Que pasa in Los Angeles - musical performances, festivals - Columna

Latin Beat Magazine, Feb, 2004 by Rudy Mangual

On January 24, 2004, The Granada nightclub and dance studio in the city of Alhambra officially opened its doors to the public with a Grand Opening celebration featuring the sounds of Johnny Polanco y su Conjunto Amistad. The new, beautiful and spacious establishment is owned and managed by champion dancers Enio Córdoba and Terryl Jones. The multi-purpose, historical building is the new home to Let's Dance L.A. dance studio by day, and a nightclub by night, currently featuring three floors of dancing to salsa, swing and hip hop music.

Upon completion, The Granada will feature four dance floors, a tapas restaurant, three full bars, two patios, banquet facilities, lounge, VIP room, free parking and will be open to all ages. Albert Torres Productions, Inc. in association with Córdoba, hosts "Salsa Central at The Granada" every Saturday night, showcasing live salsa and dancing till 4 a.m. The West Coast's top salsa bands perform on the main floor, while the best DJs will keep the other dance floors active and full.

Two dance classes are featured as part of the Saturday Salsa Central from 8:15 p.m. to 9:15 p.m., free with paid admission. The Granada in Alhambra is located at 17 S. First St. Alhambra, CA. For more information call (626) 227-2572. Scheduled upcoming bands include Octavio Figueroa and his Orchestra on February 7, Johnny Polanco y su Conjunto Amistad with Ray De La Paz on February 14 (Valentine's Day Party), and the Yari More Orchestra on February 21.

Mama Juana's in Studio City continues to be a hot spot for dancers, featuring live music six nights per week (Tuesday-Sunday) showcasing the sounds of Henry Mora's Big Band, Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Loca, Mariachi Divas, the Yari More Orchestra and Los Dueños del Son, among many others. Great place for dining as well.

"Friday Night Salsa Dancing at The Sportsmen's Lodge" returns in 2004 with New York City's Jimmy Bosch and his orchestra performing on Friday, February 6. Opening band will be Johnny Polanco y su Conjunto Amistad. Celebrate Valentine's Day on Friday, February 13 with Colombian superstars Sonora Carruseles for their only L.A. performance. Directly from Cuba, celebrating over 60 years of Latin music, Orquesta Aragón will perform on March 12. That evening, the Sportsmen's Dance Contest begins and will run through the months of March and April. For advanced tickets of table reservations, can (310) 445-9705.

March 21, 2004 marks the celebration of Alma Del Barrio's (KXLU 88.9 FM) 30th anniversary with performances by Los Soneros Del Barrio, Manny Oquendo y Libre, Johnny Polanco y su Conjunto Amistad and the best DJs of Alma Del Barrio and all of Southern California. Location to be announced very soon.

The countdown to "The 6th Annual West Coast Salsa Congress" begins. Scheduled for May 24 through May 30, 2004. This year's event will include more days, a larger venue, over 100 dance team performances from all over the world and more than 40 workshops by the best salsa instructors in the business. Bands performing include Johnny Pacheco and his Orchestra, Roberto Roena y su Orquesta, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Orquesta de La Luz (with original members from Japan), Africando (from Africa), Spanish Harlem Orchestra and Johnny Polanco y su Conjunto Amistad, plus many other surprises to be confirmed. Early registration is encouraged. For additional information call (310) 445-9705 or visit www.alberttorresevents.com.

Musicians of all levels of proficiency should consider attending one of the workshops and festivals sponsored by KOSA Events of Canada. Study drums and percussion as well as other instruments during one of two weeks intensive study programs in Cuba with the best Cuban musicians in the business. Workshops run April 25 through May 10, 2004 in Cuba and July 26 through August 1, 2004 in Vermont, USA. Call 800-541-8401 for more information or visit www.kosamusic.com.

Continue supporting the arts and your local artists. Peace.