Kesta Happening Magazine November 2013 by Kesta Happening

LATIN GRAMMY NOMINATED

LA SANTA CECILIA FRI NOV 1 8PM

With nu-cumbia master, G-Flux

“The Best Latin Alternative Band of The Year.” - LA Weekly “Bold, bouyant, international pop music…Treinta Días is all killer, no filler.” – iTunes La Santa Cecilia exemplifies the modern-day creative hybrid of Latin culture, rock and world music. Presented in partnership with

www.artisphere.com 1101 Wilson Boulevard Arlington, VA 22209 Free Parking / Rosslyn Metro Two Blocks

Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano Fiesta Navidad Sunday, December 15 at 4 p.m. !

s r e n in -w d r a w A y m m Gra

GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY’S CENTER FOR THE ARTS Fairfax, Virginia

Tickets: 888-945-2468 or cfa.gmu.edu

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2013

November TABLE OF CONTENTS

7 LATIN-ALTERNATIVE

ISSUE # 32

Ls Santa Cecilia

8 ROCK

El Gran Silencio

9 METAL-ROCK

Los Angeles del Infierno

10 MARIACHIS

Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano

13 TROPICAL

La Charanga Habanera

URBAN

Jowell y Randy

14 KESTADC.COM GALLERY

Photos of concerts and DC nightlife

15 UPCOMING EVENTS

Calendar of upcoming events

18 WWW.KESTADC.COM

18 FEATURED

Tito El Bambino

23 FOOD

METAL

Ceiba Restaurant

24 INSPIRATIONAL

Chris Hypnotyc

27 KESTA ASKS

By: Kala Fryman

█

ADI formed in 1978 with lead guitarist Robert Alvarez and bassist Santi Rubio in Lasarte-Guipúzcoa, in the heart of Basque Country. After many transitions with the lineup and working to find their identity in those early years, Àngeles del Infierno was solidified by the early 1980s and quickly began kicking ass and taking names in the Spanish and European metal scene. The socioeconomic and political situation in Basque Country in the early 1980s saw

the emergence of Basque Radical Rock. Already a hotbed for protest songs and Basque nationalist folk music, rock, punk and metal exploded in Basque Country and was met with a lot of support in the underground and mainstream scenes. Upon signing with Warner Records, the group released their first album, Pacto con El Diablo which is still highly regarded and acclaimed as one of the best debut metal albums. Almost 30 years later, classics like “Maldito Sea tu Nombre” and “Rocker” are still hymns amongst metaleros, young and old, across the globe. Though ADI stayed with Warner music eventually releasing 5 studio albums, 1 LP and 2 compilations, their relationship with the label was often challenging and conflicted; particularly with their level of support and promotion for the band. In an interview Robert Alvarez commented about their often-tumultuous relationship with the label, “Our first album’s title was Pacto con el Diablo, which in English means “Pact with the Devil.” Is there any bigger pact with the devil than getting signed by a major label?” Regardless of any issues

with the label, ADI’s music spoke for itself Pacto con El Diablo was very successful and an important stepping-stone for the band in gaining popularity in Spain. Their 1985 release of Diabolicca is rife with powerful metal anthems, but showed a lyrical evolution for ADI. Particularly with the highly emotional track, “Al Otro Lado del Silencio.” Amidst melancholic electric guitar riffs, vocalist Juan Gallardo sings, “Cerre los ojos por un instante y te veo a ti. Imagenes que nos han borrado de un pasado feliz… que hay amigo al otro lado del silencio.” Following the death of his best friend in a car crash, Alvarez wrote the song and dedicated it to him, which became a powerful song to anyone who has lost someone to the “other side.” In a short time, ADI went from playing at smaller venues to opening for acts like AC/DC and Motörhead with crowds of thousands of people. A turning point for ADI was with their 1993 release of A Cara o Cruz, which was recorded entirely in Connecticut. With some speed metal elements and perfect chanting songs like “Sexo en Exceso” and

“A Cara o Cruz,” the band began to break out more into the metal scene of the US and Mexico. Through the 90s, the band toured extensively through the Americas, which ultimately led to their relocation to Florida to be in a more central location. Despite their longevity as a band, ADI has endured many lineup changes, most notably with drummers (8 in total), and had a 10 year hiatus in releasing new music, they returned in 2003 with Todos Somos Angeles, never skipping a beat from where they left off. Since that release, the band has still been touring extensively, with fans left impressed at the energy and power they bring to each performance.

Don’t miss a chance to see these metal legends (especially with two original members still in the lineup!) on November 9 at the Howard Theater. This is an early show with doors at 6 pm, show time 7:30pm. Tickets are available at www.tickeri.com. █

Thanksgiving stuff & Top 10

28 STYLE

Out-There Outerwear

29 KESTA GIRL

Rachel Greiner

30 KESTA EPIC PICS

Some of our favorite pics

32 LOCAL TALENT DJ G-Flux

33 FEATURED BARTENDER Zeba Bartenders

ELECTRONIC

This month at Echostage

34 LO NUEVO

Meet “De la Tierra”

35 ALBUM REVIEWS

Emergency Blanket & Professor Angel Sound

PUBLISHER: Media644.com / DIRECTOR: Juan Luis Gonzalez / EDITOR: Rosario Garcia / DESIGN: Miriam Jave WEB & TECHNOLOGY: Javier Gonzalez / WRITERS: Malayna Butler, Darlene Campos, Eric Cortez, Ellen Flores,

Kala Fryman, Rosario Garcia, Alexandra Lucia, Juan Leon, Elvis Rivas Echeverria, Jose Vasquez, Alicia Yim

PHOTOGRAPHERS: Jose Acha, Jose Arrieta, William Espinoza, Miriam Jave, Daniel Martinez, Harold Reynold SALES: Jose Acha / INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING? info@kestamag.com / tel: 202 643 0555

36 KE PASÓ

Julieta, Tego, and Haunted House

37 KE?

Win tickets to Angeles del Infierno & La Santa Cecilia

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2013

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LATIN-ALTERNATIVE

look forward to sharing our music “con quien tenga el oído abierto y quiera escuchar”. KM: Marisoul, you always rock these amazing outfits on stage and that made us wonder, how is life on the road with a crew of guys? What’s the secret to surviving life on the road being the only girl? Marisoul: Ay ya yay! Pepe: She has it really good! She has 5 guys that take care of her every day! Marisoul: It’s definitely a lot of fun! They are like my brothers; we fight over what radio station to listen to, what food to get, you know, things like that. But it’s a wonderful experience but yeah sometimes I’m like, “Oh my God I’ve been in this van for 2 and a half weeks travelling with a bunch of dudes!” But they’re awesome. If I don’t know what to wear I ask them, “should I wear the tutu or the polka dots?” and they tell me and take care of me but at the same time, I’m always taking care of them too! I’m always talking to my mom while on the road too, that really helps.

By: Ellen Flores

This month, Kesta Happening had the opportunity to chat with lead singer Marisoul and accordionist Pepe from the Los Angeles based cumbia, bossa nova band, La Santa Cecilia, to talk about everything from their newest album “Treinta Días” to life on the road with a crew of guys. Kesta: We can’t talk about Treinta Días without talking about “El Hielo”. Can you tell us about how “El Hielo” came to be? Pepe: We sat down one afternoon with Claudia Brand, an amazing composer and talked about our experiences being undocumented, well, my experience being undocumented and our friends experiences, because we lived it through family and friends. We also talked a lot about our fans experiences because we

hear a lot of stories of their struggles at our shows. That’s how we came up with the song. It was like venting our frustrations with the immigration system here in the U.S. and it’s also our support to the 11 million undocumented people living in this country. Marisoul: I remember clearly the first time we performed “El Hielo”, it was at the Kennedy Center in D.C., we were really excited to perform there and it was our first time in D.C. To play our song in the city where things are supposed to be getting done, it was a special thing for us. We noticed right away that people were listening to the lyrics and that made us feel really empowered to go out and share this song. It has taken us from singing on the Capitol Hill lawn at the April 10 Immigration Reform Rally to playing at

the May Day march in L.A. We’ve been playing and supporting the (immigration reform) movement with this song and it’s been beautiful. Some of us were born in this country, some were brought to this country but we all know what it is to be an immigrant. We come from immigrant parents and it means a lot to us. KM: What does Treinta Días mean to you? Marisoul: Treinta Días is about that worry of every 30 days we have to pay the rent, pay the bills and although we are lucky to be on the road, faithfully every 30 days the bills and the rent are due. It’s also about that motivation to fight and survive. Treinta Días was a song we felt strongly about and chose it as the title of the album. With this album we’ve been able to go to a lot more places and grow and perform. We

Kesta: If you had to convert La Santa Cecilia into a dish, what would it be or what ingredients would it have? Pepe: Well, being Oaxaqueño, I would have to go with a Mole because there’s a little bit of spice and there is sweetness too! Marisoul: Oh my gosh! La Santa Cecilia into a dish?! Um… Hijole! You know what? A fruit salad! Yeah! Everyone in the band loves fruit and fruits come from different places. Bananas, pineapples, apples and if you add lemon… It’s the most refreshing and delicious thing! I think anyone in the world would enjoy some fruit salad with some chile and limón! La Santa Cecilia is breaking barriers with their music and enigmatic stage presence. This month be sure to catch their show at The Artisphere in Arlington on November 1. For more information visit www.artisphere.com █

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ROCK

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2013

By: Alexandra Lucia

re you ready to rock? Then mark your calendars because the Mexican rock band known as El Gran Silencio is gearing up for an intimate show at Tropicalia in DC’s U street corridor on November 9th, 2013. Latin Alternative music fans are no strangers to el Gran Silencio who formed in 1993 and are led by brothers Cano Hernàndez and Tony Hernàndez on vocals and guitar. El Gran Silencio has cultivated a sound that has garnered fans for nearly twenty years and has kept going strong throughout the decades. Originally hailing from Monterrey, Mexico, they started to grow in popularity during a rock movement, known as “Avanzada Regia”. They were one of the first bands to emerge out of the scene in the early nineties. The movement served to expose Latin, specifically Mexican rock bands. During the movement, several contests were launched, many were battle

of the bands, which welcomed emerging musical acts to showcase their talents, gain attention, develop a fan base and to sign a potential recording contract. El Gran Silencio won the title in 1998, which resulted in the release of their first, fulllength album Libres y Locos. Blending a variety of rock, reggae, dancehall, and ska it was nearly impossible to listen to their breakout hit song, “Dormir Soñando” without dancing. Since their 1998 album, they have released five additional albums including their most recent, Revolusound Contra Systema, in 2010. They have released a total of seven albums throughout their career. In addition to brothers Cano Hernàndez and Tony Hernàndez, the remaining Gran Silencio bandmates are Isaac “Campa” Valdèz on the accordion, Julian “Moco” Vilarreal on bass, and Ezequiel Alvarado on drums. The band blends traditional Latin sounds to create a unique, gypsy rock experience for fans.

With their second album, “Chuntaros Radio Poder”, the band cemented their popularity with their single “Chuntaro Style” referring to a Mexican sub-culture and their lifestyles. Additionally, listeners should appreciate the bands Latin pride, and their insistence on performing in Spanish. While their music is a blend of various global musical sounds, they are proud to sing in their native language. Regardless of your level of Spanish fluency, El Gran Silencio is worth a listen. The energy that they devote to weaving their lyrics with high powered instrumentation, often times with spit fire intensity and speed, blend perfectly with their use of accordion, shakers and multiple instruments to tell several stories of love, hope and life. According to their official Facebook page, El Gran Silencio insists that the November 9th show should not be missed. “Esto no te lo puedes perder… mezclando ritmos como la cumbia, reggae, ragamuffin y hip

hop solo para ponerte a mover ( You can’t miss this, we’ll be fusing rhythms like cumbia, reggae, ragamuffin, and hip-hop to make you dance).” El Gran Silencio are sure to put on a full energy show as this brief US tour will serve as the pre-game for their recently announced slot as the opening act for Los Fabulosos Cadillacs November 2013 Mexico reunion tour. There is no doubt that they can move a crowd, they will certainly pack the Tropicalia show with enough energy and fuerza to keep you dancing all night. El Gran Silencio will hit the stage at Tropicalia, 2001 14th Street (below the Subway Restaurant) on November 9, 2013 at 9pm. Limited number of tickets are available! We highly recommended you get your tickets in advance on: www.tickeri.com before they sell-out! █

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METAL

By: Kala Fryman

Spanish metal legends Àngeles del Infierno have shown they have the staying power to maintain a decades old fan base while still attracting new fans. It’s not unusual to find fans ranging from their twenties to fifties, as Àngeles del Infierno has kept its relevance and force in the metal scene for 35 years and counting. ADI formed in 1978 with lead guitarist Robert Alvarez and bassist Santi Rubio in Lasarte-Guipúzcoa, in the heart of Basque Country. After many transitions with the lineup and working to find their identity in those early years, Àngeles del Infierno was solidified by the early 1980s and quickly began kicking ass and taking names in the Spanish and European metal scene. The socioeconomic and political situation in Basque Country in the early 1980s saw

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2013

MARIACHI n award winning ensemble, Mariachi Los Camperos has been led under the direction of Natividad “Nati” Cano since the early 1960s. Though the ensemble is originally from Mexico, they are currently living in Los Angeles, California, a city with a strong Mexican-American presence.

By: Darlene Campos

Nati Cano was born in 1933 in Jalisco, Mexico to a family of mariachi musicians. Jalisco is known for embracing mariachi music, so Cano decided to follow in the family footsteps and start his own mariachi band at age 28. Soon after, Los Camperos moved to Guadalajara where they would perform on a regular basis. However, the band began to earn so much fame that it was then decided they needed a new location – they chose Los Angeles.

In 1968, only seven years after Los Camperos was established, Nati Cano opened a restaurant and lounge called La Fonda, which is still at its original location on Wilshire Boulevard. La Fonda was and still is a restaurant and lounge dedicated to live mariachi music every Thursday through Sunday. Tourists from all over the world flock to La Fonda to enjoy a traditional Mexican meal and listen to well known mariachi groups, including Banda Limon, Santa Cecilia (latin alternative and bossa nova), Jarabe Tapatio, and of course, Cano’s own group, Los Camperos. In the late 1980s, Los Camperos was selected to collaborate on a Mexican folk music album with Linda Ronstadt, an 11-time Grammy winner, best known for her hit song, “Blue Bayou,” a Roy Orbison cover. Los Camperos performed alongside Ronstadt on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and the Grammy Awards ceremony. Ronstadt’s album, titled Canciones de Mi Padre, went on to become the best selling American album featuring songs that were not in English. Ronstadt also won a Grammy for Canciones de Mi Padre. As of 2012, Canciones de Mi Padre has sold more than 10 million albums since its 1987 release. In 1991, Ronstadt and Los Camperos produced another album titled Mas Canciones, which reached number 88 on the Billboard chart and number 16 on the Top Latin Album chart. Two years later, Mas Canciones was awarded a Grammy for Best Mexican American album. Since their founding in the 1960s, Los Camperos have released nine albums and have also won several Grammy awards. Their 2005 album Llegaron Los Camperos was nominated for another Grammy for Best Mexican American album. Their 2006 album cELLAbration!, a tribute to Ella Jenkins, earned them a Grammy for Best Musical Album for Children. In 2008, Los Camperos released an album titled Amor, Dolor, y Lagrimas which won a Grammy for Best Mexican Regional Album. On December 15, Los Camperos de Nati Cano will be performing Christmas songs in both English and Spanish, such as “Noche de Paz” and “Jingle Bells.” The performance will take place at George Mason University’s Center for the Arts at 4:00pm. Tickets range from $25-$50 and include a discussion with the audience prior to the concert. Free tickets are available for George Mason University students. For more information about Los Camperos de Nati Cano and to purchase tickets, please visit www.cfa.gmu.edu. █

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METAL

coming to/ NOVEMBER 2013

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HOT, HOT, HOT HOLIDAY!

Spanish Harlem Orchestra: Salsa Navidad FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 8PM

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Forever Tango THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 8PM

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5301 TUCKERMAN LANE, NORTH BETHESDA GROUPS SAVE! (301) 581-5199

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TROPICAL

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URBAN

By: Darlene Campos

he word ‘charanga’ is a term used to describe traditional Cuban dance music. La Charanga Habanera took the name after unintentionally starting the band while studying music at a university in Monte Carlo called Escuela Nacional de Arte. Fronted by music director David Calzado the band formed in 1988. La Charanga Habanera was formed as a project slated to research and mimic traditional Cuban music from the 1940s and 1950s. However, La Charanga Habanera became so popular that the students chose to continue as a band. By the 1990s, La Charanga Habanera was performing alongside Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, Barry White, Kool and the Gang, Ray Charles, and James Brown. Soon after, La Charanga Habanera went onto tour all over the world including the United States, Japan, Mexico, Argentina, and Peru. They remain one of the most popular groups in their home country of Cuba. By the latter portion of the 1990s, La Charanga Habanera’s fame began to rise higher than ever. The band won a spot on TEAM CUBA and a prize for Most Popular Orchestra in 1998. By 1999, the band was touring places they had never thought possible in Europe and North Africa. They performed at Festival Campanile in Italy, Feria Pacific in Peru, and

the Hard Rock Café and Hotel in Mexico City. In 2003, La Charanga Habanera was nominated for a Grammy for Best Latin Album. Two years later, La Charanga Habanera was nominated in three categories by PROUD LATINO for best music video, best album, and best group. A sixteen member group, La Charanga Habanera has been led by David Calzado for 25 years. Calzado was born in 1957 to a musical family. Calzado’s grandmother was a musician herself and influenced him to take violin lessons. He later went on to become a violinist for an orchestra called Pancho Bravo. After the departure of co-director, Jose Picayo, Calzado added new instruments to La Charanga Habanera such as piano, keyboards, trumpets, saxophones, flutes, congas, and of course, violins. It was Calzado’s leadership and organization that La Charanga Habanera became famous worldwide with fans in France, Switzerland, Holland, Germany, and Sweden. In 1997 the band underwent some controversy over some members inappropriate behavior on tour (one incident included a band member baring his behind at a live concert) which resulted in serious sanctions from the Cuban government including a 6 month suspension of their travel visas. As a result, Calzado split up the original ensemble of La Charanga Habanera and later reformed the band with new musicians. La Charanga Habanera is still going strong, despite the controversy of the past. La Charanga Habanera will be performing at the Diamond Lounge on November 8th at 9pm. Tickets are $35 for general admission. The concert will also feature artists Giancarlo and Orquesta La Tremenda. For more information on La Charanga Habanera and to purchase tickets, please visit www.tickeri.com. █

By: Eric Cortes

In the early and mid-2000s reggaeton hit the U.S. with numerous solo artists but most notably by the hit duo Jowell y Randy. Composed of Joel Alexis Muñoz Martínez and Randy Ariel Ortiz Acevedo the duo has notably worked with renowned reggaeton artists including Wisin y Yandel, De La Ghetto, Daddy Yankee and Luny Tunes. They’ve been active since 2000, when their hit single “No Te Veo” from their first studio album Casa de Leones took the billboard charts by storm. Jowell Y Randy’s latest studio album Sobredoxis was released June 2014 on White Lion Records. They have since released two singles including “Báilalo A Lo Loco.” The reggaeton duo has been performing all over the world and this past summer toured South America including Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador. Jowell y Randy will be back in the states and will be performing on Friday, November 22, 2013 at Club CocoCabana in Hyattsville, MD. Opening are DJ Piojo , DJ Quickspin, and DJ Truco to get you in the dancing mood. Tickets are $25 in advance and can be purchased at www.tickeri.com. For more information call (310) 431-1882 or visit clubcococabana.com and Facebook. com/ClubCocoCabana. Sobredoxis is also available on iTunes. █

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2013

KESTADC.COM GALLERY Tito Rojas & Antonio Cartagena @ The Palace 10.11.13

Julieta Venegas @ The Fillmore 10.10.13

Photos by: José Arrieta

Photos by: José Acha & Miriam Jave

Buena Vista Social Club @ GW Lisner Auditorium 10.08.13

Mega DC: Zeds Dead @ Echostage 10.05.13

Photos by: Miriam Jave

Roberto Fonseca at Artisphere 10.04.13

Photos by: William Espinoza

Tego Calderon @ CocoCabana 09.27.13

Photos by: Miriam Jave

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KESTA HAPPENING DC FEATURED EVENTS Mon 10.28 Thurs 10.31 Thurs 10.31 Fri 11.01 Fri 11.01 Fri 11.01 Wed 11.06 Thurs 11.07 Fri 11.08 Fri 11.08 Sat 11.09 Sat 11.09 Fri 11.15 Wed 11.20 Thurs 11.21 Fri 11.22 Fri 11.22 Tues 11.26 Wed 11.27

Eva Ayllón @ The Howard Theatre KestaWeen with Los Pericos @ The State Theatre J-Alvarez @ Galaxy Chiva Parrandera 100% Panameña @ Kesta Party Bus / Cuba Libre Damas Gratis @ Diamond Lounge Ankay Halloween Party @ Eden Tito El Bambino @ Palace Luis Bravo’s Forever Tango @ The Strathmore Rock en Espanol Party @ Cococabana La Charanga Habanera @ Diamond Lounge Angeles del Infierno @ The Howard Theatre El Gran Silencio @ Tropicalia Alex Ubago @ The Howard Theatre Plan B @ The Palace Leo Dan @ 90 Grados El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico @ Diamond Lounge Jowell y Randy @ Cococabana Desorden Publico @ Look Jking and Maximan @ The Palace

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

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2013

hen it comes to concerts and musical talent, the DMV has been the host to all types of Latin music stars. From Franco De Vita to Tego Calderón, every one of these now rich and famous artists were once a local talent. Surely, most -if not all- had some type of help from individuals that believed in their talent and helped get their career in motion. Within our DMV neighborhood, there is one person that is stepping up to that role and helping our local talent come out from the woodwork to the center stage. His name is Enrique Figueroa. He is the creator of Karoake Show; a popular television show that aired 3 years on Telemundo. This show allowed local artists to showcase their talent. The show was very successful and helped many very talented individuals win over $30,000 in prizes and continue to pursue their dream in the music recording industry. Enrique, a singer himself, was never given the chance to pursue his dream and he always told himself if he ever had the chance to help others he wouldn’t think twice about it. He’s given our local talents a chance to showcase their talent not only on a contest level but also to hundreds

of people at local showcases and concerts. Thanks to the support of fans and businesses, Enrique has also been able to start a series of concerts that give these talented artists the opportunity to open for big artists such as Leo Dan, Frank Reyes, Hector Acosta and many more big names in the Latin music industry. Luckily for the talented individuals, Enrique’s plan for each of them didn’t end there. Enrique has now taken the Karaoke Show format from TV to radio. His new program, “El Show de Enrique Figeuroa Apoyando al Talento Local y Tu Sentido Musical” can be heard on Radio Universal 1600 AM. The show airs Monday through Friday from 2:00pm to 4:00pm and features local talent, popular songs from the golden era and the top hits of today. As we spoke on the phone with Enrique, we talked about some of the artists that he has met, some of those he’s helped start their career and we came to the conclusion that el amor por la música is still alive and strong! It’s that passion for new music that Enrique showcases in his radio show every day. ¡Que viva el talento local and its supporters! For more information on the show and upcoming events visit: www.facebook.com/karaokeshow1 █

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FEATURED

/ NOVEMBER

2013

By: Malayna Butler

He is responsible for most of those tracks that pop up in your head randomly that you can’t get out because they’re tan pegajosas. Some that immediately come to mind (literally over and over again) are, “Llama al Sol,” “El Amor,” Dame La Ola,” “Te Comence A Querer,” “Te Pido Perdón,” “Carnaval,” “Siente el Boom” and “Caile”. If you’ve tuned into Spanish language radio stations regularly in the last 5 years you would inevitably know the words to at least one Tito’s song even if you never tried learning it. He’s definitely no stranger to airplay. “Mi Cama Huele A Ti” is a tribute to the now-absent lover, their scent in the covers the only footprint that they ever even existed. A song like that brings back memories, nostalgia, sentimientos. “El amor es una magia/Una simple fantasia/Es como un sueño/Y al fin lo encontré/Es como una luz que se esparce por el alma y recorre como el agua/Hasta que llena el corazón…” These are the romantic lyrics that earned him Latin Song of the Year by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) in 2010 for “El Amor” written with Joan Ortiz Espada. Tito is also recognized by a signature smile, which is so dashing, in fact, that he was offered a contract with Colgate in 2007 to promote Max Fresh toothpaste. His sex appeal and versatility as a musical artist, grant

him familiarity among a variety of audiences, so much so, that public and private organizations have looked to him to sponsor their causes and products. He has also been the face of Tropicalia and even Wendy’s. Born, Efrain Fines Nevárez, “Tito” in Carolina, Puerto Rico, knew at an early age that he wanted to pursue career in music. He was once half of the dynamic duo that helped to put reggaeton on the map. With success of their release “A La Reconquista” in 2003, Hector & Tito were the first pioneers of the genre to be recognized with a Latin Billboard Award for the Latin Rap Album of the Year. They were also the first reggaeton artists to sell out shows in Puerto Rico. Their hits such as “Baila Morena” and “Amor del Colegio” opened doors for other reggaeton icons who had not yet gained notoriety such as Daddy Yankee and Tego Calderon. Although Hector & Tito, known as “Los Bambinos” spent 5 years as an act, they split in 2003. Both went on to launch solo careers. Tito was signed to EMI Televisa while Hector “El Father” (the unaccredited voice of the YouTube craze “Harlem Shake”) joined Roc La Familia a division of Def Jam managed by hip-hop mogul Jay-Z. From the time that he launched as a solo artist this golden boy seems to have the ability to turn songs into gold – or platinum. Tito artist, now 32, has transitioned seamlessly from Urban to Tropical. Although there have been highs and lows throughout his >>>>>>>

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>>>>>>> career, there has been a notable progression and maturity in his sound from his youthful beginnings as a budding reggaetonero to a tropical phenomenon. Some of the high’s of Tito’s career have been the incredible success of his albums which have sold hundreds of thousands of copies since his first release of “Top of the Line” (2006) which sold more than 200,000 copies making it certified Platinum in the U.S. and Puerto Rico by the Recording Industry of America. His successes only continued with “It’s My Time” (2007), “El Patrón” (2009), and Invencible (2010) which also sold hundreds of thousands of copies. As a result of these achievements he has been recognized with Latin Grammy Awards, Premio Lo Nuestro and Premios Juventud, Premios Alma and has performed at the Viña del Mar Festival in Chile. He was awarded Songwriter of the Year at the 2011 ASCAP. Tito El Bambino’s musical style is much like a buffet. A bit of reggaeton, mixed with merengue, bachata, salsa, pop and even hints of Bollywood. He’s collaborated with some of the heaviest hitters in the industry including Don Omar, Daddy Yankee, Tego Calderon, and mega-producer Pharell Williams of NERD and the Neptunes. His latest studio album “Invicto” (2012) features Latin music mogul and actor Marc Anthony on contagious merengue track called “Por Que Les Mientes” ( Why Do You Lie?)”. Invicto also features Yandel (of the infamous reggaeton duo Wisin y Yandel). Describing his work, in an interview he shared, “I’m an artist of the people.

Someone who can give a broad range to listeners. I played in San Francisco and Los Angeles a couple of weekends ago, and the first rows were full of beautiful women in their 20s and 30s and also beautiful women in their 50s and 60s. I’ve been able to do that with my musical mix”. In the same interview he also related, “That I sometimes get up at 2 a.m., 3 a.m., I turn on the shower, and I love to write while the shower is running. I need to hear it to get inspired,” when asked what people would be surprised to know about him. Tito El Bambino is not just a pretty face. With his success has also come social responsibility. He has taken on the role as a spokesperson for issues related to children and youth, recently spending time in the Dominican Republic at the Dr. Robert Reid Cabral Children’s Hospital. He has also championed against drugs, violence and guns. Tito el Bambino’s music buffet is sure to continue to evolve, and who knows where he’ll go next. Catch him live at The Palace in Woodbridge, VA on Wednesday, November 6, 2013 and be taken on a musical journey. For more information and tickets visit, www.tickeri.com. █

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/ NOVEMBER

2013

GRAMMY NOMINATED + INDEPENDENT MUSIC AWARD WINNER

SOFIA REI

SAT DEC 7 8PM “Leading light of Latin Jazz.” -Village Voice

“An emotional impact that leaves an audience gasping for air and begging for more.” -The Latin Jazz Corner Sofia Rei explores connections between the various traditions of South American folklore, jazz and electronic music. Her collaborations include top musicians such as John Zorn, Maria Schneider, Bobby McFerrin, Frank London and more. Presented in partnership with

www.artisphere.com 1101 Wilson Boulevard Arlington, VA 22209 Free Parking / Rosslyn Metro Two Blocks

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LATIN JAZZ

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/ NOVEMBER

2013

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FOOD

By: Kala Fryman

s a person who is often consumed by extreme wanderlust, it can be difficult to balance the desire for travel and adventure with the realities and responsibilities of life. Food is undeniably one of the best parts of travelling, and a night at Ceiba is a culinary adventure in its own rite. Located in downtown Washington DC, Ceiba is an upscale restaurant and lounge offering contemporary Latin American fare, drawing from flavors and inspiration from the Yucatan, to the Caribbean, to Brazil. In addition to the regular menu, Ceiba is offering a Passport to Latin America Tasting Series, giving diners a chance to experience cuisine from various countries without breaking the bank on airline tickets, travel visas or waiting around in airports. The series, which kicked off in September, continues through August 2014, each tasting series offers a five course prix fixe menu (with optional wine pairings) featuring a different Latin American cuisine each month. Diners are given a passport and receive a stamp for each tasting they participate in, culminating in an exclusive party for guests who have “travelled” to at least 9 dinners during the series.

On a cold and rainy night, I was fortunate to take a temporary “escape” from the DMV and go on a culinary tour of Chile; the featured cuisine for October. Upon arrival and throughout the meal, it was easy to see why Ceiba was voted “Best New Restaurant” by the readers of Washingtonian magazine. With soft lighting, tiled floors and salsa music playing, the décor is elegant, warm, and inviting yet unpretentious. The wait staff and management are very knowledgeable, friendly and attentive without being overbearing. Chef Matt Britt’s expertly crafted October menu was a contemporary interpretation and reinvention of classic Chilean dishes, effortlessly transporting diners through the Andean region. This culinary tour of Chile began with an amuse bouche of ceviche de atun; three perfectly portioned bites of fresh yellowfin tuna, topped with a slice of citrus, red onion salty nori and a spicy, sweet coconut soy sauce. The freshness, brightness, and spice of the ceviche were highlighted perfectly by the dryness of the Brut rosé sparkling wine pairing. The second course was a take on humita, a

traditional dish found throughout the Andes. Presented on top of a corn husk was a mixture of pumpkin, mushrooms, carrots, corn and squash puree, lightly topped with salty savory white cheese. This dish takes the notion of autumnal comfort food to another level. The earthy and rich fall vegetables combined with a bright Argentine chardonnay elevated the flavor of the rustic humita. Due to a shellfish allergy, Chef Matt graciously substituted the third course of curranto en olla, with a preview from November’s passport Caribbean inspired menu. Upon a bed of crunchy baked spinach and fried onions was grilled salmon. A mango habanero mojo added some spice and fruitiness to the dish, with a fresh crema to balance the sweetness. Next was a charquicán, a traditional Chilean stew which Ceiba deconstructed, transforming it into an aged rib-eye steak positioned between sweet potato puree and a spicy hash of tomatoes and chorizo; topped with the signature fried egg. The spicy and hearty hash is an ideal complement to the creamy sweet potatoes, while the bold Chilean Carménère wine pairing blended perfectly with the peppery rib-eye and spiced tomatoes. Finally came my favorite part of any meal, dessert. The merken spiced bread pudding can only be described as heavenly; Chef Matt has transformed a classic dish with very unique Chilean influences. Savory brioche tinged with the smoky and salty merken pepper and the accompanying carica compote (Chilean papaya) took this course from amazing to unforgettable. This decadent finale was paired with a Chilean Riesling, adding some tartness and lightness to the overall flavor. Fine dining at Ceiba is a must if you’re interested in a unique experience to satisfy both your taste buds and travel desires in one sitting. The Caribbean is the feature for the November series, and is offered every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. For more information, contact or visit Ceiba at 701 14th St NW; (202) 393-3983; www.ceibarestaurant.com. █

/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE

INSPIRATIONAL

/ NOVEMBER

2013

Chris the most was when the doctor asked if he had any children, to which Chris replied, “I have a daughter.” The doctor followed up with, “Do you want to see your daughter grow up?” And Chris, with tears swelling up in his eyes, responded, “I do.” “The doctor was straight up,” says Chris. “He never bothered to be nice to me.” “I started seeing that my daughter was being affected by my weight,” says Chris. “I wasn’t spending time with her. I wasn’t going out to play with her. I was always tired. I was always sleepy.” “Nos fuimos,” he says, which translates to “we left.” It’s Chris’ new mantra—a phrase emblematic of both his commitment to living healthier and a refusal to give into his old habits. It’s the hashtag his twitter and instagram followers use whenever they workout or eat healthy, he says. If you offer Chris a soda now, he’ll politely decline. Instead, he prefers to drink water. At dinner with friends, Chris is reluctant to order a plate full of carbohydrates and fat. He’ll have a salad, or drink water if he isn’t hungry, he says. “Control your carbs,” says Chris, who scheduled an appointment with a dietician after his last emergency room visit. The dietician gave Chris general advice on what carbs to stay away from, but Chris took matters into his own hands and did his own research to supplement the information.

By: José Vasquez

adio host Chris Hypnotyc, of La Nueva 87.7 FM, wakes up every morning at 7 am to take his daughter to school. Afterwards, he grabs his headphones, and runs two miles to the grocery store and another 2 miles back. This is a very different picture from one six months ago, where Hypnotyc’s routine involved indulging in his favorite breakfast pastries and a drive to any fast food restaurant for his three square meals a day. He also weighed 248 lbs. “Eventually, when you overdo something, things tend to go wrong,” Chris says. Things did go terribly wrong for Chris after his weight affected his health so much he ended up in the emergency room several times.

“I was warned two times,” says Chris, “but I never paid full attention.” On his third visit to the emergency room, it all sunk in. His vision was blurred, his stomach and back ached. “It felt like I was stabbed 40 times,” he says. Even painkillers could not subdue the pain. When Chris was hospitalized the first and second time, the doctors never attributed his illness to his weight. By the third visit, the doctor closed the hospital-bed curtains around them and leveled with Chris, rattling off a series of obesity-related diseases and warning Chris that if he continued to eat poorly he may face death sooner than he expected. Chris recalls the doctor asking him, “Should we just call a funeral home?” As much as this statement shocked Chris, what stuck with

“I learned that my body needed 1,900 calories a day and for me to lose weight I needed to eat healthier and cut those calories in half and that half needed to be protein and carbohydrates,” says Chris. In his first week of eating healthier, Chris lost 7lbs. During that week, Chris would only eat what his friends called “rabbit food”—a salad comprised of lettuce, tomatoes and chicken breast. Eventually he

added more variety to his diet and to curb his food cravings he drinks water. Chris has since lost a total of 80 lbs by eating less and exercising more. “I’m happier now,” he says. “I have energy to go on school trips with my daughter.” People often say they want to lose weight, but then don’t make time, says Chris. Chris isn’t buying it. “I work every night at the radio,” says Chris. “I am a full-time parent; I also work during the day managing my own companies. I work at the clubs on the weekends. I have festival events too. I’m a 24/7 business.” Still, he manages to fit exercise into his schedule by waking up a little bit earlier or incorporating exercise in any way he can. His daughter and mother abstain from binging on junk food too, he says. “My daughter says, ‘Daddy no more McDonald’s.’” Chris says he’s learned the key to getting healthier is consistency and determination. He hopes to continue to motivate others through his #NosFuimos social media movement, which also includes a “Chris Hypnotyc Workout Mix” now in its second volume, and he has plans to put out a fitness calendar for 2014. You can always catch Chris on his radio show on La Nueva 87.7 FM from 7-10pm every night, and follow him on instagram at Chrishypnotyc. █

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KESTA ASKS

/ NOVEMBER

2013

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KESTA ASKS

This Thanksgiving, Kesta has given the Turkey a pardon and passed on the pumpkin pie â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;cause we want to set our Thanksgiving table a little different and give it some sabor Latino! We asked our friends in facebook, and your responses were super creative and got us wickedly hungry! Is it Thanksgiving yet? ÂĄBuen provecho Kesta Familia! Rocksario Garcia: At my house even if we had Turkey, Ham, or Mashed Potatoes we always had either Tamales or Pozole, or both! Good times!

Ellen Flores: Mofongo instead of traditional stuffing and flan de queso or tembleque instead of pie. Ah, and Coquito, lotâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and lotâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of Coquito

Daniel Martinez: Una buena bandeja paisa seria una gran alternativa!!!

Paola Toquica: Colombian food ajiaco, bandejita paisa, mojarra.... todas son mejores que el pavo!

Miriam Perez: Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not a fan of typical Thanksgiving food. So a few yrs ago at my momâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, I insisted on Peruvian... we had lomo saltado, ceviche and papa a la huacaina etc. And Inca Kola of course. BEST Thanksgiving meal ever! Kala Fryman: Everything, but especially the turkey!!!! Not to be a hater on my paisanos, but gringos donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know how to cook pavo đ&#x;&#x2DC;&#x2018; Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d rather have turkey cooked well or replace it all together with carne asada or something Will Kestadc: ^^ Buenos platos! y de postre un Flan o Tres Leches. Evelyn Rodriguez: Pernil, arroz con gang unless !!! Ummmmm

Alex Suyo: it should be good! Mayerly Rodriguez: Pezcado relleno al horno en vez del desabrido pavito! Alejandra Rossi: asado! ya sabes Will Kestadc Juneth Camejo: I would replace the turkey with my mom pollo a la barbacoa con papas mmm yumm the best cuban recipe Miriam Jave: ufff... Un cabrito norteĂąo, ceviche, papa a la huacaina... aunke un pavo estilo navidad en Peru no seria mal

Ze Rafael: Cebiche de Mariscos, Seco a la NorteĂąa con sus respectivos frejoles, Chicha de Jora, Cerveza negra, Mazamorra morada con Arroz con Leche y Chicha morada bien al polo!

Marysol Murillo: I would love chuĂąo as a side. And no need to change the turkey cuz we cook it with sazĂłn!

Roberto Carlos Martinez: I think Tom has go it down, el pig con una manzana en la boca. I love me some tamales though, Marvin Loza: PUPUSAS and SOPA DE maybe some flan for dessert or a home RES....YUM! made tres leches. Or some pan relleno con Yani Alcaraz: Im pollo de El Salvador mexican so to me it as a meal. will be pozole tamales and pollo al horno Margarita Maria Martinez: I agree Jessica S. Navas^^^ I would like Cardona: Instead of a pork, what they Turkey it would be call it a lechon, made lechon with rice & like the cubans, all beans, yuca y platanos crackly and crunchy fritos and tasty. Pork all the way. For sides? Instead of Mashed Potatoes, Liliana Odalis: Panes Ensalada de Papa, rellenos de pollo!! With instead of stuffing, fresco de ensalada de tamales, instead of frutas....cena 100% bread tortillas, and SalvadoreĂąa. instead of cranberry it would be some fruit dessert, like papaya Jesus S. Amaya: cream or maracuya Pollo.... que mas! cheesecake, something Jajajaja fun. Sonia Lizzeth Reyes: Pupusas y sopa de mariscos o sandwiches de pollo

Tom BalcazĂĄr: Un pig Gigi Benitez-Gomez: Same dish pero en vez or un chivo de pavo que sea pollo hahaha es mĂĄs rico

e got an inside view into what some of our favorite local talent and Kesta staff considers their â&#x20AC;&#x153;favoritesâ&#x20AC;?. In this edition, we asked DJ Flux, Chris Hypnotyc, and Ellen Flores our awesome writer and promotion genius, to build a playlist of their Top 10 Songs to share with us. The lists range from rock to bachata and everything in between! We asked, they answered and here are the Kesta Top 10 lists for November. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Serradoâ&#x20AC;? by Djavan â&#x20AC;&#x153;Make Somebody Happyâ&#x20AC;? by Carlos Santana â&#x20AC;&#x153;Amarsi un Poâ&#x20AC;? by Lucio Battisti â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mi Matamoros Queridosâ&#x20AC;? by Rigo Tovar â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wild Flowerâ&#x20AC;? by The Cult â&#x20AC;&#x153;Suavecitoâ&#x20AC;? by Laura LeĂłn â&#x20AC;&#x153;Semilla Negraâ&#x20AC;? by Radio Futura â&#x20AC;&#x153;Como te voy a olvidarâ&#x20AC;? by Angeles Azules â&#x20AC;&#x153;White Horseâ&#x20AC;? by Laid Back â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;l Louisâ&#x20AC;? by french Kiss â&#x20AC;&#x153;Una fanâ&#x20AC;? by Servando y Florentino â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hay algo en tiâ&#x20AC;? by Zion y Lennox â&#x20AC;&#x153;Julianaâ&#x20AC;? by DLG â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mis Ojos lloran por tiâ&#x20AC;? by Big boy â&#x20AC;&#x153;Just friendsâ&#x20AC;? by Musiq soulchild â&#x20AC;&#x153;Un verano en nueva Yorkâ&#x20AC;? by El gran combo â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nobodyâ&#x20AC;? by Keith sweat â&#x20AC;&#x153;I can only imagineâ&#x20AC;? by Mercy me â&#x20AC;&#x153;Guata-ubaâ&#x20AC;? by Plan B â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cae la nocheâ&#x20AC;? by Hector y Tito â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mariposasâ&#x20AC;? by Enanitos Verdes â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tus Ojosâ&#x20AC;? by Los Cafres â&#x20AC;&#x153;El Abandonadoâ&#x20AC;? by Elefante â&#x20AC;&#x153;La Perlaâ&#x20AC;? by Calle 13 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oasisâ&#x20AC;? by Puya â&#x20AC;&#x153;Manjar MĂsticoâ&#x20AC;? by Manjar de los Dioses â&#x20AC;&#x153;Aniquilaâ&#x20AC;? by La Secta Allstar â&#x20AC;&#x153;El Lado Oscuroâ&#x20AC;? by Jarabe De Palo â&#x20AC;&#x153;El Baile Y El SalĂłnâ&#x20AC;? by CafĂŠ Tacvba â&#x20AC;&#x153;Caminandoâ&#x20AC;? by Millo Torres y El Tercer Planeta

/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE

KESTA GIRL

/ NOVEMBER

Whats your hometown? Maryland What are your hobbies? Tennis and writting Whats your favorite quote? “Don’t be afraid to stand up for what you believe in, even if it means standing alone.”.” Whats you favorite movie? “Secret Window” with Jhonny Depp! What are some surprising songs in your ipod? The most surprising is probably ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’ by Sinead O’Connor 5 things you could not live without? Things would be difficult without my iPhone... Then there’s my cat Chanel, Spearmint tea, Burts Bees chapstick, and black mascara Photography: DC Pro Studio

2013

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STYLE

9 1

By: Alicia Yim

YOUR SENSE OF STYLE SHOULD NEVER BE KEPT UNDER WRAPS. THAT’S WHY WHEN YOU’RE READY TO INVEST IN A NEW COAT OR JACKET THIS YEAR, REMEMBER TO THINK OUTSIDE THE BOXY BLACK PEA COAT. The menswear-inspired trend gives us a looser fitting coat that imitates an oversized-blazer, in plaid or “lumberjack” prints. Shearling-lined motorcycle jackets are another stylish, casual option. The leather trend has yet to cool off this winter and can be seen making up the sleeves, bodices, cuffs, and collars of fabric coats. Fur coats are the perfect rocker-chic cover-up, and as an added bonus they actually manage to keep you warm! Feel free to play around with different shapes of outerwear and add volume in all the right places with capes, wrap coats, and fit-and-flare belted trenches. You can experiment with different colors as well. Rich jewel tones, pastels, winter whites, and emerald green are all on trend this season. Statement outerwear is the trend that is sure to lift everyone’s spirits this season and will soon have you thinking: No coat check? No problem. █

1. Unreal Fur Two Tone Short Fur Jacket in Cream and Black, $312.21 – asos.com | 2. Mackage Coat - Kitty Novelty Boucle, $740 – bloomingdales.com | 3. Unreal Fur Stripe Gilet, $210.95 – asos.com | 4. Warehouse Tweed Check Zip Detail Coat, $160.32 – asos.com 5. River Island Leather Look Check Coat, $109.69 – asos.com | 6. Sam Edelman Sherpa Wrap Coat with Knit Sleeves, $220 – bloomingdales.com | 7. Capulet Mojave Shearling Moto Jacket, $288 – nastygal.com | 8. Elie Tahari Coat – Marina Leather Trim Belted, $595 – bloomingdales.com 9. Yellow Long Sleeve Epaulet Belt Trench Coat, $34.10 – sheinside.com | 10. Burberry Leather Sleeve Trench – Nordstrom.com | 11. Cape, $59.95 – hm.com

/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE

/ NOVEMBER

2013

This page: CafĂŠ Tacvba @ The Fillmore, Julieta Venegas @ The Fillmore, Tego Calderon @ Cococabana | Next page: Mega DC @ Echoestage, Molotov @ The Fillmore

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/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE

LOCAL TALENT

/ NOVEMBER

2013

: O R E I B M U C CE A P S N A C I X MEET ME

By: Rosario Garcia

ou may not be familiar with Mexican artist G–Flux, however, you’re probably very familiar with his unique cumbia sounds! He is opening up for La Santa Cecilia at the Artisphere in Arlington, VA on November 1st, for what is slated to be a non-stop dance party! G-Flux’s highly anticipated album was released this past July and published independently under the title, G–Sound. The album is an exploration of new aspects of spatial cumbia with a special attention to intricate musical production. Gustavo Narango, born and raised in Mexico City, was first exposed to cumbia as a young boy while traveling on local buses or attending family parties. However, it wasn’t until many years later, already living in the United States, that G-Flux was born. He began producing electronic music inspired by cumbia, a popular genre of Afro-Colombian roots. The year was 2009 and through the internet Gustavo connected with a duo of avant-garde artists known as Afrodita. Under the newly assigned G –Flux alter-ego, he produced the song “Ciclón Del Caribe” which became the first major success of the group and a classic dance hit that transcended the Mexican border and put both Afrodita and G-Flux on the musical map.

While G -Flux was a rookie when it came to digital cumbia, he was a very successful at musical production. His prior project working with Antifaz, which focused on ambient electronic music with jazzy undertones, successfully reached wide audiences as it was featured on the musical score of huge hit TV-shows like Law and order, Dexter, as well as, a McDonald’s commercial. Nevertheless, G-Flux felt a calling to pursue cumbia. “Choosing cumbia as a preferred musical genre is a statement of principles itself, regardless of whether the lyrics contain any combative political content,” explains Gustavo, “cumbia in Latin America is the music associated with the working class. It is the most democratic of all musical genres.” After the success of “Ciclón Del Caribe”, G -Flux was highly sought after to remix other recognizable artists within the genre. He was also busy launching original productions through digital compilations that earned him substantial exposure in online blogs and publications. However, what G-Flux were craving and hoping for was a full-length album that would incorporate a collection of songs (previously unreleased) and collaborations with other artists such as Afrodita, and Los Master Plus. Other collaborations include Colombian/Canadian Boogat, and DC’s very own Empresarios, among others. They’re prayers were answered with the release of G-Sound.

In 2012, G-Flux and Afrodita were invited to play together in Cuba, at the prestigious University of Havana Film School’s graduation. “Every year, the band Los Van Van had traditionally played that event,” explains Gustavo, “however, a Mexican cinema student happened to take back with him a recording of “El Ciclón Del Caribe”, and in Cuba where internet access is very limited, the song became a huge hit at the school. So it was the students themselves that asked us to go and perform for them in Cuba.” Unlike Mexico, cumbia is not a very popular genre amongst the Cuban youth, so Afrodita and G-Flux accepted the challenge and managed to spread their love for cumbia to win over the Cuban audience. “In the end they were all dancing, even those who originally were disappointed because they were expecting to see Los Van Van.” You most definitely won’t be disappointed either if you go to check out G-Flux and La Santa Cecilia performing this November 1st, 2013 at the Artisphere! For tickets visit: www.artisphere.com. You can also check out G-flux on Facebook: www.facebook.com/gflux █

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FEATURED BARTENDER

Amy: Pros, since I get to hang out with my family all day it sometimes doesn’t feel like work! Cons, sometimes have to take my work home with me. Overall, it’s positive we can work out any issue because we’re family. David : Pros – They’re friendly, I can trust and always rely on them. Cons - It’s awkward when they get hit on in front of me because we’re family! John: Pros – Always being surrounded by your loved ones, I can trust everyone here and knowing they will always be there for me means a lot. Cons, well we are around each other 24/7 so it’s easy to get under each other’s skin sometimes. KH: What is your favorite drink? Amy: I’m a whiskey person. John: I drink beer, so IPA. David: Beer – Allagash. If it’s liquor probably a Fireball Horchata

By: Rosario Garcia

ovember is all about family, so for this month’s Favorite Kesta Bartender feature we set our sights on sibling bartenders, John and David Jafari, and their lovely half-sister Amy Milne at Zeba Bar! When you walk into Zeba (3423 14th St NW ) in the happening neighborhood of Columbia Heights, one of these bartender extraordinaires will greet you and make you feel like you’re part of the family. So let’s get to know them, shall we? KH: How long have you been a bartender? John: We all started our bartending gig at the family owned Zeba bar a little over two years ago. I used to be a physical therapist before

joining my father to learn the family business. KH: What’s your favorite thing about being a bartender? All: Meeting new and interesting people and getting to socialize with them every day! John: I love meeting people from all types of different cultures. Zeba means “Beautiful” in Farsi. So I think it’s beautiful that we get to interact with different people from the neighborhood. Latinos, Ethiopian, Middle Eastern, Serbian--- on an average night we get a little of everything. KH: What are the Pros/ Cons of working with family?

KH: What is the craziest/ funniest drink name you’ve made? David : A Lunch Box - it consists of Southern Comfort, Jack Daniels, Triple Sec, Miller Lite, Crown Royal, Grand Marnier, and orange juice. It’s actually not bad. John: Smurf ’s piss. I had to look it up. KH: What’s the most popular drink people order here? Amy: On Tuesdays it’s Mojito night so that’s a popular one. David: Vodka Soda John: Fireball Flaming Horchata, it’s a specialty here. KH: Zeba hosts Bachata Nights on Wednesdays, how does that night differ from your other

nights here? Amy: The dancing! Oh my god, do Latino’s love to dance. I love watching everyone dancing and having fun. We also have free Bachata Lessons from 9-10pm on Wednesdays so I love that people come to learn. John: Two things – everyone comes out to dance and drink. They come out to dance everybdy is out at the drinking - they drink. - I love the underground bachata dance party. David: The music definitely gives the bar a different vibe on Latin nights. The Latin based community also loves to drink Corona and Heineken so that’s different. KH: What do you do during your free time? David: On my free time, I like going and watching movies, hanging out with my brother, and I like visiting other bars to support them as well. John: I love to see other community bars around us thrive because it helps us too. Bars like the Pinch, Mad Momo’s, and Red Derby. I also go out to watch football games when I can. Amy: I spend time with my boyfriend Lucas who I also met here at Zeba. I also spend time with my dog, Soleil, and like to go visit other bars too. I’m also going back to school in Spring with a Major in Agriculture and Resource Economics with a Minor on Global Poverty. Don’t forget you can nominate your favorite bartender by simply emailing info@kestamag. com with the title, My Favorite Bartender! █

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ELECTRONIC

By: Juan Leon

Krewella: The Get Wet Live Tour-- Also with Seven Lions, Candyland, and Des McMahon. Glow at Echostage presents Krewella. Responsible for the huge EDM banger “Alive” and hit track “Live for the Night”, Krewella will be performing with support from house DJ/producer Seven Lions, DJ duo Candyland, and multi-genre producer Des McMahon.

AEPi Splash Bash-- With George Acosta, Enferno, DJ Tyler Zlatin, Loud James. Echostage’s very first paint party is headlined by George Acosta and supported by DJ Enferno. AEPi’s Splash Bash has been named one of BroBible’s Top 20 College Parties in the country, so you know it’s good.

Kaskade-- Also with Roberto Gonzalez. Glow at Echostage presents Kaskade’s first time at Echostage! The “Atmosphere” hitmaker will be supported by Glow resident DJ, Roberto Gonzalez.

Adventure Club-- Mega DC Superheroes Anonymous edition featuring Adventure Club, DVBBS, Dallas K, Hunter Siegel w/special guests 3LAU, LOUDPVCK. Hosted by MCSL. Dubstep/electro heroes Adventure Club will be performing with full live production!

New World Punk-- With Ferry Corsten & Markus Schulz. Dutch producer Ferry Corsten and German producer Markus Schulz join forces for a tag team performance in DC. Brought to you by Glow at Echostage.

Tiesto w/ Danny Avila-- Also with Roberto Gonzalez. November at Echostage concludes with a double dose of the world’s biggest DJ: Tiesto. And EDM wunderkind Danny Avila joins the big man himself with his own set! Opening set by Roberto Gonzalez.

Tiesto w/Danny Avila-- Also with Matt Goldman. The second night of Tiesto is the same as above, except Club Glow resident Matt Goldman opens!

/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE

/ NOVEMBER

2013

KESTA NEW

By: Ellen Flores

these concepts in my mind that I knew would work for us, and they let it happen. Flavio: My primary role is to play the bass. People know me as one of the main composers for Fabulosos Cadillacs and in DLT, I preferred that the songs be composed by the guys that better understand the metal genre because we are a metal band.

Kesta: Tell us about your role in De La Tierra. What motivated you to join this Super group? Andrés: The band was born about 8 years ago as an idea Alex and I exchanged when we met on tours with our bands. One day we just got together in a studio to play covers and shortly after we decided to form a band. That’s how Flavio and Andreas came to be part of the band. I write and sing for DLT but I was also allowed by the guys to be a vocal producer of sorts because I had

Kesta: How did you pick the name De La Tierra? Andrés: We were all in different places. Flavio and I in Argentina, Andreas in Sao Paulo and Alex in Guadalajara. We were all dispersed but united thanks to technology. We were always talking, coming up with names and ideas, and one day Andreas came up with De La Tierra. When he said it the four of us said “yes!” The name fit because we are brothers of the same land, la tierra latina. We are a metal band but the name opens us to fuse our metal with Latin sounds. Kesta: How would you describe the creative process of De La Tierra compared to your previous musical projects? Flavio: It has been similar in some aspects

and new in others, which make it interesting and exciting for me. DLT is a genre project, it’s a metal project. For me, a genre project is very exhilarating! I come from the opposite world where we are forthright in being versatile and don’t keep to any specific points of view. Andrés: It was very odd in the beginning but then it became energizing and magical. Each of us wrote in our homes and sent our demos to each other and compared notes. When we got together to play in a studio we didn’t know if it was going to work. ¡Esta fue la prueba de fuego! With only 12 rehearsals we nailed the 11 tracks that are on the album. It was something so natural and amazing, it was effortless. Kesta: The expectations from both critics and fans is huge. Do you feel any pressure to live up and deliver to these expectations? How are you dealing with this? Flavio: To manage them, control them or classify them is tricky. Truthfully, when I go into a new project I simply try to enjoy the process and live in the present. Our primary goal is to enjoy recording and only

expectation is to present this album which we are proud of. I have more than 25 years in my musical career and that’s exactly why I think it’s important to limit yourself to think only of what you are doing now. Andrés: Primarily, we try to be honest and simple with what we do because we love what we do. We’re together because our passion IS music. We’re honored to have this support placed in us because we want to continue opening doors for Latin bands and keep taking the language to new places. We’re together because we want to continue doing music, doing what we love. Kesta: The album launches in November, what plans do you guys have for touring? Will we be able to see you here in D.C.? Andrés: This album is going to be a musical detonator! It’s explosive. By end of March 2014 we will begin touring. I remember coming to Washington with A.N.I.M.A.L. and I remember the metal crowd there and we are surely going to be in Washington, if not, somewhere close by but we are going to be there! █

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ALBUM REVIEWS

By: Juan Leon

Even wearing their classic rock influences on their sleeves, Peru’s Emergency Blanket sounds most like a throwback not to the 60’s or 70’s, but rather to the post-grunge hard-rockers of the 90’s-- Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, and Stone Temple Pilots are the prototype bands here. No surprise then that the list of bands Emergency Blanket has opened for includes the Stone Temple Pilots, Faith No More, and Creed. Mixed by German Villacorta, the Blankets’ newest LP, Absenta showcases the band jamming out to the tune of their readily apparent musical influences but also putting their own bilingual twist on alt-rock. The lead-off track “Survivors” starts the album off on a high note. Repeated listens are rewarded with insights into the emotional intricacy of lead singer Paco Holguin’s vocals and the intensity of Jeremy Castillo’s drumming. “Think Again” is a nice change of pace about a third of the way through Absenta which shows off Emergency Blanket’s more melodic side, demonstrating some stellar guitar work by Miguel Gistau, Jaime Urteaga and Lufo Armestar on bass. Album closer “Run” finishes off Absenta on a high point. “Run” is a bluesy, catchy, rocker that even incorporates some sax. Like most of Emergency Blanket’s musical accents, it just works. █

By: Juan Leon

Mastered by LeDoom, produced by Professor Angel Sound, made in the Panamanian jungle with audio samples from the inmates with which Angel Sound shared prison cells, the Inside Job EP (released on DJ Sabo’s Sol Selectas Records) is that increasingly rare breed of moombahton record that engages both the soul and the body. Across Inside Job’s three originals (“Inside Job”, “Perdidos”, “Da Sound”) and two remixes of the title track (by Sabo x Melo and BN Loco), a palpable sense of moral struggle against oppression emerges. In exorcising his inner demons against the backdrop of a mad, mad world-- Professor Angel Sound alleges he was unjustly imprisoned after being forced to serve as a drug mule-- Angel Sound creates a benchmark for future moombahton music, expanding the emotive possibilities of the genre. The paranoid vocal samples and effects of “Inside Job”, “Da Sound”, and “Perdidos” (Lost Ones) evoke the anxiety of oppression within physical and spiritual incarceration. However, the insistence of the dembow beat contained within Angel Sound’s moombahsoul productions also communicates endurance and resistance. Ultimately, Inside Job is a testament to the ability of the human spirit to take a beating, get up, and hit back with some beautiful music. █

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/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE

/ NOVEMBER

2013

KE PASÓ

By: Elvis Rivas Echeverria

On a rainy night, October 10, 2013, one of the most important singer songwriters hailing from Tijuana Mexico, Julieta Venegas, performed at the Fillmore in Silver Spring, MD. The night began calmly as the chill felt outside slowly dissipated by the warmth and expectation felt in the theater. Julieta took to the stage and began with one of the songs from her new album Los Momentos, “Hoy”. Fans cheered as Julieta thanked everyone for being there saying she was happy to be back in Washington (or Maryland). She played a fluid “Limon y Sal”, followed shortly by “Eres Para Mi”, a song that has catapulted Julieta to the stardom she enjoys today. A heartfelt concert highlight was the sentimental solo piano performance of “Lento” which had everyone chanting along. The sing-along continued as fans rejoiced with her hit songs and listened closely during the new songs. Such as “Vuelve (Return),” which Julieta shared she wrote after a friend asked her if it was “safe” to travel to Mexico. The concert brought back lots of memories of old loves, including the last song “Me Voy” which had everyone elated as they begged Julieta to return to the stage once more. Julieta and her band kindly returned and finished with “Algo Esta Cambiando” for the encore. Julieta’s “Los Momentos” tour and performance felt like flower petals against the skin of her adoring fans on that cold rainy night at the Fillmore. █

By: Ellen Flores

It was a dark and humid October night when the brave souls of the Kesta staff ventured off to Bennett’s Curse Haunted House in Jessup, Maryland. The setting: A giant tent in the middle of a field. Shrieking ghouls were the perfect soundtrack to the horror that awaited us inside! Graveyards, stone statues that looked real, dragons and severed heads were just some of the sights in the House of Vampyres, the first attraction of this haunted house. Then we moved to the trippy and sensory teasing Zombie Kingdom 3D. Who would have thought a colorful 3D world could be so terrifying?! The skull halls were amazing, not to mention the zombies in 3D! From a world of color, we went into darkness. Total darkness. That got the guys in the group moving to the back of the line so they could play it cool! The Sanctuary of Insanity is the last phase of this haunted house and they definitely saved the best for last! Word of advice, never disagree with a redheaded ghoul, just do what she says! We made it through and lived to tell the tale! I can only hope to make this an annual Kesta tradition to visit Bennett’s Curse Haunted House █

By: Ellen Flores

Coco Cabana played host to Reggaeton’s premier lyrical master, Tego “El Abayarde” Calderón. It doesn’t matter whether you know him as “El Negro Calde” or “El Feo De Las Nenas Lindas.” Be assured that when Tego “El Enemy de los Guasibiri” Calderón steps on stage he has one mission and one mission only. To slap you in the face with his lyrical flow and improvisation while getting you to shake your ass off like there’s no tomorrow. And that’s exactly what we did. Sporting his signature dreadlocks and shades, Tego dominated the stage with his rhymes, his smile and his never ending supply of swagger. There is something primal about Tego’s beats, from “Al Natural”, “Guasa Guasa”, “Punto y Aparte” and “Métele Sazón” to his newer single with Plan B “Zapatito Roto” that kept the crowd dancing and chanting non-stop. “No Quiere Novio” got all the single girls to unleash their inhibitions and the atmosphere shifted to a thick and addictive feeling of adrenaline and sex. It’s just like Tego says, “El que sabe, sabe,” and Tego knows just how to get a crowd to hip shake until they lose all inhibitions. █

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KE? KESTA HOROSCOPE Aries: Angeles del Infierno says

“Corre, grita heavy rock, heavy rock!!! corre, grita rock!!!”

-“Heavy Rock”, Angeles del Infierno

Taurus: La Santa Cecilia says: “Cuando la negra te invite a bailar no le digas no” -“La negra”, La Santa Cecilia

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GIVEAWAYS: Libra: J-Alvarez says: “Ponle punto y coma a esta relación que nuestros corazones salgan de esta prisión” -”Se acabó el amor”, J-Alvarez

Scorpio: La Sonora Ponceña says:

“El amor es una cosa muy difícil de encontrar y a la vez que tú lo tienes nunca se puede olvidar.“

-“Canto al amor” -La Sonora Ponceña

Gemini: Tito El Bambino says: “Déjala ser libre, amigo no te pongas a llorar Déjala volar, que pronto volverá “ -”Dejala volar”, Tito El Bambino

Sagitario: Grupo Néctar says: “No sueñes con ese amor tan imposible Si el que te gusta ya tiene otro amor y no se fija en ti. ”

win tickets to

Capricorn:

saturday, november 9th

-”Gotitas” -Grupo Néctar

Cancer: Leo Dan says: “Toquen

mariachis, canten, que el mundo escuche su voz. Porque mientras cante el mundo entero no habrá mas guerras, sino canciones” -”Toquen Mariachis, canten” -Leo Dan

Leo: El Gran Silencio says: “Vamo pa’ dentro, vamo pa’ fuera, baila rica cumbia con la limo-limonera” -“Cumbia Lunera”, El Gran Silencio

Virgo: Plan B says: “Será cuestión de tiempo de un lugar, de un momento de una palabra, de un encuentro de una noche, de un intento ” -“Es un secreto”, Plan B

Jowell y Randy says “A mi me han dicho que lo bueno se tarda”

-“Lo bueno se tarda”, Jowell y Randy

Aquarius: La Charanga Habanera says: ”no se compra la felicidad mucho menos la alegría.”

-“La Chica mas bella”, La Charanga Habanera

Pisces: Sofia Rei says: ”Saca tu machete Cipriano!” -”Ay Mayoral” -Sofia Rei

Angeles del infierno

@ the howard theatre

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!

WWW.KESTADC.COM

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