del editor - carta - TT: From the Editor - TA: letter - Artículo Breve

Latin Beat Magazine, May, 2001

Fossil records, archaeology, and genetic DNA studies of humans support Charles Darwin's theory that mankind initially evolved from the continent of Africa. Slowly thereafter, humans spread to the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Australia, and finally into the Americas. The 15th century European travelers rediscovered the "New World" of the Americas for their old-world dynasties (Spain, Portugal, France, England, and Holland). Through the time span of the last 500 years, the Americas have evolved immensely culturally, socially, politically, and technologically. As we look at the geographical boundaries within the Americas, we quickly realize that over hall of its land mass falls into what is called Latin America, from south of the Rio Grande border in Mexico to the island of Tierra del Fuego in the tip of South America, as well as most of the Caribbean regions. Even throughout the North American continent, and backed by the latest census reports, Latinos are the fastest growing minority group today. In conclusion, a re-discovery of this fairly New World of the Americas is imminent. Very soon, the Spanish language will be as important as English is today throughout the entire world. We should start to see more Hispanic artists in film playing main roles and being the darlings of the multi-media agencies. The radio and cyberspace airwaves will carry more of the enormous diversity of Latin American music and its rhythms to all the corners of the world. Salsa will be as common as North American rock & roll, and merengue will be the ultimate disco dance of the planet. Brazilian music will also help unite and bring joy to many people through its delicious rhythms, poetic lyrics and exotic dances. The richness of Latin American art and music in all its forms are created for the purpose of enjoyment by a socially active society and therefore are open to the entire human race to enjoy.

Stay tuned and make a smooth transition into this wonderful world of colors, rhythms, movement, and just plain good living. In the pages of this magazine we're trying to do our little part and you don't have to be Hispanic to read it, a little English here, a little Spanish there and the culture is yours.

In this Volume 11 Number 4, May 2001 issue of Latin Beat Magazine we feature the talents of one of Puerto Rico's top male salsa singers, Víctor Manuelle. Also from Puerto Rico, contributing writer Elmer González reviews this year's celebration of the annual Dia Nacional De La Salsa concert on the island. Senior editor Max Salazar brings us the historical article Remembering Julio Andino (bass player extraordinaire), and from the pen of Frank Figueroa you can enjoy Musical Facts, Fables, Folk Tales and Fibs. Also in this issue we have interesting columns covering the Latin music scenes in New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Puerto Rico. Plus tons of information, news, and CD reviews.

Bienvenidos, Welcome. Rudy Mangual