1) When and how did Cache form?

After playing with Vibrason, led by me, for about 4 years. A replica of the Joe Cuba Sextet which was a format that did not include horn but had an exceptional chemistry with a lot of soul. These ingredients were key player for us to be able to write our own music and so, Caché was formed in 2001. Our Debut performance was at the legendary Bamboo Club on Queen And Spadina.

2) How long have you been playing together?

With Caché, with have been playing together for 10 years. As musicians some of us have been playing with various bands for 20 years.

3) What are your thoughts about the Toronto salsa scene?

I believe we have come a long way musically and now that salsa is more recognized and accepted we still lack a larger market and venues for live performances, if we were to compare it with New York with a population over18 million and a good percentage of that being Spanish speaking where the roots and percussion rhythms are instilled from an early age.

4) Can you describe your style of music?

Our style of music is a blend between vintage and new. It is not new and it is not old. We are not trying to be salsa from New York, salsa from Puerto Rico, salsa from Colombia or Cuban. We are inspired and we have been brought up listening to the old school salsa and Caribbean rhythms. Bands nowadays have become too technical. We do not want to copy or duplicate, we want to bring back what has been lost from vintage salsa and at the same time update it with our own heart and soul. This is why we like to call it Canadian Salsa.

5) What musicians have inspired you?

Musicians that have inspired me are, Papo Luca, Tito Puente, Noro Morales, and Willie Rosario just to name a few.

6) We are excited to hear about your new CD. Can you tell us a bit about the new CD and how it differs from your past two CDs?

We are very happy with the new release, “Looking from the Top” which will soon become available on iTunes just like are 2 previous CDs. You will be able to see how we have grown not only as musicians but as writers. There is not much difference as we like to maintain our trademark, so when a Caché fan hears our music they will be able to identify the sound or rhythm as a ‘Caché’ song.

7) Where can we purchase your CDs and songs?

Our CDs and songs are available in iTunes. Or you can always place an order by sending an email to wmacevedo@sympatico.ca and pay by paypal.

8) Do you have any upcoming performances that we can check out?

We will be at Lula Lounge on February 25

9) What are the band’s plans for the next year or two?

Our plans for the next year is to hopefully tour across Canada and the States as well as to get more involved with Salsa Congresses.

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For more information on Caché’s new CD please email Wilson at wmacevedo@sympatico.ca.  Their new songs should be available on iTunes shortly so enjoy!

The post My Interview with Wilson Acevedo from Caché appeared first on Toronto Dance Salsa.

Jazz Meets Salsa is a 24 hour (7 days a week) Salsa Radio, Rumba Buena Estereo, currently streaming via www.jazzmeetssalsa.com. This is a 100% Canadian run station where you will have the enjoyment of listening to great salsa music in the comfort of your home and with no need to worry about changing CD’s.

Our vision is to bring Salsa Music to our listeners without the need of having to login to a foreign site. In this site their is also a section where visitors will have access to listen to the bands offered, Cache amongst others.

We are only a year new, and have already accomplished one of our visions, to bring forth the first ever Latin stage to Toronto’s own Beaches International Jazz Festival in 2010 where we showcased Latin Bands, percussion workshops as well as dance lesson on a wood platform, ideal for the dancers. This new area is called, Latin Square, and our main stage is JAZZMEETSSALSA. All this conveniently located right by the boardwalk. Who said you needed to travel down south to have the Latin flavours and rhythms. We worked hard to bring it to the people in Toronto.

Feel free to take a look at some pictures of last years event at www.beachesjazz.com

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We are also interviewing Wilson about Cache’s new album which has just been released and we will be bring you this interview soon. Until then, check out jazzmeetssalsa.com and enjoy!

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New York Style Cha-Cha-Cha (not be confused with ballroom version) is one of the few variations of this dance that places a heavy emphasis on musicality and partner-work play. It has both an elegant and funky feel at the same time. In this workshop, proper footwork fundamentals, leading, following and timing will be covered to provide a more comprehensive approach to this workshop. This includes graceful hand/arm movements and use of various parts of the body to accentuate the rhythms of the dance. The class is geared towards more advanced-beginner – intermediate level students and can help familiarize students who are also learning dancing On2. Must have completed level 2 or receive instructor permission to attend.

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“FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Isaac Altman, President

LEGENDARY AFRO-CUBAN MUSICIAN LARRY HARLOW TO APPEAR IN CONCERT AT THE 7th ANNUAL WSF WORLD SALSA CHAMPIONSHIPS IN MIAMI

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the World Salsa Federation, Inc., we would like to welcome everyone to the 7th Annual WSF World Professional Salsa Championships and the All-Star Dancesport Championships to be held in Miami at the Miccosukee Resort and Gaming, November 7th and 8th, 2008.

Over 2 days, competitors from around the World will have an opportunity to be World Champions in their Salsa style and category, and then go head to head for the title of Undisputed World Professional Salsa Champions. The Undisputed World Professional Salsa Champions will represent the best of Salsa competitive dancing, and will represent the WSF world-wide. Also included this year will be the World Junior and Youth Salsa Championships. The youth come to this event with unsurpassed energy and enthusiasm. Come watch them compete as these young people will be our future Salsa Stars!! Also that weekend the WSF will hold its All-Star DanceSport Championships bringing the ever popular Ballroom Dancing to Miami in its most competitive form. Competition ranges from ages 4 through adults and beginners through advanced levels.

Salsa music legend and renowned Latin-style pianist Larry Harlow comes to the Miccosukee Resort and Gaming Grand Ballroom for a special performance on Saturday, November 8th, 2008 . Playing with Larry Harlow will be his Latin Legends Band offering a night of hot salsa rhythms to dance to. Larry Harlow, one of the original members of the most famous Salsa band ever, the Fania All-Stars, will be in concert for one night only. This will be his only Florida appearance before receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award one week later at the 2008 Latin Grammy Awards. General admission tickets for Saturday Night are $20 and reserve tables of 10 are $250. Ticket purchases can be made by calling 786-566-2604 or online at www.wsf.cc/saturday_evening_ticket.html

Larry Harlow is recognized by many as a revolutionary of the Latin music known today as “Salsa.” His influence in the early 70s developed the explosive trumpet and trombone sounds now familiar in contemporary salsa bands. Harlow is a graduate of the prestigious New York High School of Music and Art and holds a BA in Music from Brooklyn College and a Masters in Philosophy from the New School of Social Research in New York City . He is a gifted player of the oboe, flute, violin, bass, and, most notably, the piano. He is a three-time Grammy nominee and was inducted into the International Latin Music Hall of Fame on April 5, 2000 .

Latin musicians around the world enjoy greater recognition and rewards due to Mr. Harlow’s pioneering efforts as a Governor of the New York chapter of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. There, Harlow helped to establish the first Latin Grammy Award. There are now 12 different Latin categories in the Grammy’s, as well as the exclusive Latin Grammy Awards.

WWW.WORLDSALSAFEDERATION.COM

WSFSALSA@YAHOO.COM “

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“Feature-Length movie filmed in Greenville, SC premieres Friday, Aug 29

Submitted by Lynne Anne Merrill • August 11, 2008

August 29, Friday, an EXTRAORDINARY experience will take place in Greenville, SC EXCLUSIVELY at Bongos Nightclub! Latin dancers of Mambo, Salsa, and the general public are invited to come WATCH the movie showing of “La Epoca – The Palladium Era” – a film about the roots behind the umbrella term “Salsa,” and its affects on the generations of musicians and dancers that have followed since its conception. Come and sit side-by-side with some of the film’s cast members – and meet, up close and personal – the producers of the film! The film uncovers who the inventor of the mambo rhythm was and how Latin music and dance have become what they are, today.
Advertisement

This movie is jammed-packed with Latin dancing, original Latin music, black and white footage of the Palladium-era during the 1950’s and AMAZING information!!

“La Epoca,” a feature-length documentary-film, is about the evolution of Latin music and dance from the Palladium-era (1948-1970) to present day. The film covers in-depth detail regarding the controversy over dancing “on 1” versus dancing “on 2,” Mambo versus Salsa, and the film focuses heavily on the controversy over the the umbrella term “Salsa” and its affects on the musicians and dancers since the conception of the word’s use to describe Latin music.

The film features music and rhythms that are very rarely heard in present day. Producers welcome all walks of life to view the movie and to live INSIDE the memories and experiences of the high-profile LEGENDARY musicians and dancers who appear in the film, such as “Cuban Pete,” Charlie Rodriguez and Agustin Caraballoso and many others.

Very well-known are the names of Celia Cruz and Tito Puente – but how many times have you heard of the musicians who made THEM sound so good?

What makes this evening SO special is that a portion of the movie was ACTUALLY FILMED AT this SAME location earlier this year – and many of the dancers who were filmed – do appear in the movie – and some will be present to watch the movie! Greenville residents Erica Roldan, Mariana Rodon and Jonathan Zapata were among those filmed at Bongos in May this year for this very film.

Watch and listen to the musicians who were among the legends that USHERED IN all of the Latin music and rhythms that, in present day, have been meshed together – all under one umbrella term: “Salsa.””

The post A Salsa/Mambo Documentary appeared first on Toronto Dance Salsa.

Here is some info about Luis Mario Ochoa and Cimarron who will be performing that night – hope to see you all there!

“Well known for leading a wide variety of big bands and latin jazz ensembles, for the Cuban Friday series, arranger and composer Luis Mario Ochoa has gathered a killer line up of Toronto based Cuban musicians to perform a repertoire of old school salsa music dedicated to the dancer.

Featuring Alexis Baro on trumpet, Luis Eniz on alto sax, John Johnson on tenor sax, Chris Butcher on trombone, David Virelles on piano, Yoser Rodriguez on bass, Alberto Suarez on timable, Luis Orbegoso on congas bandleader Luis Mario Ochoa on lead vocals, Cimarron will combine the foundation rhythms of Cuban son, salsa and cha cha with the New Yorkino classic salsa sounds of the 70’s.

Born, raised and educated in Havana, Cuba, Luis Mario Ochoa is a singer, composer, arranger and bandleader. In 1992 Luis Mario founded the group CIMARRÓN, named for its distinctive Afro-Cuban roots. Cimarrón, meaning wild and untamed, was the word used by the masters when referring to their runaway slaves in colonial Cuba.”

The post Outing to Lula! appeared first on Toronto Dance Salsa.

Below is their bio for anyone interested in learning about this new band…

“Those who witnessed up close and personal the “Salsa Explosion of the 1970’s” in New York City and Puerto Rico remember and agree that the majority of the musicians and bandleaders were mostly youngsters.

Now, inspired by the masters of salsa is the new group from New York City that goes by the name of “La Excelencia.” Percussionists Jose Vazquez-Cofresi and Julian Silva formed the band, featuring a young ensemble that would appeal to their generation, while performing and creating “salsa dura” (hardcore salsa) with a positive social message.

This debut CD “Salsa Con Conciencia” (salsa with a conscience) delivers 10 original scores, showcasing the versatility and depth of the band. The tracks swing with beautiful harmonies and powerful arrangements of free-flowing horns and lively percussions.

Lead vocalists Rene Leslie and Edwin Perez command the spotlight with arresting readings full of social messages that enlighten the listeners to everyday situations in peoples’ lives.

Tasty choruses complete each track, delivering high-octane rhythms, without losing essence and true roots of salsa. These young-bloods are the real thing. -Rudolph Mangual (Latin Beat Magazine)”

Let us know if you have discovered any new salsa bands and we will be sure to check them out!

The post La Excelencia appeared first on Toronto Dance Salsa.

On Sept 29th several Toronto Dance Salsa helpers and instructors were asked to teach salsa at the Nuit Blanche Festival. With an unbelievable turn out, Vince Ng, Janice Somera, Kim Robinson and Rob Hsu taught over 350 attendees how to salsa in 10 minutes. Because there were so many people coming in and out, their slogan was “Salsa in 10 Minute” and teach they did for 3 hours from 8-11pm – as hundred of people came in and enjoyed the Latin rhythms.

For those who were not part of the festival, here is some info on the Hot Spot which is where the salsa dancing was held:

“Hot Spot is an all-night salsa dance party with lessons, where Colombia’s current political crisis will be evoked through sound, video and text, questioning our role as spectators, dancers and consumers of “Latino” culture and images in the First World.”

Thanks to Rob for sharing this information and to Janice for the photo!

The post Nuit Blanche – salsa! appeared first on Toronto Dance Salsa.

Press Release

For Immediate Publication
Contact: Blanca Lasalle
Creative Link Inc.
212.684.6001 ext. 101
blanca@creativelinkny.com

World Salsa Athletes Compete at Disney
Dancers from 40 countries will dance-off for the title of World Salsa Championship

New York, NY – September 27, 2007 – This December, athletes from over 40 countries will convene at Walt Disney World to dance-off for the title of World Salsa Champion. Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, located at Walt Disney World Resort©, Lake Buena Vista, Fla., will be the host site for the Third World Salsa Championships from December 12 through 16. The competition will be broadcast by ESPN International and Transworld International, under the direction of noted producer Rob Beiner, winner of 12 EMMY awards.

“We are thrilled to be hosting an international event of this magnitude that also delivers world-class entertainment,” said Nancy Gidusko, director of Walt Disney World Minority Business Development. “Not to mention, our alliances with international organizations allow us to showcase Central Florida to multicultural businesses that will impact the region’s economy.”

Hailed as the Olympics of Salsa dancing, the World Salsa Championship gathers the winning couples and groups from different salsa competitions from Australia, Argentina, Bulgaria, China, Colombia, France, Germany, Holland, Hong-Kong, Italy, Israel, Japan, Mexico, Monaco, Morocco, Peru, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, UK, UAE, United States, Puerto Rico and Venezuela to defend their titles in their respective divisions.

The four main divisions dominating this enclave of professional athletic-dancers are those of the LA style “On 1” emphasizing the first beat of the music; the NY style “On 2” emphasizing the second beat of the music; “Cabaret” which combines Salsa dancing with tricks, cartwheels, and flips; and “Team” where 6 or more dancers, up to 20 at once, perform at the same time.

Cultivating this worldwide Salsa dance movement is Salsa connoisseur Albert Torres who has managed to create a world dance championship with a culminating event for professional and amateurs alike.

The Third Annual World Salsa Championship will pay tribute to the legendary Palladium Days including rhythms and music of The Big Three Orchestras in three consecutive evenings (playing Tito Puente, Tito Rodriguez and Machito) and culminating with a tribute to the FANIA All Star. The Grand Opening will feature music by the legendary group El Gran Combo, nominated to the 2007 Latin Grammy edition.

About the World Salsa Championship and Salsa Seven Salsa Championship was organized by a group of salsa lovers under the leadership of salsa celebrity Albert Torres. The “Salsa Seven” group is committed to producing the most memorable music and dance event in the history of salsa. Salsa Seven is deeply committed to educating the public about this wonderful Latin rhythm we call salsa. Other members of the Salsa Seven Inc. include salsa promoters Leo Tizol and Willie Torres.

About Rob Beiner.
Beiner has produced or directed more than 2,000 live, cable or pay-per-view sports and entertainment broadcasts in leading television networks, such as ABC Sports, CBS, NBC Sports, USA Network and ESPN. His successful career as producer and director includes broadcasts of seven Olympic Games, important boxing championships such as the Mike Tyson-Evander Holyfield match, NCAA basketball and football games, Comedy Central and the Kentucky Derby.

The post Press Release re: World Championships appeared first on Toronto Dance Salsa.

I think cardio salsa classes are great. They are a great, fun workout that incorporate great merengue, salsa, cha cha and other latin rhythms. It introduces students to fast footwork, step choreography, musicality and body movement. For those looking to get healthy, lose weight, have fun, and dance it is a great step to take.

The thing that these classes don’t teach is how to dance with a partner and that is the essence of salsa dancing. Leading and following turnpatterns is the key to dancing salsa. So what you get in a cardio class is a good workout and fun steps but it really doesn’t have much to do with the partnerwork, turnpatterns and feel of the dance.

So if you have taken cardio classes like Zumba, it will help you learn footwork better in class but it won’t help you skip levels because you have to learn how to lead or follow and that is the difficult part of dancing.

If you take cardio salsa in conjunction with regular salsa classes you will definitely see the benefit though as you can last longer, learn footsteps faster, have a sharper memory due to the choreography and speed of the class. So the moral of the story is everything helps but nothing can replace a good salsa partnerwork class!

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