I've been working around the clock since July when I spent 3 days filming Calixto Oviedo for a new series of books: Beyond Salsa Percussion. 

Many announcements coming in the next few days, but if you want to get yourself in the mood, today's big news is that LPM has finally added Simplemente lo mejor de NG La Banda. The title, for once, is dead-on accurate.

It has all the best masterpieces from the Calixto era including Santa palabra, Échale limón, La bruja, Picadillo de soya, etc. Audio excerpts are available for every track. Enjoy.

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continue reading La Última

The highly anticipated Los Van Van US tour officially begins with a two night appearance at the Conga Room in Los Angeles, Thursday December 2nd and Friday December 3rd. They will make their way to Miami for their December 17 show via Texas, New York City, San Francisco and Tampa. Visit out tour page for the full schedule = http://timba.com/tours/los-van-van

A letter addressed to LVV manager Americo Miranda Ortiz has surfaced stating that the band was released from a previous exclusive agreement on May 28, 2010. Travel plans are moving ahead and the following full list is confirmed. Stay tuned for a concert report and photos from the opening night at the Conga Room.  

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continue reading Pa' Ponerte en Talla

Prepárense bailadores y timberos! This Friday, November 12 - Sunday, November 14 Copenhagen will once again host the Latin Festival at Amager Bio. By day you can take part in dance workshops in Reggaeton, Salsa, Rueda, Rumba and Afro-Cuban Dance/Orishas. By night enjoy dance shows/competitions followed by first class music from:
Friday November 12: Egues y Su Cuban Beat and Pupy Los Que Son Son
Saturday November 13: La Empresa and Manolín "el Medico de la Salsa"

This festival is well worth making a timba trip. Pupy is simply not to be missed and this may well be the first time that Manolín has performed in Scandinavia, at least I think it's the first time since I got into timba back in 2003. So hitchhike if you have to but get yourself to Copnehagen this weekend! You can book your tickets in advance so you don't get left out in the cold. Just look at some of what you have to look forward to!

Pupy y los que son son - Calla Calla

Manolín - Somos lo que hay

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A promoter and booking agent has filed suit against Cuba’s iconic band Los Van Van and its leader Juan Formell to stop a planned U.S. tour.

Band manager Americo Mirando Ortiz also was named as a defendant in the breach of contract suit filed Oct. 21 in Miami federal court by NYK Productions. The lawsuit alleges NYK was the band’s booking agent when the musicians engaged another company, Fuego Entertainment, to book a U.S. tour, violating a February agreement making it the exclusive booking agent for Los Van Van. The band has scheduled dates in Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York City in December.

The 14-piece band won a Grammy in 2000 for its salsa-infused music that Formell calls "timba". The band has spurred demonstrations in Miami. About 400 Cuban-Americans protested the band’s concert at the Knight Center last February, saying it was an extension of Cuba’s communist government. --source Law.com / Daily Business Review

NYK Productions is a Hallandale, Florida based production company led by Mr. Arie Kaduri (pictured right). Fuego Entertainment is a Miami based company led by Mr. Hugo Cancio (pictured left).

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continue reading Pa' Ponerte en Talla