Puerto Rico pulses with the rhythms of its rich musical heritage, from the soulful beats of bomba to the infectious energy of reggaeton. Beyond the island, cultures worldwide use music and art to connect and inspire. From these island beats to grand artistic spectacles worldwide, how do these performances connect cultures? Sway of Sounds and Global Beats in Latin Jazz Latin jazz beautifully reflects Puerto Rico’s multicultural fabric. This genre merges Caribbean rhythms with jazz, and Puerto Rican musicians have significantly contributed to its global appeal. Instruments like timbales, congas,…
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Celebrating the Unique Music of Puerto Rico
Like the smell of a freshly cooked empanadilla, the feel of warm tropical waters, or the taste of a piña colada enjoyed poolside, the unique music of Puerto Rico you heard during your vacation will be with you forever. Everything from eateries to taverns to backstreets to highways features Puerto Rican music. It may be heard from any location. The way it is now is just fine with us. The instruments, sounds, and cultures of the Caribbean, Africa, Spain, and Tono people all find their way into contemporary Puerto Rican…
Read MoreWorld Premiere of Puerto Rican Art Song Cycle “Que tus ojos no se cansen de brillar”
The Americas Society will host the world premiere of a new art song cycle by the young Puerto Rican composer Gabriel Bouche Caro and the legendary Puerto Rican poet Giannina Braschi on December 9th 2022 in New York City. “Que tus ojos no se cansen de brillar” is a new chamber music work for clarinet, violin, flute, cello, percussion, piano, and soprano. This art song cycle focuses on the idea of “puertorriqueñidad” or what makes someone Puerto Rican. “The style of the music is, at its core, influenced by traditional…
Read More8 Reasons to Hire a Music Rehearsal Studio
Hiring a music studio can come with a cost, but it can also bring advantages that you won’t be able to find elsewhere. Whether you’re looking for a new musical experience or want to take your skills to the next level and record some new music, there are several reasons why hiring a music rehearsal space could be the right move for you. 1. You Can Use Different Equipment Music studios come with a range of equipment that you might not normally have access to. This will often include recording…
Read MorePlenativa Plena pa’ tu Actividad
Plenativa Plena pa’ tu Actividad Hometown Dorado, Puerto Rico Enciende tu Festival, Carnaval y/o Fiesta Patronal con el Grupo Plenativa en una “Presentación Espectacular” al ritmo de Plena, Bomba y Salsa. Nada mejor que nuestra música folklórica para comenzar la gran celebración de nuestras fiestas de Pueblo. El Grupo Plenativa logra una combinación única y diferente, ya que somos un grupo que busca ofrecer una alternativa musical que sobrepase las expectativas de los oyentes, cuidando con esmero la selección de sus canciones al igual que la imagen de los integrantes…
Read MoreNY Joe Salsero
Jose “NY Joe” Narvaez was born in the Bronx, New York to Puerto Rican natives. His social and cultural identity has been pivotal in shaping his music and style. NY Joe got his start in music at a young age, joining his uncle’s band, Bobby Rodriguez Y La Compania on tour. As a behind-the-scenes stagehand, Joe would set the stage and prepare the sound for his uncle’s shows. Sometimes, he would get the chance to sing background vocals during performances. Traveling around the world on tour, this exposure fueled…
Read MoreAfricaribe
MISSION STATEMENT AfriCaribe is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, research, promotion, and development of the Puerto Rican and Caribbean cultures through music, dance, theater, and other artistic media. HISTORY Created in 2000 by Evaristo “Tito” Rodriguez, AfriCaribe provides Chicago with a means to celebrate the African influence in Puerto Rico and other Caribbean lands. Rodriguez’ vision came to fruition in the form of an umbrella organization providing educational and cultural programming through four main initiatives: An academy, in which professional dancers and musicians teach the traditional drumming and…
Read Morethe Origins of Plena y Bomba
The “plena” and “bomba” are still thriving in Puerto Rico. Like the Calypso from Trinidad, the “plena” is characterized by its simplicity and repetition, like all folkloric music, it is spontaneous expression of everyday occurrences. In Puerto Rico, it was influenced by people with African heritage. Themes included religion, local and national events, recipes, advice, and superstition. The philosophical element is also present. In other words, it embellishes themes that lure the imagination of the people. Plena y Bomba There are several theories as to the origins of this indigenous…
Read MorePhilip Cachi Velez
Cachi was born in New York City, and has been playing percussions for most of his life. He was taught the art by a great percussionist, his father, Phil “Pipo” Velez. Pipo played with Ismael Miranda (Cachi’s godfather), Saoco, and The TNT Band. Cachi started in the music industry by singing back-up vocals and dancing/ choreography for Lagosa Records. Cachi then decided to make music his life and obtain a Degree in Audio Engineering / Sound Recording from Mercy College/Center for the Media Arts. Since then, Cachi has produced two Albums: Sonido Bestial…
Read MoreEugene Marlow’s Heritage Ensemble
Eugene Marlow’s Heritage Ensemble’s repertoire is a reflection of the mixing of cultures that has increasingly evolved in the world of music in recent decades. Described as “. . . a cross-cultural collaboration that spins & grooves” by the New York City Jazz Record, Eugene Marlow’s Heritage Ensemble is an imaginative and tight quintet that churns out its unique brand of pulsating world music with infectious danceable rhythms in various jazz, Afro-Caribbean, and Brazilian styles. Marlow’s musical journey has been infused with numerous Latin jazz influences over a long period…
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