LA MÚSICA VIVE EN TI. AHORA TAMBIÉN VIVE EN TU PLAN CELULAR. ¡Por fin, descargas de canciones ilimitadas incluidas en tu plan celular!
Se llama Muve Music. Descarga y escucha millones de canciones en tu celular. Sin streaming. Sin cargos por canción. Sin límites
DESDE SÓLO
50
$
AL MES
DATOS, LLAMADAS Y TEXTOS A NIVEL NACIONAL MÁS MÚSICA ILIMITADA SIN CONTRATO
ÚNETE A LA CONVERSACIÓN
micricket.com
está en tus manos
4
/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE
/ JANUARY
2013
TABLE OF CONTENTS
January
ISSUE # 22
6 FLAMENCO
Paco Peña: Flamenco Vivo
7 TEX-MEX
Los Texmaniacs
27
8 REGGAE The Wailers
10 BACHATA
Zacarias Ferreira
11 TROPICAL
Pedrito Martinez
21
7
14
12 KESTADC.COM GALLERY
24
13 UPCOMING EVENTS
Calendar of upcoming events
14 FEATURE
Ricardo Arjona
20
17
Photos of concerts and DC nightlife
16 MOOMBAHTON Dave Nada
17 ELECTRONIC
Thievery Corporation
19 BEER
Kesta’s low calorie beer picks
20 FAMILY
11 10
Yo Gabba Gabba Live
21 BALLET Shen Yun
23 STYLE
Skiing in the new year
6
8
PUBLISHER: Media644.com / DIRECTOR: Juan Luis Gonzalez / EDITOR: Rosario Garcia / DESIGN: Miriam Jave WEB & TECHNOLOGY: Javier Gonzalez / WRITERS: Aline Barros, Darlene Campos, Maria Veronica Ceballos, Kala Fryman, William Reyes, Rosario Garcia, Andrés Gonzalez, Daniela Guillen, Juan Leon, Alexandra Lucia-Miller PHOTOGRAPHERS: Jose Acha, William Espinoza, Harold Reynold / SALES: Jose Acha, William Espinoza INTERESTED IN BECOMING AN INTERN? CONTACT US: info@kestamag.com, www.kestadc.com, tel: 202 643 0555
24 KESTA GIRL Liza Gellenbeck
27 ART
David Amoroso
29 KE?
Win tickets to David Bisbal & Yo Gabba Gabba live
WWW.KESTADC.COM
/5
6
/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE
/ JANUARY
2013
FLAMENCO
By: Maria Veronica Cevallos
o many around the world, when we think about Spain, we immediately think of flamenco. Deeply rooted in Spain’s southern region, of Romani and Andalucian origins, flamenco is admired all over the world as a combination of passionate musical virtuoso with equally emotional dancing. Among the best interpreters of flamenco today is guitarist Paco Peña, known throughout the world for his majestic guitar playing and legendary skill in his flamenco performances. Born in Cordoba, in the Andalucian region of Spain, Peña started playing his guitar with his brother at age six. By age 12, he was a guitar prodigy and already playing professionally. With the support and encouragement of his family, he began performing throughout Spain under a government-sponsored folk program, which led him to become highly recognized and demanded for in several flamenco dance companies as an accompanying guitarist. However, seeking new horizons and motivated to advance his career, Peña moved to London to perform as a solo artist in the late 1960s. Initially performing at Restaurante Antonio in the Covent Garden district of the city, Peña quickly gained notoriety as British audiences embraced his style of music, which they had rarely been exposed to before. His popularity soon found him in concerts sharing stages with artists like Jimi Hendrix, and making his solo debut in Wigmore Hall in 1967. It was soon after his British success that Peña started tours around the world where he became one of the most recognizable flamenco performers. He has performed at Carnegie Hall in New York, Royal Albert Hall in London and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. He further expanded his talents as a teacher of flamenco, creating the very first university level flamenco
guitar course at the Rotterdam conservatory of music. Later, in 1981, Peña founded the Centro Flamenco Paco Peña in Cordoba, Spain and later, became the Artistic Director of the Cordoba International Guitar Festival, an annual festival for flamenco performers. His work as a composer has also gained him notoriety such as his Misa Flamenca, a Flamenco Mass, and Requiem for the Earth. He has also been recognized by the Spanish government and awarded the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Civil Merit by King Juan Carlos of Spain in 1997. Throughout his career, Peña has also collaborated with many other artists in various genres including classical guitarist John Williams, Argentinean folk guitarist Eduardo Falu, and famous Chilean Andean folk group Inti Illimani. His show at the George Mason University’s Center for the Arts on February 1, 2013 will bring us one of his most thrilling shows, Flamenco Vivo. A journey through the history of flamenco, Flamenco Vivo explores the complexities and variety in flamenco music from the very primitive forms to the modern forms we see now. With a simple presentation of a bare stage, the show focuses on the key elements of flamenco: dancers, singers, and music. All that is needed is a group of six musicians and three dancers to obtain the desired effect. There are no further elements needed to grasp the feeling and emotion that dancers and musicians want to evoke to the audience in these simple but powerful performances. Do not miss this incredible event were you will bear witness to the living, breathing soul of flamenco music. Tickets are on sale at the GMU Center for the Arts website.
WWW.KESTADC.COM
/7
TEX-MEX
By: Rosario Garcia
ex-Mex is a combination of Texan and Mexican culture. The term isn’t just used to describe hybrid foods like Chili con Carne or Fajitas, it’s also increasingly used to label music that is “Ni de aqui ni de alla” (neither from here nor there). One example is Selena a Mexican-American singer that made it big
the Texas Tornados. In 2006, Baca recruited San Antonio-native Farías to round out the quartet’s sound with his masterful accordion playing. San Antonio, Laredo, El Paso, Corpus Christi, and Seguín, are only some of the Texas towns that inspired Los Texmaniacs to create a hybrid of norteño and country music that is so exhilirating you’ll be pressed to listen and inspired to get up and dance regardless of your
in the Tejano music scene without speaking a lick of Spanish. Just as Selena didn’t fit a mold, Los Texmaniacs, a GRAMMYAward Winning “conjunto” band from San Antonio, have become the ambassadors of Tex-Mex music. New Mexico native, Max Baca adopted Texas as his home and formed Los Texmaniacs in 1997 after his decade-long career with popular and innovative group,
musical preferences. Multi-instrumentalists Óscar García and Lorenzo Martínez complete the quartet. Max is a virtuoso bajo sexto player, a twelve string guitar-like instrument, which provides rhythm accompaniment for the button accordion, creating the core of the conjunto sound. His blistering riffs and solo styles have been emulated by young bajo players internationally. So much so
that Max is being credited for reviving this traditional folk/roots/conjunto instrument and making it hip again, attracting new audiences while maintaining his roots in traditional conjunto. As a Mexican-American who grew up in California, I can relate to Los Texmaniacs style of music. We love our traditional Mexican roots and probably grew up with parents that listened to banda and norteño music, while we were up in our rooms listening to rock, grunge, rhythm and blues. This experience brings forth a nostalgia that surrounds Los Texmaniacs music, creating a hybrid of the traditional while still exhilarating your senses with something you haven’t quite heard before. In their latest album, Texas Towns & Tex-Mex Sounds, Los Texmaniacs blend polka, boleros, ballads, and Western swing, drawing from the rich tradition of Tex-Mex culture. Conjunto is a uniquely Texan genre, combining Mexican, Czech, and Polish musical influences. Los Texmaniacs have further evolved the style by incorporating blues rhythms and Texas country favorites. This 18-track album is part of the Smithsonian Folkways Tradiciones/
Traditions Series of Latino music albums, produced with support by the Smithsonian Latino Center. This is their second album with Smithsonian Folkways Recordings following the GRAMMY-winning ‘Borders y Bailes’ in 2009, and features renowned Western swing singer Ray Benson and fiddle player Jason Roberts from the Austinbased group Asleep at the Wheel, as well as GRAMMY-winning fiddler Bobby Flores. Some key standouts from the Texas Towns & Tex-Mex Sounds album are the classic instrumentals of “Ay te dejo en San Antonio” and “Waltz Across Texas”. Embracing Texas music culture past and present, Texas Towns & Tex-Mex Sounds features bilingual versions of conjunto classics as well as the original songs such as “Ana mía” by Max Baca. Los Texmaniacs have been heavily involved in the Texas music scene for over a decade, performing multiple times in the Texas Folklife Festival, the National Tejano Convention, and the Conjunto Festival. They have also performed twice at the legendary South by Southwest (SXSW ) music festival in Austin and the popular Star of Texas Livestock Show and Rodeo, while still playing at local favorite venues in San Antonio. Los Texmaniacs have performed for US troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and Bosnia/ Kosovo, and in China, The Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Germany and Austria, acting as ambassadors for conjunto music and Texas culture worldwide. In the dead of winter, Washington DC is sure to come to heat up and come to life with this exciting quartet as they perform at the Hamilton on January 14, 2013 to present their red-hot Texas Towns & TexMex Sounds show. For more information and for tickets visit: www.thehamiltondc. com. To listen to Los Texmaniacs visit them on the web at: texmaniacs.com. █
8
/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE
/ JANUARY
2013
REGGAE
years-old. Though two of the band’s pioneers are now dead, the music of the Wailers remains alive. Koolant Brown became the vocalist for the Wailers after his appearance in the film Made in Jamaica. Brown was already known for his song ‘Rat Race’ and he had onstage experience as well. In addition, he was a songwriter and considered himself to be influenced by reggae’s “golden era” of the 1960s and 1970s.
By: Darlene Campos
ver since the Wailers released their first album titled The Wailing Wailers, they put Jamaica on the map for reggae/ ska releasing hit after hit. In fact, you’d have a very hard time finding a place in the world where Bob Marley and the Wailers’ music is not playing in the background or full swing at an outdoor barbecue. Reggae, a unique genre of music with origins in Jamaica, continues to provide beats to audiences everywhere. Peaking in the 60’s and with a message of one love, unity, and acceptance, the legendary Bob Marley and the Wailers Reggae led the revolution from 1963 to 1981, the year of Marley’s death from melanoma. In their nearly fifty-year career;
the Wailers have sold over 250 million albums worldwide, which will ensure that although Bob Marley is no longer with us, his message will never be lost. In the United Kingdom alone, the Wailers have topped more than twenty charts with their groundbreaking ska and reggae hits. Songs such as “Simmer Down”, “Trenchtown Rock”, “Nice Time”, “War”, “Stir It Up”, “I Shot the Sheriff ”, “No Woman No Cry” and “Get Up, Stand Up” which have earned them spots in tours alongside Stevie Wonder, Sting, Carlos Santana, Kenny Chesney, and Jason Mraz. The Wailers have held numerous concerts and are estimated to have performed for a total of 24 million people all over the world including concerts in Asia and Africa.
The Wailers began when Bob Marley and fellow reggae artists Bunny Wailer and Peter Tosh joined forces with the Barrett Brothers: Aston “Family Man” and Carly. The musicians collaborated on different works and were soon given a record deal by Island Records. Even though Bunny Wailer and Peter Tosh left the band, Bob Marley and the Barrett Brothers stuck together and produced album after album. The 1974 album titled Natty Dread became known as an “international breakthrough” for the Wailers. As a result, both Bob Marley and the Wailers won several Lifetime Achievement awards for their music. The group became famous not only in their home of Jamaica, but also a global sensation. Sadly, Bob Marley passed away in 1981 at only 36 years-old and a gunman murdered Carly Barrett in 1987 also at 36
“As young coming up people always say, ‘How come you don’t listen to any new artists?” said Brown. “They say I’m always listening to some Jacob Miller, Barrington Levy, or Bob Marley. They were amazed I knew so many of those old songs but after I leave school I like to go amongst bigger people and so I just naturally gravitate towards vintage music. I like how it’s the backbone of what’s happening now too, because those old classics never die.” Koolant Brown may have started out as a solo singer, but he says his time as the front man for the Wailers has proved to be “a wonderful experience.” “Bob Marley was a prophet, and it’s an honor to be part of that,” said Brown “I put my whole self into spreading that message, and it can only help my own development as an artist and as a songwriter.” The Wailers will be performing at the legendary Howard Theatre on Sunday, January 13, 2013. Tickets start at $25. For more information, visit www. thehowardtheatre.com. █
WWW.KESTADC.COM
/9
ELECTRONIC
10
/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE
/ JANUARY
2013
TROPICAL
By: Aline Barros
acarias Ferreira, La Voz de la Ternura, is back to the D.C. area this coming March. The Dominican Republican native will delight fans with his bachata music in Cococabana on March 8th. Ferreira was born in Canca Arriba, Tamboril. He grew up surrounded by music. His father, and uncles were all musicians that helped the singer engage in the artistic world. Evan Guiterrez from All Music Guide says La Voz de la ternura always had an eye fixed on a solo career, and the singer released his first album Me Liberé in 1997 on the Discomania Label. He won the prestigious Dominican music award, the Cassandra. Three years later his second album, El Triste, won the award for him a second time. “When old enough, Zacarias relocated to the capital city of Santo Domingo in pursuit of a musical career. While attending the Conservatorio Nacional, Ferreira supported himself by playing in local bachata groups, which eventually led to a five-year stint with local celebrity band Brugal & Compania,” said Gutierrez. After winning his second Cassandra Award, he was invited to perform at the “Festival Del Presidente- The President’s
Festival” where he shared the stage with Marc Anthony, Marco Antonio Solis, and Los Hermanos Rosario, among others. In 2001, Ferreira traveled to the United States for the first time and played 77 gigs in just six-and-a-half weeks in New York. The Dominican Republican Tele Antillas-Canal 2, awarded Zacarias as the person of the year 2012. The singer won the annual television popular vote, and gave an exclusive interview at Uno Más Uno, where he thanked fans for support and to recognize the work he has been doing over 15 years. Ferreira explained in the morning show that he learned how to play the guitar by watching others playing. He would always stand behind whoever was playing the instrument to memorize the notes, and learn how to position his fingers on the guitar. “Looking at them (my friends) was the way in which I learned the first musical chords,” said Ferreira at the Dominican Republican talk show. The singer also gives back to his community. In 2010, he helped organize a concert with other local artists to raise money for an education project. It was later inaugurated Escuela primaria de Amaceyes Arriba, an elementary school in Mocana. Now, Zacarias has just released a
new album “Mi Dulzura” that immediately got the public and media’s attention. Ferreira has returned to the top charts with the songs “Te lo Pido a Gritos” and “Me Ilusioné,” along with songs about heartbreak, and the celebration of love. “This new album is aimed to the romantic style that has given me many hits,” said Ferreira recently to the Dominican press. For now, he is back at his homeland to promote “Mi Dulzura” with a Tour that goes until the end of December. Zacarias is celebrating 15 years of his music, and still believes he has not learned it all. “You never stop learning about music,” said Ferreira. Don’t miss out on your chance to see this legend performing life on March 8th, 2013 at Cococabana Bar and Grill in Hyattsville, MD.█
WWW.KESTADC.COM
/ 11
TROPICAL
By: Alexandra Lucia-Miller
“COMPLEX, BLENDERIZED AFRICATO-THE-NEW-WORLD FUNK,” IS THE WAY NEW YORK TIMES CRITIC BEN RATLIFF SUMMED UP EL RITMO DE PEDRITO MARTINEZ.
The Pedrito Martinez Group is Afro-Cuban Rumba tradition embodied led by Pedrito Martinez, head honcho, percussionist, and singer of the recently formed group. As this Cuban native prepares to make another long trek from the gritty jungles of New York City to the southern landscapes of Arlington, VA on February 9, he took some time to show Kesta fans some love and fill us in on his musical journey from the streets of Cuba to the United States. KM: Where are you originally from? PM: I was born and raised in Havana Cuba in a neighborhood called Cayo Hueso, which was rich in Afro-Cuban culture. I came to the United States in July 1998 with a saxophone player from Toronto, Canada who I played percussion for, called the Spirits of Havana. Then between playing, recording, and traveling,
I was given a $20,000 scholarship from the Thelonious Monk Institute Competition, for winning first place. KM: What inspired you to become a musician? PM: My main inspiration is Afro-Cuban music but I’ve been very interested in Latino music, R&B, and other forms of music, but I try to keep it authentic. KM: What is your favorite part about being a musician? PM: You get to travel the world, and I’ve had the opportunity to go to so many countries and I’ve got a lot of friends all over the world, you never have enemies. In different countries, people don’t even speak your language, but they love your music. It’s about expressing yourself and having a good time, and sharing that with everyone. KM: What’s the hardest part about being a musician? PM: It’s really hard to manage the priorities of my family and my band, family is the
most important thing in life. It’s really hard to travel around and keep that balance. When you start getting too busy, and people start knowing you, people want your attention and it’s really hard to respond to questions on the computer, answer everyone, and all of the details, and give everyone attention. KM: Why are you so excited about this performance? PM: Well, DC is different, New York is this center where you have everything here; people, music and culture. But, it’s so amazing being in front of new people. KM: Where do you draw your main influences? PM: Los Bomberos are a very classic group, El Ritmo Oriental, I was really into Afro-beat, and Yorumba. But I also really love Chaka Khan, and Stevie Wonder. There are just so many artists and bands that I love, there are too many to name.
KM: Where do you see yourself in the next five years, what are your goals? PM: I want people to be more involved in listening to my music, and going to my concerts. But, I want to be doing exactly what I’m doing, making music and sharing it. KM: What do you hope fans take away from your show at Artisphere? PM: It’s a different audience, it’s a great opportunity for us, and I’m so happy that we’re going to be a part of this huge event. We’re excited to see the audience, and it’s a great feeling seeing that people who really love your music. Performing for the people and making everyone feel excited for your music, is great. We’re going to have a great time. The Pedrito Martinez Group shares the spotlight with special guest Sin Miedo on February 9th at the Artisphere ballroom in VA at 8:00pm. Tickets are $17 in advance / $20 day of the show. For more information visit: www.artisphere.com. █
12
/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE
/ JANUARY
2013
KESTADC.COM GALLERY El Chaval de La Bachata @ Cococabana 12.14.12
Parranda Zol @ The Palace 12.13.12
Aniversrio del Festival Argentino @ El Patio 12.03.12
El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico @ Cococabana 11.30.12
Bunbury @ The Howard Theatre 11.29.12
December Nightlife
WWW.KESTADC.COM
/ 13
KESTA HAPPENING DC FEATURED EVENTS Mon 12.31 Mon 12.31 Sun 01.13 Mon 01.14 Fri 01.18 Thur 01.17-Fri 01.18 Wed 01.23- Sat 02.23 Fri 01.25 Fri 02.01 Fri 02.01 Thur 02.07 Thur 02.28 Fri 03.01 Fri 03.08 Thur 03.14 Sat 05.18
NYE @ The Parva NYE @ Bravo Bravo The Wailers @ The Howard Theatre Los Texmaniacs @ The Howard Theatre Luzbel + Visceral Violation, Alud, Rock-A @ Chapalas Thievery Corporation @ 930 Club Shen Yun 2013 @ The Kennedy Center Opera House David Amoroso: Delicate/Violent @ The Artisphere Paco Peña: Flamenco Live @ GMU Center of the Arts Yo Gabba Gabba Live @ Patriot Center Ricardo Arjona @ The Patriot Center Bebel Gilberto @ 930 Club David Bisbal @ The Warner Theatre Zacarias Ferreira @ Cococcabana El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico @ The Howard Theatre Festival Argentino @ Thomas Jefferson Theatre
For more information and many more events go to KESTADC.COM
Paco Peña
Flamenco Vivo
With
the Paco Peña Flamenco Dance Company
FEBRUARY 1 • 8PM
“Music and dance that threatens to blow the roof off the auditorium. A fantastic night.” GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY’S CENTER FOR THE ARTS Fairfax, Virginia
For tickets or information, please call: 888-945-2468 or visit cfa.gmu.edu
14
/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE
/ JANUARY
2013
FEATURED
By: Kala Fryman
sk any fan of Ricardo Arjona, and I’m sure they will have a specific moment or time in their lives in which they can directly link to one of his songs. I remember mine. One of the most important people in my life gave me a mix CD of songs that reminded him of us, and the last track was Tarde (Sin Daños a Terceros). Already touched by the gesture of the CD, I felt it even more so because Arjona’s words described us with such accurate eloquence- as if he wrote it especially for us. Multiply this small personal example by a few million, and you have an idea of why Arjona is considered one of the most successful Latin artists of all time. Since the start of his musical career in the 1980s, Arjona has sold over 20 million albums, won both a Grammy and Latin Grammy award, and has sold out venues from Madison Square Garden in New York to stadiums across Latin America. Arjona’s versatility as an artist allows him to
effortlessly cross barriers and gain mass appeal. From ballads to rock to salsa, each of Arjona’s albums showcases an exchange of musical genres with his own artistic exploration. Born in Guatemala, Arjona’s interest in music began at a young age. His father, Ricardo Arjona Moscoso, taught him how to play guitar, and at age 12 he performed a song composed by his father in a children’s music festival. Though music remained part of his life since childhood, Arjona didn’t begin his career as a musician until much later. While attending Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala, he studied communication sciences and played basketball on the Guatemalan national team. After exploring other career options, at age 21, Arjona decided to focus exclusively on his music. He moved to Mexico City and released his first album, Dejame Decir Que Te Amo on PolyGram records. Though this was a critical first step for Arjona’s
WWW.KESTADC.COM
career, it wasn’t initially successful. Influenced by living under military dictatorship in Guatemala, many of Arjona’s songs had a deep political and social message. The label felt his lyrics were too controversial, and marketed him as a singer of love songs in order to downplay his strong sociopolitical beliefs and make him more commercially appealing. Due to poor album sales and disillusionment with the commercial music scene, Arjona left the label and became a primary school teacher in Guatemala. After such a negative experience at the beginning of one’s musical career, it wouldn’t be surprising if Arjona quit all together and only pursued music as a hobby. But as a true testament to his character and passion, he continued writing and creating songs; focused on meaningful creations instead of intentionally trying to appeal to the masses. Following the release of his second album in 1989, Jesus, Verbo No Sustantivo, Arjona’s career exploded in the next decade, earning him national and international fame; commercially and underground. Arjona produced five albums in the 90s, including the much-acclaimed Animal Nocturno; and another six albums from 2000-present.
Arjona’s large-scale successes with these albums proved that he could remain genuine as an artist and lyricist, and still reach millions of listeners. Arjona’s music does not fit neatly into a specific genre. His songs and albums have varied from pop to rock, to folk, to a capella. In his 2000 release of Galeria Caribe, Arjona experimented with such
Afrocaribbean influences as salsa and guaracha, and in his 2005 release, Adentro, we hear strong Tejano influences. Arjona’s range is also apparent with his lyrics and song themes. Arjona’s distinctive lyrical style is characterized by clever word/grammar tricks, creating some of the most honest, hard-hitting and intense lyrics out there. Through Arjona’s lyrics, we not only hear stories of love and loss, but also of immigration, abortion, religion, homosexuality, politics, anti-Capitalism and pride for his native
/ 15
Guatemala. Arjona’s songs run the full gamut of the human experience and emotion, and are an exploration of difficult and controversial topics that are reality for many people. Our world and experiences are not always pleasant, black and white or fit easily into a “box.” Arjona understands this, and his music gives anyone a place, no matter who you are. Whether you’re a rockero or mainstream, gringo or chapin, young or old; Arjona’s music will reach you and leave you a life-long fan- just as it did for me the day I heard Tarde. Following Arjona’s performance earlier this year in San Jose, CA, a fan commented, “This man is the greatest poet of our time. He can make a beautiful song about anything be it love, lust, sex, politics, a woman’s time of the month, all great stories. Three or four different stage changes were unique and fit the songs perfectly. The musicians that accompanied Arjona are all so talented. You must not miss Arjona!” As part of his 2013 US tour, Ricardo Arjona will be performing at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA on February 7, 2013. Tickets are on sale at www. ticketmaster.com and going quickly. Don’t miss out; this will be one of the most talked about concerts of 2013 in our area! █
16
/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE
/ JANUARY
2013
MOOMBAHTON
By: Juan Leon
DJING A HOUSE PART Y FOR HIS YOUNGER COUSIN AND HIS FRIENDS IN 2009, NADA FOUND HIMSELF IN A ROUGH SPOT WHEN HE ONLY HAD HOUSE MUSIC PREPARED FOR A CROWD EXPECTING BACHATA AND REGGAETON. HAVING TO THINK QUICK ON HIS FEET TO KEEP THE PART Y GOING, HE T WEAKED THE TEMPO OF THE TECH HOUSE HE HAD WITH HIM TO 108 BPMS (AROUND THE TEMPO OF REGGAETON) AND THE REST IS HISTORY. Since then, moombahton has blown up. Not mainstream, but huge in the underground with countless offshoots, sub genres, events, fans and new artists jumping onboard the moombah bus. We interviewed the legendary creator of an entire genre (DC area native!), Dave Nada, who comes back home once a month for the wild Moombahton Massive parties at U Street Music Hall. KM: Could you tell us a little bit about how Moombahton Massive came about? DN: Summer of 2010 was wrapping up and so was my Moombahton Mondays weekly party over at Velvet Lounge and I decided to throw one more party before I left for Los Angeles (where I live now). I wanted to do something bigger and I asked DJ Sabo if he wanted to do a big moombahton party with me at U Street Music Hall. He was down and we decided to call it Moombahton Massive. We also booked Munchi as our special guest. It was his U.S. debut/first official show in the states. It was such a huge blowout and one of my favorite DJ moments! It went over so well, we decided to keep doing Moombahton Massives and it’s been growing ever since. Now it’s Nadastrom (Dave Nada & Matt Nordstrom) & Sabo plus special guests whenever we host a Moombahton Massive. KM: Did you grow up in the DMV area? DN: Yup! I’m from Prince George’s County, Maryland. I lived in College Park almost all my life, right next to the University of Maryland. I even went to UMD too, graduated in 2002. I still have a home out there and visit the fam whenever I can! I love it, it’s home. KM: So, moombahton came about, kind of out of necessity, right? DN: Haha yeah out of necessity to not lose
a crowd of wild dancing kids. Total DJ move actually. A good DJ always figures out a way to rock a crowd using what you have, no matter what the situation! KM: Now that moombahton’s been around for a minute, where do you see it going? DN: That’s a good question, haha. I get that asked a lot, and to be honest, I still don’t know. I’ve seen it grow over the past 3 years and I wouldn’t have been able to tell you back then how it would’ve unfolded to present day. Moombahton music started out as slowed down house meets reggaeton/dembow, and now it’s this amalgamation of sounds and cultures from all over the world that holds a distinct vibe. That vibe exists in the music and it is known to bridge worlds. I love that. And because of that, I can say that if moombahton continues to be open minded and be about the music, then it’ll continue to grow, be creative, and have some longevity. KM: Moombahton’s branched off into different sub genres (moombahsoul is a personal fave) and it seems like there’s so many great new and old creators (Munchi, Pickster, Nadastrom, Sabo, Sazon Booya, Heartbreak, so many, many more) within the genre. What is it about moombahton that’s inspired such an explosion of talent? DN: It seems like moombahton was an eyeopener for a lot of us. The tempo probably being the biggest characteristic of it all. Electronic dance music is usually at a faster tempo (roughly 126 beats per minute), so being able to play and/or produce music at a mid-tempo range of 108 beats per minute was refreshing. Also, sonically it left a lot of room to play with and you can incorporate all kinds of sounds from hiphop, to dancehall, to cumbia, to dubstep, to soul & R&B, to breaks, etc. whatever your background in music or culture was, you could incorporate these elements with moombahton and it can be done without it feeling forced, you know? Moombahton helped open the floodgates to jump around BPMs, thus giving more dynamics to a DJ set and a partygoer’s night out. Also, for some, moombahton helped get people in touch with their roots and help find their sound and groove. I know for me personally, I’ve been reconnected with my Latin roots through moombahton.
Dillon Francis, Diplo ft. Maluca - “Que Que” Nadastrom & Sabo “Timbiqui Hasta DC” El Dusty - “K Le Pasa” (Alvaro Remix) Munchi ft. Angel Doze - “La Brasilena Ta Montao” Sazon Booya - “Oye Mami” And the entire “Blow Your Head Vol.2: Dave Nada Presents Moombahton” compilation.
KM: When I first heard moombahton, in a way, I thought it sounded like what growing up as a Latino kid in the States is like-- a foundation from our Latino culture (reggaeton) infused with all the other things we get exposed to coming up (electronic, dub step, etc.). I heard DJ Blass even performed at one of your Moombahton Massive events. What are your thoughts on the role of Latino culture in moombahton? DN: That’s pretty accurate actually! Moombahton is a reflection of the times and our upbringing. Latin culture in moombahton is key. People tend to miss that, which is why it was such an important and special moment to have DJ Blass and Toy Selectah perform at our DC Moombahton Massive party last September. I had kids coming up to me at the show like “I’ve never heard of these guys before but they were amazing and blew my mind!” And that’s dope. In one night, we’re all learning about where the music is coming from and at the same time getting a chance to hear where it’s going. Worlds collide and we’re having a good time doing it, haha. That’s how it always is at Moombahton Massives. Also Latin America is finally starting to come around with moombahton music. Us Latin people tend to be late sometimes, haha! KM: What are a few moombahton tracks that would make an easy transition for fans of reggaeton/Latin music? Dave Nada - “Moombahton” Munchi - “Sandungueo” Dave Nada - “Punk Rock Latino” (dub) JWLS - “Bashin”
KM: Is U Street Music Hall one of your favorite venues to play at? DN: I’ve been all over the world, and U Street Music Hall is still my #1 venue to play. KM: What can we expect for January’s Moombahton Massive event at U Street Music Hall? DN: We’re doing a Moombahton Summit in January, a gathering of the moombah minds! It’s gonna be a big blowout to help celebrate the release of a new compilation called “Moombahton Forever” on T&A Records. Expect your favorite moombahton DJs/producers to be in the house that night! Moombahton is a family affair with Dave’s mom selling Mama Nada empanadas at U Street Music Hall during every Moombahton Massive event. Catch Dave Nada and Mama Nada’s delicious empanadas (last time they were 1 for $3 or 2 for $5), as well as your favorite moombahton artists at Moombahton Massive, January 17th, 2013 at U Street Music Hall. About U Street Music Hall: Located at 1115 U Street NW, DJowned and operated, 500-person capacity, basement dance club with one of the best sound systems in the country and probably the world (#2 in the US in Beatport Magazine). The U Street Music Foundation is a nonprofit that “supports music education programs and events for Ward 1 and Washington D.C. area youth.” █
WWW.KESTADC.COM
/ 17
ELECTRONIC
By: William Reyes
ounds from the Thievery Hi-Fi. The Mirror Conspiracy. The Richest Man in Babylon. The Cosmic Game. Versions. Radio Retaliation. Culture of Fear. Books? Movie titles? Neither. These eclectic titles belong to the seven studio album releases from Washington, D.C.’s own Thievery Corporation. Formed in 1995, Thievery Corporation consists of electronic music pioneers/producers Rob Garza and Eric Hilton. The two met after being introduced by a mutual friend at Washington, D.C.’s Eighteenth Street Lounge – a local spot co-owned by Hilton, popular for attracting regional and worldclass DJ talent as well as live music ranging from traditional Jazz and Funk, to Reggae and a hybrid of Latin sounds. For Eighteenth Street patrons, it’s no surprise to hear the heavy influence of these differing genres of music softly intertwined into the moods of Thievery’s
albums; up until 2004 their ESL label was based out of the lounge. Starting out, there wasn’t a large following or defined genre for Thievery’s music and making one wasn’t something they had exactly set out to do. In a 1999 interview with Washington City Paper, Hilton touches on where he believed they fit in. “I don’t think we will ever be commercially viable…I think that what we will be doing will be over enough heads. We’re just trying to do our own thing.” 17 years later, it turns out their own thing is just the thing for enthusiasts of down tempo electronic dance music around the world. Electronic rhythms aren’t where it stops for Thievery. Many of their songs contain subtle and sometimes not so subtle stances on political and socioeconomic issues ranging from opposing war and exploitative trade agreements to human rights and food programs. In the track titled “Exilio (Exile)” on their 2002 Richest Man in Babylon
album, Verny Varela is featured singing of being Latino, running from bullets and seeking opportunity: Nuestra persistencia y nuestra alegría Identifican nuestra raza Latina hemos salido de nuestras tierras huyendo de los problemas, corriendo de las balas buscando mira una oportunidad... pa’ mejorar Thievery’s latest album, Culture of Fear, is no stranger to social distress. Regarding their efforts, Hilton understands the enormity of the issues they bring to the forefront with each track. “We’re realistic about what we can actually do. We feel like our role is to be commentators,” adds Garza, “the best thing we can do is try to open people’s minds.” Ambassadors of down tempo and social activism aside, how entertaining is Thievery Corporation live? Just how exciting can (what’s often referred to as “lounge music”)
be? Very entertaining and very exciting is the answer! Not only does having a vast array of musical genres in their arsenal help build their signature sound, it also helps provide a stage platform of varying musicians and vocalists. It’s not uncommon to see Thievery perform as a 15-member live band. The group has sold out shows at such famed venues as the Hollywood Bowl, London’s 02 Shepherds Bush Empire, and the Theatro Vrahon Melina Merkouri in Athens, Greece, among many others. Still unsure? Check the reviews. When you’ve decided you’ve read enough and want to see what this group is all about for yourself, you’ll have the perfect opportunity in January. Thievery Corporation is set to perform at the 9:30 Club (www.930.com) on Thursday, January 17th & Friday, January 18th. Tickets are on sale now so purchase yours before they sell out! Who knows, maybe their own thing can become yours, too. █
18
/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE
/ JANUARY
2013
WWW.KESTADC.COM
/ 19
BEER
By: Andrés Gonzalez
12 oz, 132 calories, 4.6 percent alcohol by volume
Appearance: The Pennsylvania-based Latrobe Brewing
Company brings us this American adjunct lager that has a fairly crystal clear, pale yellow—almost straw—tinge.
Mouthfeel: A smooth, light-to-medium feel, with a crisp citrusy aftertaste that does not linger for long. Overall: Samuel Adams Light is smooth and easy to
drink. A good choice if you are looking for a low-calorie lager that has a fairly stronger flavor profile than most light beers.
Smell: This lager has a very subdued aroma, accented with corn and rice tangs, while incorporating a light sweet apple scent. Taste: Similar to its smell, this lager has a mild, but crisp flavor that resembles corn, wheat and bread notes, along with a slight sweet and apple essence.
11.5 oz, 108 calories, 4 percent alcohol by volume
Mouthfeel: A light, thin feel, borderline watery, but with enough carbonation to avoid this lager from being too dull.
Appearance: This Ontario-founded brewing company offers us this light lager and its sister version with lime for only seven calories more. It is mostly clear, with a slight wink of pale yellow.
Overall: A refreshing lager, ideal if you are looking for a
Smell: Initially, this lager does not offer any strong,
quick and easy drink, or a great palate cleanser after drinking a cocktail or more complex beers.
distinct aroma, but after careful consideration some sweet, corn, bread and rice scents emerge.
12 oz, 119 calories, 4.3 percent alcohol by volume
Taste: At first impression, this lager could be described as watery and flavorless. After giving it a second chance, one can taste some malty, light corn and grainy notes, along with a subtle alcohol taste.
Appearance: This lager is a lighter version of Samuel Adam’s Boston Lager. It has a mild amber color, with dark orange, golden and cooper hints. Smell: Its aroma is a conglomerate of caramel and toffee
notes with a grassy essence—think floral—and malty accents—mostly toasty grains. Not an overpowering smell, and slightly sweet.
Taste: A paradoxically sweet—caramel—taste with some at-
tenuated bitter zests. Continuing with its aroma, this lager’s brings grassy, grainy, corn and slightly citrusy jolts.
L A C A S I TA P U P U S A . C O M
Mouthfeel: It feels very light, and its carbonation gives it some character, followed by a grainy, bitter aftertaste.
Overall: An ideal option if you are looking for a very light, easy-to-drink and refreshing beer for a hot day. Specifically, a good option if you are in the search for a thirst-quenching beer without a complex flavor profile. █
20
/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE
/ JANUARY
2013
FAMILY
By: Aline Barros
RE YOU READY TO GET SILLY AND HAVE FUN? Then Yo Gabba Gabba Live is the right place for you. The little creatures along with DJ Lace Rock are coming to Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA on February 1 to bring you “Yo Gabba Gabba LIVE: Get the Sillies Out” show. The award-winning television series created by Christian Jacobs and Scott Schultz premiered in 2007 at the cable television Nick Jr, and it has been a success ever since. The Yo Gabba Gabba tour kicked off on November 23rd in Los Angeles at the famous Nokia Theatre. “Get the Sillies
Out!” features DJ Lance Rock, plus Muno, Foofa, Brobee, Toodee, and Plex, and of course, hip hop legend Biz Markie. The official website says the TV series is the Winner of Billboard’s Creative Content Award, and has performed in front of countless fans across the U.S. and Canada over the past three years. “We’ve taken the fan favorites from the past two tours and combined them with some all-new music and other surprises that we can’t tell you about… yet!” Fans are excited for the live concert; the show has already sold out in some cities. But the ones who got them do not seem to be disappointed. “Got front row part package tickets for El Paso, TX. Can’t wait. Yo Gabba Gabba DVDs have helped
our little 3 year old get through numerous hospital visits and therapy sessions! He LOVES Brobee!! He’s one of your biggest fans!! So excited,” said Anakin Vader at the show’s official page. The live tour, produced with DHX Media by S2BN Entertainment, is an interactive experience that offers audiences of all ages the opportunity to witness their favorite characters come to life when DJ Lance Rock and fans say the magic words, “Yo Gabba Gabba! The show’s unconventional formula has created a large fan base, and is one of the most popular entertainment package among preschoolers, parents and indie music lovers alike. The television show, now in its fourth season, airs several times
a day on Nick Jr. This is the third tour for the Yo Gabba Gabba family, and they could not be more excited. The creators hope to continue with the successful concert series that started with “Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE: There’s a Party in My City!” that was launched with a float in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and a performance at the White House in 2010. The tour played to sold out audiences in more than 60 cities, and it looks like it will be a repeat success in 2013. So, get ready to “turn around, touch the ground and do the Boing!” Tickets and Gabba Party Packages are on sale now. For more info on how to get the sillies out go to yogabbagabbalive.com or visit ticketmaster.com. █
WWW.KESTADC.COM
/ 21
22
/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE
/ JANUARY
2013
WWW.KESTADC.COM
/ 23
STYLE
By: Daniela Guillen
anuary is an exciting month; a time for new beginnings, and a new year of opportunities to look forward to. One of my favorite ways to spend a weekend in January is to go on a weekend ski trip. Even if you don’t ski or snowboard it is still fun to hang out on a ski resort or stay in a cabin getting cozy by the fireplace with a hot chocolate. Also it’s a chance to look winter chic in various ski outfits and chunky sweaters. Since skiing equipment takes up a lot of room, start by packing essentials such as long johns, warm socks, a good pair of snow boots and a heavy jacket first. Need some inspiration? Take a look at the Ski essentials below! Happy skiing! █
4 6 8
5
2
1
3
7 * For local ski resorts and information check out the Washingtonians winter guide: www.washingtonian.com/articles/travel/skiing-around-washington-snowshoe-mountain-ski-resort/
1. Women’s Joan of Arctic™ $150 Boot Sorel.com | 2. WOMEN THEORY PREMIUM DOWN VEST $99.90 | 3. InsulEight Stowable Vest $138 Athleta.com Also available in plus sizes! 4. WOMEN’S KIRA TRICLIMATE® JACKET $290 thenorthface.com5. Slalom Stretch Ski Pant $198.00 Athleta.com *Also comes in petite sizes! | 6. SNO Knit Trapper $36.00 topshop.com 7. THE O.M.G. ESPRESSO / LIGHT GOLD / CAMEL $275.00 www.loandsons.com | 8. Top $36, Leggings $32 Topshop.com
24
/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE
/ JANUARY
2013
KESTA GIRL
Hometown: South Florida Hobbies: I enjoy outdoor activities such as working out and going for a bike ride. I also enjoy spending time with family and friends. Favorite Quote: The higher your energy level, the more efficient your body The more efficient your body, the better you feel and the more you will use your talent to produce outstanding results. -Tony Robbins Favorite Movie: the Notebook Favorite Food: Thai food Photography: DC Pro Studio
WWW.KESTADC.COM
/ 25
26
/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE
FAMILY
/ JANUARY
2013
WWW.KESTADC.COM
/ 27
ART
By: Alexandra Lucia-Miller
ontemporary art meets urban Latin reggaeton and hip-hop culture in a dramatic way in the Delicate/Violent (Delicado Violento) exhibit, which features a series of portraits of local rappers and reggaetoneros depicted in violent postures and juxtaposed against delicate backgrounds created by contemporary artist David Amoroso. These two extremes may seem obvious at first glance, but the more a viewer studies the artwork, the more they can evaluate their own paradigms as they relate to the theme of the exhibit. Amoroso’s exhibit offers an opening showcase on Friday, January 25th, at Artisphere which will be sure to bend our preconceptions of violence, Latino culture y la música. David was candid about the balance between hip-hop, art, and the creative process in a recent interview with Kesta Magazine. KM: How did you get started creating visual artwork? DA: I used to be in a band, and then I started taking publicity photos, I loved photography. I was also influenced a lot by traveling in Mexico. I taught ESL (English as a Second Language) classes and art classes to incarcerated youth. I really started painting based on those trips and experiences. KM: What do you love most about being an artist? DA: Within all the arts, you create something that didn’t exist before. For me, I’ve just got to get it out! Also, seeing people’s reaction, do they love it or hate it? How do people interpret my work? KM: How do you construct most of your work? DA: I work with a lot of different mediums:
block printing, photography, folk art, painting on bark, and papel cortado. Sometimes I’ll start using an image and then photograph someone, and use accidental photography to create a piece, which sometimes results in something different than planned. KM: What is your favorite medium to work with? DA: Painting. KM: Why is this exhibition of your artwork so important to you? DA: It’s really about playing with this idea of contrast. What is contrast? What are the paradigms of image, and street image, hip-hop, and music? There’s this fragility in the background that bleeds over to these powerful images in the foreground. KM: What message do you hope your artwork sends to viewers? DA: That music and visual arts can be combined. These rappers and reggaetoneros are really, really nice guys, they’re creative, they’re not violent. But, how do you define and see violence? It’s about the message. Also, to be aware of your surroundings, and how we see things. KM: What was your main source of influence/inspiration? DA: I love Latino culture, the music, the bright colors, and especially the people and the community. KM: Why do you use such bright colors, why is it so important in your artwork?
DA: It’s such a vibrant part of Latino life, it’s so rich. The colors capture the culture. KM: Can you tell us about this exhibition at Artisphere? DA: It is a show of live music and visual artwork. The exhibit will be on the balcony and the music will be below that. We have artists like Mr. Pelon 503, and Impacto Urbano and other reggaetoneros. There will be two hours of music, and art. It’s definitely not going to be one dimensional. The performances will center on the “Delicate/Violent” themes presented in the
exhibit through insightful and thoughtprovoking lyrics, street style and attitude. The free opening reception and music showcase starts Friday, January 25th from 6-10pm. The “Rappers + Reggaetoneros” will hit the stage from 8-10pm. The exhibition runs from Wednesday, January 9th through March 16, 2013. For more information visit: www.artisphere.com. █
28
/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE
/ JANUARY
2013
WWW.KESTADC.COM
/ 29
KE? GIVEAWAYS:
KESTA HOROSCOPE Aries:
Arjona says “Hoy es un buen dia para empezar, hacer borron cuenta nueva y dejar todo atraz.”
Libra: Yo Gaba Gaba says: “Lets get the sillies out” -Yo Gaba Gaba
Taurus: David Bisbal says: “Vivir tras la presión del egoísmo, de veras, no es vivir” -“Amar es lo que quiero”, David Bisbal
Scorpio: Luzbell says: “Vienes
Gemini: The Wailers says: “One Love! One Heart! Let’s get together and feel all right.“ -”One love/ One Heart”, The Wailers
Sagitarius: El Gran Combo says: “La situación difícil del amor que rompe corazones es cuando la verdad y la razón no borran los rencores ”
-“Hoy es un buen dia para empezar”, Arjona
cabalgando sobre ilusiones blancas bajo cielos verdes de inquietas esperanzas ” -“Advertencia”, Luzbell
-”Amor Perfecto”, El Gran Combo
Cancer: Romeo Santos says: “Tienes el aura y el poder que conduce al infinito a todo hombre que te suele conocer”
-”You” -Romeo Santos
Leo: The Wailers says: ”Don’t worry about a thing ‘cause ev’ry little thing gonna be alright”
Capricorn: Dabid Bisbal says:
“Subele la música que llega la fiesta”
-“No hay dos sin tres”, David Bisbal
Aquarius: Arcángel says: ”Porque te
encuentras solita (sola) tu mereces ser amada” -”Bonita”, Arcángel
-“Three little birds”, The Wailers
Virgo: Zacarias Ferreira says: “Todos tenemos en la vida algun recuerdo de amor que nos lleno el pensamiento con el pasado que aun sigue dentro del corazon ” -”No se si fue bueno o malo” - Zacarias Ferreira
Pisces: Ricardo Arjona says: ” A esa monotonia dale una dosis de fantasia agregale algo de picardia y despeina tu pelo agiliza tu cuerpo” -“Monitonia”, Ricardo Arjona
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!
F_A_9.5X5.4_HC_NOTICIAS_C.pdf
1
3/25/10
1:41 PM
kesta deals
WWW.KESTADC.COM
/ 32