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!

The post Jazz Meets Salsa appeared first on Toronto Dance Salsa.

For those who have never been to Lula Lounge, there are great live bands there and a really fun feeling to the club. The club is at the Dufferin and Dundas area. 1585 Dundas St. W., west of Dufferin 416 588 0307.

Here are some upcoming salsa events!

Friday, 21 November 2008
Salsa Dance Party w Cafe Cubano
With their potent blend of dance-floor friendly salsa and high-energy showmanship, Cafe Cubano evoke the spirit of the legendary dance clubs of Havana. Afrolatino Dance Company

Saturday, 22 November 2008
Salsa Dance Party w Cache
Toronto’s Fiercest Salsa Band, Caché delivers hardcore dance music inspired by the vintage salsa sound of the 1970s.

Friday, 28 November 2008
Luis Mario Ochoa Latin Jazz Duo (8pm) and Cimarrón (10 pm)
Luis Mario Ochoa and Cimarron bring their 100% Salsa show to Lula Lounge for a night dedicated to the dancer. This is Buena Vista Social Club night at Lula with give-aways of the Buena Vista Social Club at Carnegie Hall, 8pm latin jazz duo and dance lesson by Dance to Live!

Saturday, 29 November 2008
Salsa Dance Party w Cafe Cubano
With their potent blend of dance-floor friendly salsa and high-energy showmanship, Cafe Cubano evoke the spirit of the legendary dance clubs of Havana.
More Info / Reserve

Friday, 05 December 2008
Salsa Dance Party w Cafe Cubano
With their potent blend of dance-floor friendly salsa and high-energy showmanship, Cafe Cubano evoke the spirit of the legendary dance clubs of Havana. With dance lesson by Bailaboogaloo!

Saturday, 06 December 2008
Salsa Dance Party with Lady Son Y Articulo Veinte
The fabulous Lady Son (Yeti Ajasin) takes the stage with her powerful voice and muy caliente Afro-Cuban rumba/ son band.

Friday, 12 December 2008
The Son Ache Party with DJ Billy Bryans
One of Toronto’s most popular Cuban music groups, Son Ache performs their patented blend of high-energy son montuno that has been packing dance-floors for many years.

Saturday, 13 December 2008
Alberto Alberto y su Orquesta
Fresh off his latest tour with Cuban bandleader Maraca, vocalist extraordinaire Alberto Alberto debuts his new salsa band with original material from his newly released solo album Traigo de Todo.

Saturday, 20 December 2008
Salsa Saturday w Ricky Franco
Dynamic frontman Ricky Franco brings his powerhouse P-Crew Orchestra for a night of hard-core salsa with an R&B edge.

Saturday, 27 December 2008
Salsa Dance Party w Cache
Toronto’s Fiercest Salsa Band, Caché delivers hardcore dance music inspired by the vintage salsa sound of the 1970s.

The post Lula Lounge Discount! appeared first on Toronto Dance Salsa.

“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 “

The post World Salsa Championships 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.

“Hello salseros/salseras!

I went to see Jennifer Lopez (otherwise known as J.Lo) and Marc Anthony live in concert at the Air Canada Centre on Wednesday night and all I have to say is: WOW!

It was J.Lo’s first-ever tour and although the concert started an hour late, it was well worth the wait. Marc opened the show with a 75-minute beautiful performance of some of his Spanish and English hits, such as “ I Need To Know”, “Hasta Que Te Conoci” and “Mi Gente” and “Aguanile”, two songs from his recent movie, El Cantante, which he costars in with J.Lo. Wearing a very classic ensemble of black pants and a white shirt, and accompanied by a 15-piece salsa band, Marc’s passion for his music, his fans and his wife were apparent. Throughout his songs, he interacted with fans, blew kisses and collected various flags given to him. Before he serenaded us with “You Sang to Me”, he told the story of how he had written the song years ago for a cute and adorable girl…who is now his wife. As the stadium was pitch black and the lone spotlight was on him to sing “Preciosa”, the crowd gave him such a loud standing ovation, the ACC was shaking. I was blown away by how good of a live singer Marc was. His voice was so beautiful, every song he performed gave me chills. You could tell how passionate he is when he sings, it’s like the words are coming from his soul. And you can tell he means what he’s singing about. I’m sure every woman in there was wishing that a guy would sing to them like that!

After Marc’s performance, I thought he would be a hard act to follow, but J.Lo didn’t disappoint. She opened with her new hit “Do It Well” from her new album, Brave. She had a lot of flashy pyrotechnics in her set which added to her colourful outfits. She had a few wardrobe changes throughout the night, from her blue and gold bell-bottom opening number to a black and gold sequin hip-hop outfit for the remix version of “I’m Real” to a green shiny outfit for her performance of her salsa/pop song “I’m Loud”. She took us down memory lane by singing her very first hit song “If You Had My Love”, which came out eight years ago, “Waiting For Tonight” and “Jenny From The Block” which was released during her Bennifer days. With images of a burning car in the background and fire shooting from the ground, she sang “Que Hiciste” from her sole Spanish-language album, a song about a woman scorned. She also introduced “Hold It, Don’t Drop It”, a fusion of jazz, rock and pop from her new album. She sang her heart out and danced her booty off. She didn’t dance as much as I thought she would (maybe because she’s pregnant?) but the routines that she did with her backup dancers were hot. And let me tell you, the girl can salsa like it’s nobody’s business! She shimmied and shook all over the stage, driving the crowd wild. And all the while, she looked absolutely stunning.

At the end of her performance, she and Marc serenade the crowd with “Por Arriesgarnos” and “No Me Ames” and shared a sweet little kiss. It was a beautiful and very fitting encore to a great concert.”

The post J Lo & Marc Anthony Concert Review by Reshma appeared first on Toronto Dance Salsa.

Red Violin is located at Danforth & Broadview. They are a Brazilian Steakhouse and offered a upscale buffet full of Brazilian meats. Servers with skewers of beef, chicken, pork and more approach your table and you get to cut the meat right off the skewer…very yummy! You definitely need to bring your appetite but the good news is their live band is Latin (Cuban I believe but don’t quote me) and they play several sets throughout the evening so you can dance off all the food you eat. At 10pm there is s small show with a couple of female samba dancers which gets the crowd going.

The band wasn’t a salsa band but we did hear salsa-like beats, Cha Cha and Rumba. They had a nice sound to them and they weren’t too distracting if you came to have some great conversation like we had.

Prices are definitely on the high side but if you are looking for a fun special evening check out Red Violin!

The post Red Violin appeared first on Toronto Dance Salsa.

We were mildly disappointed that we missed the salsa bands. We were able to hear two or three different flamenco bands and one even mixed salsa with flamenco for an interesting sound. However, with the craziness and mass audience, we were not inspired to dance.

As in the last two festivals, we visited this summer, the highlight was a very interesting band with a lead musician who played an electric violin. They were amazing as usual and built the biggest audience of the evening. They played right at the opening of the festival and 2 hours later as we returned from finishing the walk they were still playing strong. The lead exerts so much energy jumping and playing frantically, it is so fun to watch.

I would love to hear if anyone got to see Son Ache or Cache playing during the weekend. Hopefully there are still a few more opportunities to this summer to catch the bands playing. Looking forward to the Latin festival at Mel Lastman Square in September!

The post Jazz Fest on Friday appeared first on Toronto Dance Salsa.

Hector, who was born in Puerto Rico and moved to New York in the 1960s, grew to become one of the most famous salsa singers in history. His popularity still lives strong with clubs continually playing his popular hits and new salsa bands reliving his music.

Hector Lavoe is played by Marc Anthony who is also an extremely popular Latin artist. Alongside his real-life wife, Jennifer Lopez, who plays his on-screen wife, the movie is said to pack some powerful performances. Both Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez are Puerto Rican and this was a labour of love project. The movie is said to be heart-warming, funny and a sad story of the death of one of salsa’s greatest performers.

Looking forward to letting you all know how the movie turns out. For more info on the movie and to see a sneak preview video, click here.

The post El Cantante appeared first on Toronto Dance Salsa.

What I wanted to mention was how outstanding the salsa band was that was hired – the Clave Kings. They play regularly at Marlow’s in Richmond Hill on Wednesdays and I have heard also at 6 Degrees on Tuesdays and Lula Lounge on the weekends.

If anyone is looking for an amazing salsa band to hire for their event, this is the band for you. First of all they are extremely versatile. From merengue to bachata to cha cha to salsa and more, they can do it all. They are so energetic yet not in your face asking for attention. They talk to the guests and gage what everyone wants to hear and cater to the crowd.

Their sound is so crisp and what is amazing is that we only used 4 of them for our party. They can go all the way up to a 10 piece band but even with just four people they sound so great you can’t tell some instruments are missing.

Yani Borrell is the lead singer of Clave Kings. He is very professional to deal with and they arrived early. Because we were dealing with rain and were late in our lunch they didn’t even take a break so that we could get more dancing time in. If anyone wants to reach the clave kings they can do so at yanimusic@yahoo.es.

Thanks Clave Kings – awesome job!

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