Que Pasa - TT: What's happening?

Latin Beat Magazine, Dec, 1999 by Rudy Mangual

Looking back at 1999 - musically and even more specifically to Latin music, the city of Los Angeles enjoyed a prosperous year of performances, concerts, and festivals featuring the majority of the top exponents in the field. From Tito Puente and Celia Cruz, to Los Van Van and Chucho Valdés, to Los Fabulosos Cadillacs and Maná, angelinos and their guests witnessed the best of the best, from the vast musical spectrum of Latin music.

The contributions from our resident artists were also commendable and continue to reaffirm the high degree of talented musicians in our city. Thanks to the vision and work of local promoters and local venues, live Latin music has been present and very active in our city throughout most of this decade. From the legendary Monday night Cuban Jam sessions at El Floridita Restaurant in Hollywood, to the elite Conga Room on Los Angeles on the west side, live Latin music can be enjoyed nightly throughout the city.

Responsible for the presence of tropical dance music, Latin jazz, and many other worldly delights in the airwaves are the efforts of non-commercial radio stations like KXLU 88.9 FM's Alma del Barrio, aired Saturdays and Sundays from 6-6 p.m., now celebrating 27 years on the air. This is LA's #1 Salsa program.

KCRW - FM Cafe LA., KPFK - FM Global Village, KLON 88.1 FM Jazz on the Latin side, and KPRW - FM Canto Tropical - all do an incredible service to our community as well as play some of the best music ever recorded.

Upcoming events: A Latin Jazz Christmas presented by Bobby Rodríguez and featuring Liz Torres on Saturday, December 4, 1999, at the Luckman Fine Arts Complex in the California State University, Los Angeles. Together with Bobby Rodríguez will be a 23-piece orchestra. For ticket information: (323) 343-6600.

The Annual Artesano Holiday Sale presented by Self Help Graphics and Tienda Colores will be held on Sunday, December 5, 1999, from 125 p.m. The sale offers a variety of works from local Chicano and Mexican artists. Tienda Colores features the work of Chicano and Latino artists, housing a full array of nichos, jewelry, books, cards, tee-shirts, and crafts. Open to the public Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays 12 noon to 4 p.m. For more information: (323) 881-6443.

New Years Eve Salsa Celebration at the Hollywood Park & Casino, Friday, December 31, 1999. Featuring the music of Johnny Polanco & Conjunto Amistad, Orquesta Son Mayor, and DJ Frank. Large buffet will be available. For more information: (310)450-8770.

Latin Gala 2000 will take place at the Hollywood Palladium on December 31, 1999. An evening of nonstop Latin music featuring performers from around the world will welcome the new millennium in this New Year's Eve party a la LA. For more details: (323) 634-7811.

The first dance concert of the year 2000, will be held on Saturday, January 1, 2000 at the Sportsmen's Lodge in Studio City, headlining Juan Formell y Los Van Van direct from Cuba. Tickets are limited for this special event. For more information: (310) 450-8770.

Have a safe and musical Holiday Season and continue to support your local artists. Peace