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TABLE OF CONTENTS
February
ISSUE # 23
6 ROCK
Vive Latino 2013
7 LATIN ALTERNATIVE Los Rakas
8 BACHATA
Romeo Santos
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9 TROPICAL
Afro Cuban All Stars
8 11
10 SALSA La India
11 SALSA
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Marc Anthony
12 KESTADC.COM GALLERY
Photos of concerts and DC nightlife
13 UPCOMING EVENTS
Calendar of upcoming events
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14 FEATURE La Formula
16 FAMILY
Mickey’s Music Festival
19 FOOD
Chimichurri Restaurant
23 STYLE
Dress up your love
24 KESTA GIRL Kari Novelli
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PUBLISHER: Media644.com / DIRECTOR: Juan Luis Gonzalez / EDITOR: Rosario Garcia / DESIGN: Miriam Jave WEB & TECHNOLOGY: Javier Gonzalez / WRITERS: Darlene Campos, Ellen Flores, Kala Fryman, William Reyes, Andrés Gonzalez, Alicia Kim, Juan Leon, Alexandra Lucia-Miller PHOTOGRAPHERS: Jose Acha, William Espinoza, Harold Reynold / SALES: Jose Acha, William Espinoza INTERESTED IN BECOMING AN INTERN? CONTACT US: info@kestamag.com, www.kestadc.com, tel: 202 643 0555
26 VENUE
Tropicalia
27 LOCAL TALENT Stefani Gamboa
29 KE?
Win tickets to La India & Mickey’s Music Festival
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ROCK
By: Andres Gonzalez
he post-punk, dance-friendly beats of Yeah Yeah Yeahs; the folk-influenced, big band rock of Los Fabulosos Cadillacs; and the soft, alternative rock of Silversun Pickups are among the 100+ bands that are scheduled to perform in this year’s Vive Latino concert in Mexico City. Now in its 14th edition, the Ibero-American Festival of Music Culture Vive Latino concert has become a staple outlet for both recognized and upcoming artists. Initially a concert exclusively for rock en Español bands, Vive Latino is now an internationally recognized stage for artists from a wide range of musical styles. Extended from three days to four this year, the festival will take place from March 14 to 17, in Mexico City’s Foro Sol stadium. Its four stages will be home to performances from artists as varied as the alternative rock, Britpop leaders Blur; to the Argentinean murga and cantina influences of Los Auténticos Decadentes; to the punk rock, reggaeaccented style of Spain’s Ska-P. In its first edition in 1998, Vive Latino hosted 27 rock en Español bands, including Aterciopelados, Angeles del Infierno, La Barranca and Juan Perro. After fans and artists showed a desire for the concert’s continuity, Vive Latino had its second edition in November 2000. This time, the concert expanded to include Englishspeaking bands, such as the soul, punk rock of Fishbone and the unequivocal reggae of The Wailers.
Between 2001 and 2005, the concert was held during one day, rather than its original two-day setup. In 2002 the concert was not held. Despite the drop-off, the festival gradually gathered recognition for providing a stage for an ever-increasing list of widely-known artists, such as Café Tacuba, Julieta Venegas and Molotov.
Expanding from its musical roots, Vive Latino has also become a space to share various cultural expressions. El Tianguis Cultural del Chopo, a flea-market that serves as an artistic conglomerate of new music, fashion and literature waves in Mexico City, became a recurring visitor of Vive Latino in recent editions.
Key for its international recognition, Vive Latino persistently continued to open its doors to more Englishspeaking bands, such as Save Ferris, The Mars Volta, Desmond Dekker & The Skatalites and Brujeria, as well as, emerging international bands.
This year, there are no indications that the Vive Latino concert will stop making music history.
As the concert’s attendance and demand increased, Vive Latino returned to its initial two-day formula in 2006 and it expanded to three days in 2010.
For the third year, Vive Latino will provide a performing space for the film festival Ambulante. Funded by actors Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna, and movie producer Pablo Cruz, Ambulante aims at improving the public’s access to and appreciation of documentary films.
Vive Latino has welcomed artists of various music styles, including surf, ska, hip-hop, electronic and urban rock. In 2009, Vive Latino also offered a performing space for alternative sounds, such as jazz, funk, progressive and instrumental. The concert has also witnessed music history. In its 12th edition in 2011, Mexican rock icons, Caifanes, reunited for the first time in 16 years on Vive Latino’s stage. That same year, various artists including Marciano from Enanitos Verdes, Abulon from Victimas del Doctor Cerebro, and Alfonso Andre from Caifanes performed in a tribute to Gustavo Cerati (Argentinean musician and lead singer/ guitarist for Soda Stereo) while Cerati remained in a coma after suffering a stroke.
Porter, a bilingual experimental rock band known for its electronic and acoustic beats, is scheduled to perform together for the first time since the band separated in 2008.
Attendees of this year’s Vive Latino concert will also enjoy the English electronic group Underworld; the disco, funk Latin rhythms of Los Amigos Invisibles; the psychedelic rock of Tame Impala; and former Smiths frontman Morrissey. Don’t wait you still have time to plan a trip to this exciting festival. For full line-up visit www.vivelatino.com.mx █
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LATIN ALTERNATIVE
By: Juan Leon
derivations-- and delivers a yearning blend of dancehall/reggaeton.
Raka Dun in Latin Rapper Coming out of the Bay Area by way of Panama (repping Panabay), Los Rakas make a long awaited visit to DC in February. Maracuyeah-- the collective responsible for much of the good vibes, music (Latin tinged, past, present), and general raucousness around DC-- present the duo at the perfect venue to showcase Los Rakas’ eclectic versatility: Tropicalia. After first hearing Los Rakas’ “Abrazame (Uproot Andy Remix)”, I was hooked. One of the most beautiful songs of the post-2010 era, “Abrazame leans” on Uproot Andy’s production work backed by Gyptian’s “Hold Yuh” riddim-- the inspiration for many great
Not overtly political, Raka Rich and Raka Dun’s artistic ethos is rooted firmly with the people. Their name derives from the slur “Rakataka”: a ghetto inhabitant. Imaginative, innovative and eclectic though they may be, their style stays close to the populist genres (tropical, bass, reggaeton, dancehall, hip-hop) they’ve always inhabited. Criminally mislabeled by a Gozandos Online writer as “misogynistic”, Los Rakas are unapologetic about respecting the conventions of their genre influences. They play and connect to salsa, reggaeton, dancehall, plena lovers, unconcerned with the sensitivities of political correctness-jocking journalists. Always wonderfully accessible, the Panabay duo are too uninhibited to ever stray especially close to pop tendencies. There’s always a surprising element, a Panabay Twist to Raka Rich and Raka Dun’s work. Panabay Twist, in 2006, was the duo’s first release: a vibrant mixtape relatively rugged in comparison to the expansiveness of their later work. Panabay Twist was followed by a second mixtape in 2009,
Panabay Twist 2: La Tanda del Bus. PBT2 showcased Los Rakas’ dynamic tropical soundscape, bouncing from echoes of dancehall (“Parkiando”) to El General influenced ragamuffin (“Dun Dun”) to reggae (“Lo Mucho Que Te Quiero”). Los Rakas are lovingly transparent and respectful about their influences, but their work always feels fresh, modern and forward looking. Chancletas y Camisetas Bordada and Raka Love (2011 and 2012 respectively) continued the group’s exploration and innovation of disparate global genres. Panabay Twist (1 and 2) likely anticipated the growing Pan-Latin/African influenced musical movement catalyzing around 2010 with the explosion of moombahton in the underground and the rise of such exponents as Uproot Andy, Maracuyeah, Dave Nada, Zuzuka Poderosa and Raka Rich and Raka Dun themselves. The emergence of exciting and distinct Latin voices in the underground genres, united through shared historical Latin music influences, is a product of the culture collision necessitated by growing up in modern America. The DC area itself has served as an unlikely gestation point for
much of these new voices with the birth of moombahton, the rise of the Maracuyeah collective, and artists like Fuego coming up in DC. Often dismissed (even by its own denizens) as a city of transients, lacking in artistic/cultural cache, DC is now a focal point in the origin history of some very exciting music. If you think there’s nothing going on in DC nowadays, you’re simply not paying attention.
Profiling Los Rakas: Who: Raka Rich, Raka Dun (Pronounced Doon) What: Son Rakas. Panamanian rappers/ artists with a penchant for crafting unforgettable dancefloor killers and choosing perfectly complementary collaborators. When: February 14th Where: Tropicalia, 2001 14th St NW (under the Subway) Why: “Soy Raka (Sonora Momento Enamorado Remix)”, “Abrazame (Uproot Andy Remix)”, “Purps”, “Africana”, “Ta Lista (Sonora Remix)”, “Lo Mucho Que Te Quiero”. Learn more and free music at www. losrakas.com. Twitter: @LosRakas █
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BACHATA
By: Kala Fryman
s a solo artist, front man, songwriter, producer and single father, Romeo Santos is a jack-of-all-trades—excelling at each and never losing his style. A driving force in the bachata genre since his beginnings in Aventura, Santos has created an empire and continues to lead the bachata genre into the future. Besides, who could deny him the title of “King of Bachata” after selling out Madison Square Garden for four consecutive concerts with Aventura, and then again on his first solo tour? After more than 10 years of success with Aventura and now his solo project, there is no debate that the “king stays king” after all this time. Santos was born and raised in the Bronx to Dominican and Puerto Rican parents. He grew up bilingual, multicultural and a lover of music from early on. At age 12, Santos joined the church choir. Though self-described as shy, Santos developed a passion for performing. Santos’ introduction to bachata came when his father gave him a cassette tape of Anthony Santos, who later became one of his largest musical idols and influences. Enamored by the unique sound and wistful lyrics about love, romance and sadness, the young Santos began writing his own songs and developed an equal passion and talent for composition. Though bachata was shunned and considered crude, rural and low class until as recently as the late 1980s, Aventura, and Santos specifically, are noted with mainstreaming and popularizing the genre by keeping with the traditional style and adding more recognizable touches of hip hop and R&B. Santos distinguished himself as more than just a vocalist since his days in Aventura. In addition to producing, Santos composed all Aventura’s songs, as well as songs performed by popular artists such as Thalia, Hector Acosta, and even his idol, Anthony Santos. Since 2005, Santos has won numerous awards from Billboard and the American Society of Composers Authors & Publishers for his compositions. With the advent of his solo career and release of Formula, Vol. 1, Santos proved that he could recreate
himself as an artist and create a new legacy apart from his success with Aventura. His music, lyrics and vocals stand strongly on their own, reinforced by high record sales, sold out concerts and the charttopping singles of You, Promise, Mi Santa and La Diabla. Santos’ lyrics have spanned from typical bachata themes to domestic abuse, war and love for his family, while Formula, Vol. 1 seems to return to a more refined yet traditional lyrical style- haunting tales of love lost and betrayal, as well as passion, sensuality and romance. You would be hard pressed to find a woman who doesn’t turn to jello after hearing Mi Santa or Promise! With enough swagger to appeal to machos and enough sweetness to appeal to hopeless romantics, most anyone can relate to his songs. In Formula, Vol. I, Santos succeeded where many artists fail; experimenting with new styles and genres, and melding something as distinctive as bachata with Americanized sounds. His collaboration with artists like Usher, Lil Wayne, Pitbull and Mala Rodriguez create a thoughtful and unique album, creatively executed, that one can listen to from start to finish without skipping tracks. When asked about these surprising collaborations, Santos remarked, “In this album I wasn’t trying to abandon the bachata genre, which is my forte, but I did things to provoke a reaction from the audience. My wish was that after listening to my songs, they’d say, “Wow! I can’t believe that Romeo Santos is singing that song!” Judging from Santos’ long list of sold out concerts, bachateros and music lovers alike should not miss the opportunity to see him live! Santos will be performing in the DC area on March 30 at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA. Tickets are available on www.ticketmaster.com. █
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TROPICAL
By: Juan Leon
alsa. Bolero. Son. Rumba. Timba. Danzon. Chachacha. Guajira. Abakua. This isn’t some list of Cuban musical styles for a showcase of bands. Rather, these are only some of the genres contained within the music of a single group: the AfroCuban All Stars.
two live sessions and with minimal orchestrations, Cuban singer Ruben Gonzalez’ first album Introducing Ruben Gonzalez became a hit.
Led by the beret-sporting, dreadlocked former tres player for Sierra Maestra, Juan de Marcos Gonzalez, the AfroCuban All Stars live up to their name. In the past, members have included such luminaries within Cuban music as the unforgettable Ibrahim Ferrer, Ruben Gonzalez, Pio Leyva, Orlando “Cachaito” Lopez, and Manuel “Puntillita” Licea, among others.
Ruben Gonzalez and Guillermo Rubalcava on piano. Orlando Lopez on bass. Amadito Valdes on timbale. Carlos Gonzalez and Roberto Valdes on bongos and Cuban percussion. Angel Terry played the congas. The trumpet section consisted of Daniel Ramos, Alejandro Pichardo and “Guajiro” Mirabal. On trombone were both “Molote” Martinez and Jesus “Aguaje” Ramos. The lead singers were or would become legends: Raul Planas, Manuel Licea, Pio Leiva, Ibrahim Ferrer and Felix Baloy.
After the international success and exposure of Juan de Marcos’ former band Sierra Maestra led to a meeting with Nick Gold, president of World Music Records, the Sierra Maestra son ensemble toured Europe to great acclaim. De Marcos and his band next found themselves in London recording Dundumbanza, which has gained a reputation as a highly respected world music album of the early 1990’s. Following the release of Dundumbanza De Marcos next expanded his ambitions to record two projects: The first was a tribute to the 1950’s style of Cuban music. De Marcos planned to record this album with the help of many of his skilled musician
After Europe got the first three albums with de Marcos’ imprint, the first iteration of the Afro-Cuban All Stars began touring the continent in the spring of 1997. Running through the original lineup, one can see that the “All Star” name couldn’t be more fitting:
friends. This release would feature a Cuban big band. The second project was an attempt at a more traditional acoustic Cuban sound. In 1996 de Marcos and his band (not yet going by the Afro-Cuban All Stars moniker) recorded A Toda Cuba Le Gusta using nearly 60 musicians and performers. After Toda Cuba Le Gusta, de Marcos turned his attention to his next work: a collaboration with celebrated, established artists that would result in an incredibly successful album and film, even reaching the United States’ cultural consciousness. The addition of several legendary musicians such as American guitarist and
Cuban music enthusiast Ry Cooder, Cuban singer and composer Compay Segundo, joined by Omara Portuondo and Eliades Ochoa, to de Marcos’ recording band from, “A Today Cuba Le Gusta”, led to the creation of the Buena Vista Social Club album. Buena Vista Social Club put the United States and the world on notice about previously, relatively undiscovered Cuban music. Wim Wenders’ documentary, titled after the album, received an Oscar nomination. De Marcos’ next project proved to be successful as well. Although it was recorded on a budget during a mere
Since the first lineup, de Marcos and the All Stars have changed lineups but continue with the same mantra: finding the best Cuban musicians. De Marcos now incorporates contemporary Cuban musical stylings to mesh and play off the traditional Cuban music of the group’s establishment. The bands’ latest albums include Breaking the Rules and Step Backward. De Marcos and the band are currently touring the United States and Canada. Tickets for Afro-Cuban All Stars are available through Ticketmaster ($35). The Afro-Cuban All Stars play at the Howard Theatre (620 T. Street NW ) on March 24, 2013. █
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SALSA
By: Darlene Campos
She was born in Rio Pierdas, Puerto Rico in 1969 and moved to the South Bronx neighborhood of New York City as an infant. It was in New York City that Caballero earned her nickname. Caballero’s grandmother dubbed her ‘India’ because of her long, black hair and also in honor of their Taino ancestors. Caballero’s grandmother, a woman of passion and strength, is said to be a part of her inspiration as an artist. At only seven years old, Caballero began her first round of voice lessons which would bring out her buried talent. By age 14, she was a model and a founding member of TKA, a Latin freestyle band based in New York City and Miami. She was a featured vocalist for TKA’s single “Come Get My Love.” Though Caballero left the band soon after, being a part of TKA would prove to be a stepping stone for her future in music.
After departing from TKA, India joined forces with music producer, Jellybean Benitez, and earned a record deal. She released her song “Dancing on the Fire” which would become a major hit in dance clubs across the country. Her following song titled “The Lover Who Rocks Me” reached a spot in the top five of the dance music charts. With this burst of success, India then released her first solo album in 1990 called Breaking Night. During the remainder of 1990s, India emerged as a major Latin artist among others such as Marc Anthony, Oscar D’Leon, and Tito Nieves. In 1992, Eddie Palmieri, Puerto Rican pianist, produced India’s second album Llego La India via Eddie Palmieri (La India Has Arrived via Eddie Palmieri). Now, Linda Caballero was known to the public as La India. This second album was considered the best salsa compilation of the year and in 1993, India would be the winner of the Lo Nuestro Award for Best Female Salsa Performer. Mambo music king, Tito Puente, called India the princess of salsa and in 1996, he recorded an album with her called Jazzin’. She went on to record a duet with Latin music legend Celia Cruz called “La Voz de la Experiencia”
(The Voice of Experience). Celia Cruz agreed with Tito Puente – India was truly the Princess of Salsa. Ever since India appeared in the music scene, all of her albums have had the honor of being gold and platinum certified by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Her 1994 album Dicen Que Soy, produced by platinum certified Sergio George, remains as her most successful album. It features the song “Vivir Lo Nuestro” which contains a duet with Marc Anthony. Two of India’s albums have been nominated for Grammy Awards. In 2006, she was honored with a star at Celia Cruz Park in Union City, New Jersey. In 2010, she released her album Unica, which peaked on the Tropical Billboard Charts. After a three year hiatus from making new music, India is currently working on a new album. This album is said be in production under the famed Mexican singer Juan Gabriel. A release date has not yet been officially announced. On Valentine’s Day, India will be performing a special Valentine’s Day concert at the Howard Theatre on Thursday, February 14th. For tickets and more information, please visit http://thehowardtheatre.com. █
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By: William Reyes
He never wanted to sing salsa. Marc Anthony is one of the greatest salsa artists of all time, yet his musical talents were originally rooted in house and pop music. Find a copy of his 1988 release, “Rebel,” or listen to the 1991 house hit single, “Ride on the Rhythm,” and within a couple of minutes you’ll hear a familiar voice freestyling to the beat. “Ride on the Rhythm” would go on to be his first number one on the U.S. Billboard and his last for some time in that genre of music. 1992 would see the rebirth of Marc Anthony into a salsa icon. Born Marco Antonio Muñiz on September 16, 1968 in New York City, Marc Anthony was born to Puerto Rican parents Guillerminna, a housewife, and Felipe Muñiz, a hospital lunchroom worker and musician. Being of Puerto Rican descent and raised in East Harlem, also known as the Spanish Harlem, one can jest that salsa
was always in Anthony’s blood. However, it wasn’t until Anthony heard a song one day in 1992 while driving around in Manhattan that he felt salsa’s pull. He asked the driver to stop immediately at a pay phone and he dialed Ralph Mercado, president of RMM Records, whose invitation to record a salsa album he had declined just the day before. “I jumped out of the car and called Ralph from a pay phone,” Marc Anthony recalls in an LA Times article. “I told him that if I could record a salsa version of the song, I was willing to start recording tomorrow.” The song was one of Juan Gabriel’s hits, “Hasta Que Te Conoci,” which means “Until I Met You.” The song had a powerful effect on Anthony, “It ripped me apart. I don’t know why and I don’t want to know why.” Anthony released his debut salsa album, “Otra Nota,” in 1993. Following the album release, Anthony was sent to Radio y Musica, a Latin music convention, to promote and perform tracks from the album. Donning borrowed clothes and a mostly unknown artist at the time, the audience responded to Anthony’s performance with a standing ovation. Shortly after, booking requests came in from around the globe and the album’s first single, “Hasta Que Te Conoci,” would go on to peak at number 13 on the U.S.
Billboard. Life hasn’t been the same for Marc Anthony since. 2013 finds Anthony with 12 studio albums and countless Standard gold and platinum certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and Grammy accolades in 1998 for Best Latin/Tropical Performance for “Contra La Corriente,” 1999 Grammy for Song of the Year for “Dimelo,” and 2005 for Best Latin Pop Album of the Year for “Amar Sin Mentiras” and Best Tropical Album of the Year for “Valio la Pena.” He has won a total of 18 “Premios lo Nuestro” Awards throughout his career, the most by any artist. His influence was recognized by New York Magazine when he was included in the Top 10 List of most influential New Yorkers. The past year in 2012 was no less of a milestone in Anthony’s career as he was inducted into the Billboard Hall of Fame and was the recipient of the 2012 American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) Founders Award. Although most artists find themselves changing tune to escape the patterns that garnered their success, Anthony generally stays true to his trademark crooning of slow, romantic ballads
building to a crescendo of energetic salsa that has sold out concerts worldwide. When asked about his genre of music, in an interview with Urban Latino, Anthony explains, “I’m not that calculated to make an album thinking of the end result. I am the one who has to sing the song and I am the one who has to marry the song. I just make music that I love.” Your next opportunity to witness a salsa great doing what he loves will be Friday, February 15th at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. In addition to gaining you admission to the concert, all proceeds for the Friday 2/15 show will go to Maestro cares. Founded by Marc Anthony and Henry Cardenas, Maesto Cares is a nonprofit organization established to benefit charitable organizations in the U.S. and developing countries throughout Latin America. It is the goal of Maestro Cares to offer assistance to orphaned children while supporting social services and other development programs. More information about the Maestro Cares Foundation can be found on their website at www. maestrocares.org. For tickets: Ticketmaster.com
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KESTADC.COM GALLERY 14th St Rock @ Alero 01.19.13
Los Texmaniacs @ The Hamilton 01.14.13
The Wailers @ The Howard Theatre 01.13.13
Caliente Thursdays @ Ultrabar
Sรกbados Gigantes @ The Palace
Latin Fridays @ The Parva
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KESTA HAPPENING DC FEATURED EVENTS Fri 02.01 Fri 02.01 Thur 02.07 Fri 02.08 Sat 02.09 Thurs 02.14 Fri 02.15 Fri 02.15 Fri 02.15 Fri 02.15 Fri 02.22 Thur 02.28 Fri 03.01 Fri 03.08 Fri 03.08 Thur 03.14 Sat 03.30 Sat 05.18 May
Paco Pe単a: Flamenco Live @ GMU Center of the Arts Yo Gabba Gabba Live @ Patriot Center Ricardo Arjona @ The Patriot Center Hildemaro & David Pabon @ Diamond Lounge Pedrito Martinez @ Artisphere La India @ The Howard Theatre Marc Anthony @ Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NYC La Formula @ Cococabana Toby Love y Arquimedes Reyes @ The Palace Frank Reyes @ Club One The Salsa Awards @ Diamond Lounge Bebel Gilberto @ 930 Club David Bisbal @ The Warner Theatre Bareto @ The Howard Theatre Zacarias Ferreira @ Cococcabana El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico @ The Howard Theatre Romeo Santos @ The Patriot Center Festival Argentino @ Thomas Jefferson Theatre Jarabedepalo Acoustic Show
For more information and many more events go to KESTADC.COM
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FEATURED
By: Juan Leon
Pina Records’ track record of success has come from an ability to recruit genuine talents in production and performance and meld them together. Savvy and with a great eye for stars and talent, Rafa Pina has built the most commercially dominant label post Reggaeton’s supposed demise (If Reggaeton is dead, who keeps putting out these shiny new albums every month?). What do you do once you’re at the top? Pina Records goes bigger.
With 2012’s La Formula, Pina assembles a reggaeton supergroup ( Yes, you read that correctly. Supergroup) to rival The Dead Weathers, Westside Connections and Traveling Wilburys of the world. Although, the way La Formula’s eponymous debut album is structured, they are more of a loose collective of genre artists a la Kanye’s G.O.O.D. Music (technically, only two songs feature the entire Formula lineup, “Diosa De Los Corazones” and the club version of “Diosa De Los Corazones”). The roster consists of Zion y Lennox, Arcangel, Plan B, Rakim y Ken-Y and Lobo: an impressive array of reggaetonic power. These vocal talents joined
production helmed by the legendary Luny Tunes and Tainy results in a high quality record that fulfills the promise of its united talents. And those of us in the DMV will get a chance to witness this amalgamation of talent live when La Formula comes to the DC area. Looking ahead to Pina Records presents La Formula: Zion y Lennox, Arcangel, Plan B, Rakim y Ken-Y, Lobo on Friday, February 15th at CocoCabana in Hyattsville, let’s take an individual look at each of the artists that make up La Formula. >>>>>>>
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Zion y Lennox--
Featured on: La Formula Sigue, More (Zion), Diosa De Los Corazones, Chupop, Cantazo, Ella Me Dice, 3 Pa 3 (Lennox), Diosa De Los Corazones (Club Version) Still skilled pop artists with the one-two, loud/soft punch. La Zeta y la Ele show why they get top billing amongst Pina’s star studded cast. Their best track on the album is probably the all-star, cast-featuring Diosa De Los Corazones, a Meet the Orphans 2 era Don Omar soundalike produced by the consistently excellent DJ Eliel.
Arcangel--
Featured on: La Formula Sigue, Gastos Largos, Diosa De Los Corazones, Me Prefieres A Mi (Remix), Llevo Tras De Ti, Formula Perfecto, Flow Violento, Ella Me Dice, Yo Controlo, Diosa De Los Corazones (Club Version) La Maravilla continues spinning seductive fantasies with his trademark whisper of a vocal style, at times playful, at times deep, always melodic and unique.
Plan B--
Featured On: Se Cree Mala, Llevo Tras De Ti, Te Dijeron The Puerto Rican duo’s efforts on La Formula are relatively minimal, but still quality as with all of their work.
Rakim y Ken-Y--
Lobo--
Featured On: Diosa De Los Corazones, Juego Mental, Pasarla Bien, Imaginate, Diosa De Los Corazones (Club Version) Known as “La Amenaza Detrás Del Lapiz”, Lobo is a future star who further justifies Rafa Pina’s reputation as a judicious scout for talent. On his solo track for La Formula, “Juego Mental”, Lobo demonstrates uncommon verbal agility and imagination. “Imaginate”, Lobo’s other solo track on La Formula, sees the singer inviting his audience to use their own imagination. ....... With such a talented array of artists and producers (Tainy, Luny Tunes, Eliel), and a master of producing and organizing talent at the helm (Rafa Pina), the music was bound to be good. That’s why La Formula’s show at CocoCabana in February is a must see event. It’s not often this much talent in “el genero” gathers in one place for one unforgettable night. Catch Pina Records presents La Formula: Zion y Lennox, Arcangel, Plan B, Rakim y Ken-Y, Lobo on Friday, February 15th at CocoCabana in Hyattsville, Maryland. Hosted by Juan Cruz aka “Chocolate”, with DJ’s Franky and Truco. Doors open at 9PM. Tickets on sale through tickeri.com. █
Featured On: La Formula Sigue (Ken-Y ), More (Ken-Y ), Diosa De Los Corazones, Cuando Te Enamores, Formula Perfecta (Ken-Y ), 3 Pa 3 (Rakim), Diosa De Los Corazones (Club Version) Well represented on La Formula, Ken-Y and Rakim continue the crowd pleasing romantic stilo they nearly perfected on 2011’s very good Forever. The duo only operate as a duo on a few songs here, showcasing their individual versatility and talent.
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FAMILY
By: Ellen Flores
rab your mouse ears and get ready to celebrate your inner child and sing along with Mickey Mouse and the gang as Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival arrives at the Patriot Center on February 24! This time around, the ever timeless Mickey Mouse arrives with his fellow mates Minnie Mouse, Goofy and Donald Duck who will unite to give a rockin’ performance! Throughout this ninety minute show, the crew will interpret some of their classic songs as well as perform some great sing-a-long songs like “Single Ladies” “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” and “Who Let The Dogs Out?” With amazing choreographies and fellow Disney friends on stage, Mickey’s Music Festival is pulse pounding fun right from the get-go. Genres like hip hop, swing, reggae, rock country and pop are featured throughout the show at an energizing pace that is sure to capture everyone’s attention! It wouldn’t be a Disney affair if these were the only characters coming to town. No sir! Stories from Aladdin, The Little Mermaid and Toy Story come to life on the stage with performances from the main characters of each story and live interpretations of the movie storylines. Aladdin, Jasmine and The Genie from the Lamp, make an appearance in the show with many surprises and iconic moments from the film, including a performance of the song “A Whole New World.” Classics can have their modern edge too. Disney classic The Little Mermaid, puts a modern spin on the story by arriving on stage to the tune of Beyoncé’s song “Single Ladies”, where the mermaids and Sebastian the Crab get the crowd singing and dancing along. If you are more of a Toy Story fan, then you are in for a treat! To infinity and beyond! Woody,
Jessie, Buzz and the Toy Soldiers along with a handful of fellow toys light up the stage with rootin’ tootin’ dance numbers and interactions with the crowd. From power rope jumping to rodeo rope twirlin’, these toys are anything but your ordinary childhood toys.
and Mickey Mouse standard, Mickey’s Music Festival is sure to be one show your little ones will enjoy and one that will have you singing along enthusiastically. Our beloved Mickey Mouse is one gracious and enigmatic mouse that hosts a great show. Doing what he does best, Mickey interacts with his fellow cast mates to give the audience a performance to remember! From dazzling outfits to confetti showers, Disney Live! Mickey’s Musical Festival will be a blast from start to end. Come be part of the gang on Sunday, February 24 and sing along to the M-ic-k-e-y M-o-u-s-e songs of so many childhood memories and smiles all in one afternoon! Be sure to grab your tickets online at ticketmaster.com for everyone in the family and make it a fun Sunday afternoon at the Patriot Center! █
Mickey’s Music Festival is a festival for the senses. It all begins with the stage that is set with impeccable lighting and continues to excite the senses with all of the bright colors and costumes featured by the dancers and the movie characters themselves. This show will get all of your senses tingling and in a whirl. There is dancing for all ages, singing for the entire family and some unexpected surprises that will have you gasping as well as giggling. True to the Disney brand
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ELECTRONIC
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FOOD
By: Andrés Gonzalez
he inconspicuous, congenial and informal atmosphere of Chimichurri restaurant sparks an oh-socomforting homey feeling with uncomplicated, but savory comfort food from the Rio de la Plata estuary between Argentina and Uruguay. As its name suggests, Chimichurri aims at being as popular and familyfriendly as the crowd-pleasing sauce made with parsley, oregano, garlic and vinegar. Everything about Chimichurri is intentionally meant to be the antithesis of high-end, nouveau-cuisine and overpriced restaurants. The cooking methods are conventional—most recipes are grilled. The portions are generous and the recipes resemble those made in popular Rio Platense kitchens. One of their most beloved dishes is the parillada, a mixture of slowly-grilled meats, including skirt, short ribs, chicken, Argentine sausage, blood sausage, sweet
breads, chinchulines (small pig intestines), kidney and red peppers.
Noir, Navarro Correas Malbec or a Tilia Cabernet Sauvignon from Argentina.
Chimichurri’s parrillada is cooked with no more condiments than salt and pepper for the purpose of not overpowering the natural essence of the meats. The result is an assortment of distinct flavors, including the aromatic spice taste of the blood sausage, the smoky zest of the short ribs and the tenderness and juiciness of the skirt.
If in the mood for a cold beer, try Argentina’s Quilmes, which has malty and grassy tones with a refreshing ending.
Another of its signature dishes is the chivito al plato, which has a thin layer of grilled skirt beef, topped with ham, mozzarella cheese and two fried eggs, accompanied with green salad, Russian salad—made with potatoes and carrots— and palmitos—a pale, sweet vegetable extracted from the inner core of certain palm trees. The fusion of the grilled skirt with melted cheese gets an extra kick of flavor when the egg yolk is breaks and slowly falls on each ingredient. Chimichurri’s meat dishes are best accompanied with a glass of its wide selection of wines. The house suggests a Dantes, Nebbiolo or Ariano Tannat from Uruguay, and a Pinot
Experiencing Chimichurri could not be completed without trying the panqueques con dulce de leche—crepes filled with dulce de leche. The creaminess of the dulce de leche contrasts perfectly with the swirled strawberry marmalade and the crispiness of the brûlée brown sugar on top of the crepes. Another of Chimichurri’s mouthwatering desserts is the flan with dulce de leche, which has a smooth and buttery consistency that makes it nearly impossible not to quietly hum to yourself with joy. To finalize the cultural immersion, Chimichurri offers a tango concert every Friday at 8:00 p.m., followed by the milonga, when people dance to tango music. Chimichurri also has an attached bakery with Argentinean and Uruguayan pastry delicacies, including facturas, which resemble Danish pastries, and alfajores
santafesinos, which consist of a thick layer of dulce de leche sandwiched between two corn starch cookies. Visit Chimichurri Restaurant and Bakery at 765 F-G Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD. 20852 and online at: chimichurriresto.com █
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STYLE
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By: Alicia Yim
hy not get swept up in the romanticism of Valentine’s Day and celebrate in style. Whether you plan on wearing a bold body-conscious dress or an effortlessly graceful lightweight frock, be sure to dress yourself in a lovely hue that represents exactly how you are feeling that night. Bright, fiery red ensembles flaunt confidence and sexiness. Wearing hot pink gives off the message that you are feeling frisky, energetic, and playful. You can break up the boldness of these brighter hues using a slim metallic belt and matching accessories. A third festive alternative is to dazzle everyone in a classy, beautiful blush pink dress. And since this shade of pink is a more muted, almost neutral hue, choosing a textured or shimmering blush pink fabric ensures that you look radiant without appearing overdone. █ 1. Sparkle & Fade Chiffon Drape-Front Dress – urbanoutfitters.com $69 | 2. Versa One-Shoulder Cocktail Dress – bcbg.com $298 | 3. 8. Herve Leger Sequined Strapless Bandage Dress – neimanmarcus.com $2150 4. Skater Dress with Chiffon Sleeves And Belt – us.asos.com $56.29 | 5. Sparkle & Fade Ponte Knit Strong Shoulder Dress – urbanoutfitters.com $69 | 6. Folded Peplum Dress – forever21.com $29.80
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KESTA GIRL
Background: I’m Black and Italian and from Washington, DC Hobbies: I love to travel and always up to trying new things. I love shopping and going out with my girls and also watch football or going paint-balling with the boys! Favorite Quote: “Love is our true destiny. We do not find the meaning of life by ourselves - we find it with another.” - Thomas Merton Favorite Restaurant in DC: Barcode Favorite Movie: “He just not that into you” Photography: DC Pro Studio
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VENUE
By: Juan Leon
Tropicalia is a relatively new DC dancehall focusing on global music. Latin and folk rhythms are well represented for all of us Latin folk. Cumbia (in striking and varied iterations), kuduro, dancehall, a splash of moombahton here and there: are all possible on a night at Tropicalia.
KM: DWhat were some of your personal favorite acts at Tropicalia? JT: Well, I have a few people that I like to work there. The Maracuyeah Collective, not only are they just lovely people, but they have a real sense of community spirit and all inclusiveness.
Kesta Happening talked to Jim Thomson, in charge of bookings for Tropicalia, about what makes Tropicalia unique and why it’s such a good time.
I don’t like feeling that I’m excluded, for one thing. I like being able to walk into an environment and feel like, “come on in man”. We got something going on and you’re more than welcome rather than walking into a saloon and it gets quiet and everybody looks at you.
KM: Could you tell us a little bit about Tropicalia? JT: The venue was designed to be a combination of a globally leaning music venue, combining live music and DJs but with a bend towards global music. And I don’t mean world music specifically, and I don’t want to say fusion either but something that reflects the kind of greater international community of DC: a sort of swelling international population that’s growing here, that’s been here. KM: What kinds of crowds do you get? JT: Yeah. Well, we can have a show where there’s DJs that are playing a lot of Latin, playing a lot of cumbia remixes, or nucumbia, digital cumbia, something like that. And you have a lot of Latinos there but you have a lot of different cultures there, people just sort of getting into it. I think the idea is that we want people to come there specifically for an event they know about, they know what kind of music’s going to be playing. But we also want the person who walks in off the street to go, wow, I don’t know what this is, but it’s amazing. It’s sort of like getting people to eat something that they normally wouldn’t have picked off the menu. And they like it. How do you choose who’s going to perform? I think it’s a combination of following up on some solicitations and considering what other venues are doing and sort of narrowing it down. Like, nobody is really going to do this, or seeing something that doesn’t have a home in DC. And it’s like a combination of local stuff. I’ll sort of see what’s happening at the Kennedy Center. I think we’ve had two or three groups that have played the Millennium stage and then come over and played at Tropicalia later that night because I know they try to do real diverse programming over there. I mean, you kind of have to be diverse if you’re booking live music 365 days a year.
So Maracuyeah, they have a real spirit. They do a lot of Latin-oriented music, but it’s pretty much about all expansive, all inclusiveness. And they’re really wonderful to work with. I love our Brazilian night, the Okayafrica party, and Urban Artistry. I love our Brazilian night. On Sunday nights, we have a free samba lesson at 7:00. And we have rotating bands that all work together to make the night work. They all plug the other group when they’re not playing one Sunday. And that’s a really nice feeling when that happens. And I think the woman, Zezeh Brazil that teaches the class has a very inviting, warm, and infectious joy that she exudes. First thing we do at 7 o’clock on Sunday, she’s kind of the gatekeeper of good vibes. For example, she says when you dance samba the first thing you do is tomorrow. That’s part of the dance. Yeah, everybody’s here and you want to dance and have a good time. You might have problems but just forget about it for a little while and you’ll feel better. And she really has the quality of that and it sets the tone for the rest of the night. People stick around and dance to live music. I love that a lot. We’re doing an Okayafrica party. Okayafrica is umbrella’d under the Okayplayer, and Okayplayer is a blog that Questlove from the Roots started. It used to serve as the Roots blog. But it’s a big intersection of hip-hop and popular culture with an emphasis on hip-hop. But then they started one called Okayafrica, which is more of a blog that’s focused more on music of the African Diaspora. Like, where is kuduro culture coming from? Angola via Lisbon. It’s this sort of new African music. It’s got roots in the action but is completely
modern in that it combines technology, fashion, artwork. And they kind of focus on looking at Africa as almost like a planet. Where does it show up in western culture, in modern culture? It obviously shows up in hip-hop. Obviously it shows up in jazz. The blog focuses on that. It’s quite informative. They wanted to have a presence in DC and so we are doing like an Okayafrica party. And so there’s this DJ, DJ Underdog, who throws a lot of parties around town. He’s a real tastemaker and just an awesome DJ. Kind of another gatekeeper. He knows how to pick a DJ team, get dancers involved. Urban Artistry is another one of my favorite artists to work with lately. We had them come and actually do cyphers and battled with these kuduro dancers from Angola a couple weeks ago. It’s just a real cross cultural exchange we’re doing, and what I want to happen more than anything is that exchange happens, real cultural exchange, meaningful. And not just stuff that you read about. It’s something that you actually feel. That’s part of the experience I want you to have when you come here.
And I’m not saying it like this is a concept. But it’s just something that’s real. KM: What’s in store for Tropicalia in 2013? JT: I want people to feel like it’s home. I want anybody that’s visiting DC or that lives here to feel that it represents all of us at our best. Where we work it out on the dance floor. Regardless of fiscal cliffs, drone strikes, cultures come together here in a meaningful way and make it a better world. I see that. I want us to continue that and I want it to continue being a really fun spot. I want it to do well for the owners, that it sustains itself, that everybody that works there has a great job, that loves to work there and that people have a great experience when they’re there, that it’s the safe zone to dance where creeps won’t come up and grind on you, that we can all get together and feel joyous together like a human community. Let’s do this. Let’s really believe in this and let’s make it happen. And I want you to internalize that. I want people to feel that in an energetic way, rather than just like, it’s cool. Tropicalia is located at 2001 14th St NW (between N V St & N U St).
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LOCAL TALENT
By: Alexandra Lucia-Miller
ith an infectious laugh that is sweeter than a buñuelo, and a voice that’s sprinkled with a little Barranquilla, vivacious host of DC Contigo, Stefani Gamboa, charms viewers both on and off screen. She recently shared with us how she became host of popular DC variety show DC Contigo Y La Comunidad. A show produced in the Nation’s Capitol that shares news, entertainment, and feature stories on the DMV community. Reflecting on her journey to television, the gracious host says, “I was modeling for different publications in Colombia, and I had done some acting and I loved the experience. I enyoyed the exposure and I was never shy in front of the camera! Then, I came to DC, and I had a friend who was doing commercials, so I started doing them. About two and a half years ago, two good friends told me that a new TV show was looking for a host, and when they saw that I had worked on tv in the past, they offered me the position and I said yes.” Originally from Barranquilla, Colombia, Stefani is blessed with rich memories of a picturesque hometown, music, culture, and quite a bit of luck. One particular memory, was seeing her favorite singer Juanes perform, “ I was about fifteen, and Juanes had this
Stefani Gamboa’s Calendar 2013 for DC Contigo and C&G Imports Inspired in Brazil Soccer World Cup 2014 Photograper: Drew Xeron Makeup and HairStyling: Lorena Arellano
concert, and so I went. I remember that I was in the crowd and suddenly someone pulled me towards the front, I left my brother and sister-in-law behind, and there I was, just me, standing in front. Just being there was amazing.“ That was just the beginning of her dream come true. During her time as host of DC Contigo, she had the opportunity to sit down with her old friend ( Juanes), and catch up, “It was crazy. I had the chance to interview him and I told him, it’s funny that a dream came true because a few years back, I saw you on stage and now here you are,” she laughs, “he was laughing and kept trying to guess my age. It’s really amazing that you can be in one place one time, and then work really really hard, and be in another place at another time”. Her passion for music doesn’t stop with Juanes. Stefani is an avid listener of everything from reggaeton, bossa nova, to the traditional sounds of carnival, Shakira, Daddy Yankee, and especially salsa and brazilian music. “I’m from Barranquilla so I’m a huge salsa fan, It’s a blessing to listen to anything salsa”, she exclaims. She is certainly blessed with a positive spirit. Her selfless commitment to unite the diverse Latino community is unwavering, “In DC
Contigo, we have the responsibility to inform, entertain, and support the Latinos in the area who are making the difference. We are a multicultural community, so it’s an opportunity to enrich our lives by learning from other countries cultural richness and traditions. We want to show local talent, artists, singers, designers and entrepreneurs that motivate and give hope to people who dream of achieving the same”. DC Contigo is a show that features stories concerning local entertainment and talent, traveling segments from countries such as El Salvador, Bolivia, and Colombia among others, health, sports, fitness, beauty tips, make-overs and cooking segments. DC Contigo also provides viewers with the opportunity to participate in Pida un Deseo or “Ask for a Wish” segment with Pedro Biaggi a popular Radio Host and TV personality, in which participants are surprised to know they were selected to win prizes thanks to the main show’s sponsor C&G Imports Sudealeramigo. Stefani works tirelessly with her Executive producer Edwin
Ramirez “El Camarograforastero”, and Director Jorge Castedo to share these stories and serve as an inspiration for others. “I also want to show girls like me, who say hey, I want to be like her, I want to act and be in the arts. It can be done, and it can be done on a local level”. She even divulged that DC Contigo is working on a new segment for kids, “We want to send this message about how to be a good kid, I can’t really talk about it but I’m very excited”. With Stefani’s drive, and energy, it is bound to be successful. Her appreciation for every moment makes her an inspiration for anyone who is lucky enough to catch a glimpse of her smile, and daring enough to chase after their dreams. You can obtain her recently released Calendar 2013 at C&G Imports in Arlington, VA and watch Stefani every Saturday morning from 11:00 am to 11:30 am on DC Contigo Univision Network. Check your local cable network for specific channel listings. █
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KE? GIVEAWAYS:
KESTA HOROSCOPE Aries:
Zion y Lennox says “Tu, chica bonita eres la más bella. Mi nena tan chula eres la estrella ”
Libra: Arjona says: “Señora, no le quite años a su vida. Póngale vida a los años que es mejor.”
Taurus: Fabulosos Cadilacs says: “Las tumbas son para los muertos. Las flores para sentirse bien. La vida es para gozarla. La vida es para vivirla mejor.”
Scorpio: Romeo Santos says: “Una
-“Eres bonita”, Zion y Lennox
-“Calaveras y diablitos”, Fabulosos Cadilacs
-”Señora de la cuatro décadas” Ricardo Arjona
pelicula de amor es lo k vives donde la victima eres tu y te deprimes. Es un capitulo sin fin sin comerciales ”
-“La Pelicula”, Romeo Santos
nuestro.“ -”Vivir lo nuestro”, La India
Sagitarius: Rakim y Ken Y says: “No existe fortuna, fama o placer, que se compare por lo que sentimos por lo mas hermoso del universo...... La Mujer ” -”Amor es pobre”, Rakim y Ken Y
Cancer: Arjona says: “El amor baila
Capricorn: Luis Vargas says: “Tu
-”El Amor” -Ricardo Arjona
-“Veneno”, Luis Vargas
Leo: Mickey Mouse says: ”Oh boy!”
Aquarius: Hildemaro says: ”Pero Que
Gemini: La India says: “Vamos a vivir lo
al son que le toquen, sea Dios o el demonio... ”
-Mickey Mouse
eres muy bonita, tu lo tienes todo pero eres veneno”
pasa loco?! Contrólate muchacho. esa niña no es para ti” -”Que pasa loco”, Hildemaro
Virgo: David Bisbal says: “Unidos seremos grandes seremos fuertes somos un pueblo ante la fe y verdad quee viene y que va que viene y que va ” -”Agitando las banderas” - Davis Bisbal
Pisces: Bareto says: ”Tu vida es un regalo” -“Ves lo que quieres ver”, Bareto
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!
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