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/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE

/ DECEMBER

2012

TABLE OF CONTENTS

December

ISSUE # 21

6 ROCK

Los Redd

7 ROCK El Vez

9 URBAN

Wisin y Yandel

10 XMAS

Los Romeros

11 FAMILY

Sesame Street Live

12 TROPICAL

El Gran Combo

14 KESTADC.COM GALLERY

Photos of concerts and DC nightlife

9 20

15 UPCOMING EVENTS

Calendar of upcoming events

16 FEATURE

2012 Highlights

19 BEER

Winter Beer Picks

20 BACKSTAGE KESTA Echostage

23 STYLE

Holiday Dress (Office approved)

24 KESTA GIRL Opera Girls

26 LOCAL TALENT Company Calls

PUBLISHER: Media644 / DIRECTOR: Juan Luis Gonzalez / EDITOR: Rosario Garcia / DESIGN: Miriam Jave WEB & TECHNOLOGY: Javier Gonzalez / WRITERS: Luis Ayala, Aline Barros, Darlene Campos, Ellen Flores, Rosario Garcia, Andres Gonzalez, Daniela Guillen, Juan Leon, Alexandra Lucia-Miller PHOTOGRAPHERS: Jose Acha, William Espinoza, Harold Reynold / SALES: Jose Acha, William Espinoza INTERESTED IN BECOMING AN INTERN? CONTACT US: info@kestamag.com, www.kestadc.com, tel: 202 643 0555

27 LOCAL TALENT Ocho de Bastos

28 KESTA SHARE Santaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wish list

29 KE?

Win tickets to Sesame Street Live & Los Redd

WWW.KESTADC.COM

CHUCHO VALDÉS with the

CHUCHO VALDÉS QUINTET DECEMBER 2 • 7PM

“His love of the music always shines through.” (All About Jazz)

Hylton Performing Arts Center, Manassas, Virginia For tickets or information, please call: 888-945-2468 or visit HyltonCenter.org

/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE

/ DECEMBER

2012

ROCK

rock scene). The end of the Civil War was a perfect time for rock music to gain exposure and Los R.E.D.D took full advantage of this opportunity. In 1992, San Salvador was a city full of new faces in the local music scene, bands were forming out of thin air, and a big part of that was the popularity of MTV Latino and local radio stations like Super Stereo 105.7 FM that heavily promoted Rock en Español. Also on the other hand, bands like the Ramones and Green Day were making an impact on this new young rock generation, so much so that Los R.E.D.D.‘s first album was released in English. These were the major influences behind many Salvadoran musicians (who were inspired to create Rock, Ska, Reggae and Punk) and formed bands that started playing at high schools, bars and festivals, while feeding a new generation of fans that heavily identified with this new generation of musicians. Los R.E.D.D sound was unique in that they used a variety of instruments such as the trumpet, keyboards, and trombones in addition to the rocking guitars, and drums.

By: Luis Ayala

sually when you think of countries that have been home to popular Latin Rock bands, El Salvador is not the first country that comes to mind. However, this Central American country is no exception when it comes to generating rock lovers, and this was evidenced when The State Theatre recently announced that Los R.E.D.D. (from El Salvador) would be playing a show there on December 7th! Salvadoran rockers (who are always out supporting both international and local bands) rejoiced when they found out one of their own national treasures

would be coming to the area. This is not the first time Los R.E.D.D have visited the area, however, for many fans, this is the opportunity they have been waiting for to see them live at one of the most popular and professional venues in our area. For the past 15 years, the State Theatre has been home to bands mainly from Mexico, Spain or Argentina, where the rock industry has been better able to export rock bands to play abroad. Therefore, this is a big opportunity for Los R.E.D.D. to reach into a very tight market and become not just the first Salvadoran rock band but the first Central American rock band to perform at the State Theatre.

The turnout for this event can be very historic because for many Salvadorans who immigrated to the DMV area in the past 20 years, this is going to be the first chance of seeing Los R.E.D.D in concert. Los R.E.D.D are one of the bands that were an essential part of the Salvadoran rock movement in the 90s. Los R.E.D.D. first emerged when brothers Diego and Luis Selva created the band in 1992. The early 90’s saw a peak in the local scene which emerged at the end of the 13-year Salvadoran Civil War that tore the country apart and caused many limitations to the local entertainment business (especially on a the underground

Now 20 years later, and with plans of becoming the first Salvadoran rock band that tours heavily in the US, Los R.E.D.D. are ready to connect with Latin music lovers around the country, and specially seeing Salvadoran audiences in places like DC, NY or Philadelphia who know all the words to their songs. And don’t worry if you are not Salvadoran, the band’s musical style is a diverse mix that takes cues from an interesting array of musical sources, including rock, ska and of course a little bit of cumbia that will be sure to make you dance and even scream the band’s notorious slogan: “Apartense Gatos Secos!!” See you at the State Theater on December 7th, 2012, for tickets and more information visit: www.thestatetheatre.com. █

WWW.KESTADC.COM

ROCK

By: Rosario Garcia

or nearly two decades, MexicanAmerican rock and roll artist, Robert Lopez, has never “left the building” performing original and classic rock song covers in his “El Vez” (Mexican Elvis) persona. Mixing the styles of Elvis Presley and many other American rock artists with his own Mexican heritage and music, he is known for expressing revolutionary views through satire and humor in his songs. He also does it with a fashion statement that would impress the King himself. Lopez first got his start in music playing guitar for the punk band “The Zeros.” Now performing solely as “El Vez”, he is known for his high-production

value stage show, which features several back-up singers/dancers known affectionately as the “Elvettes”, a dizzying array of stage costume changes, and song monologues that mix humor with political activism flawlessly. El Vez oozes the Elvis Presley persona and style, however, he is not strictly an Elvis impersonator. In his live show, as well as, in his recordings he often covers such artists as David Bowie, Iggy Pop, John Lennon, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Queen, and the Beatles. While El Vez boasts dozens of records throughout his career, the only way to get the full El Vez phenomenon is to experience it through his live shows. The Spiders of Memphis are El Vez’s backing band. Listening to El Vez is like hearing a live-band equivalent of sampling. His song titled, “You Ain’t

Nothing But a Chihuahua” mixes an instrumental version of the Beastie Boys “Gratitude”, mixed in with the lead guitar riff from Santana’s “Black Magic Woman” laid underneath Rod Stewart’s “Maggie May.” Another favorite is a song titled “En el Barrio” about an immigrant boy born in the barrio (ghetto). Although El Vez often covers songs, he usually rewrites them with a very political and pro-Latino message. His songs are filled with references to the Zapatistas and other Mexican revolutionaries. El Vez makes you think about Latino’s perils while in the United States without beating you over the head with it, and in a fun interactive way.. you will definitely be singing along with his play on words “Say it loud, I’m Brown and I’m proud” or enjoy the clever social satire in his song “Immigration Time” -- sung to the tune of “Suspicious

Minds” -- he shouts, “I’ve got my green card...I want my gold card!” El Vez also does what he preaches, based in East Los Angeles, he is heavily involved with anti-gang programs and other community outreach programs. El Vez is such a celebrity he has appeared on The Tonight Show, Oprah, MTV, HBO, CNN, Live with Regis & Kathy Lee, he has even been a question on Jeopardy & “mucho mas”. As El Vez’s biography states, “You’ll leave an El Vez concert proud to be Mexican, no matter what nationality you are.” You can enjoy the King himself when he comes to the U Street Music Hall on December 3, 2012 performing his El Vez Mex-Mas show extravaganza! The tickets are $20 and are available through ticketfly.com. Don’t miss out! █

/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE

/ DECEMBER

2012

WWW.KESTADC.COM

URBAN

By: Juan Leon

Though they would become hugely influential within the genre, the duo’s origins were inauspicious compared to their present day global status as Latin Urban music icons.

I first heard Wisin y Yandel on their collaboration with Daddy Yankee (“No Me Dejes Solo”) which formed the middle portion of the “Gasolina/No Me Dejes Solo/ King Daddy” medley that brought Daddy Yankee and reggaeton to the ears of the masses. “Gasolina” got all the attention for breaking a new Latin musical sound to the pop audience-- and DY’s track was admittedly stunning-- but Wisin y Yandel’s track was just as special. “No Me Dejes Solo” provided the perfect, rhythmic yet trenchant counter to “Gasolina’s” relentless aggression. Alongside the heedless pursuit of speed emanating

from Daddy Yankee’s “Gasolina”, Wisin y Yandel’s “No Me Dejes Solo” delivered a pounding and vibrant heart. It also delivered a path to the aching, reluctant romantic, blueprint for subsequent reggaeton acts (most notably the proliferation of singer/rapper duos within el genero; see Khriz y Angel, Zion y Lennox, Alexis y Fido, etc.), who would pattern themselves after W and Y’s content and style. Now, un FENOMENO (an accurate self-description on their website’s bio), responsible for countless hits, features, collaborations, and successes, Wisin y Yandel were not always pack leaders.

Juan Luis Morera Luna (also known as Wisin) and Llandel Veguilla Malave ( Yandel) met over 14 years ago on the island of Puerto Rico. As fellow artists drawn to the burgeoning reggaeton style, Luna and Malave teamed up to form a duo within el genero and became Wisin y Yandel. The group’s first studio release, Los Reyes del Nuevo Milenio (featuring early production work from the legendary DJ Nelson), proved a moderate (relative to the duo’s future accomplishments and standards) success, rising to #35 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart. Although W and Y’s subsequent albums (2001’s De Nuevos a Viejos, 2002’s De Otra Manera and 2003’s Mi Vida… My Life) were similarly successful and continued garnering fans and accolades for the group, Pa’l Mundo, Wisin y Yandel’s 2005 release was a different animal altogether. Graced with guest spots from standout artists within the reggaeton genre (Daddy Yankee, Hector El Father) and even some from outside el genero (Aventura’s Romeo Santos), Pa’l Mundo’s popularity eclipsed that of W and Y’s previous releases.

Selling over 3,000,000 copies worldwide, Mundo brought the duo’s work to a wider audience who bumped along to album highlights “Rakata”, “Mayor Que Yo, Pt. 2” and “Llame Pa’ Verte (Bailando Sexy)”. 2007’s Wisin vs. Yandel: Los Extraterrestres topped the Billboard Latin charts and made it all the way to number 14 on the US Billboard charts. La Revolucion in 2009, once again topped the Billboard Latin charts and reached number 7 on the US Billboard charts. La Revolucion also foreshadowed the duo’s tilt towards a more heavily produced pop sound and a slight departure from strictly dembow, reggaeton. Los Vaqueros: El Regreso (2011) made it a third consecutive number 1 position on Billboard’s Latin charts and a sharper shift toward Latin pop, away from pure reggaeton production. The duo’s latest release, Lideres, sees a continued progression towards pop (guest spots from J-Lo, Chris Brown and T-Pain make the progression crystal clear). Longtime collaborators Chris Jedai, Luis O’Neill, and Marcos “Tainy” Masis, capably handle most of the production duties on Lideres. “Perdon” is a strikingly lovely reggae-ballad. “Tu Nombre”, “Rumba” and “Noche De Carnaval” are classic W and Y, but break no new ground. Wisin y Yandel’s forays into more straightforward pop are as effective on Lideres as they’ve always been. “Follow the Leader” is passable J-Lo. Flirting with dubstep-lite and Calvin Harris electropop, “Una Bendicion” is a solid, intriguing collab with English producer Sermstyle. “Algo Me Gusta de Ti” is a remarkable standout single that highlights the duo’s dance floor vitality. Chris Brown is reliably excellent on the track and Tainy/O’Neill’s kuduro-touched production wonderfully shadows an uncharacteristically subtle T-Pain. From the top of reggaeton, to top of the pops. Facil. Wisin y Yandel and Friends play in New York City at Madison Square Garden, Friday January 18th, 2013. Tickets will be available through Ticketmaster. Stay tuned to kestadc.com to see if Wisin y Yandel plan to make a stop in the Washington DC area. █

/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE

/ DECEMBER

2012

XMAS

By: Darlene Campos

ounded by Celedonio Romero, a guitarist born in Cuba and raised in Spain, the Romeros (also known as the Royal Family of the Guitar), have been showcasing classical music for more than five decades. Celedonio Romero passed on his love for the guitar to his sons, Celin, Pepe, and Angel Romero when they were only infants. By the time they were around seven years old, the boys were ready to make their first musical debuts. Within a matter of years, the Romeros evolved into a worldwide musical group, even performing at the White House for President Jimmy Carter and Vatican City for Pope John Paul II. The New York Times wrote, “One of the enduring mysteries of musical talent is how skills seem to flow genetically from parent to child. In the Romero family the flow has been swift and unimpeded.” The Romeros were knighted into the Order of Isabel la Catolica by the Spanish king, Juan Carlos I, in 2000. Celedonio Romero was given the honor of Knight of the Holy Sepulcher by Pope John Paul II. You will have your chance to witness their talent on December 15, when the Romeros will be performing at George Mason University for a special live concert. The Romeros will be accompanied by Concerto Malaga, a Spanish string ensemble with 13 musicians and led by conductor, Massimo Paris. Concerto Malaga was established in 1996 to bring traditional Spanish music to audiences all over the globe. The ensemble is supported by the Malaga City Council in Spain and is the official ‘orchestra

in residence’ of County Donegal, Ireland. A 45-minute discussion with the performers will be held prior to the concert and is free to all (sponsored by the Friends of the Center for the Arts). The Romeros have previously held concerts at Carnegie Hall, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Lincoln Center. Though Celendonio passed away in 1996, his sons and grandsons, Lito and Celino, have continued his legacy. The 2012-2013 tour season for the

a Manger,” “Ave Maria,” “Carol of the Bells,” and George Handel’s classic “Messiah.” Since it is the holiday season once again, the Romeros and Concerto Malaga will perform several songs from “Christmas with Los Romeros.”

Romeros presents a special series of performances to honor the 100th anniversary of Celedonio’s birth.

Center for the Arts in Fairfax on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012 at 8 p.m. This performance is Family Friendly! Tickets for the concert range from $23-$46. Youth through 12th grade students can purchase tickets for half price when accompanied by an adult. Tickets are available at the box office at the George Mason University’s Center for the Arts in Fairfax campus, by phone, and online. For more information, please visit www.cfa.gmu.edu. █

This is not the first time the Romeros have joined their music with Concerto Malaga. In 2001, the Romeros and Concerto Malaga recorded a holiday album titled “Christmas with Los Romeros,” which features both traditional and modern Christmas carols such as “Away in

Concerto Málaga, a 13-piece Spanish string ensemble, and its conductor, Massimo Paris, present an exquisite evening of Christmas music at George Mason University’s

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/ 11

FAMILY

By: Aline Barros

alcolm Gladwell once said, “If you can hold the attention of children, you can educate them,” and he has been right ever since. Your favorite furry friends from Sesame Street, including the loveable Elmo, are bringing their musical fun for the entire family to the Patriot Center from Thursday, Dec. 13 through Sunday, Dec. 16! Find your way to Sesame Street in the right musical. The energy is high, and characters engage with the audience. According the official press release Elmo will get his furry fingers on Abby Cadabby’s magic wand, and Sesame Street will become a nonstop, all-singing, all-dancing musical montage! Grover and Baby Bear sing their highs and lows, Cookie Monster sings fast and slow, Bert and Ernie converse in song and Murray makes mouth music for all to sing along. “Elmo dances to the rhythm of the African rainforest and Bert meets an octopus who has the blues. It’s a story of adventure and fun that teaches children they can be anyone, do anything and go anywhere with the power of imagination,” describes Sesame Street Live’s Facebook page. “The show was not a disappointment and worth every penny. Having my son

timeless lessons for all ages.” Even adults will recognize songs, and will enjoy sharing the fun moment with their children. The musical is to be compared to a Broadway musical production, and has fun new parodies of “Shout” and “You Can’t Stop the Music.” Before the show, children will also be able to enjoy Sesame Street Play Zone, where they will get to experience their favorite street. There will be an opportunity to sit in Big Bird’s nest, twirl in Zoe’s dance studio, sit on the steps of 123 Sesame Street, and much more. The space is hosted by Murray, Play Zone opens one hour before the show – best of all, its FREE with the Sesame Street Live ticket.

get to meet Elmo and Cookie Monster was priceless,” Tracy Brott from Wisconsin posted on Sesame Street Live Official page. The first Sesame Street aired on November 10, 1969 with lots of positive reviews, and high ratings. The idea was to have educational television content with music, strong visuals, and fast movements that would appeal to young audiences. Even Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor visited Sesame Street, and explained to Abby Cadabby what it meant to have a career. “Well, you can go to school and train to be a teacher, a lawyer, a doctor, an engineer, and even a scientist,”

said Sotomayor when Abby asked what types of careers were available to girls. While Abby gets advice from Justice Sotomayor, the Sesame Street Musical promises to “offer a fun-filled learning experience packed with the razzle-dazzle of interactive live performance, including up-close and personal interactions on the audience floor! Like television’s Sesame Street, each Sesame Street Live production features

Go to ticketmaster.com or Patriot Center Box Office for tickets, and make sure to follow Elmo and his friends at Sesame Street Live Facebook Official Page for more info! █

/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE

/ DECEMBER

2012

TROPICAL

By: Ellen Flores

here are very few groups in music history that can be considered both as music and a source of wisdom at the same time. Known as “el conjunto más exitoso de la salsa”, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico have spanned a career of over 50 years and now, they will be visiting the DMV as part of their anniversary tour on March 14 at the Howard Theatre. Regarded by many as a benchmark group within the music industry, Los Mulatos Del Sabor have always safeguarded their sound thus making it a benchmark in the afrocaribbean salsa sound that has remained popular and appealing to crowds while still keeping in touch with the roots of the popular music sound of Puerto Rican culture. From the influence of founding member Rafael Ithier -who is still an active member in the group today- to the chart topping Andy Montañéz era, and the present tour with fellow founding member Eddie “La Bala” Perez, El Gran Combo has laid the groundwork for many artists and musicians today and thus earning them the title of La Universidad de La Salsa. Their recording catalogue is massive and there is no such thing as “one definitive album” or greatest hits compilation. To fully explain the impact

and influence that El Gran Combo has left in the history of music would require many, many pages; perhaps maybe even a volume or two. There are many factors that have made this group withstand the trends, fads and generations in order to stay strong 50 years after their beginnings in Puerto Rico in the 1960’s decade. But one

thing that can be considered as uniting thread throughout their career are the ties that their music has made in the lives of their fans. When you ask someone if they know who El Gran Combo is, they are quick to answer yes along with a personal anecdote that ties a song to a specific memory in their life. As a kid, I never was a huge fan of salsa music; we were more of a merengue family. But, there were several occasions in which the salsa tapes were dusted off and played at very high decibels. Being the Boricua family that we were, these tapes were usually busted out at large family gatherings, a quinceañera, Christmas or Three Kings day. There were many salsa staples at our gatherings, but the songs that always got everyone dancing belonged to one very specific group; El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico. No one in the family could deny the drive to dance al ritmo de la clave salsera when El Gran Combo invaded the airwaves. With songs like “Caballo Pelotero” I remember learning the basic salsa steps with the guidance of my abuelo. When I hear “El Menú” I always see my tías serving lunch to the family while doing the side to side shimmy and singing along the words. “No Hago Mas

Ná” was sort of the last call when tío had a little too much coquito or when the fellas were going to begin the dominó tournament. Those emotional ties are what have made El Gran Combo such a time-tested and everlasting group. Their music is embedded in the memory of the listener. In some way, shape or form, we all have a story that can be tied to a Gran Combo song. Of all the accomplishments that El Gran Combo has managed to obtain, the symbiosis they have with their audience is the one accolade that will never be a tangible one, but rather, an intrinsic attribute that cannot be replicated or formulated. A career legacy like the one that El Gran Combo has developed throughout five decades of compositions, tours and stories is what allows them to still retain that connection with their audience and multiple generations across the globe. Don’t miss out on your chance to see this great band live on Thursday, March 14th, at the Howard Theatre in DC! For more information visit: www. thehowardtheatre.com. █

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“An extraordinary experience... exquisitely beautiful.”

— Cate Blanchett, Academy Award-winning actress

“it’s superb.

I am going to mention it on the news ... people should see it.” —Ernie Anastos,

Emmy Award-winning news anchor

“What i loved is

the authenticity of it … from a spiritual level.” —Donna Karan Creator of DKNY

“So inspiring...

I may have found some ideas for the next Avatar movie.” — Robert Stromberg,

Academy Award-winning production designer for Avatar

“A beautiful show... Authentic chineSe, MAde in AMericA Based in New York, Shen Yun is reviving authentic Chinese culture, which has mostly been destroyed in China under communist rule. Today, you can no longer see a show like Shen Yun inside China.

fantastic!”

— Joy Behar,

Co-host of ABC’s The View

/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE

/ DECEMBER

2012

KESTADC.COM GALLERY Miguel Mateos @ The Fillmore 11.21.12

La Feria de la familia @ DC Armory 11.18.12

No more bullying @ High Point Highschool 11.18.12

Rocking Fairfax @ Old Firestation 11.17.12

Alexis y Fido @ Cococabana 10.26.12

November Nightlife

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KESTA HAPPENING DC FEATURED EVENTS Sun 12.02 Mon 12.03 Wed 12.05 Thur 12.06 Thur 12.06 Fri 12.07 Fri 12.07 Wed 12.12 Thur 12.13 Fri 12.14 Fri 12.14 Sat 12.15 Sat 12.15 Sat 12.22 Mon 12.31 Mon 12.31 Sun 01.13 Thur 02.28 Thur 03.14 Sat 05.18

Chucho Valdés @ Hylton Performing Arts Center El Vez @ U Street Music Hall Paint Party @ The Palace Latins Leading Tomorrow Holiday Party @ A-Town Bar and Grill Os Mutantes @ The Hamilton Zoe @ BB Kings NYC Los Redd @ The State Theatre The Misfits @ The Howard Theatre Graffiti on Skin Canvas @ Sutra Lounge El Chaval de la Bachata @ Cococabana José Feliciano @ The Howard Theatre Mambo Real & Viti Ruiz @ Mi Patio Restaurant The Romeros @ GMU Center of the Arts Los Empresarios @ The Hamilton NYE Latin Gala with Grupo Niche @ Marriot Crystal Gateway New Years Eve @ Bravo Bravo The Wailers @ The Howard Theatre Bebel Gilberto @ 930 El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico @ The Howard Theatre Festival Argentino @ Thomas Jefferson Theatre

For more information and many more events go to KESTADC.COM

The Romeros

With CONCERTO MÁLAGA

DECEMBER 15 • 8PM

“Two of Spain’s premiere string ensembles” GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY’S CENTER FOR THE ARTS Fairfax, Virginia

For tickets or information, please call: 888-945-2468 or visit cfa.gmu.edu

/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE

/ DECEMBER

2012

FEATURED

Tito Puente Jr and Gilberto Santa Rosa @Warner Theatre DC fans are used to moving and shaking their booty at live music events. Sometimes events at theatre’s make these booty shakers actually calm down a little and sit and enjoy the show. This didn’t quite happen at the Gilberto Santa Rosa and Tito Puente concert @The Warner Theatre. You might as well have asked the staff from the Warner Theatre to give their seats a break because at this show people didn’t use them. People danced throughout the two perfect performances. Fans made the aisles their dance floor and went into a salsa dancing-craze that turned the Warner Theatre into the area’s biggest salsa club.

What girl does not love Romeo Santos? From what we experienced at the Romeo Santos concert @ Patriot Center, very few. Romeo Santos’ charming personality and romantic hits wooed all the beautiful ladies (and probably some guys) in the almost sold out Patriot Center for over 90 minutes. The way Romeo worked the stage making his singing and playful chatter with his fans a hypnotizing event that made most fans forget about their bf/hubby was probably at home lying unsexily on the couch watching Sportscenter, eating a doritos locos $5 box and sipping on a six pack of corona.

Jennifer Lopez and Enrique Iglesias @Verizon Center What can you expect from Jennifer Lopez and Enrique Iglesias? An EPIC show. These two mega artists already know how to work a concert perfectly, add an amazing stage, lights, and top of the line production and you have a very unforgettable experience. A few memorable moments? Jennifer Lopez making her appearance from the ceiling of the Verizon Center in a swing wearing a massive white fur coat and the transformation of the stage into a boxing ring. Cool stuff indeed.

Bachata and Salsa = Lots of Dancing. Bring together two big artists from each genre and you have sweat your booty and dance all night type of event. This is what happened when COC Productions decided to create a Salsa vs. Bachata concert at Bravo Bravo. Who were the contenders in this battle? Eddie Santiago and Luis Miguel del Amargue. The winners of this successful event were definitely the fans that sang, danced and partied it up ‘till 4am at the always fun Bravo Bravo.

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/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE

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2012

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BEER

By: Andrés Gonzalez

7.3% alcohol by volume Appearance: Every year, this Chicago-based brewery gives us this winter ale that has a slightly dark brown color, with a hint of red and caramel. Smell: This ale’s aroma is a rich conglomerate of woody, fruity—with hints of plump and cherry— and moderately sweet—think caramelized brown sugar—scents. The aroma is powerful and intriguing, offering a great introduction to the boldness of its taste. Taste: Just as its smell, this ale’s taste is complex. It invokes a distinct earthy, cherry drive, with a kick of a contradictory, but enjoyable, clash between sweet and bitter zests. Mouthfeel: This ale has a pronounced creamy, medium body sharp feel, with jolts of fruit hints that go down easy. Overall: Ideal for a cold, rainy winter night, if you are in the mood for an intricate distinctly-flavored beer. Best accompanied

6% alcohol by volume Appearance: This Virginia-based brewery brings us its Christmas lager inspired on the German- block lager. It has a deep-golden, caramelized, copper color, with a wink of light red. Smell: This lager has a very subdued, light, but sprightly tang, with an allusion best

L A C A S I TA P U P U S A . C O M

described as grainy and slightly citrusy, with a subtle kick of clove and herbs. Taste: Fairly carbonated and fizzy, which could, at first impression, underscore its taste. After close consideration, this lager displays sweet, crisp and malty notes, along with an very attenuated alcohol taste. Mouthfeel: A smooth, rounded and light feel, contrasted with the vivid bitter kick one gets when gulped, and a very light, sweet aftertaste. Overall: A refreshing lager that is light and easy to drink, while with enough flavor accents that prevents it from being dull.

5.6% alcohol by volume Appearance: This ale has a dark brown, chocolate, dark maple syrup hue. Smell: With a grassy, herbal, earthy aroma, this ale can be reminiscent to the smell of forest morning dew, accompanied with a smooth scent of banana and pear. Taste: At first, it feels fizzy, but it quickly introduces a rich banana essence, with a clue of cinnamon. It leaves a distinct citrus, lemon peel aftertaste that can be quite refreshing. Mouthfeel: It feels fairly accented with different flavors hues, but not overwhelming, or too heavy. This ale is an easy drink, with a prolonged roasty, woody aftertaste. Overall: A perfect choice if you are in the mood for a fairly refreshing, easy drink, with engaging flavors. An ideal choice for an ale that is neither too heavily-flavored, nor too light. █

/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE

/ DECEMBER

2012

VENUE

By: Juan Leon

ince the demise of Nation in July of 2006, DC has been bereft of a truly massive signature space to host dance music indoors. Recently, smaller venues such as Tropicalia and the incredible, cozy, unpretentious U St. Music Hall (recently voted as having the second best sound system in the entire country by Beatport magazine; seriously, if you haven’t been yet check out U Hall), have done a laudable job providing comfortable, small scale dance havens. However, Nation’s colossal shoes have yet to be filled. Fillmore Silver Spring (isn’t in DC first of all but close enough) is too corporate. Fur/Love/ Insert Lounge are too clubby. Enter the next contender: Echostage.

Proper sight lines are essential and standard to any decent venue but the overall atmosphere provided by Echostage is quality: “(2) 60 ft. bars run along each side of the dance floor and a photo pit provides close-up views in front of the stage” while “The back of the room features a raised ‘front of house’ booth where an expert production team controls the show”.

Formerly DC Tunnel, and DC Star, Panorama Productions and Club Glow took the venue over in September 2012 in a bid to create DC’s largest nightlife space. Echostage boasts 30,000 plus square feet and “Top tier sound design, advanced LED visual displays and unobstructed sight lines throughout the venue”.

Nation always had a slightly underground feel to it, what with its Velvet Nation gay nights on Saturdays and a dizzyingly diverse roster of acts: through the years Nation’s stage was graced by acts as revered and unique as Siouxie and the Banshees, VNV Nation, Bjork, and the Pet Shop Boys

The new venue’s Club Glow influence rears its head via Echostage’s VIP area. “Stairwells in the back corners of the dance floor lead to VIP. Mezzanines over-looking the dance floor run along each side of the room and host over (30) bottle service areas. Each mezzanine houses (1) bar and each bottle service area comfortably accommodates (8) people”.

among many others. Even when hosting mammoth, high-profile giants (David Bowie, Rage Against the Machine, Tiesto, Chemical Brothers, The Prodigy), Nation kept it fresh and surprising. Present day dance music’s status as virtually mainstream means that Echostage will necessarily differ at least some in this regard.

DECEMBER EVENTS AT ECHOSTAGE:

However, early signs show the possibility of a spectrum of acts beyond the sure-fire, EDM chart toppers. Echostage’s November 1st presentation of CNTRL: Beyond EDM (Richie Hawtin, Loco Dice, Paco Osuna, Ean Golden) was a welcome surprise suggesting Echo won’t be content to stick to a constant rotation of Tiesto, Paul van Dyck, and Benny Bennassi types.

Doors open at 9PM, 18+

Echostage confesses “While the bulk of Echostage events involve Glow’s massive dance music DJ-events, the venue was renovated to be an all purpose venue made to host live bands, MC’s and any other event requiring a large-scale stage production”. Something for everyone, hopefully, in Nation’s legacy and shadow.

Friday, December 14th

Tiesto

Matt Goldman Doors open at 9PM, 18+

Saturday, December 15th Tiesto Roberto Gonzalez Saturday, December 22nd Porter Robinson & Cosmic Gate Audien & Des McMahon Doors open at 9PM, 18+

Friday, December 28th Size Matters Feat. Steve Angello Third Party, Tim Mason & Roberto Gonzalez Doors open at 9PM, 18+

Echostage is located at 2135 Queens Chapel Road in Northeast DC. Tickets for all shows are available through www.wantickets.com. █

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DRINK

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STYLE

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By: Daniela Guillen

December marks the beginning of endless holiday parties. The challenge is figuring out which dress/ dresses to buy and having enough spare change for your holiday shopping. Dress shopping for a company holiday party can be easy if you keep a few rules in mind. Stay away from dresses that are too short and too tight. Aim for classic silhouettes like an A-Line or sheath dress. Classic silhouettes are also easier to multipurpose, great way to save some cash. Keep your dress on the conservative side but don’t be afraid to show some personality. Also, don’t forget to add some holiday cheer by accessorizing with pops of holiday color and sparkle. In other words, don’t wear anything you wouldn’t wear to work! █

1. CHARLIZE SEQUIN-SHOULDER COCKTAIL DRESS $268.00 BCBG.com | 2. TFNC Starburst Midi Dress with Embellishment $91 ASOS.om | 3. Lauren Ralph Lauren Scoop Back Sequin Sheath Dress $194 Nordstrom.com 4. kate spade new york Peep Toe Evening Pumps - Stimson $328 Bloomingdales.com | 5. THREE-QUARTER SLEEVE BODY CON DRESS MINK On sale, $170 REISS.com | 6. Red zig zag waist panel dress $89 Dorothy Perkins.com 7. Badgley Mischka Pointed Toe Pumps - Vision High Heel $215 Bloomingdales.com

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2012

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Opposite page from left to right:

Nataliia, Daniella, Shana Top:

Jessica Photographer: DC Pro Studio Photography Opera Ultra Lounge 1400 I Street Northwest Washington, DC 20005 www.operadc.com

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/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE

/ DECEMBER

2012

LOCAL TALENT

By: Rosario Garcia

he pressure is on as Nathalie (Nat) Vega, Krystle (Krys) Fernandez, and Sam Bottorf of local DC all-girl band, Company Calls, start practicing and preparing for their next gig. Sam is setting up her drums which she stored in Nat and Krys’ kitchen after their last gig at Chapala Blue Beetle Bar. Nat and Krys are discussing how to respond to an email request to play a show at the Red Palace and also about booking a house party. Krys says, “Man we are booking so many shows, when are we going to have time to write new music?” This may be a common dilemma for well-established bands but Company Calls has only been performing since September 2012. Since they broke their stage cherry, they have been busy booking shows at venues and festivals around the area including spots in Phasefest (DCs Queer festival) and STTP fest (Sweet Tea Pumpkin Pie Fest). Calling themselves post-punk indie rock, and fronted by Peruvian singer-songwriter Nathalie Vega, Krys on lead guitar, and Sam on drums, the band has been booking shows so quickly they’ve had to create band essentials like a logo, webpage, and Soundcloud and have had them posted on websites throughout the DC area before the ink was even dry. The girls joke around for a few minutes while they set up to practice for their upcoming gig at Chief Ike’s in Adams Morgan, but as soon as the guitar riff for “Onset” starts Nathalie is all sexy songstress

and belts out the loud moaning chorus, “yeeeoww…….owwww…….oww” over and over with unrelenting passion. When the song ends they contemplate adding another chorus to extend the song another minute. Their show at Ike’s is 20 minutes longer than usual (and they’re also the only band playing). I joke with them, “You’ll have nowhere to hide..” Sam replies with a sure smile, “Oh we’re not hiding, we’re coming out with a bang.” Despite not having much experience onstage, the girls have found a groove and have written seven original songs and mastered some pretty rad covers to include Tegan and Sara, Girl in a Coma, Sea of Bees, Motion City Soundtrack, and Greenday. Their talent was evident during a recent trip to New York to see (Girl in a Coma from San Antonio, TX) which resulted in endless joy when Phanie Diaz (GIAC’s drummer) recognized the girls from a YouTube video she watched in which Company Call’s covered GIAC’s song “Clumsy Sky”. Phanie greeted them excitedly, “You’re the band that covered Clumsy Sky! Ya’ll are good we should play together sometime.”

Sam and Krystle met while in High School in Maryland, and Krystle met Nat during an “An Horse” show at Iota Café in VA. I asked the girls if they think it’s easier or harder to be in an all-girl band. “It’s awesome, girl power!” exclaims Sam. “It’s fun but it’s definitely harder because there are so few female artists out there. But you have to have good chemistry no matter what,” adds Nathalie. There is definitely no lack of chemistry between these girls who agree that writing music comes naturally. “Writing music, that’s the fun part,” adds Krys, “the biggest challenge we face is scheduling time to practice”. Currently, Nathalie writes the lyrics while Krys adds the guitar riff.

Once the song is created, they bring it to Sam to seal it up with the drums. The band’s next short-term goal is to record a demo by the end of 2012, and they strive to organize a tour within a couple of years. Company Calls say they’re excited to continue making a name for themselves in the DC area and write more original music while possibly incorporating a bass and some songs in Spanish to their repertoire. You can check out Company Call’s music on www.Facebook.com/CompanyCalls and online at: companycallsmusic.wix.com/ companycalls. However, nothing is better than listening to live music! Be sure to check out Company Calls at one of their upcoming shows at Red Palace in DC on Thursday, December 13th, 2012 or at Jammin Java in Fairfax, VA on Saturday, December 29th, 2012. █

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LOCAL TALENT

By: Alexandra Lucia-Miller

These days, the Ocho de Bastos family is led by Milton Valentín on vocals, Hipólito González on bass guitar, drummer Raul Quiroz, guitarist Jesse Robles, and manager/keyboardist Dan Santos. The strong sense of brotherhood and devotion is what sets these Latino musketeers apart from other rock bands.

A short time ago, he had resigned himself to being a full-time government employee, “I don’t like to tell people that,” he laughs hesitantly over the phone, “Now it’s safe to say I’m a full-time musician.” It appeared that Valentín’s life would follow a typical trajectory, “I remember my music teachers putting me in plays, and singing traditional aguinaldos with family during Christmas. I was always entertaining, then I stopped, and got distracted with the regular goals in life that everyone wants.” But in 2009, Valentín randomly overheard that local band Ocho de Bastos were holding auditions. With a bit of unexpected luck and pure talent, he seized the opportunity, “I was coming back from a work assignment somewhere else, I auditioned and they hired me on the spot.”

Sprinkles of Mötley Crüe-esque riffs, and a Carlos Santana style slide, stirred with zippy drum crashes, merengue, and salsa beats, are the byproduct of the Ocho de Bastos relentless collaboration style. “Everyone brings their own talent to the table. I write the lyrics and bring the structure, Raul and Dan bring song ideas, and instrumentals, and Jesse and Hipó are the masters on melodies,” Valentín explains. This powerhouse dynamic is a key element to their unique sound, and can be heard in songs from Ocho de Bastos’ recently released first self-titled album; songs like Hechizo, Muero de Sed and Rapido y Lento. Milton attests, “It would be painful to work and create with anyone else.” According to Valentin, their debut album Ocho de Bastos is, “Latin rock with tropical rhythms, reggae, reggaeton, pop rock, and rock ballads.” Recorded over a ten-day period during the spring of 2012 in the Dominican Republic, the album is a compilation of stories based on personal

experiences and artistic inspirations. Ocho de Bastos collaborated with a group of music professionals in the Dominican Republic that included musicians and recording engineers who have worked with worldrenowned artists like Juan Luis Guerra, Chichi Peralta, Los Ilegales, Elvis Crespo, among others. Valentin maintains that the hardest challenge in recording their album was coordinating schedules and getting everyone together, “Once we were in the studio with the musicians and engineers, recording was a piece of cake. We dreamed about the day our album was completed.” It has paid off. American and Latino, especially Salvadoran and Chilean audiences have noticed. “Every time we go on stage, whether it’s a small space or huge, we feel that people remember us, people are coming to see us, and we’re getting more feedback.” When asked to discuss if singing solely in Spanish has hindered their fan base, Valentín elaborates, “We were targeting the Hispanic community in our first album, but everyone can understand the message and feelings. Happy, dramatic, soft, each song is a different story.” As a Latino band in DC, Ocho de Bastos has built a unique multicultural fan base. They are pushing to rhythmically pour their souls out to the masses, from a Latino perspective.

They recently returned from performing at the Democratic Campaign Party in Puerto Rico. For Milton Valentín, going home to see friends and family was bittersweet and “playing in front of 90,000, was a complete rush for the band”. With plans to tour in Central America, Mexico, and El Salvador, Ocho de Bastos is keeping busy. They are also in the process of recording a second album, however, that doesn’t stop them from giving back. Upon arrival in El Salvador, they will perform, volunteer, and distribute food and medicine to local charities. Milton declares, “We are very fortunate and we plan to give back, and show our appreciation. Without the fans, we are nothing.” There is no stopping Ocho de Bastos. Reflecting on the success of his young band, Valentin said, “You need to hold onto your expectations, sit through the good and bad moments. It’s about the journey, you just need to embrace it”. For Ocho de Bastos; optimism, passion, and brotherhood will solidify their longevity, as they continue to produce new music and gain new fans. For more information about Ocho de Bastos visit them online at: http://www.ochodebastos.com █

/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE

/ DECEMBER

2012

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KE? GIVEAWAYS:

KESTA HOROSCOPE Aries: Elmo says “Just think wonderful thoughts when you go to sleep.”

Libra: Misfits says: “Although you try to fight, Dragged from the silence where you hide, ‘til you... Scream” -“Scream”, Misfits

Taurus: Wisin y Yandel says: “Y una vez dese un trago y calme la sed” -“Absolut”, Wisin y Yandel

Scorpio: David Bisbal says: “Hoy,

Precisamente hoy, El pasado regreso”

-“Antes o después”, David Bisbal

Gemini: Los Redd says: “Quien diria ya q el martes seria un dia especial... “

Sagitarius: The Wailers says: “It may be hard to discover that you’ll “Come on baby come on and stir it up little darling, stir it up” -”Stir it up”, The Wailers

Cancer: El Gran Combo says: “Dicen.. la

Capricorn: Viti Ruiz says: “Este amor

-”Amigos con derechho”, Los Redd

vida es un trompo de eso no tengo dudas aquel que nace pa brincar ae le hace menos dura”

tan sincero y bonito, No lo rompe nadie verdad que es así”

-“Que se mueran de envidia”, Viti Ruiz

-”Caja de Sorpresas” -El Gran Combo

Leo: José Feliciano says: ”Feliz Navidad, Prospero año y felicidad!”

Aquarius: Grupo Niche says: ”La vida es asi, no la he inventado yo”

-“Feliz Navidad”, José Feliciano

-”Jardin Prohinido”, Grupo Niche

Virgo: El Chaval de la bachata says: “Hay que amar, nadie sabe cuando el amor se pierde”

Pisces: The Wailers says: “Stand up for your rights! Get up, stand up: don’t give up the fight!”

-”Si Pensamos” - El Chaval de la bachata

-“Get up, stand up”, The Wailers

Download and install a free QR code reader for your phone 1. Open the QR code reader application 2. Take picture / scan the QR code with your mobile device 3. The code willl take you to the Win Tickets Page for a chance to win 4. THE FIRST PEOPLE TO ANSWER THE QUESTION CORRECTLY ON THE WIN TICKETS PAGE WINS TICKETS TO CONCERT. Good Luck!

kesta deals

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