El Grupo Ecos Borincanos: Keeping Jibaro Music Alive!

El Grupo Ecos Borincanos played at this past weekend's Puerto Rican Festival in Rochester, NY; next, Market Street Park, Auburn New York, 6 pm!

Here's a clip of their rendition of Preciosa.

Mercedes Vazquez Simmons and son at the Rochester PR Festival for the Ruben Blades Concert

The lovely Mercedes Vazquez Simmons takes a break from her role as Founder & CEO of Pretty Girl Productions- Boxing Pretty Girl Promotions to enjoy the music of Ruben Blades with her son Taylor at yesterday's Puerto Rican Festival in Rochester, New York. 

Philly's Joaquin Rivera - R.I.P.

"Saludos Familia:

It is with great sadness and personal loss that I announce the death of un gran companero de lucha por los derechos de los puertorriquenos en EEUU/a great loss of a brother in the struggle of PRs civil rights Joaquin Rivera. He passed away from a heart attack in Philadelphia.

Joaquin was a resident of Philadelphia since 1965 and from a very early age he played guitar. He was a member of the Philadelphia Young Lords, the Puerto Rican Alliance and founding member of the National Congress for PR Rights (NCPRR). He was also the founder and leader of Los Pleneros del Batey, a group that performed around the country and at all NCPRR Convention including in Philadelphia last month. In addition, Joaquin was a counselor at Olney HS where he also was the faculty advisor to the Aspira Club for decades.

The PR community has lost a tremendous cultural worker but his legacy will live on. Pray for him and his famly".

With a heavy heart,
Victor Vazquez

Philadelphia Folklore Project: Joaquin Rivera (1946 - December 6, 2009)
Philly.com: Joaquin Rivera, 63; music was his life

Fiesta Latina at the White House on PBS - 10/15/09 at 8PM (EST)

Mercedes Sosa, R.I.P.

Argentine folk singer Mercedes Sosa, the "voice of Latin America" whose music inspired opponents of South America's brutal military regimes and led to her forced exile in Europe, died today. She was 74.

Watch the video for a glimpse into what made 'La Negra' beloved by the people and hated by the powerful.



Links:
Calló la voz y la vida de Mercedes Sosa - http://bit.ly/LaNegra
Argentine folk singer Mercedes Sosa dies aged 74 - http://bit.ly/LaNegra2
Mercedes Sosa - wikipedia

Shakira's She Wolf

Click here for the video.

She Wolf is pure eroticism featuring Shakira's dance beat and signature curves. It's a shocking, mesmerizing, and some would say disturbing, exhibition. Many of her fans will love it. Others will be disappointed.

I'm a big Shakira fan. IMO, few artists -- commercial or otherwise -- command sound, image, rhythm and motion to evoke a feeling or idea as masterfully as she does. However, the risk for Shakira is that her performances may become too much about her -- her image, sexiness, curves, psyche.

Q: At night, the woman (i..e, Shakira's character) is at her animalistic peak when caged. A contradiction, no?

A: While most are shocked to see this side of her, the video goes with the lyrics. She is not signing about going to church. She is singing about having a moment when your sensuality wants to be known. The lyrics state that her partner is clearly taking advantage of her, and ignoring her sexuality. If you look at her other videos she clearly follows ... the tone of what her songs state. I have been a fan since I was 12, and though this one is different, I can acknowledge the fact that the sexiest parts of the video are when she is in the cage. Thus directly illustrating the point of the "She wolf," being locked in the cage. Stephanie C.

Delilah Tollinchi - Latina Funk Rocker

The following was excerpted from Delilah's bio written by friend Jada Gomez:

Delilah Tollinchi is a New York City singer/songwriter with a gutsy blend of rock/blues soul, enhanced with a bit of Latin flavor. Delilah's strong spirit fuels her powerful voice and high octane live show.

Born and raised in the South Bronx, Delilah hails from a family with deep musical roots. Her father is a musician, and her uncle, Julio Colon, is the leader and singer/songwriter for Plena Luna. Actress Christina Souza is Delilah's sister.

Delilah's passion for songwriting was inspired by her granduncle Chiquitin Garcia, the famous songwriter for Puerto Rico's legendary group El Gran Combo.

discodivadelilah (15 images) - Photobucket

Hip Hop & Latino Social Resistance (Why We Are NOT HisPANIC!)

"The characters in the film exemplified to us the true definition of a revolutionary leader. As filmmakers and immigrants from Latin America we were inspired by their commitment to justice and their unwillingness to compromise the truth in the face of poverty, racism and repressive military regimes." -- Vee Bravo & Loira Limbal

Chronicling the emergence of hip hop in Brazil, Chile, and Cuba, Estilo Hip Hop examines the regional politics that underscore the growth of hip hop's global appeal.

Against a backdrop of breathtaking landscapes are three hip hop enthusiasts, Guerrillero Okulto, Eli Efi and Magia., who all believe the music can change the world. As Estilo Hip Hop delves into their lives, the film explores the movements they lead in hip hop and the personal price they must pay because of their political stances.

Estilo Hip Hop will have its broadcast premiere on the PBS WORLD series Global Voices, Sunday, June 28, 2009 at 10 PM (check local listings).

Estilo Hip Hop Trailer

New Muslim Cool: The Hip Hop Life of Hamza Pérez

New Muslim Cool is a film that follows three years in the lives of a Boricua Muslim hip-hop artist Hamza Pérez, his family, and community.

Taking viewers on a ride through the streets, projects, and jail cells of urban America, the film follows Hamza's spiritual journey as he finds new discoveries and friends in some surprising places -- where we can all see ourselves reflected in a world that never stops changing.

The award-winning film kicks off the 22nd season of the PBS series POV (Tuesday, June 23, at 10 p.m.).

New Muslim Cool Trailer

Other New Muslim Cool videos

Links:
newmuslimcool.com
Film of Growing Acclaim Follows Muslim Hip Hop Artist from Brooklyn
New Muslim Cool Bridges Islam, Hip Hop, Culture and Identity

Sofia Vergara's Broadway Debut - 4.27.09

Colombiana Sofía Vergara makes her Broadway stage debut as Matron "Mama" Morton, the reigning cellblock diva of the hit musical CHICAGO for a five-week limited engagement. The 36 year old actriz' stint in the popular production is from April 27th through May 24th.

Links:
Sofía Vergara debutará en Broadway en el musical "Chicago"
CHICAGO Becomes 7th Longest Running Play In Broadway History

Latin music impresario Ralph Mercado has lost his battle with cancer at the age of 67

Latin music impresario Ralph Mercado has lost his battle with cancer at the age of 67.

Mercado, who managed Latin singers including Tito Puente and Celia Cruz, died on Tuesday, March 10, 2009, in Hackensack, New Jersey.

He was widely acknowledged as the most prominent promoter of salsa music, known for organizing salsa concerts in large arenas including New York's famed Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall.

Mercado's RMM label, founded in 1987, represented more than 130 Latin artists. He sold it to the Universal and Music and Video Distribution Corporation in 2001 after losing a copyright infringement suit.

Mercado is survived by his wife, Cynthia; daughters Debbie, Damaris, Melissa and Chanel; a son, Ralph III; and six grandchildren.

Related:
Ralph Mercado, Impresario, Dies at 67 NYTimes Obit
Ralph Mercado Presents' Photo Gallery
Ralph Mercado Presents website
Ralph Mercado 's Biography

The Latest of 'Phoenix The Rapper': Lunges at Heckler in Miami

Joaquin unveiled the latest installment of his ongoing 'reality' movie this morning during a short rap session at a Miami nightclub. An annoyed Phoenix The Rapper jumped off the stage to confront a heckler. Security stepped in and quickly escorted the angry performer away. End of episode. Real or acting? Some fans and foes are perplexed--although having Casey Affleck videotaping each episode is a big clue.

Regardless, Joaquin is a gifted actor bold enough to seek to redefine the very parameters of his craft. I love it!

BTW: Here's a great photo series of Joaquin Rafael Phoenix.

Related:
'Phoenix the Rapper' on The Late Show with David Letterman
Joaquin Phoenix the Oscar Nominee vs Phoenix the Rapper
Joaquin Phoenix Quits Hollywood for the Guitar

Gilberto Miguel Calderón (aka Joe Cuba) has Passed: R.I.P.

The "Father of Boogaloo," Joe Cuba, passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2009 at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York. He was 77 years old.

Joe Cuba was the most popular exponent of the boogaloo, a fused Latino and R&B rhythm that exploded onto the American top 40s charts during the turbulent 1960s & ‘70s. Hits such as “Bang Bang,” “Push Push,” “El Pito,” “Ariñañara,” and “Sock It To Me Baby,” rocked the hit parades establishing Joe Cuba and his Sextet as the definitive sound of Latin New York during the ‘60s & ‘70s

His music was at the forefront of the Nuyroican movement of New York.

Joe Cuba will be viewed at the R&G Ortiz Funeral Home (204 E. 116th Street, Manhattan between 3rd & 2nd Avenues; 212.722.3512) Wednesday & Thursday, February 18/19, 2:00 to 10:00 p.m.

Link

Bocafloja's Soul Rebel

Mexicans are the fastest growing Latino community in New York City -- and they'll likely surpass their Puerto Rican and Dominican counterparts within the next decade.

Musician, rapper, urban poet and Mexicano, Bocafloja presents Soul Rebel from el Bronx, Nueva York.

Tato Torres y Yerbabuena perform "Campo" w/Flaco Navaja

Tato Torres y Yerbabuena perform "Campo" for Japanese TV show "NY Music Love". Poet, singer, actor Flaco Navaja is the featured lead. As per Cumbia Media, the song "Campo" is a traditional bomba from Puerto Rico.

Related: Bomba

Akon's Ghetto & New Year Resolutions II

The following is a post from a year ago (12/27/07)-- before Obama's campaign for hope gained traction. It's still relevant. While most Americans are looking forward to a better world under the leadership of Barack Obama, it's even more urgent that change comes for the sake of the people of America and the world. Soooo....

Think about the haunting lyrics and images of Akon's "Ghetto" when making your New Year resolutions. We know in our hearts as Americans and as human beings that we can--and must--do better. Peace.

Ahhh, Ahh, Ahhh, Ahh

Ghetto, Ghetto, Ghetto, Ghetto livin’

[verse one]

These streets remind me of quicksand (quicksand)
When you`re on it, you`ll keep goin’ down (goin’ down)
And there`s no one to hold on to
And there`s no one to pull you out
You keep on fallin’ (fallin’)
And no one can here you callin’
So you end up self destructin’
On the corner with the tuli on the waist line
just got outta the bing doin’ state time
Teeth marks on my back from the K-9
Dark Memories of when there was no sunshine
Cause they said that I wouldn`t make it
I remember like yesterday (day)
Holdin’ on to what God gave me

[Chorus]

Cause that’s the life when your
Living in the (ghetto)
And eating in the (ghetto)
Or sleeping in the (ghetto) (ghetto, ghetto)
Cause that’s the life when your
Living in the (ghetto)
And eating in the (ghetto)
Or sleeping in the (ghetto, ghetto, ghetto)

[Verse Two]

No need to cherish luxuries (cause everythin` come and go)
Even the life that you have is borrowed
(Cause your not promised tomorrow)
So live your life as if everyday gon’ be your last (be your last)
Once you move forward can`t go back
Best prepare to remove your past

Cause ya gotta be willin to pray
Yea, There gotta be (there gotta be) a better way oh
Yea, Ya gotta be willing to pray
Cause there gotta be (there gotta be) a better day (ay)

Whoever said that the struggle would stop today
A lot of niggas dead or locked away
Teenage Women growing up with aids

[chorus]

Cause thats the life when your
Living in the (ghetto) oh
Eating in the (ghetto) or
Sleeping in the (ghetto, ghetto)
Thats the life when you`re
Living in the (ghetto)oh
Eating in the (ghetto) or
Sleeping in the (ghetto, ghetto, ghetto)

[bridge]

Gun shots every night in the (ghetto)
Crooked cops on sight in the (ghetto)
Every day is a fight in the (ghetto)
(oh oh oh oh oh) (ghetto)
Got kids to feed in the (ghetto)
Selling coke and weed in the (ghetto)
Every day somebody bleed in the (ghetto)
(oh oh oh oh oh) (ghetto)

[chorus]

Thats the life when your
Living in the (ghetto)oh
Living by the (ghetto)oh
Eating in the (ghetto, ghetto)
Thats the life when your
Living in the (ghetto)oh
Sleeping in the (ghetto)
Living in the (ghetto, ghetto, ghetto)

(wooohhoohh)

A Merry Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year

Let's hope it's a good one -- without any tears. War is over. If you want it.

Christina Aguilera "Beautiful"

Really, really beautiful.

'It's A New Day' by will.i.am at Oprah's

will.i.am debuted his aptly titled 'It's A New Day' on Oprah today. He is the genius and creator of the Yes We Can and We Are The Ones videos.

It's another terrific work of art.

One Day to Change the World - Vote Obama-Biden!

One Day to Change the World


American Prayer


"There's Nothing We Can't Do"


Respondele a Obama


"We Have a Lot of Work to Do"


Ethel and Max Kennedy on Barack


Jay-Z for Barack: "Obama's Running So We All Can Fly"


Yes We Can


The Ruler (from Malcolm to Barack) by Fly Gypsy * VOTE EARLY!!


Bruce and Barack: The Rising in Cleveland


War - Alexei Jendayi & Sol Edler * VOTE EARLY!! VOTE BARACK!!


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