Que pasa in Los Angeles

Latin Beat Magazine, Feb, 2003 by Rudy Mangual

In honoring the talents, achievements and participation of female artists in our music, I'm glad to be able to mention the names of several femmes extraordinaire that call Los Angeles, California their home. The vocal and musical talents of Candi Sosa make her one of the main Latin music attractions in the city, regardless of where she is performing. For over a decade, Sosa's excellent voice has been delighting fans throughout the Southland with her live weekly performances and recordings. She's one of the featured artists in the latest recording of Caravana Cubana (Del Alma, Dreamer Music). Sosa performs every Friday and Saturday night at the Havana Mania Restaurant in Redondo Beach.

Susie Hansen is another local favorite who has been leading her own salsa/Latin jazz band for over a decade. The talented violinist/bandleader is one of the busiest performers in town with two CDs to her credit, the latest titled The Salsa Never Ends.

Katia Moraes leads one of the top Brazilian ensembles in town, Sambaguru, which performs traditional and contemporary Brazilian rhythms. The charismatic Moraes is a talented singer and energetic performer who can electrify just about any audience. She has a CD available titled Ginga, as well as several collaborations, the most recent one with the LA all-star band Tolú on their latest, Bongó De Van Gogh.

Singer/bandleader Cecilia Noel continues to lead her eclectic Latin/funk ensemble The Wild Clams, active in LA for over a decade.

Iris Sandra Cepeda was the original lead singer of the popular Cuban group Arte Mixto. She has been residing in Los Angeles for several years and performs regularly with the group Charanga Cubana.

Flutist Faye Roberts heads the group Charangoa, an ensemble that stays true to the Cuban charanga style and format.

Gloria T is the bombshell lead singer of the salsa-pop band LA Carpool. Even though the group rarely does live appearances, you can check out her bilingual vocal talents on their latest, Salsa Pop. She's also a background vocalist with "The American Idol Tour."

Singer/percussionist Marta González is the power source behind the Chicano/Latino groove band Quetzal. The social conscienceness-raising ensemble blends traditional Mexican folklore, Afro Caribbean rhythms, rock and funk influences into their unique compositions. The other female in the band is violinist Rocio Marrón. Quetzal is currently enjoying national exposure through their debut CD, Sing The Real, on Vanguard Records.

Elaine y Su Orquesta Cubaney is one of the hottest additions to the local salsa scene in the past year. Performing both traditional Cuban music and timba, they are rapidly gaining fame and fans.

Another newcomer is Maggie Palomo y El Son De Los Angeles. Other musical femmes performing around town include violinist Karen Briggs, percussionist Melena, and singers Ileana García (Chévere), Sonora (Spellbound), and jazz singer Melanie Jackson.

Upcoming events in town include: Special Evening of Women Salsa Singers on Friday, February 7 at the Sportsmen's Lodge in Studio City. The event will feature the bands Elaine Y Su Conjunto Cubaney and Maggie Palomo y El Son de Los Angeles. On Friday, February 14, Salsa Valentine's Day Party with salsa dancing to live music at the Sportsmen's Lodge. Celebrate dancing to the sounds of Johnny Polanco y Su Conjunto Amistad with special guest (direct from New York City) singer Ray De La Paz. Also performing will be Orquesta Son Mayor and a special dance performance by the dance group Salsa Brava.

The 5th Annual West Coast Salsa Congress will take place from May 22-25, 2003, in Los Angeles, California. This year's "List of Honorees" includes Special Recognition Awards to Edward James Olmos (actor and activist), Marlene Dermer (Latino Film Festival), and the following musicians: Ray Barretto, Adalberto Santiago, Richie Ray, Bobby Cruz, Jimmy Bosch, Hermán Olivera and Modesto Cepeda. Top salsa radio stations and magazines honored include Los Angeles Alma Del Barrio (88.9 FM), Canto Tropical (90.7 FM), Latin Beat Magazine, Vista USA Magazine and Sabor Magazine. A special Salsa Ambassador Award will be given to Alicia and Raúl Gómez of Los Angeles. For more information and details on this event visit www.alberttorresevents.com.