Kesta Happening Magazine: July Issue by Kesta Happening

WWW.KESTADC.COM

/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE

/ JULY 2011

July TABLE OF CONTENT

6 ROCK

Amigos Invisibles

7 ROCK

ISSUE # 4

LAMC takes over NYC

8 TROPICAL

Bachata Fusion in DC

9 URBAN

Jowell y Randy: Llego su momento

10 KESTADC.COM GALLERY

Photos of concerts and DC nightlife

11 UPCOMING EVENTS

Calendar of upcoming events

12 FEATURE

Victor Manuelle

14 FOOD

Rumba Cafe

16 Mi PAIS España

18 HEALTH

Pole Dance

20 STYLE

Red, White, and Blue Vacay!

21 FASHION SCENE

Nicole Miller and Bridal Fashion Show

22 KESTA GIRL Jessica Brooke

24 NIGHTLIFE Prettyboi Mo

25 VENUES Barcode

PUBLISHER: Media644 / DIRECTOR: Juan Luis Gonzalez / EDITOR: Amanda Landrian / DESIGN: Miriam Jave WRITERS: Christina Cortés, Geidalia Vera, Rosario Garcia, Daniela Guillen, Christina Martinez, Manu Mayor, Bertha Corredor / WEB & TECHNOLOGY: Javier Gonzalez PHOTOGRAPHERS: Jose Acha, Juan Luis Gonzalez, Miriam Jave, Marcelo Veizaga CONTACT US: info@kestamag.com, www.kestadc.com, tel: 202 643 0555

27 LOCAL TALENT Nayas

28 KESTA LIKES

Our top likes of the moth

29 KE?

Win tickets to Vicente Fernandez and Bareto!

WWW.KESTADC.COM

/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE

/ JULY 2011

photo courtesy of Nacional Records

ROCK

Celebrate 20 Years of Music, Friendship and Success By Daniela Guillen

f you’re in the mood to dance, feel good or “gozar” as Venezuelans say, pop in the latest album by Los Amigos Invisibles, “Commercial”. This Latin Grammy winning band is celebrating 20 years of music. Their creative notes and good vibes have taken fans from all over the world through a journey of salsa, disco, jazz and funk.

In this exclusive interview with DJ Afro (José Luis Pardo), LAI lead song writer and guitarist, we learn about their newest albums, their upcoming documentary and his debut solo album “Free”.

KESTA: Congratulations on celebrating the 20th anniversary of LAI. How does the band keep the music and relationships fresh? DJ Afro: Wow, thank you! All I have to say [is] the main thing about LAI has been the live shows. Twenty years is a miracle for us! We have been progressing and we still cannot believe this is happening. As long as we feel the magic and we can all be cool together, laugh and sound amazing we will be on stage. We love playing live shows and we still have fun doing it, seems like we will be doing it for a while. Nowadays we have had more years with LAI than without LAI, it would be hard to imagine life without LAI, at least for me. Its part of my life, it’s like my third last name, José from LAI. KESTA: Can you talk about LAI’s upcoming documentary “La Casa Del Ritmo”? DJ Afro: Yeah, well you know we were approached by Juan Miguel Marin, a producer/ musician friend who has his own band too, La Rua. He approached us and mentioned that he wants to film the band, record interviews and shows. Our response was, “Ok, let’s do it! But we don’t have money for that.” “If I get the money and resources, will you do it?” Juan said. “Hell yeah! We’re going to have a documentary,” we responded. So he started an initiative on kickstarter. com asking close friends and fans to help fund the project. The best thing was how the people reacted and how they got involved to help finance the documentary. When we were looking at the list of who gave us money it was like looking at a wedding gift list, “Look at this he gave us money!” It was so much fun and so beautiful at the same time. KESTA: How does it feel to know that your fans helped raise more than the set goal of $30,000? DJ Afro: We are very flattered. We have been so caught up in the band that we never realized how long we’ve been doing this. When someone points out to us that we’ve been doing this 10 or 20 years we are like “Wow, for real!? So many years?” KESTA: When can we expect the documentary to come out? DJ Afro: Hopefully the last quarter of

the year, we are finishing the audio part now. They are working really fast for an independent film. KESTA: It has been said that the last album, “Commercial”, seeks to become a bit more mainstream with catchier choruses and songs. How has this album helped reach new fans and exposure? DJ Afro: Well, with this album we decided to be as commercial as we could and basically create a pop album. Every time we make an album someone finds an excuse to say “this album didn’t really do well with the crowd because of this and that song didn’t work well in that territory because of that.” We wanted to make an album with no excuses. An album under 50 minutes and 3:30 songs, all the standards and attributes a commercial album would have. We definitely got a bigger audience. It was also a great way to consolidate territories such as México and South America. KESTA: So, how did “Not So Commercial” get in the picture? DJ Afro: When we recorded all the songs, some of them didn’t make it to the album and we found us still playing them during rehearsal; we realized we really liked those songs. That’s why we decided to put them out, not as a new album but as a compliment to “Commercial”. KESTA: How did it feel to record your own solo album? DJ Afro: It was great! After we finished Commercial we were all tired from recording but I didn’t want to stop. I was very inspired and wanted to keep creating music. I wanted to create something I could present to myself and in ten years go back and reflect on how I felt when I created it. KESTA: So, what’s next?? DJ Afro: We are touring a lot, California, NYC, Washington D.C., Mexico and Europe. We are also in the middle of recording a new album. We’ve been busy and it’s been great! Two decades later, with a Latin Grammy and an upcoming documentary under their belts, Los Amigos Invisibles prove that indeed, they are “Caliente”. Be sure to check out Los Amigos Invisibles play at the State Theater on July 15! █ to view full interview go to kestadc.com

WWW.KESTADC.COM

Takes over Manhattan N

By Rosario Garcia

ew York City is home to the Empire State Building, Lady Liberty, Central Park, and a plethora of knock-off designer merchandise (ssshh…don’t say we sent you). Come summertime, the Big Apple becomes home to Latin alternative artists, music executives, record labels, magazines, bloggers and party animals from all sectors of the entertainment industry who flock to the 4-day Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC) to get a dose of what the Latin alternative market has to offer.

This summer is no different, and from July 6th through the 9th, the Roosevelt Hotel in NYC will become home to the 12th Annual LAMC, bringing thousands of industry leaders ready to party ‘til the cows come home while learning and sharing a few things about Latin alternative music along the way. The conference, which always features a barra libre (this year sponsored by Jack Daniels and Heineken), provides networking opportunities with leading artists, label executives, journalists and managers. This year will also include representatives from Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Billboard, Pandora, NPR, Clear Channel, Live Nation, Pepsi and many more participating in various panels offered throughout the conference. In addition to daily panels covering relevant topics in music, the conference organizes live concerts with world renowned artists, showcases new talent and hosts various art exhibits and parties throughout the city. The LAMC 2011 schedule is already available on their website, www.latinalternative.

com, and has a dizzying array of events planned that will make you wish you had a magic carpet to ride around Manhattan. Some of the stand out events scheduled for this year’s LAMC are two free concerts in Central Park’s SummerStage featuring JarabedePalo, Ely Guerra, Novalima, ChocQuibTown, Rita Indiana, Ursula 1000, and Que Bajo?!. Another free event will be hosted at the Celebrate Brooklyn stage in Prospect Park with Los Lobos, Hello Seahorse!, and Zigmat. Past LAMC performers include such powerhouses as Ozomatli, Orishas, Julieta Venegas, Manu Chao, Gustavo Cerati, Calle 13, Los Amigos Invisibles, Café Tacuba, Zoe and many others. In addition to international bands, LAMC features an annual “discovery” contest in search of bright new talent. Winners receive a chance to perform at an LAMC concert and an opportunity to be included in the LAMC compilation CD provided to all conference attendees during registration. Past winners include Kinky, Los Abandoned, Cuarto Poder and Pacha Massive. LAMC was co-founded by Thomas Cookman, the mastermind behind the indie label, Nacional Records, so it is no surprise that the conference features many bands from the labels own roster. This is a plus considering the label boasts artists like Manu Chao, Aterciopelados, Fabulosos Cadillacs, Pinker Tones and many more. Currently the LAMC is the only conference focusing on Spanish-language artists and bringing together fresh sounds coming out of rock, hip-hop and

electronica. Besides providing a great excuse to party in New York City for a week, the conference features pertinent panels that will focus on topics that affect Latin artists and is meant to help both indie groups and established bands get more bang for their buck. One of the panel topics included this year, “@DIGITAL: Engaging Your Audience & Monetizing Music,” is being presented by Terra Music and includes panelists from Twitter and YouTube. And one that would be really beneficial to indie bands is interestingly titled, “99 PROBLEMS: And Putting Together A Tour Shouldn’t Be One,” with panelists from LiveNation, SXSW and Steve Berlin from Los Lobos fame. Last but not least, a topic titled “SOY TU BRAND: Latin Music and the Art of Sponsorship, Branding & Licensing,” featuring panelists from PepsiCo, Heineken and Nacional Records. The conference fee is $199 per registrant if you register by June 29th, $299 if you register at the door. The fee includes free entrance to all LAMC events (some with open bar) and a goodie bag, which in the past has included an LAMC Compilation CD, free tunes courtesy of Nacional Records, an official LAMC t-shirt, and tons and tons (and we mean tons) of sponsor merchandise. LAMC is a great opportunity for artists, industry execs and fans alike that will really pay for itself in the amount of fun you will be having while everyone else is stuck at their 9-5. So start asking for those days off and be sure to head out to this years LAMC from July 6th-9th for some fun in the sun with the best artists that Latin alternative has to offer! █

/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE

/ JULY 2011

TROPICAL

Bachata Fusion in DC By Cristina Martinez

Walk into any of the Capitol-area Latin nightclubs and you will hear the familiar sound of bachata music. The music and dance, originating in the Dominican Republic, has DC dancers hooked.

alsa nights are no longer just salsa and merengue, now bachata gets equal play from area DJ’s. A dance that was still relatively unknown several years ago is now regarded as a fluid and sensual alternative to a fast-paced salsa.

gatherings in the living rooms and backyards of Dominican households. It came about in the 1960s as a fusion of musica de guitarra with the beats and rhythms of merengue, Cuban bolero and other types of AfroLatino music from other Caribbean and South American countries.

Bachata’s popularity in the area is likely a result of the recent evolution of the music with groups such as Aventura, Bachata Heightz and artists such as Prince Royce, who have modernized the music and created a more romantic, R&B sound which, helping to attract a larger audience. The efforts of local DJ’s and bachata instructors who fell in love with the music early on have helped spread this dance style throughout the area, as well. The simple one-twothree-hip pop that makes up the basics of the dance also appeals to locals.

Bachata has gained popularity all around the world seemingly overnight. The dance is regarded as sensual and beautiful – and the music an expression of romance and love.

Despite its more recent mainstream popularity, bachata’s roots are intricate and the dance has inspired many variations that make it anything but onedimensional. Bachata was born from a culture of informal social

Over time, traditional bachata has evolved into diverse music and dance styles. It is a genre that can be molded and adapted easily. The melodious rhythm has recently been fused with elements of Salsa, Tango, Cha-Cha, R&B, Jazz and even Hip Hop. Groups such as Aventura and Monchy y Alexandra are well known for mixing these genres with bachata with tremendous success. Various D.C. and metro-based bachata instructors have been promoting the different styles of bachata music and dancing for several years, including Lee “El Gringuito” Smith, from LatinDanceMagic, who teaches

on Tuesday evenings at eCitie in Vienna, VA, Irene Holtzman from ClaveKazi studio in D.C. and Susan Leiter from AliveWithDance in Baltimore, MD. The D.C. Bachata Congress, founded and organized by Smith, is held every August in the D.C. area and provides three days of workshops and performances celebrating the Dominican dance. Bachata dance variations featured at the congress include bachatango, bachasalsa and Dominican-style bachata, to name a few. Dancers who are well-versed in the different styles of bachata

incorporate elements of each style into their partner dancing. The different dance variations do not separate dancers into categories, rather, they simply add to the complexity of their dance. Bachata has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the backyards of Dominican households. DC dancers can take advantage of its recent popularity in the area and local classes to enhance their dancing. Bachatango or Dominican-style bachata, you decide. █

WWW.KESTADC.COM

URBAN

By Christina Cortes

JOWELL Y RANDY : Llego Su Momento

ith it becoming harder and harder for new reggaeton artists to break through and become as immensely popular as some of the genres forefathers, the ones that do make it into the limelight are incredibly lucky. For WY Record label artists Jowell y Randy, their dream has only just started to become a reality after years of hard work and struggling to get to the top. Joel Alexis Munoz Martinez, better known as Jowell, was born in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1982. Not your average birthplace of a reggaeton star, but Jowell was determined to pursue his musical dreams and let nothing stop him. After being featured on a few minor projects for collaboration CDs, Jowell finally met Randy Ariel Ortiz Acevedo, simply known as Randy, in 2000. Although the two grew up in very different environments, Randy in Puerto Rico, the home of reggaeton’s biggest names, and Jowell in small-town America, the duo both shared a deep-rooted passion for music that brought them together. By combining their talent, Jowell y Randy were beginning a new journey that would soon lead them straight to the top. Once together as a duo, the pair continued to be featured on various reggaeton mixtapes. Shortly thereafter they began to get some attention with the release of their single “No Voy a Parar” featuring Arcangel. Knowing they were finally on the radar, Jowell y Randy kept hustling to make themselves better known. In 2006 they were featured on Tito El Bambino’s remix to his single “Siente El Boom,” which was released on his album Top Of The Line.

Although “Siente El Boom” continued to get them further recognition, it wasn’t until 2007, when they joined forces with Guelo Star and duo J-King and Maximan to form the group Casa de Leones, that the two had been truly acknowledged by the reggaeton industry. The group’s self-titled album, Casa de Leones, featured the song that became the launching pad for Jowell y Randy, “No Te Veo.” The single got heavy rotation on radio stations from North to South America. “No Te Veo” even managed to hit the number three spot on the Latin Billboard chart and stayed on the chart for 35 consecutive weeks. With their single’s huge popularity across Latin America, and even all throughout the United States, Jowell y Randy got back into the studio to work on their own project. Not even six months after releasing the album Casa de Leones, Jowell y Randy released their first full album project as a duo, Los Mas Sueltos del Reggaeton. Upon releasing Los Mas Sueltos del Reggaeton, Jowell y Randy began performing huge concerts in the US, Canada, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Honduras, and other countries across Central and South America. They even toured Europe twice, making stops in France, Spain, Germany and Italy. After touring and performing around the globe, Jowell y Randy were ready to get back into the studio to make some more music. Their new-found fame only further motivated them to do bigger and better things. While they were busy focusing on reaching more people and gaining new fans, they had gained the attention of reggaeton superstars Wisin y Yandel, who offered the duo a chance to sign to their new

label WY Records. Knowing an opportunity like this would never present itself again, Jowell y Randy were more than happy to come together and join the WY Records family. With the duo collaborating with Wisin y Yandel, they put out their most recent album, El Momento. El Momento features appearances from Guelo Star, Cosculluela, De La Ghetto, Plan B, and of course, Wisin y Yandel. Their first single, “Loco,” was a huge hit, making it to the number one spot on Billboards’ Urban Latin chart and receiving continual play on radios across the US. With their music careers booming, Jowell y Randy have continued to stay ahead of the competition by expanding into other industries. Since releasing El Momento, they launched their own urban clothing line, Akolatronics, which reflects their fresh and innovative style with bold colors and funky characters. With an unlimited amount of creativity and enough drive to accomplish anything and everything, Jowell y Randy still have a long road ahead of them sure to be filled with even more success. Lucky for us, we get a chance to see them go on stage at Galaxy Nightclub in Maryland on July 15th, hosted by Prettyboi Mo and thanks to Esko Productions, Real Wild Entertainment, Xtasy Entertainment, and New Style Entertainment. With the amount of talent that will be in the building that night, it will definitely be a hot show! For Jowell y Randy, ya llego su momento to show us all just how talented they truly are, so don’t miss out at Galaxy this month! █

/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE

/ JULY 2011

KESTADC.COM GALLERY Verano Zol 2011 @ Montgomery Fairground 6.26

Ozomatli @ Kennedy Center 6.25

Hombres G & Enanitos Verdes @ State Theater 06.22

Carlos y Alejandra @ Rio Cantina 06.10

Diego Torres @ Fur nigthclub 06.05

June Nightlife

WWW.KESTADC.COM

/ 11

KESTA HAPPENING DC FEATURED EVENTS Sat 07.02 Wed 07.06-07.09 Thur 07.07 Sat 07.09 Thur 07.14 Thur 07.14 Fri 07.15 Sun 07.17 Thur 07.21 Fri 07.22 Sun 07.24 Thur 07.28 Sat 07.30 Thurs 08.11-08.13 Wed 08.17 Wed08.24 Sun09.11 Mon 10.17 Thurs 10.20 Sun 10.30

Kid Cudi @ Merriweather Post Pavilion LAMC New York City Jarabe de Palo @ State Theater No te va a gustar @ State Theater Mana @ Patriot Center Stephen Marley and Ghetto Youths Crew @ 930 club Amigos Invisibles @ State Theater Festival Peruanisimo de Virginia @ Bull Run Park Estados Alterados @ Mi Mariachi Tommy Portugal & Bareto @ Rio Cantina Wiz Khalifa @ Merriweather Sia w/ Ximena Sari単ana @ 930 club Black Eyed Peas @ Merriweather Post Pavillion DC Bachata Congress @ Washington Hilton Hotel Zoe @ State Theater Train & Maroon 5 @ Merrieweather Post Pavillion Incubus @ Merrieweather Post Pavillion Aterciopelados @ State Theater Gianmarco @ State Theater Vicente Fernandez @ Patriot Center

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

/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE

/ JULY 2011

photos cortesy of Salsa Room

FEATURE

Victor Manuelle ez

By: Cristina Matin

Victor Manuelle is true to his roots. The Latin Grammy winning, Puerto Rican salsa singer does not stray far from where he started and that has been the key to his success.

A proud Boricua, Manuelle sang improvised lyrics during parrandas with his father every Christmas while growing up on the west coast of Puerto Rico, in the town of Isabela. In a typical Puerto Rican parranda, you would gather every Christmas with neighbors, family and friends, retrieve your tambourines, maracas and guitars and invade someone’s house—be it other neighbors, family or friends. Then you would sing and entertain in exchange for food and drink. The practice gained from the improvisational singing at these parrandas was a fundamental starting point for Manuelle, eventually leading to stardom. Manuelle’s career was launched by sheer luck and a chance encounter with Gilberto Santa Rosa, a Puerto Rican band leader of salsa and bolero, at his high school graduation concert. Manuelle was invited on stage to trade soneos, or improvised lyrics with Santa Rosa, who was wowed by his natural ability. Soon after, by Santa Rosa’s suggestion, Manuelle joined Puerto Rican band leader Don Perinon as a backup singer, an opportunity that led to performances with many salsa stars. Nicknamed El Sonero de la Juventud, “The Youth’s Sonero,” Manuelle experienced early success in the mid1990s. Around this time, salsa had transitioned to a more swooning, slow, passionate type of salsa, called salsa romantica, with the likes of Marc Anthony and Jerry Rivera. Manuelle had a strong start with his first two albums, but his big break came in 1996 with the release of his self-titled third album which turned out one hit after another, with a total of 6 singles reaching the top of the Hot Latin Tracks

WWW.KESTADC.COM

charts including “Pensamiento y Palabra,” “Hay Que Poner el Alma,” “Volveras,” “Todo Quedo, Quedo,” and “Como una Estrella.” In 1997, the singer kept his streak going with another successful album, A Pesar de Todo. Three of the singles reached number one on the charts including “Así Es la Mujer,” “Dile a Ella” and “He Tratado.”

Throughout his career, Manuelle has managed to keep a steady stream of hits flowing with every album and has become one of the top-selling salsa artists of recent years...

His next albums Ironías (1998) and Inconfundible (1999) were also well-received. Ironías included a number of hit singles like “Se Me Rompe el Alma,” “Qué Habría Sido de Mí,” “Al Igual Que Yo” and “Qué Te Han Dicho.” Inconfundible’s hits included “Pero Dile”, along with three further hits, “Si la Ves,” “Como Quisiera Decirte” and “Como Duele.” Instinto y Deseo and Le Preguntaba a la Luna came after, both albums having a more traditional salsa flavor. A number of hits emerged from these albums including “Me Da Lo Mismo,” “Cómo Se Lo Explico al Corazón,” and “En Nombre de los Dos.”

Travesia was his next album. The Spanish word for crossover marked his literal move into a more pop-based sound. Although he moved away from his traditional aesthetic, the album turned out extremely well with the help of producer Emilio Estefan, who had previously worked with Ricky Martin and Thalia. The album did surprisingly well and made it to number one on the Top Latin Album Charts. In 2006, Manuelle took a bit of a different direction with his next album Decisión Unámine, while still staying true to his original style: salsa romantica. This time, he decided to collaborate with several Latin artists, including reggaetonero Don Omar and salsa legend Eddie Palmieri. This proved to be a good move on his part since it exposed him to new fans, as well as

/ 13

allowed him to not sway far from his own artistic preferences. In his most recent albums, including Soy, Muy Personal and Yo Mismo, Manuelle continued to collaborate with artists that appealed to a more diverse audience, such as with Puerto Rican rapper Tego Calderon. The song “Mirame,” off his most recent album, features flamenco guitar music and traditional palmas, or hand clapping, and also features reggaeton artist Yomo. Throughout his career, Manuelle has managed to keep a steady stream of hits flowing with every album and has become one of the top-selling salsa artists of recent years. In fact, as of 2009, he matched Marc Anthony for having the most number one singles in the Billboard Tropical Songs chart. And it’s easy to understand why, Manuelle’s voice is warm and inviting, and it clearly conveys the emotions behind his lyrics, an important and necessary ingredient in salsa romantica. Manuelle is well-known and respected in the salsa industry. At a funeral service in honor of the Queen of Salsa, Celia Cruz, Manuelle amazed attendees with an accapella rendition of her very own, “La Vida es un Carnaval,” which he later performed live in concert at Carnegie Hall. Manuelle took on a notable acting performance as salsa singer Ruben Blades in the film El Cantante. Additionally, he was slated to host the 2010 Premio Lo Nuestro Awards in Miami. Victor Manuelle performs live at The Salsa Room located in Arlington, VA on Sunday, July 31st. Visit thesalsaroom. net for more information or to purchase tickets for what is sure to be an amazing performance. █

/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE

/ JULY 2011

FOOD Live music at Ru

mba Cafe

Camarones Caribeños al Ron

Rumba Cafe:

Lomo a la

Huancaina

A trip to Latin America through food & art.

By Manu Mayor

magine taking a long trip through Latin America by land, a la Motorcycle Diaries. Now imagine stopping at each city or town and being able to sample the most authentic and rich local cuisine. Thanks to Rumba Cafe you don’t have to imagine that anymore. Argentine owner and chef, A. Gustavo, travels the corners of Latin America every year in search of the most authentic traditional food enjoyed by the locals and brings it to us right here. The result is an extensive menu full of authentic flavors originating from most Latin American countries on the map.

Mofongo de platano con mariscos

Choripan, Chivito Uruguayo, Puerco con Piña, Pollo al Mole, Mero Entomatado and a titanic Parrilla Criolla are just some of the items you can find in the varied menu. The Parrilla Criolla is a monument to the art of the famous Argentine grilling style. It is served in a heaping portion of flank steak, short ribs, pork sausage, blood sausage, sweetbreads and chimichurri sauce with garlic-sauteed potatoes and salad on the side. Yes, a meat lover’s paradise. If that sounds like a little too much for you, Rumba Cafe offers plenty of other smaller options. Their menu includes a large selection of tapas choices. Rumba’s tapas are not the usual tapas selection you might find at a Spanish restaurant, instead chef A.Gustavo lets us sample the flavors of many Latin American dishes in smaller, but still generous, tapas portions. Camarones Caribeños al Ron, Mofongo de Platano con Mariscos and Pimiento Relleno are some of the flavors you can sample in tapas form. Rumba’s menu is focused on excellent traditional Latin American cuisine but it doesn’t just stop there. Chef A. Gustavo shows us his inventive side, mixing the traditional flavors he encounters on his trips with a bit of creativity. The results are an impressive Lomo a la Huancaina and a Patacon Rumba. The Lomo a la Huancaina puts the Peruvian Huancaina sauce (made of cheese, peanuts, milk

and Peruvian yellow pepper) on top of a fine cut piece of filet mignon. The Patacon Rumba consists of smashed fried green plantains, filled with grilled flank steak, cilantro mayonnaise, bell and jalapeno peppers, onions and tomatoes. For the health conscious, Rumba Cafe offers a unique paella made with quinoa grain instead of rice. A healthy Andean twist to this traditional dish from Spain. The authenticity of Rumba Cafe is not just limited to its food. The walls are adorned with handmade crafts that owner A. Gustavo collects in his travels. Some are bought from local artisans, some are gifts, and some are works commissioned to small Latin American artisans solely for Rumba Café— A way to give back to the people that make the food that inspire his traditional recipes. Among the masks, statues and other figures of Latin folklore (all filled with dollar bills customers stick on the wall as good luck wishes), you will also find the paintings or photography of locally based Latin American artists showcased for weeks at a time. The bar doesn’t disappoint, either. Well crafted mojitos, caipirinhas and pisco sours join usually hard-to-find beers like Quilmes and Cusqueña. On Wednesday nights you can enjoy the unique sounds of live tango, on Fridays a band plays a blend of Colombian and Cuban salsa, while on Saturdays Kike & Miguel play Latin pop/rock on the acoustic. Rumba Cafe is not a place made for dancing, but with these sounds some people just cannot help themselves. Rumba Cafe delivers an authentic Rumba of flavors, art and sound that are sure to transport your mind to all corners of Latin America. Chef A. Gustavo did all the traveling for you, you just sit down and enjoy the trip... if only for a night. Don’t miss Rumba Cafe’s special showcase of Rumba’s own Peruvian tapas & music this July 29th and 30th. █ Rumba Cafe 2443 18th Street NW Washington D.C (202) 588-5501 www.rumbacafe.com

WWW.KESTADC.COM

/ 15

/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE

MI PAIS

/ JULY 2011

Spain by Bertha Corredor

…Worth a Million Cucumbers

fter the big “cucumber” crisis of Spanish agriculture, this could be a phrase to encourage tourism. But there is no need. Spain is second in the world in number of foreign tourists, with more than 55 million tourists a year, behind France and ahead of the United States. We can find some reason for this in the geographical diversity with landscapes from hills to deserts and in its historical buildings, 61 of them declared World Heritage Sites. And of course the food - cucumber salad included!

e could begin our journey in Barcelona, the second largest city in Spain, a place known worldwide whose name recalls the celebration of the 1992 Olympic games, the cosmopolitan atmosphere of its streets and the awesome art of Gaudi. This architect put Barcelona on the map with “modernismo”, an avant-garde style of the beginning of the XX century, the Sagrada Familia Basilica being his masterpiece. In the Gothic Quarter and at the Boquería market, we can meet people eating, shopping and gossiping together, doing what the Spanish excel at, enjoying a sense of community and living life to the fullest. After a four hour car trip through the north we arrive at Pamplona. If you fancy not only bulls, but a “Fiesta” as well, make sure to get there in time for the festival “San Fermines” from July 6th to 14th. Thousands of people come every year to experience the risk and excitement of the popular running of the bulls. For nine days, Pamplona residents and visitors alike, dressed typically in red and white, are carried away by the continuous festive spirit that invades the streets, hundreds of them running in front of the bulls en route through the old town to the bullring.

Our next destination: The Basque Country, especially San Sebastian and Bilbao. San Sebastian is the great Belle Epoque resort of the Basque coast. Most turn-ofthe-century architecture has remained intact and in use, like the classic opera house, Gaudi’s architecture

WWW.KESTADC.COM

which is now home to the San Sebastián Film Festival . Apart from the city we should explore the potential of its crescent-shaped La Concha beach, where every day of the year, even in winter, we can find people swimming and making surf. And after the bath, what about giving the spirit true joy at some of the Basque gastronomic temples?

rom San Sebastián we go to Bilbao to visit the Guggenheim Museum, a dazzling titanium covered edifice that dominates this ship-shaped building. This Frank Gehry masterpiece that dominates the Nervión River is twice as large as its New York sibling, a spectacle for the eyes indeed. On the same coast but far more to the left we direct our attention to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, one of Christendom´s principle pilgrimage destinations. Since the 9th century, millions have come from all over the world to the Cathedral said to house the relics of Santiago, Saint James, the Apostle. The motives behind those making this Way of Saint James, or “route of forgiveness,” today can be spiritual or not, but all say it is a trip and experience that stays with them for life. Just on the other side of the country is Andalucía. Sevilla is the capital of the region, a city where tradition plays an important role, especially during Holy Week. Even if you are not a believer, the spectacle of cofradías (brotherhoods), hooded and sometimes barefoot as they carry statues of saints on their shoulders in a parade around the narrow streets, is worthy of a week stay. Just as fascinating is the Feria de Abril, where women dressed in multicolored flounced flamenco gowns ride horseback behind the caballeros who wear short-jacketed suits and broad-rimmed hats. Not very far is Granada, the last Spanish city to be retaken by the Catholic Monarchs. The mighty fortress of the Alhambra, with its mysterious palaces and exotic gardens, is not only a World Heritage Site but also a place of legends. Another must-see is the Palacio de Generalife, the summer palace of the Nasrid Emirs (Kings) of the Emirate in Al-Andalus. And the Albayzín neighborhood is an ideal place for flamenco aficionados. The last stop is the capital city, Madrid.

Because of its central location in the heart of Spain, it has excellent communications with the rest of the provinces and is the seat of the Spanish government. And YES! There is no doubt that Madrid is still one of the liveliest capitals in the world. As Ernest Hemingway said, “Nobody goes to bed in Madrid until they have killed the night.” This is still true today; sleep is not a very common partner in this city. Visit any of the pubs, tapas bars, restaurants, or mesones around midnight for a loud and friendly confirmation. The next morning, enjoy a breakfast with churros for a quick recovery. Yes, Madrid marks the end of our journey and we have yet to talk about the food. Whether you’re in the mood for Paella, tortilla, croquetas, Rabo de Toro, chorizo or patatas bravas, or perhaps a taste of the eclectic array of seafood, Spain has a something to please everyone’s palette. So if our journey must end in Madrid, we can take the plane or train to flee… Or what about undoing our bags and staying in Spain forever? What a difficult choice! █

/ 17

Sagrada Familia Basilica, Barcelona

/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE

/ JULY 2011

HEALTH

More than just an erotic and seductive dancing by Jenny Osoria

ole Dance, also known as “Strip Pole”, has become the popular trend for Females and Males looking for a challenge to stay fit and active. Its origin has not yet been defined, but after the 90s it became a sport in the United States. Pole Dance may appear to be simply a tool used for seduction or exotic dancing, however, it is more accurately a sport that utilizes the elements of gymnastics, acrobatics and modern dance in combination with the beauty of ballet. Its practice helps to improve self confidence, muscular endurance, coordination and flexibility. It’s not only fun and challenging, it is a form of exercise where you can burn more than 400 calories in an hour session! Pole Dance has also been linked to having several other health benefits, such as decreases in stress, fatigue, anxiety and depression. This is done by stimulating the production of endorphins, helping to regulate sleep because it favors the production of serotonin, a substance that promotes relaxation. Pole Dance does not require you to be a pro; all you need is the open mind to try something new that will not only give you a sense of discipline, but more importantly, will bring “work and play” together because Pole Dancing is all about improving your overall health while having fun!

/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE

/ JULY 2011

STYLE

RED, WHITE, & BLUE acay! V S

by Daniela Guillen

revent spillage with these P reusable bags.

ummer is officially here and that means pool parties, endless barbecues and best of all, vacays! Living on the East Coast gives us plenty of options for travel. The Hamptons, South Beach, Outer Banks, Ocean City, you name it. Traveling in style is just as important as booking the hotel reservation, but let’s get real, do you think you can really walk around BWI in those 5 inch stilettos? Comfort is key, ladies. It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling coach or on your own private jet, being a jetsetter means making moves, so check out this guide for July’s hottest travel gear. Happy traveling!

Glam kit

on the go!

Feel like splurging? Alexander McQueen, dirty ivory embossed flat, $495.00, hu’s shoes, Georgetown

on’t forget to D tag your bag!

Comfy and stylish shoes.

tand out with a white suitcase! S Antler Camden Town 28’’, Amazon.com, $134.99

Tepperjacksononline.com, $18.50

6 Beach Essentials

rotect the face with this P white floppy straw hat. CALYPSO St. Barth for Target® Floppy Hat – White, $14.99

SEPHORA COLLECTION: Travel Clutch Brush Set, Sephora, $34 Travel Set, Sephora, $18 Electric Safari Resealable Travel Bags, Sephora, $9

5 2

trip to an exotic g in k ta e k C? l li om – Fee ping in NY Jetsetter.c r doing some shop . ls a e d otel ao amazing h Costa Ric r fo e it s t this Check ou

T Don’tip : it in stuff s u it c ayour wear its e , !

Luggage

*Tip: free For a hands ch, try oa pr ap n -o carry wheels ith w g a duffle ba g! Don’t ba dy or a cross bo ht pack a lig forget to traveling n he w r sweate as it tends on a plane illy! to get ch

Rebecca Minkoff ‘Summer Passport’ Wallet, Nordstrom, $225.00

Antik Batik Straw Beach Tote Bag, asos. com , $144.81

“Freeze”, Aldoshoes.com, $28.90

Bueno Croc Top Zip Duffle Bag, Target, $34.99

uffle bags. Lacoste Cape Town Roll D Bag, Zappos.com, $100

WWW.KESTADC.COM

/ 21

DMV FASHION

Nicole Miller Fashion Show

his is the beginning of many articles about fashion shows; the introduction as they say. It is also the beginning of a wonderful relationship with Kesta Happening Magazine. My name is Gedalia Vera; I have been working with fashion shows for more than 6 years. I am a photographer/writer/producer and my job is to work with fashion shows and other glamorous events in the area. For this first article of DMVFashion, I would like to take you to a stylish, yet glamorous fashion show where not only did I meet the most fashionable personalities in the area, but I saw a fashion show so magnificent, one would not believe unless seeing it with their own eyes: The Nicole Miller Fashion Show for a Cause. It was a fashion show that not only featured Nicole Miller’s Collection for summer, but also raised money for Leukemia and Lymphoma research. Nicole Miller’s style and inspiration comes from cinema, contemporary art and Mid-20th Century architecture. An American born to a French mother who currently resides in New York, her designs are favorites to stars such as Angelina Jolie, Eva Longoria, Felicity Huffman and other celebrities and icons in the industry. The Fashion show featured wonderful summer classic colors such as blacks, whites and hues of grays, and fabrics that relaxed well with the body, comfortable enough for a day out on the town or after-work cocktails. As the models came out one by one, the collection showed the audience spectacular designs, wonderful dresses and two piece outfits that have yet to really make its mark in our area... That is until now. A magnificent collection with a juxtaposition of classic yet modern looks. For our DC, MD and VA residents, Nicole Miller’s Collection is also available at JC Penney. Until Next Time, Gedalia Vera

Bridal Fan Fare Fashion Show

wedding needs it all, but there is no doubt that the brides gown is the main attraction. At the Bridal Fan Fare Fashion Show at the Civic Building in Silver Spring, Maryland, leading wedding dress designers showed the latest trends in wedding attire - from traditional gowns to funky bridesmaids dresses, they showed something for every taste and dream! It was a spectacular showcase of the latest readyto-wear collections from world renowned international labels and local labels, too.

The extreme dresses showed by Couture Miss were definitely a highlight of the show. No expense is spared to give brides a world class runway experience to assist them in choosing the prefect dress, as well as giving them a taste of the latest in bridal fashions. To meet the different needs that customers require, different styles, shapes and fabrics were adopted to please the young and old, traditional and contemporary, alike. Whether it was a delicately beaded A-line, a one-shouldered mermaid, or a strapless dress with an above-the-knee skirt, all of the designers merged fashionable elements into traditional methods of handcrafted needlework and embroidery to deliver exceptional wedding attire fit for the Duchess of Cambridge herself. Gedalia Vera

/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE

/ JULY 2011

KESTA GIRL OF THE MONTH

WWW.KESTADC.COM

Jessica

Brooke

Hometown: Owings, MD Hobbies: dancing, singing, soccer, scrapbooking Favorite club:District Nightclub. Favorite Quote: “The only thing worse than being talked about, is not being talked about” Photographer: Cameron (DCProstudio.com) Venue: Fur Nightclub (www.furnightclub.com)

/ 23

/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE

NIGHTLIFE

/ JULY 2011

You’re definitely known for being a flirt. So what would your perfect girl look like? Una Latina; morenita, caramel complexion; long curly hair; nice lips… and A BIG A**! What are your future goals? I want to work for El Zol in some kind of way, whether it be production, hosting a show or as part of the street team. I’m known for makin’ people go wild and do things other people have never done so I want to stay original. I want to surprise people and make them say “How did he do that??

PRETTYBOI MO: More Than Just a Prettyboi

By Cristina Cortés

e can take an average club event and turn it into the hottest party in the DMV. He has shared the stage with some of the biggest names in Latin music. He is known for pushing the limit and doing some of the craziest things you will ever see on stage. Most importantly, though, Mauricio Molina, better known as Prettyboi Mo, was not only the first host in the DMV, but he changed up the entire game as we knew it! Since he first started hosting in August 2008, Prettyboi Mo has become a local celebrity in the DMV. While clubs in the area originally dismissed his idea of hosting, Mo was determined to prove them wrong and ultimately revolutionized the DMV’s entire club scene by making the host one of the most essential elements of a great party. With his good looks and ability to easily captivate a crowd, Mo has been able to take hosting to a higher level each every time he hits the stage. He has definitely proved himself to be more than just a prettyboi! A few months ago you started going to broadcasting school. What convinced you to make that decision? I sent my demos of me hosting to El Zol a few times and tried to get a job with them but they were looking for someone with more experience

and education. I realized they weren’t going to take just anyone so since I’ve already made a name for myself as a host, I decided I needed to add education. I talked to Juan el Poderoso from El Zol, who I had been sending my demos to, and he gave me the name of the school I’m going to now.

Is there anyone you want to shout out or say thank you to? Yes! Thanks to all my fans for supporting me over the past three years. I can be cocky and crazy at times but you still love me, thank you! I’m far from over; I’m not goin’ nowhere, POW! And shout-outs to Cholito, Rolo, El Combo Letal, Aleteo Productions, MIGO Productions, COC Productions, Esko Productions, and anyone else that hired me in the past and helped me get started.

Since starting school you got an internship with El Zol. How is that going? It’s going awesome! I’m learning a little of everything – producing, how to record commercials, hosting on air, everything. I’m lovin’ it! Hopefully after these three months they’ll hire me for something. What do you say to people who say your muy creído? Haha! Me, creido? NEVER! People confuse me being confident with me being creído. If you talk to me you know I’m really humble. Is the real you, Mauricio Molina, the same as Prettyboi Mo? No, they’re not the same! Prettyboi Mo is my alter ego [laughs]. Mo is a character; he’s hyper, extra loud and a big flirt. Mauricio is more chill and more a family guy. Like Drake says, “I come alive in the nighttime.”

This month you can catch him hosting the hot reggaeton duo, Jowell y Randy, at Galaxy on July 15th and los bachateros, 24 Horas, on July 24th, also at Galaxy. For more info on where Prettyboi Mo will be hosting, follow him on his Twitter @prettyboimo1, add his Facebook Fan Page and check out prettyboimo. com! █

WWW.KESTADC.COM

by Manu Mayor

/ 25

has“It”

alk by too fast and you might just miss it because of its small, unassuming sign... but don’t! It has finally arrived, a lounge in D.C. that’s much more than just the empty space running alongside the bar. A sleek, modern design to match the crowd welcomes you to Barcode. The latest offering from the people that brought you Lima Lounge and Ultrabar takes the D.C. lounge scene up a few notches. Barcode’s combination of glass and marbled walls and soft L.E.D. lighting give it an unmistakable aura of sleekness that will make you feel like you have just stepped into a brand spanking new episode of Entourage. You can still relax, however, as there is not a sense a pretentiousness to be found. If you come in for happy hour especially, you will find a great bar crowd ready to relax with a few cold ones after work. Barcode offers half-off all rail drinks and wines from 3 to 7 pm, Monday through Friday. Saaay what? Yes, a nice, new place uptown that doesn’t charge you 6 to 9 dollars per drink during the evening! That alone is as refreshing as the drinks themselves. Barcode also offers a menu of modern American cuisine with enough variety to satisfy most anyone in the happy hour crowd. The area inside offers plenty of seating space; the size is just right. The big, mostly square shaped room, has just enough furniture and slight space divisions to avoid making it feel hollow. In fact it’s quite the opposite, the space is as inviting as its bartenders who mix up your drinks quickly and to good effect. An outdoor patio facing L street also welcomes you with big tables and plenty of shade to escape the harsh summer sun.

A few more drinks might just make you want to linger past the happy hour and check out its dance party hosted most nights of the week. While you will usually find yourself dancing along to Dance Top 40’s, Pop and various Mashups, on Wednesdays, Barcode offers up something specifically for the Latin crowd. Local South American scene staple DJ Mario is at the helm. DJ Mario’s energetic blend of house and South American hits can make even a Wednesday night feel like a weekend-long fiesta that you just don’t want to leave. In D.C., it takes something special to bring out a crowd on a Wednesday night, and Barcode, along with DJ Mario, have “it”... de sobra. █

Barcode 1101 17th St NW DC / 202.955.9001 www.barcodedc.com

/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE

/ JULY 2011

WWW.KESTADC.COM

/ 27

LOCAL TALENT

their mid-teens, Nayas is currently finalizing and mixing their upcoming new album that will feature the most experimentation to date. The album is being recorded at Right-On Studios and is being produced by Emmy winning sound engineer and musician, Jerome Maffeo. Luis tells us, “This new album has taken us a long time to put together, but we are going for a cleaner more professional sound, we’re experimenting with sounds that we’ve never used before.”

– Your Local Latin Alternative Rock Family By Rosario Garcia

f there was ever a band I wanted to desperately join minutes after interviewing them, it would be DC based Latin alternative rock group, Nayas. It wasn’t the fact

that I was greeted for the interview with homemade fried chicken, cold beer and a fancy cheese, hummus and veggie appetizer that did me in (although those were fantastic), it was the genuine down to earth family style that Luis Torrealva (vocals and bass), Joey Rossetti (drums), Lilo Gonzales (guitar), Joey Carrasquillo (percussion), and Scott Schoem (drums) exude with utmost sincerity. The interview really directed itself after my first question, “What instrument do you play and how long have you been playing it?”, resulted in a half hour conversation that led from one hilarious story to the next. I quickly felt like a part of the family and the best way I can describe the feeling is “iss”. Something that started with Nayas co-founder Soy Lopez, “iss” is a secret language used by Nayas members to describe their state of being or frame of mind. Joey C. explained it best while the other band members performed the appropriate iss sound in the background, “iss is everything, iss could be a greeting, iss could be angry, iss could be happy, iss is all.” Nayas was founded in 2001 by bassist and lead singer Luis Torrealva and the now honorary former member Soy Lopez. Over the years, many musicians have joined and left the band, however, the current five members seem to have made Nayas the strongest they have been to date. Each member seemed to have joined

the band as if by fate, each with a background that really lends an edge to create the current Nayas sound, a little bit of rock, a little bit of traditional Latin cumbia, and some reggae and ska to close out the mix. When asked how they get their “iss” feelings to translate to the live show and onto their album, Nayas says it’s a team effort. While Luis Torrealva is in charge of writing the lyrics and the hook for the majority of their songs, each band member is responsible for expanding on that original feeling and bringing it all together. Lilo tells us, “Luis is the man, he has notebooks upon notebooks of songs that we haven’t even began to touch. When he brings us a song we all add our own flavor to it to make it a Nayas song.” Luis Torrealva, tells us that “the group we have now is the strongest we’ve ever been, we’re really making things work for us.” This is a feat in itself as most have experience playing in everything from Luis Torrealva’s reggae/ska background to the punk rock of Lilo Gonzales, from Joey Carrasquillo’s go-go music experience to Scott Schoem’s death metal and reggae background (yes I said death metal!) and Joey Rossetti’s history in jazz and orchestra. Making use of every ounce of experience, most members having been playing music since

Luis shared a new song with us titled “Because”, a catchy summer reggae ballad that really makes you feel like going to the beach, sitting by a bonfire and enjoying life with good food and close friends. Even in its un-remixed version the song shows a mature band that is in its songwriting prime. “El Argumento” is a cumbia song where the band experimented with everything from accordion effects on the keyboard to electronic and auto-tune sounds. It’s an instant dance hit. And if you haven’t seen Nayas play a live show yet, do yourself a favor and check out some of their upcoming shows. During some of their “house band” shows at Growlers in Gaithersburg, MD, they are known to do up to three sets bringing a powerful mix that is certain to bring you to your dancing limit. After all is said and done, one thing is clear, Nayas loves playing music. The past 10 years as a band have only made them hungry for more ways to bring their music to the masses. They have been nominated for “Best Latin Duo/ Group 2009” by the Washington Area Music Association, have shared the stage with giants such as Calle 13, Julieta Venegas, Molotov, Panteon Rococo and El Gran Silencio and will also be doing a show in NYC in July during their attendance at this year’s Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC). When asked on what advice they would give local bands that are just starting out, they all resonated with the same answer, “Practice, practice, practice.” Lilo said it best: “Once you have mastered your playing, delve into different genres, don’t get stuck playing one thing. Try to get as much experience as possible. Eventually you will find the sound that works for you.” Luis, Scott, and the Joey’s all “issed” in total agreement. █ For more information about Nayas visit them at WWW.NAYASMUSIC.COM or look for “Nayas” on Facebook.

/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE

KESTA LIKES

/ JULY 2011

WWW.KESTADC.COM

/ 29

KE? KESTA HOROSCOPE Aries: Aterciopelados says

Libra: No te va Gustar Says “y vos preguntarás por qué esperamos tanto solo para tomar impulso, y llegar más alto”-No te va Gustar- “No Hay Dolor”

Taurus: Jowell Y Randy says “unos tragos, embriagaron, nos perdimos, olvidamos y nunca mas nos encontramos” -Jowell Y Randy - “No te veo”

Scorpio: Mana says: “Eres coma un

“todo entra por los ojos dicen lo superficiales, Lo que hay adentro es lo que vale -Aterciopelados- “El Estuche”

Sagitarius: Victor Manuelle says: “Dicen que cantar es una bendición y que si hay ritmo en cada latido de tu corazón eres sonéro, sonéro bueno

Cancer: Vicente Fernandez says: “No

Capricorn: Tommy Prtugal says:

-Vicente Fernandez “La Ley del Monte”

Aquarius: Gianmarco says: “Nadie

sé si creas las extrañas cosas que ven mis ojos, tal vez te asombres Las pencas nuevas que al maguey le brotan vienen marcadas con nuestros nombres.

Leo: Wiz Khalifa says “Here them hater talk, Bu there’s nothing you can tell ‘em, just made a million, got another in my schedule” -Wiz Khalifa “Black and Yellow”

Virgo: Bareto says “no juegues con el diablo, el diablo come candela .no juegues con el diablo el diablo come candela”-Bareto - “No Juegues con el Diablo”

WIN TICKETS FOR

mariposa vuelas y te posas vas de boca en boca,facil y ligeria de quien te provoca -Mana -”Mariposa Traicionera”

Gemini: Amigos Invisbles says: “todo, todo lo vas a tener, dinero rubíes, diamantes también. Las prendas más finas, las perlas más caras, comida divina y ropa de marca -Amigos Invisibles- “Ponerte en Cuatro”

GIVEAWAYS:

-Victor Manuelle -”Ahora me toca a mi”

“Solo quiero que comprendas de una vez cuando tu no estas me siento decaer -Tommy Portugal -”Tu y yo”

tiene un pacto con el tiempo ni con el olvido ni el dolor, -Gianmarco “Tu fotografia”

Pisces: Zoe says: “Es raro el amor ... es raro el amor... que se te aparece cuando menos piensas. -Zoe -”Labios Rotos”

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 HAPPENING MAGAZINE

/ JULY 2011

WWW.KESTADC.COM

/ 32