Que Pasa: Los Angeles - TT: What's going on: Los Angeles - Artículo Breve

Latin Beat Magazine, Sept, 2001 by Rudy Mangual

Opening the summer of musical events at the Hollywood Bowl was the Los Angeles Philharmonic Symphonies Under The Stars with performances every Tuesday and Thursday evenings from July 10 through September 13 featuring guest soloists and conductors from around the world. The history of this event dates back nearly 80 years. Opening Jazz at the Bowl on Wednesday nights (July 11) was the legendary Cuban master of the bass Israel López Cachao and his band, together with the Latin jazz sounds of Eddie Palmieri and special guest, flutist Dave Valentín. Hometown Latin jazz maestro Poncho Sánchez hosted the event, introducing and informing the audience of the numerous contributions made by both of these musical icons to the world of Latin music and Latin jazz. The event was a total success with the exception of a few in the audience who expected Poncho Sánchez to also perform. The popular Cuban band Buena Vista Social Club, featuring Ibrahim Ferrer and Rubén González, performed on July 15 as part of the World Festival series at the Bowl. Pianist extraordinaire Chucho Valdés was also on the bill that evening with Tom Schnabel hosting the event. Upcoming at the Bowl are the exhilarating Brazilian sounds of Sergio Mendes & Brazil 2001 with Chico César and Virginia Rodrígues on September 9.

The Hollywood Arts council honored Francisco Aguabella, one of the world's most talented and respected master drummers, at the 8th Annual Jazz Pilgrimage on Saturday, August 25 at the Ford Amphitheatre. Joining Aguabella in the celebration were the Jazz On The Latin Side All-Stars, an 18-piece ensemble of L.A. based luminaries including Poncho Sánchez, Justo Almario, Alex Acuña, and Danilo Lozano.

Ralph Irizarry & Timbalaye, one of hottest Latin jazz ensemble's from New York City, performed at the Conga Room on Friday, July 27, mesmerizing the audience with their unique and powerful repertoire of original Latin jazz compositions. Ruben Blades, former employer of Ralph Irizarry, was present at the gig and praised the performance of the timbalero/bandleader. Scheduled to appear at the Conga Room are Malian singer/composer Habib Koite on September 7, the group Irakere from Cuba on Friday, September 14, Luis Enrique on September 21, and Eddie Palmieri on October 10-12. The Conga Room's Fourth Annual Latin Dance Championships are in progress with preliminaries every Thursday until September 13 and semifinals on Thursday September 20. Amateur finals are on Thursday, September 27 at the Conga Room with professional finals on Saturday, September 29 at the Hollywood Bowl.

Sonidos Gitanos/Gypsy Flamenco comes to the Ford Amphitheatre on September 7, 8, and 9, featuring the magic of Maria Bermúdez and her company of dancers, singers and musicians. Experience this passionate art form in its purest form from the cradle of flamenco in southern Spain.

Albert Torres Productions continues to lead the way throughout the west coast, bringing the best in entertainment from the world of international Latin music. On September 7, direct from Cuba, the group Sierra Maestra will be performing at the Sportsmen's Lodge in Studio City --direct from Colombia, making their first L.A. appearance will be Sonora Carruseles on Thursday, September 13 --Los Angeles' own Son Mayor will be performing on Friday, September 14-- direct from New York City, Orquesta SonSublime on October 5 and Jimmy Bosch & his New York Band on October 12. For tables and tickets for the Sportsmen's Lodge call 310-450-8770.

Grand Performances Summer Season 2001 free series of concerts at the beautiful California Plaza in downtown L.A. continues through the month of October bringing musical entertainment weekdays and weekends at noon and evenings. On July 28 the group Síntesis from Cuba performed their brand of Afro Cuban and Yoruba ritual contemporary music to a full-house that was pleased with the uniqueness of this band. Upcoming concerts include L.A.'s own Charangoa on Friday, September 14 at noon; Taller Coreográfico De La UNAM, Mexico City's highly regarded ballet company on September 20 and 22 at 8 p.m.; Mariachi Las Adelitas on Friday, September 28 at noon, and Brazilian superstar Daniela Mercury on Tuesday, October 2 at 5:30 p.m.

El Floridita Restaurant in Hollywood is proud to present Johnny Polanco y su Conjunto Amistad every Monday night. The restaurant also features live entertainment Friday and Saturday nights.

Continue supporting your local artists and venues.