Agenda Lounge, Salsa Wednesdays

 

Agenda Lounge

Bar | Restaurant | Lounge

399 S. First Street.
San Jose, CA
Tel: (408) 287-3991 

Free Salsa Dance Lesson at 8:00pm

Salsa | Merengue | Bachata

 

 

 

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La Style Salsa Workshop with Peter Araiza!!

 

Learn LA Style Salsa this Weekend!!

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Saturday Nov. 22nd 4:00-6:00pm 

Studio to Dance
6190 Bollinger Rd.
San Jose, CA 95129 

Sunday Nov. 23rd 2:30-4:30pm

Dance Mission Theatre
3316 24th Street
San Francisco, CA 94110 

Price: 

$30 for one workshop / $50 for both workshops

For more info email: theLAinfluence@yahoo.com

 

 

 

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3rd Annual Seattle Salsa Congress, Nov. 28th - 30th, 2008

 

 

 

 

An explosion of Latin and world cultures coming together in a celebration of music and dance. West African rhythms calling forth the gods, the infectious sounds of Carnival from Cuba, Spanish troubadours with their dazzling Flamenco guitars, American jazz merging in a fiery tempo. All these diverse cultures weave a tapestry of spirited passion for you to experience at the 3nd Annual Seattle Salsa Congress.

Enter, a 4-Diamond luxury hotel with a grand ballroom to take your breath away. By day, you’re learning from the best dance instructors on the planet. The evening spirits welcome you with world-class performances and DJs to dance the night away ’till 4am. Deluxe hotel rooms at exclusive low rates complete this fabulous festival. Brace yourself for something extraordinary. This November salsa sets off a heat wave in the Northwest 3 Nights Of Spectacular Shows And Parties. 

Come join us at The Hilton-Seattle Airport, November 28, 29, 30. Thanksgiving Weekend will never be the same. You’re feeling the beats, catching the rhythm, and meeting new friends. The countdown has officially begun. Friday, Opening Night you can dress casual. Saturday is Gala Night. Dress to impress. And Sunday is Descarga Night where the dress theme for the evening is white. Each night will be a great opportunity to dance and make friends with people from all over the world.

Some of the best dancers on the planet will be ready and willing to give you a spin on the dance floor.Performers from around the globe will unite for the second time in Seattle to share their passion of Latin dance with you. See Shows for details. And if you are a performer with special talent, we would like to invite you to showcase your dance on stage!  See Performance Opportunities for more information.3 Days Of Dream Workshops.  There will be over 30 classes taught by some of the best Latin dance instructors you can possibly wish for.

Whether you’re new to Latin dance or a seasoned professional, you will find a workshop to suit your level of expertise. See Workshops for details.

Value!! This event will sell out. You snooze, you lose. Please don’t wait until the last minute to buy your congress pass. An all-access pass is a fantastic value, giving you entry to all workshops and parties. And a luxury hotel room for just $109 completes this non-stop weekend of fun and excitement. 

 

Visit www.seattlesalsacongress.com for all the info.

 

 

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Think all Salsa Dancers are good?! Think again!!

Salsa Dancing Spy Daniel James

Guilty of Spying for Iran.

 

 

 

An army translator and salsa dance teacher who worked for the head of Nato forces in Afghanistan has been found guilty of spying for Iran.

 

Cpl Daniel James who worked for General David Richards, recently appointed as the head of the British Army, was found guilty of emailing details of troop movements to a military attaché in the Iranian embassy in Kabul.

James, 45, denied the charge, under the Official Secrets Act, claiming he was trying to improve relations with Iran and was protecting the general with voodoo spells. The jury is still deliberating on two further charges, also denied by James, alleging that he leaked two sensitive situation reports.

James, an Iranian by birth who had changed his name from Esmail Mohammed Beigi Gamasai, sent a series of “coded” emails between November 2 and December 18 2006.

One email told Colonel Mohammed Hossein Heydari that forces were setting up a camp on the Iran-Iraq border near al-Amara and added: “Take care of that side.”

It finished by adding: “Any other work that you may have, I am at your service” and was signed “Esmail the interpreter.”

 

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Rumbache LIVE at Jelly’s Havana Cafe, San Francisco

Rumbache LIVE at Jelly’s

Sunday November 16th, 2008

Jelly’s Havana Cafe

295 Terry Francois Street,
Pier 50, San Francisco, CA 94158
Tel: 415.495.3099

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Doors open at 4:00pm With DJ Luis Medina / Band Starts at 5:00PM

21 and over for all dance events

Cover $10.00

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About Rumbache:

Rumbaché (formerly Quimbombó) has established themselves as one of the hottest Bay Area salsa bands. Fusing salsa, timba, bomba and whatever else they could find to spicen up the mood, they provide a hard hitting style of playing. And while you can hear them interpreting the classic and contemporary Cuban and Salsa repertoire, they are not shy with their own expression. Their fresh originals make them stand-out in an otherwise cover heavy salsa scene. Under the leadership of percussionist Patricio Angulo, Rumbaché is the voice of youth for San Francisco’s salsa scene, and ignites enthusiasm in dancers and musical connoisseurs alike.

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Pura Noche Latina at Butterfly Restaurant, San Francisco

The South American style monthly party!!

Second Fridays of every month at

Butterfly Restaurant

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This time celebrating DJ Nica’s B-day!
DJ Gota Fria
DJ Juan Data

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The best South American hits…
Salsa, merengue, cumbia, cuarteto, reggaeton, brazilian, rock & pop en español, and much more!

The most fun and energetic parties / The friendliest crowd / An unpretentious atmosphere…

Special drinks all night

Come make new friends or have fun with the old ones!! Either way, you will not regret it!

Don’t forget to RSVP now at www.latinfusionsf.com for a discounted entry… and tell your friends.

And, if you are a Scorpio celebrate your birthday with us… Contact us to get complimentary entrance for your guests!

See you all there!!

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Where: Butterfly Restaurant – Pier 33 The Embarcadero @ Bay St, San Francisco, CA
When: Friday, November 14th – 10PM – 2AM
Cover:
w/RSVP and in by 11PM -Ladies Free / Men $10
All others: Ladies $10 / Men $15

Dress code enforced: dress to impress

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Don’t Miss Salsa Crazy’s New Years Party at the W Hotel, San Francisco

Party with Salsa Crazy This New Years

At the W Hotel!!

Wednesday December 31st, 9:00pm - 2:00am

Get your Pre-Sale tickets HERE!!

Get Your Tickets Today!!

Click HERE!!

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Orquesta Bakan LIVE at Roccapulco Supper Club, San Francisco

Orquesta Bakan LIVE

Friday November 14th, 2008

Roccapulco Supper Club
3140 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
Tel. 415.648.6611

—Salsa Lesson at 8:30pm with Ava & Rodolfo—

—Band Plays at 10:00pm—

Roccapulco is an internationally renowned Salsa Club and restaurant in San Francisco.  Information - Age for admission: 21 and over; Dress code enforced; Dorrs Open: 8:00pm.  Cover Charge: $10.00 Friday and Saturday before 9:30pm, $15 after 9:30pm, except for special events.

About Orquesta Bakan:

The very meaning of Bakan is Festival, Carnival…. and Fiesta, which is shown in their style of music and presentation.

Basically if you’re hot, you are Bakan! Bakan is a full powerful Orchestra which features the Tropical and Latin Spirit that the Bay Area and beyond has come to know and love.

This high-energy Orquesta consists of some of the finest musicians in Northern California.

A nice blend of experienced, and up and coming young talent is reflected in their showmanship.

On vocals are, Victor “Cafe” August and Fernando “Nando” Wilkins. On Trumpets, Tom Bertetta and John Ruff. On Bari Sax, Peter Cornell, and on Trombones Doug Beavers, and Mike Rinta. Christian Tumalan on Piano, and Carlos Ramirez on Electric Bass.

Eric Mendez on Timbales, Sean Zuniga on Congas, and Director Jose Guaman on Bongos/Vocals. Each member brings the flavor of his country ranging from Puerto Rico, Panama, Ecuador, El Salvador, Mexico, Chile, and the USA.

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Latin Fever Fridays, The Beat Dance Studio, Berkeley

Latin Fever Fridays is back with another

LIVE BAND!!!!!

Friday, November 14, 2008 at 8:45pm

The Beat Dance Studio
2560 9th Street
Berekeley, CA

LIVE BAND: Gary Flores & Descarga Caliente

Afinkao and Kanadonga debut their new routines!!!!!

DJ: El De La Clave

— Friday, November 14th, 2008—

—(Free Lesson from 8:45pm to 9:45pm)—

—Band starts @ 10:30pm—

PLENTY OF FREE PARKING!!!!

About Gary Flores:

A native of San Francisco, California. Born and raised in the Excelsior District (Outer Mission District). I started playing the Trumpet in 1972 at the age of 19. In 1973, I joined a neighborhood Latin Rock band called Café. In 1974, I joined the great Ritmo 74, which was a very serious and organized band. Ritmo 74 played at all the Big Salsa Shows in the Bay Area featuring the greatest latin bands from New York and Puerto Rico. We performed with Willie Colon with Hector LaVoe, Grand Combo, Bobby Valentine, Ismael Quintana, Ismael Miranda, Eddie Palmieri with Lalo Rodriguez, Papo Lucca and Sonora Poncena, Larry Harlow, Johnny Pacheco,Celia Cruz, Cheo Feliciano and many others. In 1976, I started a new band called Salsa Caliente. In 1982 I moved to playing piano with the group. Salsa Caliente performed together for about twenty years and was considered the best Salsa Group in the Bay Area; unfortunately to my regret, we never recorded. Many great Musicians came through the Salsa Caliente such as Richard Kermode (Janis Joplin, Malo, Santana), and Luis Gasca (Santana, Malo, Maynard Ferguson, Mongo Santamaria Woody Herman and many others.) Many great local musicians came in and out of Salsa Caliente and are successful band leaders of their own now. After Salsa Caliente, I started a latin jazz group called “Caliente 2000″ where I enjoyed the freedom, individuality and creativity of improvising with this group. The musicians are featured which was very refreshing after backing up singers all the time and the group was smaller. I always loved the Great Jazz Musicians who mastered their instruments and improvised so well like Freddie Hubbard, Woody Shaw, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner, and Dexter Gordon to name a few. So I am attempting to following that path, but with a Latin feel. My major musical influences besides the names just mentioned have been Luis Gasca, Luis “Perico” Ortiz, Richard Kermode, Papo Lucca and many more.

See more details and RSVP on Underground Mambo:
http://undergroundmambo.com

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THE SAN FRANCISCO/BAY AREA SALSA RUEDA FESTIVAL!!

Please join the Bay Area’s Casineros and Salseros along with dancers from around the country and the world. This is shaping up to be an amazing event!!! All-Star Instructors, Performers, Musicians and DJs assembled in one place just for you.

Friday, Feb. 20th:

Welcome Dinner with Cynful Eats, Salsa Timba dance party with Anejo Productions, Samba, Bomba, and Rumba dance performances, Brazilian Baterias and many more surprises.

Saturday, Feb. 21st:

Rueda, Salsa, Son, Salsa Suelta, Afro-Cuban, and Rumba dance workshops from our great Festival instructors. . .Rueda, Cuban Salsa and Folkloric Performances. Mega-Rueda in the ballroom. Live Timba with Rumbache and Jesus Diaz y Su QBA.

Sunday, Feb 22nd:

More great workshops from our instructors in all styles of Cuban dance. Dance performances from local companies and beyond……. Mega-Rueda in the ballroom and Timba, Salsa, Reggaton Dance Party with Anejo Productions.

Instructors:

Duane Wrenn and Maribel Vasquez (Energetic Soul-Michigan), Manuel Suarez (CultuCuba- Guantánamo/Oakland), Julian Meija (Salsalanta - Atlanta),Sidney Weaverling and Ryan Mead ( SF/Bay Area), Sandra Moro Sleeper (Street Salsa - Austin), Royland Lobato (CultuCuba - Guantánamo/Oakland), Cora Barnes (Timbea - Oakland), Serena Wong (Salsa Vale Todo - SF), Mike and Simona (Rumbanana - Corvallis), Ahmed and Katherine (Starlight Dance Studios-NY), Ernesto Cardenas (Havana - Oakland), India Gomez (North Bay Salsa), Chris Rogicki (New York), Isaac and Mary (Salsa By The Lake - Oakland), Saoco D.C. ( Washington D.C.), Jose Barroso (San Francisco), Victoria-Hadar Harel (New York), Marcos Ravelo (Havana/Calgary), Leslie Vazquez and Reinier Fernandez (CMV con Ritmo-Mexico City), Yusef Breffe (Havana/Bay Area), Salsa Nick (Salsa Vale Todo - SF)

Confirmed Performers:

Salsa Vale Todo, Rumbanana, Las Que Son Son, Manuel Suarez, Timbea, Ernesto Cardenas, Fuákata, Casineros Que Son Son, Local Teen Rueda Workshops, Yusef Breffe, and many more TBA…..

DJ’s:

Anejo Productions: DJ WaltDigz and DJ Dark Rum

At the Hotel Whitcomb in San Francisco. Call and mention the “Salsa Rueda Festival” and get the great $89/ night room rate (double occupancy). 1-800-227-4747

Sign up and more info at: www.salsaruedafestival.com

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Glas Kat Supper Club, Salsa Tuesdays!!

Glas Kat is THE place for Salsa Dancing in

San Francisco on Tuesdays!

If you want to dance salsa on a Tuesday night in San Francisco, AY KARAMBA is the night for you at the Glas Kat.

Glas Kat Supper Club
520 4th Street
San Francisco, CA 94107
Phone: 415.495.6620

Glas Kat Supper Club is located in the heart of the SOMA district of San Francisco. It’s a nightclub and restaurant that combines Hawaiian fusion cuisine and dance. It is one of San Francisco’s premiere nightclubs.

Dance Lessons:

Beginner Salsa lesson is- 7:45 to 8:30 with Alison Hurwitz (Metronome Ballroom/Harmony Project Dance Company). Alison is an amazing dancer and an excellent teacher of beginners. Her humor and clear instruction will have you doing the basic in no time.

Intermediate Salsa lesson is- 8:30 to 9:30 with Ricardo Tellez (RicaSalsa Dance Company). Ricardo is a salsa dancer/instructor with thousands of moves.

Once a month (3rd Tuesday), Rodney Aquino (Rodchata.com/Salsagang.com) hosts a Bachata Social in the upstairs lounge with DJ El Guapo. Bachata is a Dominican dance that became popular in the Bay Area about 4 years ago - a romantic and sensual dance.

Glas Kat’s Salsa DJs: DJ Chino, Don BoriQua and El De La Clave. All are serviceable to good salsa DJs, playing a mix of salsa, cha cha cha, merengue and bachata.

Cover: $12.

If you sign up on the Glas Kat guest list (go to the website, http://www.glaskat.com and click on the VIP guest list for Tuesday) you get in for $5. The list closes at 5 PM, and you have to be in the club by 10 PM.

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AVANCE LIVE at Jelly’s Havana Cafe, San Francisco

Avance Performing LIVE at Jelly’s

Sunday, November 9th 2008

——Cover: $10.00 / Doors open at 4:00pm / Band Plays at 5:00pm——-

Jelly’s Havana Cafe

295 Terry Francois Blvd.,  | Pier 50, San Francisco, CA 94158 | 415-495-3099

About Avance:

Led by Carlos Santana percussionist/musical director Karl Perazzo and co-founder/vocalist Armando Cordoba, and featuring four electrifying bilingual singers, a sizzling horn section and one of the best rhythm sections on the West Coast, Avance delivers a new and unique sound that crosses language barriers and ignites the dance floor. Hailing from Central America, vocalists Luis Morales, Jeff Cordoba, Jimmy Flores and Armando Cordoba bring their own individual style, enriching each song with its own personality. Their rich vocals and exhilarating dance show leave all audiences wanting more! Avance’s musical productions combine and fuse all different styles of salsa including Puerto Rican, Cuban and Colombian. Add R&B and pop to the mix, and you’ve got yourself a group with diversity and innovation, yet familiar to the ear and, more importantly, to the soul.

When you experience Avance you’re guaranteed three things: sizzle, style and, most of all, swing!

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Pura Noche Latina - Noche Sudamericana at Butterfly Restaurant, S.F.!

The South American Style Monthly Party!!

Second Friday of every month!!

Friday November 14th, 2008

Butterfly Restaurant
Pier 33, The Embarcadero @ Bay St.
San Francisco, CA 94111

This time celebrating DJ Nica’s B-day!

DJ Gota Fria
DJ Juan Data

The best South American hits…
Salsa, merengue, cumbia, cuarteto, reggaeton, brazilian, rock & pop en español, and much more!

The most fun and energetic parties / The friendliest crowd / An unpretentious atmosphere / Special drinks all night

Come make new friends or have fun with the old ones!! Either way, you will not regret it!

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Get Your Tickets NOW, Salsa Crazy Cruise, 2009, Mexican Riviera!!!

Do you have your Tickets for the

Salsa Crazy Cruise?

Salsa Crazy is taking salseros from all over the world to the Mexican Riviera for what will be one of the best vacations of their life.

If you love to travel, if you love to see new and exciting places, meet new and interesting people, and of course, salsa dance….. then there is no reason to wait for this opportunity. Join us on Salsa Crazy’s Cruise to the Mexican Riviera, January 25th - February 1st.

The SalsaCrazyCruise is setting sail to the Mexican Riviera, AKA Paradise!
WITH LIVE SUPER-BAND CHINO ESPINOZA ONBOARD!!!

WHO SHOULD COME?

Everyone! This cruise is a great vacation for all ages, and all skill levels (yes, even beginners). Singles, Couples, groups of friends, all are welcome!

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KAWEH LIVE at Yoshi’s, San Francisco

Bandleaders of three San Francisco renowned Latin groups join KAWEH at Yoshi’s in the release of his 5th album.

When: Monday December 15, 2008
Doors: 7:30PM
Show: 8:00PM
Tickets: $16 All Ages - Seating + open dance floor.

“From the thrilling pulse of Flamenco through the fiery rhythms of Latin and Brazilian music, to the yearning soul of Middle Eastern sounds and the spontaneous joy of Jazz, KAWAH leads audiences through a wonderful travelogue of music, culture and soul.  Over the past several years, KAWEH’s popularity has exploded internationally.

Their 2008 album release tour concludes at Yoshi’s in San Francisco on Monday December 15, 2008 at 8:00PM with a very special all-star group.

Performing with KAWEH are the leaders of three of San Francisco’s most renowned Latin groups.  These artists include vocalist/percussionist Edgardo Cambon from Candela who recently celebrated the release of his 20-year anniversary album at Yoshi’s, vocalist/percussionsist Danilo Paiz from “Danilo y Orchesta Universal” and violinist Anthony Blea from “Anthony Blea y su Charanga”.  Latin drummer Louie Flores Jr., bassist Mark Kraft and KAWEH celebrate their 5-year anniversary performing and recording together.

KAWEH “Live In San Francisco” is a live CD & full-length high-definition multi camera DVD combo album.  The recording took place at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco late 2007, where KAWEH presented and opened the reunion concert for the legendary San Francisco based group, Sol Y Luna.

More information is available at: www.yoshis.com
Yoshi’s is located at: 1330 Fillmore Street
San Francisco, Ca 94115 Tel: 415-655-5600

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Orquesta Bakan LIVE at Mambo’s Salsa Live, Oakland

Orquesta Bakan LIVE at Mambo’s Salsa Live

Friday November 7th, 2008

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Salsa Lessons at 8:30pm

Band Plays at 10:00pm

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Mambo’s Salsa Live
474 Roland Way
Oakland, CA

About Orquesta Bakan:

This high-energy Orquesta consists of some of the finest musicians in Northern California.

A nice blend of experienced, and up and coming young talent is reflected in their showmanship.

On vocals are, Victor “Cafe” August and Fernando “Nando” Wilkins. On Trumpets, Tom Bertetta and John Ruff. On Bari Sax, Peter Cornell, and on Trombones Doug Beavers, and Mike Rinta. Christian Tumalan on Piano, and Carlos Ramirez on Electric Bass.

Eric Mendez on Timbales, Sean Zuniga on Congas, and Director Jose Guaman on Bongos/Vocals. Each member brings the flavor of his country ranging from Puerto Rico, Panama, Ecuador, El Salvador, Mexico, Chile, and the USA.

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Avance LIVE at Cafe Cocomo, November 6th 2008

Avance LIVE at Cafe Cocomo

Thursday November 6th, 2008

Cafe Cocomo

650 INDIANA STREET, SAN FRANCISCO, CA. 415-410-4735

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Salsa Lesson by “Salsa by Jake” at 8:00pm

DJ Fab Fred at 9:00pm

Avance plays at 10:00pm

Cover $12.00

21 and Over

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About Avance:

Avance Originates and consists of the hottest and newest talents the San Francisco Bay Area has come to know. Four electrifying, bilingual singers, a sizzling horn section, and one of the best rhythm sections on the West Coast. You put this all together and you get a new and unique sound that crosses the language barrier: Spanish and English. Leading the group is Carlos Santana percussionist, Karl Perazzo, and Co-Founder/Vocalist Armando Cordoba.

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12th International LATINO FILM FESTIVAL, San Francisco

SF Latino Film Festival

Article By M.S.

SF LATINO FILM FESTIVAL

Article by M.S.

The International Latino Film Society kicks off the 12^th International Latino Film Festival in San Francisco on November 7, 2008, with a gala opening night, “Noche Cubana,” at the Castro Theatre, followed by “Cuba Exposure,” an exciting event filled with Cuban rhythms by John Santos and DJ Nica at the Kabuki Hotel in San Francisco.

The acclaimed Festival, which celebrates the diversity of Latino culture through the timeless medium of film, runs November 7- 23, 2008. The program includes over 70 features, shorts, and documentaries from Argentina, Brazil, Belize, Bolivia, Cuba, Colombia, Chile, Mexico, El Salvador, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, Venezuela and Spain. The Festival will present screenings in eight Bay Area cities: San Francisco, Redwood City, San Jose, San Rafael, Larkspur, Berkeley, San Mateo, and San Bruno. All films include English subtitles.

“This year we were able to bring together an amazing collection of films that truly reflects the diversity of Latino cinema throughout the world. We are especially excited to honor several outstanding artists this year including Gregory Nava, and Alex Rivera. These US-based filmmakers have all done extraordinary work that embodies the vital connection between Latino cinema in the US and in Latin America,” said Sylvia Perel, Festival Director.

Some of the highlights of the 2008 festival will include:

Tribute to “El Norte,” US, celebrating its 25^th Anniversary and honoring its director, Gregory Nava

New Vision Award to Alex Rivera, for “Sleep Dealer,” US

CinePride: A celebration of LGBT marriage equality, “Spinnin,’” Spain

Lehaim to Salvadorean Righteous: “Glass House,” El Salvador

Noche de Arte y Política: “Against the Grain,” Peru

Closing Night: ¡Viva Brazil! “Mare, Nossa Historia de Amor,” Brazil

Youth in Video: A collection of 2008 films by our young students

Opening Night “NOCHE CUBANA”

Cachao: uno más

dir. Dikayl Rimmasch, 2008, Cuba / USA, 68 min.

Celebrating the life of one of the most influential Afro-Cuban musicians, Cachao: uno más explores the musical journey of Israel “Cachao” López. This documentary follows the legendary bassist from his early days in Cuba to worldwide recognition and features interviews with Andy García and John Santos, who will perform at the opening night party “Noche Cubana.”

CASTRO 11/7/2008 7:00 PM

Closing Night VIVA BRASIL!

Maré, nossa história de amor / Another Love Story

dir. Lucia Murat, 2008, Brazil / France / Uruguay, 104 min.

This musical inspired by West-Side Story mixes Brazilian funk and hip-hop to remake Shakespeare’s most famous romance, Romeo and Juliet. Set in favelas (slums) where rival gangs divide the inhabitants into 2 camps, Analídia and Jonatá are being punished for their attempts to stay together.

CinePride Tribute

Spinnin’ (6.000 millones de personas diferentes) / Spinnin’ (6 Billion Different People)

dir. Eusebio Pastrana, 2007, Spain, 110 min.

If this film was ever released in theaters all over the country before the elections you could kiss Barack Obama good-buy. Those Americans who vote with their bibles would turn up in droves to support MacCain. Not only it projects the idea that the world is gay, it dares to challenge the bible suggesting god himself (herself?) was one of the members of the “happy” tribe.

Here’s a preview of some festival films from the main programming :

Amor, dolor y viceversa / Love, Pain, and Vice Versa

dir. Alfonso Pineda Ulloa, 2008, Mexico / Spain / USA, 85 min.

The beginning was innocent enough: if you’re creative maybe the police would help you find your imaginary lover just like the one you dreamt up. But the plot thickens and things twist and turn in this film reminiscent of The 6th Sense. Lesson learned supports an old wisdom that there’s no bigger fury than a woman scorned.

Maldeamores / Lovesickness

dirs. Carlitos Ruíz Ruíz, Mariem Pérez, 2007, Puerto Rico, 90 min.

The title Lovesickness befits this view of love as a life long roller coaster, in which passion overrides reason. We watch ordinary Puerto-Ricans of all generations go through trials and tribulations of emotions, but the story of an elderly love triangle is particularly endearing - you will never see real 70-somethings in Hollywood culture obsessed with youth.

Sleep Dealer

dir. Alex Rivera, 2008, USA, 90 min.

This Sundance and Berlin festivals award-winner paints a scary tale of possible future projected from some real events. In South America, private companies have taken over municipal water supplies in at least half a dozen countries (including SF Bechtel corporation suing Bolivia that dared to cancel its contract). US finally achieved the goal of having cheap labor without immigration. Thanks to advanced technology these workers can stay where they are and operate robots by remote controls inserted in their bodies. Maybe Alexander Beliaev, a Russian author of science fiction who wrote the Air Trader in 1929 was not that far off…

Cochochi

dirs. Israel Cárdenas, Laura Amelia Guzmán, 2007, Mexico / Canada / UK, 87 min.

If you like the award-winning films of Iranian director Abbas Kiarostami, this story will not disappoint you. Set in the lush Sierra Tarahumara in northwest Mexico, the beautifully photographed slow pace movie is an antidote to fast action oriented Hollywood productions.

General admission to all films is $9 and $7 for students, seniors and disabled. $6 for groups of 10. A package of 5 films would cost only $30 and students will pay only $40 for all movies.

For additional information about the Festival and tickets visit www.LatinoFilmFestival.org.

Article by Maya Salsaloca

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Mambo Night at Club Avalon, a Dancer’s Extravaganza!!

Dr. Rock & Montuno Productions

Mambo NIght at Club Avalon

A Dancer’s Extravaganza!

Friday, November 7th, 2008

Featuring Mambo All Stars Band, with Grammy Award Winner, Julius Melendez

Club Avalon
777Lawrence Expressway
Santa Clara, CA 95051

Admission: $15.00 (+$3.00 online fee) / Door $20.00.
Mambo Dance Competition registration: $25.00 (+$5.00 online fee, including admission).

Doors open at 7:00pm

Must be 21/ Dress code enforced

Sign up for the FIRST SF BAY AREA MAMBO DANCE COMPETITION ONLINE, produced by Montuno Productions.
The winners will be chosen by online vote.
First place will win $250.00 (announced one week after the show)

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Julio Braco y Su Orquesta Salsabor at Jelly’s Havana Cafe

Julio Bravo LIVE at jelly’s Havana Cafe

Sunday, November 2nd 2008

Cover: $10.00

Doors open at 4:00pm / Band Starts at 5:00pm

Jelly’s Havana Cafe
295 TERRY FRANCOIS BLVD
PIER 50 SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94158
Tel: 415-495-309

About Julio Bravo y su Orquesta Salsabor:

Julio Bravo y su Orquesta Salsabor is a dynamic ensemble that creates an explosion of sound and energy. The taste for Latin music has hit the Bay Area with a vengeance, and Julio Bravo is leading the trend, playing his original songs and traditional classic salsa, merengues, boleros and cha-chas from the most popular bands and artists like El Gran Combo, Puerto Rican Power, Los Adolescentes, India, Celia Cruz, Grupo Niche, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Oscar D’Leon, Ismael Miranda, Brenda K. Starr, Victor Manuelle and Marc Anthony, among others. The Peruvian born singer, composer, and bandleader’s unique interpretations and distinctive style are the band’s trademarks. Featuring a bevy of talented musicians and a distinct blend of vocal styles, this orchestra delivers a captivating, high energy show.

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