a repertoire from the Batacumbele group.

Puerto Rican folklorist, Ángel Luis Torruellas, speaks of how he plans to defend plena until death, and will fight against the fusions with jazz and reggaetón that has been experimenting this genre in the hands of the new generation’s singers and producers. "I am not OK with plena being mixed with jazz because, blacks (afro Americans) will then say its theirs. When you mix genres, we hand out to others the opportunity to appropriate them", expressed the mayagüezano, who’s working on his next, of more than 130 musical productions. To explain this conservative way of thinking, the songwriter remembers the origins of salsa in New York during the 60’s; 10 years after his arrival to this cosmopolitan city. By his criteria, forged in experience, that type of music owes plena more than they have credited it for. "Plena is ours and it’s the true root of a number of the genre’s playing styles, of everything that moves in the Afro Caribbean rhythms. Salsa, reggaetón and what has been called tropical music come from plena. The thing is that they have used it to step up and then they have forgotten to mention it", expressed the creator of "Camelia" and "Viejo malecón", among more than 2,000 plenas and bombas he has diffused throughout the world. For his peace of mind, his return to the Island on February 2006, showed him a great panoramic view regarding the conservation of our music. Groups like Truco & Zaperoko, Plenéalo, Bomplené and Plena Libre have given him the motivation to write songs "until death", being these songs the principal menu from which those musical projects feed. While he works on his new album, Ángel Luis Torruellas is promoting the albums "Plena maestra" and "La leyenda", distributed by the recording company he belongs to, Disco Hit.

December 2006
Yes, Christmas is here already and if you don’t know this very important fact: Puerto Ricans have the longest Christmas season. We start right after Thanksgiving and we end in February with the Octavitas. So what has been going on Christmas wise? A lot!

The first ones to bring the Christmas spirit were the candidates of the Miss Mundo de Puerto Rico pageant who visited the premises of the El Nuevo Día newspaper, singing and dancing to the rhythms of Christmas music. So that’s officially the first trulla of the year. The beauties, dressed with Christmas motifs, maracas and guiros in hands, were musically accompanied by a group of parents, organized by the parents of Miss Naranjito, Bárbara Flores. They also gave out hot coffee to employees as part of a campaign that Café Yaucono is promoting to prevent car accidents during the Christmas festivities. The Miss Mundo de Puerto Rico pageant will take place on January 24, 2007 at the Centro de Bellas Artes Luis A. Ferré in Santurce and will be transmitted by Televicentro, channel 4.

A very interesting art exhibition opened recently at the Ponce Art Museum. “Manos y almas, la tradición de santos en Puerto Rico” is the name of the show that includes 172 pieces, both old and modern, and created by more than 80 talladores (wood artisans) to show not only the evolution and trajectory of themes, but also techniques. The show is open to the general public and during the opening day entire families enjoyed music, workshops, a round table with local talladores, and other activities.

One of the aspects that the art exhibition wants to highlight is the devotion and spiritual commitment of the talladores with their pieces; not only these are works of art but objects that many of us use to kneel down and pray to.

At the show, five devotion images stand out because of their important cultural value to our country: The Three Kings, the Hormigueros Miracle, Our Lady of Monserrate, The Three Holy Kings and the Three Marys, and the Virgin of Kings.
This is the first time that many of the pieces are shown to the public, while there are a lot of them that correspond to those more distinguished artists such as: Celestino Avilés, Ceferino Calderón, Eduardo González, José Luis Negrón, Domingo Orta, Lázaro Otero and Carmelo Soto. This is why the curator explained that through the sample people will be able to appreciate the influence of the masters in the younger artists. These are complemented by paintings that are part of a permanent collection and were integrated in the show. Such is the case of a Peruvian painting of the Virgen de la Candelaria of the XVIII century that served as inspiration to a tallador. The show is ongoing until February 11th 2007.

For those who still remember them, the most loved family of Puerto Rico, the Garcías, returned to TV with a Christmas special that was transmitted December 2nd on Telemundo. The program retakes the story of the past special of “Los García” that was transmitted in the summer, when the great granddaughter of Juan and Teresa and don Pepín is born. In the new episode, the García family and Pepín’s family want to celebrate Christmas big time because of their great granddaughter’s birth. For this, Teresa and Pepín register their families in a contest. The winning family will receive as a prize the down payment for a house, a car and $10,000. The day of the show will include an edited program of the 1994 Christmas special in which Tommy Muñiz participated as Juan García. The cast of “Los García” is composed by: Gladys Rodríguez, Gina Beverraggi, William Gracia, Edgardo Rubio, Christie Miró, Edgar Cuevas and Rafo Muñiz.

Have you ever heard of trullas to attract good luck? Well salsero Michael Stuart and groups Zarabanda and Zakandela have united during Christmas for luck parrandas.

But it will not be the typical trulla that seeks food and drinks at 3:00 in the morning, but one that hopes to motivate everyone to win from $500 to $25,000 during the Christmas festivities. Until January 5th 2007, "La trulla de los chavos" will be visiting different spots of the Island to promote the game of Puerto Rico’s Lotería Electrónica, in which with only $5 people could win $25,000 instantly. When someone buys a ticket for $5 the machine will let the person know if he or she is a winner. The amount of prizes reaches $150,000 so there are many chances to win. So with güiro, panderos and batucada, the artists will sing a Christmas chorus that says:

"Trulla de chavos en la Navidad,
juega la Loto que puedes ganar".

For this season, rapper Tito “El Bambino” will lead a Christmas campaign for the Boys & Girls Club called “Detén la ola de violencia contra nuestros niños” due to the growing number of cases of mistreat that affect daily the Puerto Rican child population, with 24,000 cases a year. The campaign, designed for radio, television and written media was launched at the Boys & Girls Club Las Margaritas, in Santurce with the presence of Víctor Rodríguez and Yvonne Dieppa, of the de Boys & Girls Club; colonel José R. Denis Tavales, auxiliary superintendent of fields operations of the Police; and Adalberto Mercado, security commissioner of the San Juan Police. These last two mentioned the statistics and reasons why it is vital to support prevention campaigns and programs such as the Club, created for children and youngsters between the ages of 6 and 18, since the 30% of the Puerto Rican population is under age.

Another artist that is preparing for Christmas is songwriter Luis Fonsi who during a special activity created with the American Express Company at the Plaza Las Américas shopping center in San Juan, made a call for families to unite during the festive season. Fonsi was the special guest of the annual event “Día y noche de sorpresas” of the mentioned firm. As part of the activity, credit card users will receive various benefits.

The artist took time from his busy agenda to become part of this project and confessed that he has already started his Christmas gifts list. But he emphasized that the best presents are family and good health. “I enjoy surprise gifts. I haven’t asked for anything specific but I like electronics. I’m a big fan of technology. Adamari (his wife and novela actress) already made me her list that consists of 10 things but I want to surprise her”. Fonsi also confirmed that he would spend part of the festive days in Puerto Rico and the rest in Miami, Florida, where he lives. While in Puerto Rico, he usually goes to parrandas and consumes the traditional Christmas dishes. “At the parrandas I’m the first to take a frying pan and a stick and start making noise. My musicians are the ones that carry the cuatros”.

A town that showed their early Christmas spirit was Caguas. In a night of memories, a number of local and international trios welcomed this precious time of the year. It all happened at the Centro de Bellas Artes Ángel O. Berrios of this town. Legendary groups such as: Los Andinos, Los Caciques, El Drim Tim Trío, Julito Rodríguez and his trio, Los Cancioneros and los Tres Reyes united their voices and guitars in a very romantic night. The first ones to appear on stage where Los Andinos. This famous played songs like “La misma cosa”, “Por eso canto a mi tierra”, “Los dos” and they gave their Christmas touch with the classic “Que no me da la gana”. The night continued with the music of Julín Reyes and Los Caciques, trio created in 1970. They were famous for their Christmas hits and on this night they sang to love with melodies “Porcentaje”, “Ausencia”, “Motivos” and “Que será de ti”. It was Tato Díaz and his famous Drim Tim Trio’s turn. Díaz, who was part of Los Hispanos, presented songs like “Penita, pena”, “Para toda la vida”, “Campesino suban”, “Navidad sin ti” and “Como han pasado los años”, very welcomed by the audience. The presentation concluded with the union on stage of all trios who sang along “Cantares de Navidad”. Also, “Hígado de Ganso”, Tavin Pumarejo integrated with the group. It was indeed a great night where poetry became song.

This year, Melina León’s Christmas also started in her hometown of Caguas. She participated of the traditional lighting “Navidad Criolla”, at the Plaza Santiago R. Palmer, where she wore her best attires for a show for the town. “For me, Christmas is always the most precious season of the year. It’s the first time that I participate in the lighting and I’m very happy because I offered my voice to all my people of Caguas whom I haven’t spent time with in a long time.” The show combined merengue, ballads and a potpourri of Christmas songs. “They had the typical songs that we all know and sing each Christmas and the romantic side was also present”, expressed the songwriter who was nominated for a Latin Grammy for her recent production “Serenata en San Juan” with Trí-O.

Have a great Holiday Season everybody! And remember to give thanks for all the blessings received this year….God bless!!

November 2006

Hey my friends, another month went by and we’ve seen more cultural activities taking place at our different venues. Rock bands with a social commitment, dancing in honor of Mozart, classic local programs brought back to life…there’s a lot going on.

First, my heart goes out to the family of our beloved actress Judith Pizarro who passed away October 1st due to heart failure. To pay their last respects, friends and family, including husband Clifford Ferreira and her daughter Luz Angelis, gathered at her home in barrio La Gloria in Trujillo Alto where her body was exposed. Her body would then be cremated to honor Pizarro’s last wish. Judith Pizarro graduated from the Drama department of the University of Puerto Rico of Río Piedras and was known for "Migdalia", a funny character included in "Mi familia", a program transmitted by Telemundo.

Speaking of Telemundo, Raymond Arrieta didn’t wait long to return to TV. The comedian announced his jump to this network where he will be in charge of a daily program, along Dagmar, who also returns to television after a year and a half. The project still needs a name and will be a variety show that could debut by the end of this year or the beginning of the next. Tony Mojena, producer of the show, described the programs as very familiar and refreshing, in which the audience will identify with the hosts. He also mentioned that it could be transmitted in the United States through the Telemundo network.

On the music world, a famous tropical singer wanted her fans to be the first to listen to her new musical proposal. Olga Tañón gave two massive presentations of her recent album “Soy como tú” and for the occasion, hundreds of persons gathered in front of the Centro de Bellas Artes of Caguas. Tañón sang nine of the album’s 13 songs and her first interpretation was “Desilusióname”. One of the most beautiful interpretations was “Flaca o gordita”, which she wrote inspired by her parents who have bee married for 39 years. The album, which seeks to bring “empowerment” to women, had great feedback, especially by the feminine fans.

Twelve years have gone by but the band Fiel a la Vega remain faithful to their sounds, themes and audience. The rock group made a musical journey through their artistic history, in a concert called: "Acústico: desde el comienzo", which took place at the Centro de Bellas Artes of San Juan. Tito Auger, Ricky Laureano and brothers Jorge and Pedro Arraiza gave an extensive show in which nostalgia was very present. "Canción para Vieques" made everyone remember the band’s solidarity in the fight to liberate Vieques from the United States Marine, while "Croatto" was a tribute to songwriter Tony Croatto who passed away last year. After the audience shouted for more, the members returned to the stage with the presence of their guest star, Roy Brown.

“Noche de gala” returns to TV with a new home. On November 23 the show will be transmitted by TUTV, under the production of Paquito Cordero, creator of the original version that for more than 20 years remained as one of everyone’s favorite shows, and 14 years ago went off air. Recently, the first edition of the program was recorded in the studios of channel 6 with host, Deborah Carthy Deu, Miss Universe 1985. When talking about this new version of “Noche de gala”, Carthy explains that the production will maintain its glamorous aspect and will be complemented with new technology to make it a more dynamic space and in sync with this era.

The first victim of their parodies was Luis Muñoz Marín. Then Carlos Romero Barceló, Rafael Hernández Colón and Pedro Rosselló came along, among other governors, and government officials. It is now the turn of Silverio Pérez. The "disparates de los políticos" still remain as the principal material for the scripts of Los Rayos Gamma. But in their most recent presentation, Los Gamma, Horacio Olivo, Jacobo Morales and Emmanuel "Sunshine" Logroño, included the scandals they had been part of during their 35 years history, starting with the recent incidents in which one of their members had the lead role, Silverio Pérez. The show "Tirando duro y escocotaos” was presented during an entire weekend at the Centro de Bellas Artes of Santurce, their crib for more than two decades.

Our Danny Rivera is recording an album in honor of Dominican songwriter Juan Luis Guerra. In the production, Caribbean sounds like bomba, African, Asiatic and other fusions predominate, having as a foundation the original arrangements. The album will be released in November and will be called “Te regalo una rosa”, one of Guerras classic hits of whom he also recorded “Burbujas de amor”, “Cuando te beso”, “Ay mujer”, “Tú”, “Quisiera”, “La hormiguita” and “Amor de conuco”. Another surprise is “Astronauta de las musas”, an inedited song that Rivera composed inspired in various titles of the Dominican artist. Among Rivera’s greatest hits are: “Acuérdate de abril”, “Gracias mi amor”, “Amar o morir”, “Amada amante”, “Alfonsina”, “Libre”, “Con las alas rotas”, “Que daría yo” and “Los amantes”. Rivera has dedicated more than four decades to music, receiving three gold records, four platinum records, three nominations to the Grammy and numerous awards.

Wolfgang Amadeus, the most famous of the Mozart clan will be honored by local dance company Andanza who presents its recent show “Andanza con Mozart” at the Centro de Bellas Artes Luis A. Ferré. As a tribute to the famous Austrian composer, Andanza celebrates the 250 years of his birth. This production is also part of the 42nd Festival de Teatro Internacional of the Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña. The program will include a choreography by Brazilian Antonio Gomes and two pieces of Andanza’s choreographer Carlos Iván Santos: “Interludio en el limbo” inspired by “Andante” of Mozarts Concierto #21 en Do Mayor, and “Variaciones Encubiertas” inspired by “Dúo para piano y violín en Re Mayor al estilo de Mozart”, commissioned to young composer Javier Rodríguez Curet. On December, Andanza will present the third edition of its show at the Museum of Contemporary Art, and on April 2007 they will articulate a new production before taking to stage “La historia de arroz con habichuelas”, their second production for children.

Have a great Thanksgiving Day everybody! Remember to give thanks for all the blessings received. Until next time…

October 2006 - Hola mi gente linda! I’m back to entertain you with what’s been entertaining us around here. Lots of creativity going on and sadly some grievance too, but at the end, those positive and happy memories are the ones that always prevail.

Jazz, ballads, filin and chocolate. “La Muñeca de Chocolate”, Lucy Fabery, melts with emotion when talking about her new record, a blend of ballads, jazz and filin, with none other than trumpetist Humberto Ramírez. The album, called “Humberto Ramírez presenta: Divinamente... Lucy Fabery”, was created to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the “Fundación Nacional para la Cultura Popular”. Both generations unite their talents for a concept that feeds of ballads from Puerto Rican authors, and incorporate jazz and the freestyle of Cuban filin. Fabery, known as Puerto Rico’s queen of filin, sings new versions of “Juguete”, “Mi version”, “No llores más”, “Un amor y una canción” and “Summertime”, among others.

Vivanativa goes to the extreme. Between sweet and sour; soft and hard; good and bad; a yes and a no; this center between both extremes delineates the new proposal of Puerto Rican band Vivanativa. “Dulce sodio", the fourth production of the Spanish rock band, is romantic but not a “cortavenas”. The opposing forces can be perceived in the sounds and lyrics, which gain strength in the voices of collaborators: Spanish singer Rosario Flores, Chilean singer Alberto "Beto" Cuevas (La Ley) and boricua Gustavo Laureano (La Secta AllStar). The "nativos", Javier (lead singer), Nabeel (guitar and backup singer), Clemente (bass), Omar (drums) and Juan (keyboards), showed a sample of their new record in the past presentation in the Island of Argentinean rock band Los Enanitos Verdes.

Juan Manuel Lebrón seeks a shift in his career. Veteran actor, who has 35 years in the artistic scene, seeks more opportunities in dramatic projects besides comedy. Lebrón also wants to be known for his ability to impersonate strong characters, something he demonstrated in "ADN", a chapter of the "Un día antes" series. At the moment, Lebrón stars as "Iluminado", a comical character in the series "Se caen De La Matta", that will debut by the end of September in Televicentro (channel 4). "Juanma" also hopes to release a new record in December and is in the middle of a project in which he will bring back to life all of his past characters.

Playing for their patriotism. The first week of October we will have a new reality show, "Objetivo patria", in which the audience will have the opportunity to choose the winner. Nothing new right? Wait, there’s more. This new reality won’t be televised, it will go up the stage. The participants will not only sing, they will also dance and of course, act. But their real challenge will be to demonstrate their knowledge of Puerto Rican topics. That’s the objective of this new musical that will go on stage October 5-8 at the Centro de Bellas Artes of San Juan. The purpose of the piece, as told by creator Jesús Omar Rivera, known as "El Boricuazo", is to “highlight the grandiosity of our land and our people".

The "menuditis" returns. More than a million records sold around the world; concerts completely full; crazy fans; movies; world tours; commercials and a lot of memorabilia. All this and more came true for five teenage kids with a powerful name: Menudo. It might be the temptation of the golden success of this group, created in Puerto Rico in 1977, the reason that various executives have united to relive the Menudo concept. In 2004, Barry Solomon and Jeffrey Weiner obtained the rights for the name of the group and created the Menudo Entertainment company, that will be in charge of recruiting five teenagers from difference parts of the world that want to be part of the new generation of Menudo. First stop: Puerto Rico. The new group will not only come with a musical contract from Epic Records/Sony BMG, they will also be a part of a reality show that will air next year on the MTV network. The new group’s first appearance will be at the "2007 MTV Music Video Awards ".

Zuleyka Rivera fights against AIDS. What has Miss Universe 2006, Zuleyka Rivera Mendoza, done lately? A lot, she was recently named International Ambassador of the Latin Commission for AIDS. The universal beauty queen will take a public HIV test in October as part of the “Día Nacional de la Conciencia Latina sobre el Sida”. The queen will also be the official spokesperson for the Cielo Latino Commission. She will endorse a pendant created by fashion designer Carlos Alberto, and the proceedings will be destined as sponsorship for the educational initiative of the Latin Commission for AIDS and its fight against the syndrome.

Boricuas ready for the race. As a sneak preview of the Latin Grammy Awards, a group of stars like Obie Bermúdez, India, Alejandra Guzmán, Tego Calderón and Calle 13 got together to announce the nominees of the 7th edition of the ceremony that will take place on November 2nd at the Madison Square Garden. Our Chayanne, Víctor Manuelle and Calle 13 received three nominations each. As for reggaetón, well, a boricua will definitely win; all the nominees are local: Calle 13, Daddy Yankee, Don Omar and Wisin & Yandel.

The loss of two Puerto Rican poets. In less than a week two legendary poets passed away. Juan Sáez Burgos died in his home in Ceiba from a heart attack; he was 63 years old. A couple of days before, Andrés Castro Ríos died in his home in Santurce, also from a heart complication. Sáez Burgos, nephew of national poet Julia de Burgos, was born in Río Piedras on August 2, 1942. He studied at the High School of the University of Puerto Rico and in that same institution he obtained a bachelors degree in Art. After that he studied Law at the University of Granada in Spain. Sáez was part of the group of college students that in 1962 founded the Guajana magazine, one of the most important literary movements of the country. His poems have been diffused in local and foreign newspapers and magazines.

Many dance to Olivencia’s last rumbón. Another great loss for Puerto Ricans is the death of Tommy Olivencia on September 22 after suffering from a low sugar episode. Some knew him as a father, others as a friend and many as a great musician. Adib Melgen, a member of the Conjunto Quisqueya, expressed that Tommy represented an example of what an orchestra director should be in any musical genre. Musical producer and friend Rafy Cartagena arrived from New Jersey and shared that the death of "Trucutú’s" creator had a big impact on the Hispanic community in the United States. Friends, family and followers of the director of La Primerísima said their last goodbyes on September 27 at the Nuestra Señora de Lourdes church in Villa Palmeras. His body was then taken to the Placita de los Salseros in Santurce where they offered him a last rumbón.

“Pablo Casals Defilló en San Juan de Puerto Rico”. This is the name of the exhibition that celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Festival Casals foundation, and reflects on Casals’s presence in the Island. His life experiences in the land of his mother, Pilar Defilló Amiguet, were extraordinary and his journey through the Island was determined to make Puerto Rico assume an important role in the world’s classical music. This exhibition, in collaboration with the Pablo Casals Museum, is divided in five areas that invite us to know and reflect on the Master’s figure and his private moments during the last 17 years of his life in Puerto Rico. “Pablo Casals Defilló en San Juan de Puerto Rico” will be open to the public in the San Juan Museum until October 31st.

Take care mi gente and remember that “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”. Until next time! God bless!

September 1, 2006 - What’s happening dear boricuas? I’m here to tell you what’s going on at the Islita. Everyone’s anxious about the return of our Miss Universe 2006: Zuleyka Rivera. On September 4 she will be the recipient of a high-end homecoming gala and although plans are not final, rumor has it that the following artists will perform: Chayanne, Chelo (P.R.’s hottest pop newcomer) as well as resident reggaeton duo Wisín & Yandel. After the main event, which begins the moment “la reina” arrives at the airport, Rivera will receive another warm welcome in her hometown of Salinas by her “compueblanos”.

Another reason to feel proud of our fellow Boricuas: our very own Ricky Martin has been appointed “Person of the Year” by the Academia Latina de la Grabación, for his professional success and humanitarian work. Puerto Rico’s number one superstar will receive his homage on November the 1st, the night before the Latin Grammys. The ceremony will take place in New York, where many personalities from the music industry are expected to attend. In the past, José José, Carlos Santana, Gilberto Gil, Vicente Fernández, Julio Iglesias and Emilio Estefan have also received this honor.

And that’s not all; the music scene has even more reasons to celebrate! The “Caballero de la Salsa”, Gilberto Santa Rosa, celebrated his 30 years in the music field. The “salsero” shared with his fans the story behind each song he interpreted the night of August 12 at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente of Hato Rey. Gilbertito transported his audience on a journey of three decades of musical history, in a concert titled "Sólo éxitos". The celebration started with some of the melodies that marked the beginning of his career like "Cantante de cartel", "Los rosales" and "Como sube la gasolina". The show also featured some of his ballads like "Mentira", "Pueden decir" and "Amor para la historia". As an antiwar and very moving note, the “salsero” sang "Trinchera", written by Omar Alfano and popularized by El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico in 1991.

Changing genres, local Spanish rock band "Sí Señor" faces the difficult task of defining its next step. On August 12th they demonstrated that they were capable of performing at the Centro de Bellas Artes Luis A. Ferré in Santurce. The four members of the band: lead singer Brenda Román, Carlos, Esteban and Butch made it clear that they world offer a concert, not a show. No visual effects, no pretentious montage, just good music. Some of the songs the band performed, included in their two albums, were: “Me gustas tú”, “Todo se ha vuelto gris”, “Quisiera”, “Oye ven”, and latest hit “Verano del 96”. After two hours of music, the concert propitiated a sympathetic encounter between the audience and one of the few bands that survives the local scene.

To promote cultural activity in the area, on August 17, seven art galleries in the Art District of Puerto Nuevo opened their doors to present recent exhibitions. “Juntos para el arte” was the name of the show that displayed individual and collective proposals of both local and Latin artists. For example: Biaggi-Faure Fine Art presented “Lúmina”, Wilfredo Chiesa’s newest work; Uri Art Gallery featured the art of Cuban Janet Quevedo, named “Crónicas de la vida”; La Casa del Arte showed the collective

“Emergents: affordable art”, from the artists W&N, Rogelio Báez, Marcial Feliciano, Karlo Ibarra, Nicole Rodríguez, Iván Girona, André Rodríguez, María Jahr, Moisés Fragela and Aby Ruiz, and Gómez Fine Art presented a sample of painter Frida Kahlo’s pictures, taken by famous photographer Nicholas Murray.

Speaking of art, collecting it is a hobby that many Puerto Ricans enjoy and those who still haven’t started have the opportunity, along with the experience of meeting and interacting with the artists. Ponce’s Museo de Arte has a new and innovative program: “Círculo de Arte”. Its main goal is to collect funds for the museum’s cultural and educational projects while strengthening Puerto Rican’s knowledge of the arts. How will it work? There are 16 chosen artists that include: Antonio Martorell, Carlos Cancio and Susana Espinosa. Each will produce 300 copies of one piece; anything from sculptures to jewelry, artistic objects, videos and photos. Those who participate in the Circle will pay an annual fee of $1,200 for membership, which gives them the right to own eight pieces. Participants who register before October 13 will be known as the partners and founders of this project.

Flavors, culture and diversity. Latin America’s flavors reached Lares’s plaza for the “Festival de gastronomía y ritmos latinoamericanos”. The weekend of August 18, Samba and Cuban rhythms arrived at the “Tierra de los patriotas” to participate for the first time of this cultural pageant. With Brazil, Cuba and Costa Rica being represented for the first time in the 9th year of this activity, other countries that also participated were: Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, Dominican Republic, Russia, Venezuela, Honduras, Colombia and Ecuador. The original purpose of this event was for people to become familiar with these countries and their cultures. Now, it has transformed into a point of encounter for foreigners that live here and do not have the opportunity to interact frequently. Some of the tasteful plates that could be found around the booths were: shrimp ceviche, “chicha morada”, a drink made from sugar cane melao and corn, and the IncaCola, offered in the booths of Ecuador and Peru. There was also a prize for the best typical costume.

An interesting play debuted recently at the Sala Experimental of the Centro de Bellas Artes Luis A. Ferré. “Pareja de damas”, with veteran actresses Flor Núñez and Alba Nydia Díaz is a story that diffuses the line that separates a lie from the truth, comedy from drama and fiction from reality. Written by Eduardo Galán, this piece entangles the lives of “Raquel” (Flor), and “Alicia” (Alba Nydia). The first is a famous writer who finds herself in the middle of an identity crisis that doesn’t allow her to work. This represents a major conflict because she has received an advance payment and is forced to deliver a novel in a month. In the middle of her emotional conflict, “Raquel” seeks the services of a gigolo with the idea of initiating some sort of relationship with him and use it as inspiration for the novel.

On a sad note, Wilkins’s sister and TV reporter Bruni Vélez died on Saturday August 19 of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (known as Lou Gehrig’ s disease), diagnosed less than a year ago. Vélez was one of the first women anchors for a national news program. Bruni was a loving mother to 16-year-old César Wilkins Acosta. Her body was cremated to honor her will; she was 55 years old. Wilkins expressed his desire for Puerto Rico to remember her for what she was: a fully devoted person with great creativity, and an incredible talent to communicate.

That’s what’s going on desde la Isla. Take care and God bless. Hasta la próxima!

August 1, 2006 - Puerto Rico, Hello everyone! Hope you are enjoying the summer as we too are in the Islita. I must say that lately it has been very hot and the beaches have been receiving plenty of visits from all over. Locals and tourists are taking advantage of all the beach festivals and parties that are taking place. During this month we have seen a serious attempt to resuscitate tropical music. Ever since reggaetón went mainstream, salsa and merengue artists have been struggling to maintain their music alive. Some have succeeded others have vanished. Let’s hear it for those who keep working hard to save those island rhythms that we love to dance to.
First in the list is merengue singer and ex Grupomanía member Elvis Crespo, who hopes to rise as the phoenix and return big time to the music scene. He plans to do so with an album that fusions the rhythm that made him popular worldwide with new musical trends. For his new project, Wyclef Jean, Danny Fornaris and DJ Nelson will participate to share their hip hop and reggaetón expertise. Conscious that his career became affected by his personal problems, Elvis bets to his “come back”. He recognizes that he hit rock bottom and that his personal situations took away some of his concentration during the time he spent composing and performing on stage.

Meanwhile, another merengue artist is preparing to launch her next album, “Libre”. She is Giselle and she’s very satisfied with her new production that will include ballads, pop rock and merengue, spiced up with some influences like dance and what she calls “reggaerengue”, a friendly hybrid between merengue and reggaetón. Gisselle understands that this new musical endeavor represents her 12 years of work in the business, and demonstrates that she dominates other genres besides merengue. Out of the 12 songs of the album, “De que nos vale” is her first promotional cut and to promote the album she will travel to some U.S. cities, as well as countries like Venezuela and Argentina, where her name is very familiar among fans. In the meantime, she is preparing her next massive show in the Island.

One very talked about topic this month is the recent crowning of the new Miss Universe 2006, our Zuleyka Rivera; the 5th Puerto Rican to bring back the crown. On her time spent in Los Angeles where the pageant was held, Zuleyka’s beauty caught everyone’s attention. Our candidate, original from Salinas, was selected with 19 other delegates to participate of a photographic session for Cover Girl. She was also in the favorites list from the beginning and on the big night, she did an excellent job representing the Island. Congratulations to the new queen!
Another exciting event help at the Island was the first cultural encounter of drums and danza between Africa and Puerto Rico: “DanzFrica”. This event took place on July 14 at the Plazoleta of Guaynabo’s Alcaldía. The show, a production of Rafael Cepeda’s Foundation, received all the way from Africa, Cheik T. M’ Baye and his Sing Sing Rhythm & Dance Group. For Jesús Cepeda, the shows’ host, this is a unique opportunity to appreciate what Senegal and Villa Palmeras have in common because the African sandunga palpitates in the Puerto Rican bomba. “DanzFrica” started with bomba, at the style of Félix Alduén of the Yaguembe group. Then the Pleneros del Severo of Charlie Pizarro followed, as well as Grupo ABC with plena’s king Ángel Luis Torruellas, William Cepeda and his Afrorrican Jazz, and the Hermanos Cepeda; Cheik T. M’ Baye and his Sing Sing Rhythm & Dance Group closed the show which was free of charge.

Like a flashback, the night of July 15 the Centro de Bellas Artes of San Juan went back a decade earlier to tell the entertaining stories that have formed singer Ivy Queen during her musical career. With her show, "Crónicas de una diva", the singer made history by becoming the first female reggaetón representative to present her show in the Island’s most important music venue. Her show had a mixture of reggaetón with cumbia and bachata, but what caught everyone’s attention was the rapper’s ability to sing salsa and bohemia. The audience also loved hearing all her old songs from her first stage as a rapper. The singer of "Reggae Respect" showed off next to reaggetón singer Don Omar during their interpretation of "Te he querido, te he llorado", song that she made popular while singing on duo with our Ednita Nazario.

Finally, July 13 to 15, many Puerto Ricans abandoned the beaches to go to San Juan’s bay and celebrate the 14th edition of the Festival Internacional de la Bahía. After four consecutive nights of intense party, salsa singer Víctor Manuelle closed the show at the pier 8 in Puerta de Tierra. The "Sonero de la Juventud" sang hits of his latest production "Decisión unánime", like "Nuestro amor se ha vuelto ayer". But Sunday show could not leave reaggetón behind, that’s why Ranking Stone and Jomar "activated" the audience with their catchy music. So did Cheka and rapper Bimbo, who energized everyone with his hit "Fuletéame el tanque". The four reguetoneros united on stage to show everyone the "Premio Garita", given to them by the Municipio de San Juan for their performance at the festival. Others who showed their talent during the festival were Janina, Vico C, Grupomanía, Lisa M, Héctor "El Father" and Rakim & Ken Y.

I hope you enjoyed reading this article as much as I enjoyed writing it. Take care for now and God bless! Hasta la próxima!

June 21, 2006), Puerto Rico. Hey boricuas! During this month of June there’s been a lot going on in the Island, especially in the music scene. Reminiscing plays a key part these days; legendary artists are brought to life by their unforgettable music, which demonstrates that they continue to command respect in the hearts of fellow Boricuas.

Lets start with one of our most talented salseros. I’m talking about Luis “Perico” Ortiz, who will be one of the Fania All Stars musicians to be profiled this month by The New York Post. Even with all of his responsibilities as a professor at the Conservatorio de Música, this salsa icon continues cultivating good music with his band: the Puerto Rican Masters. Ortiz just returned form California, where he performed with soneros Cano Estremera, Luisito Carrión and Adalberto Santiagoas at the Congreso de la Salsa. “Perico” expressed that salsa needs more workshop on the Island, and seemed to approve of salsatón, a fusion of salsa and reggaeton; he produced a number for popular reggaeton duo Wisín & Yandel.

Next time you have a Medalla (our local beer) in your hand, be proud of yourself, you have good taste. The quality of Medalla Light received an international recognition while competing in the World Beer Selection 2006, against beers of different countries such as: Germany, Belgium, United States, Ireland and Japan. This is the second year in a row that our beer receives a medal of Quality in the Light category. Good for us!!
One much talked about event was the wedding of the year, which took place June 3rd at the San Jose Church in Villa Caparra. Local pop singer Luis Fonsi and actress and breast cancer survivor Adamari López exchanged vows after a long courtship. During an encounter with the press at the Caribe Hilton Hotel in San Juan, where the reception would be held, the singer of "Por una mujer" expressed his appreciation for all the support received from fans and press. A great number of guests were welcomed to the reception, among them Ednita Nazario, Olga Tañón and boxer Tito Trinidad. Milly Quezada and El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico were in charge of entertaining the guests.

After a long period of silence, our Dramatic Radio Workshop will undergo a new phase of programming. Some of the artists that are part of this project are: Amalia Cruz, Miguel Ángel Pérez, Alberto Zambrana, Juan Carlos Santa Cruz, Lidiette Batista and Francisco Capó. "Tierra adentro: Agapito's Place” is the name of the program, a comedy of half an hour that could be transmitted Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:00 am on public station 940 AM, starting in November. The production’s lead role and Art Director, Miguel Ángel Álvarez, will give voice to "Agapito", a Puerto Rican jíbaro that struggles to maintain his small business in the town of Cidra. His threat: bigger corporations.
Does the name Luis Palés Matos ring a bell? Well, Mercedes López Baralt, Ph.D., professor of the Hispanic Studies Department of the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras campus, analyzed his literary legacy on a radio program called “La Voz del Centro”. Palés Matos, considered the master of black and anti-colonial poetry, was born in Guayama in 1898. He writes his first poem in 1913 as a consequence of his father’s death; it was published in the El Imparcial newspaper under the title: “Para Papá”. Palés was also one of Luis Muñoz Marín’s best friends. López Baralt talked about their uncommon friendship since Pales strived for the Island’s independence and Muñoz Marín assumed adverse positions towards this political inclination. The virtual library of “La Voz del Centro” includes an interesting selection of programs; they can be accessed at www.vozdelcentro.org.

While we are still on memory lane, it’s a known fact that singers and composers Rafael Hernández Marín and Bobby Capó were fathers and mothers of a musical tradition that still lives in their children; all those contemporary musicians who maintain their music alive. Three of them recreated the nostalgic atmosphere that fed their songs, in the show "Homenaje a los padres", on Saturday June 17th at the Centro de Bellas Artes of Guaynabo. Cuban pianist Enrique Chía, boricua Alejandro "Chalí" Hernández, son of "El Jibarito", and singer Jacqueline "Jacky" Capó, daughter of Bobby Capó, played a medley of songs like "Preciosa" and "Perfume de gardenias". Included in Chía’s album "A la Isla del encanto" (2005), ballads like "Piel canela", from Bobby Capó, "Olas y arenas", from Sylvia Rexach, and "Perdón", from Pedro Flores, were some of the numbers that he played in his piano, while Capó and Chalí accompanied him with their melodic voices.

On a cyber note, members of Puerto Rico’s number one reggae band, Cultura Profética, explore a new stage in their careers with the introduction of their very own web site. The launch of www.culturaprofetica.net is part of the group’s celebration of 10 years of music history. All members collaborated in the concept, divided into two parts: "De la gente" and "Para la gente". In this space you will find biographies, news, an activities calendar, and images of some of their past concerts. You can also become a member of their fan club and participate in raffles for concert tickets, as well as CD’s and DVD’s with their autographs.

Finally, the folkloric company Balleteatro Nacional de Puerto Rico (BNPR) will present their show for the very first time at the Bellas Artes de San Juan. The company’s dancers will perform to "Carmen" and a suite of "Lago de los cisnes". "Carmen" is a ballet based on the successful opera, with music by Georges Bizet and script by Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy. This version will include the choreography of the company’s Artistic Director, Miguel Campanería. The popular ballet "Lago de los cisnes" will also be a part of the night’s repertoire, with music of immortal Pyotr Ilich Tchaikovsky.

This is all for now my friends. Take care of yourselves and God bless. Hasta la próxima!