May 23, 2004
Los Angeles, CA
by Ricky Richardson
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| Long John Oliva, master percussionist |
The great celebration of Cuban culture, the Cuban American Music Festival-Prescencia Cubana in Los Angeles, returned to its traditional location by the lake in Echo Park, on Sunday, May 23rd. For almost 10 years, the City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department has sponsored and supported this important California Festival. This free event was held at the Jose Marti Plaza in Los Angeles in the famous and locally popular Echo Park neighborhood.
Marking its 10-year anniversary, the celebration honored the Queen of Salsa, Celia Cruz, the first time a festival was named in her honor. It is a fitting tribute given posthumously to the late, great Celia Cruz. Cruz's legacy lives on in her music and in the hearts of millions of her fans.
The event was also supported by corporations and many prominent Cuban organizations and individuals. The festival serves as a platform to show new Cuban generations and other communities the art, culture and mouth-watering food of Cuba. The festival has a wide popularity amongst the diverse ethnic communities in Los Angeles.
Eugenio Guerra served as Master of Ceremonies. DJ Saoco played CD's of Celia Cruz music in between each set to the delight of the audience who came to this event to dance.
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Orquestra Guama |
Popular local musical acts delighted the overflowing crowd in Echo Park. Orquestra Guama debuted at the festival with some hot Latin rhythms. This group has only been together for five months. The crowded dance floor was a way for the audience to show their approval of this tight knit band. Members of this exciting band inlcude Ruben Rivas on flute, Brian Velasquez on keyboards, Larry Vasquez on bass, Luis Alba on congas, Alfredo Ortiz, lead vocals, Marco Taboray on timbales and Rocio Marron and Kirsten Bersch on violins.
Next to performed were Long John Oliva and Timbache. Long John Oliva is a master of Afro-Cuban folkloric rhythms, Latin jazz, Son, Salsa, and Timba. This explosive band consisted of Long John Oliva on congas, Jose Hernandez on various percussions, Ivan on tres, Paul Piñeda on timbales, Fermin Sifontes on keyboards/piano, Jorge Perez on bass, Javier Vergara on sax/flute/soprano, Arturo Solar on trumpet and Garrett Smith on trombone. If and when the opportunity presents itself, I highly recommend seeing this marvelous band live in concert.
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Yamila |
Yamila and Family took the stage next. Yamila is a very exciting and energetic performer. She sang and danced throughout her fully charged set. She held the audience undivided attention.
The LA Salsa Kids are always a treat to watch. Despite the young age, members have had the pleasure of performing all over California as well as the United States. They are wonderful compliment to every event that I have had the pleasure of seeing them perform. Closing out the festival with a splendid show was Charanga Cubana.
All photos © 2004 by Ricky Richardson.
No reproduction of any kind without writtten permission.