President Barack Obama has appointed Colombian superstar Shakira as a member of the Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics. The White House supported this decision highlighting Shakira's humanitarian record through her Barefoot Foundation as well as her work with the World Bank on educational programs.

The Commission, which was created by President Obama early this year, provides advice to the President and Education Secretary Arne Duncan on educational issues related to Hispanic communities in the US. The Latin music star was honored by the decision and shared her own words in the White House blog saying that "investing in the educational achievement of this vulnerable population will not only help determine the economic future and competitiveness of this nation, but can serve as a model for the world. I am grateful to have an opportunity to support and inform such important work," Shakira stated.

Bachata sensation artist Prince Royce is about to release the song "Las Cosas Pequeñas," the first single to hit the market from his upcoming album Phase II. The new single will make its debut on Latin radio stations on January 16th, and it will be available on iTunes on January 24th. The video of this song, which was recorded in New York City, will be also released at the end of this month.

After achieving triple platinum status in the US and Puerto Rico with his debut album Prince Royce, the Bachata singer is very excited about Phase II. The new production will hit the stores on April 10th. Stay tuned for more information about one of the most anticipated albums of the year.

Throughout history, music has been used as an effective channel to confront political systems. Latin music is not an exception to that rule. Very often, in fact, Latin music has been used to describe and contest the abuse of power. This is particularly true for a region where inequality has shaped a big chunk of societies in the Americas. The following is a selection of Latin music songs dealing political oppression, Imperialism, immigration and drug trafficking.

Political Oppression

Latin America's political history has been marked by many struggles. Among them, the dictatorships of the 20th century left many sad memories in the region. Latin music, however, has been always used as an instrument to oppose this kind of oppression. The dictatorship that dominated Brazil for most of the 1960s and 1970s, inspired various singers to use music as a way to fight the regime.

Chico Buarque de Hollanda, one of the most famous Brazilian singers in history, was among those who used music to fight political oppression. "Apesar De Voce" (In Spite of You) is one of the best songs he wrote during that time. In this song, the subject 'You' refers to the regime, and the track repeats several times that in spite of the regime ('You'), tomorrow will be another day.

Imperialism

In the history of Latin America, the word Imperialism has come to define the political influence of the US in the region. This influence, which started at the beginning of the 20th century, was particularly strong during the Cold War period when several dictatorships were somehow supported by the US in order to tackle Communism in the region.

One of the songs that relates to this topic is "Tiburon" by Ruben Blades. In this track, the Panamanian artists talks about a shark that is ready to attack in the waters of the Caribbean. The lyrics of this song become a call for the whole region to fight this intrusive tiburon (shark).

Immigration

Social conditions in Latin America have forced many people in the region to look north for a better future. This flow of people towards the US has been anything but smooth. Very often, the newly arrived are illegal immigrants who are trapped between their illegal status and their desire to realize the American Dream.

Several Mexican music artists have gathered enormous crowds in the US because of their music, which very often reflects on the frustrations illegal immigrants experience in the US. One of the most popular hits regarding this issue is "La Jaula De Oro" by Los Trigres del Norte, which tells the story of an illegal alien in the US who feels trapped in a golden cage.

Other Latin music singles dealing with the topic of immigration, in a more global perspective, include Manu Chao's hit song "Cladestino" and "Sur o No Sur" by Kevin Johansen. Musically speaking, both songs are great. While the former deals with the lack of identity that bear people who are not legally accepted in rich nations, the latter depicts the eternal ambivalence that exists between leaving one condition to move into another.

Drug Trafficking

Although illegal drug trade is not entirely a political issue, I decided to add it here just because of the political repercussions it has had in local politics all over the region. Many countries in Latin America have been affected by drug trafficking. In particular, Colombia and Mexico have suffered from tragic episodes provoked by drug wars. Besides these episodes, drug lords have created a lifestyle that has influenced different communities in the region.

"Chica De Cartel," one of the songs produced by the Colombian Salsa band Guayacan, tells the story of a girl that ended up involved with drug dealers. It describes the behavior of a young girl who uses her charms to get the favors of the bad guys. In other words, this track deals with the moral corruption provoked by drug dealers in different cities across the Americas.

More recently, some Mexican music artists have created a new style of Corrido whose lyrics are inspired by the lives of famous drug dealers. This controversial style, which is known as Narcocorrido, has become quite popular, and some of today's top Mexican music artists have been actively involved in the production of these kind of music.

Tracks like "Cartel De Tijuana" by Lupillo Rivera or "Muerte Anunciada" by Los Tigres del Norte are just two of the songs dealing with drug trafficking in the region. Because of this, several artists have become victims of their own creations, and some have been killed by drug dealers who did not like a particular song. Many singers and bands on this field defend the Narcocorrido saying they are just describing the real world.

Hello Everyone,

Finally!!! Group classes are starting this week.

Here is the schedule for this week...

1. New Group Classes for Adults are now up.

TONIGHT!!! New Bachata Class @ Houston Dance Factory (SW Houston)
TUE. - New Salsa Class @ Houston Dance Factory (SW Houston)
WED. - New Salsa Class @ The Dance Studio (Humble)
THU. - New Salsa Class @ Houston Dance Factory (SW Houston)
FRI. - New Bachata Class @ Houston Dance Factory (SW Houston)
SAT. - New Salsa Class @ Houston Dance Factory (SW Houston) & New Salsa Class @ Club 06/Escapade 2006
SUN. - New Salsa Class @ Houston Dance Factory (SW Houston)

For more info click here: http://www.salsaeddy.com/group-class.html*

Note: * Unlimited is an extra $30. Also, we offer unlimited for Bachata Group Classes too. No more couple rates for Bachata. Last but, not least, New Beginner Salsa Class Saturday Nights @ Club 06 @ 8pm. Then stay & socialize with me & my other students.

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2. New Dance Programs for Kids are now up.

A. Ballet & Jazz Group Lessons...

Every Wednesday - Starting @ 5PM: Ballet & Jazz (Ages: 6 - 12)

Every Saturday - Starting @ 10AM: Ballet & Jazz (Ages: 6 - 12)

Every Saturday - Starting @ 11AM: Ballet Only (Ages: 2 - 4)

The total cost $40 for 4 classes or $100 for 3 months per child.

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B. Contemporary Modern Group Lessons...

Every Wednesday - Starting @ 6PM: Contemporary Modern (Ages: 13 & UP)

Every Saturday - Starting @ 12PM: Contemporary Modern (Ages: 13 & UP)

The total cost $40 for 4 classes or $100 for 3 months per child.

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C. Hip Hop Group Lessons...

Every Tuesday - Starting @ 6PM: Hip Hop For Kids (Ages: 6 - 11)

Every Wednesday - Starting @ 6:30PM: Hip Hop For Teens (Ages: 12 - 17)

Every Saturday - Starting @ 11AM: Hip Hop For Teens (Ages: 12 - 17)

Every Saturday - Starting @ 12PM: Hip Hop For Kids (Ages: 6 - 11)

The total cost $40 for 4 classes or $100 for 3 months per child.

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D. Salsa Group Lessons...

Every Saturday - Starting @ 11AM: Salsa For Kids (Ages: 6 - 11)

Every Saturday - Starting @ 12PM: Salsa For Teens (Ages: 12 - 17)

Last day to join the Winter Semester is January 28, 2012!!!

The total cost $40 for 4 classes or $100 for 3 months per child.

For more info click here:
http://www.salsaeddy.com/dance-program-kids--teens.html*

Note...
* Kids must have uniform. More info on the website.

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3. Remember I'm open for privates. If you are interested & want more info click here: http://www.salsaeddy.com/private-lessons.html

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4. Places to go out dancing this week. Come join me @ the following
places...

Tuesday - Avani Lounge (5711 Hillcroft Ave)
Wednesday - Cafe Europe (2711 Fountain View Dr)
Thursday - The Horn (6025 Richmond Avenue)
Friday - Plaza 59 (5901 Hillcroft Avenue)*
Saturday - Club 06 / Escapade 2006 (11925 Eastex Freeway)
Sunday - Fox Hollow (4617 Nett Street)

Note...
* Guest DJ Spiky will be playing this Friday @ Plaza 59

***

5. Do you know about my other websites...

www.salsaeddy.com
www.houstondancefactory.com
www.djsalsaeddy.com
www.houstontropicalradiostation.com

That is all for now, thank you for your time.

Big Hugs & God Bless.

SalsaEddy

PS. Look me up on Facebook under "Salsa Eddy".

Besides being one of the best Salsa singers in history, Ruben Blades has transformed Salsa music into a meaningful experience. Throughout his professional career, this Panamanian artist has written powerful lyrics dealing with topics like inequality, oppression, criminality, and the meaning of life. The following songs contain some of the best lyrics Ruben Blades has ever produced.

10. “Prohibido Olvidar” The lyrics of this song are powerful. "Prohibido Olvidar" is a timeless single that deals with the negative memories dictatorships left in Latin America. However, this song encompasses a global appeal. It is, in fact, a reminder for all of us to never forget what happens when political power falls in the hands of oppressive and corrupted regimes. It is not allowed to forget! This is what this song is all about.

9. “Maestra Vida” is a single that deals with the school of life we all have to go through. It is a reflection of the things that we see but we do not understand. The lyrics describe life as a temporary trip full of opposite experiences. This song is about what life gives you and what life takes away from you. "Maestra Vida" is one of the most iconic songs from Ruben Blades.

8. “Decisiones” This song is about decisions. From the girl who does not know what to do after finding out she is pregnant to the drunk man who decides to get into his car because he believes he is a better driver with alcohol, this song is about the price we have to pay for our actions. This uplifting song is one of the most popular hits Ruben Blades has ever written.

7. “Pablo Pueblo” The story of "Pablo Pueblo" is the story of an average poor man who struggles with his life and the conditions of his own existence. "Pablo Pueblo" describes an internal conflict that moves between frustration and hope. It is a touching song thanks to the poetic lyrics Ruben Blades incorporated into this single.

6. “Pedro Navaja” This is probably Ruben Blades' most famous song, and one track that has been considered by many one of the top Salsa songs ever written. Part of the appeal of "Pedro Navaja" relies in the fact that despite the tragic story it tells, the song is almost funny. It deals with a tragic episode between a prostitute and a thief in the streets of a big city, who kill each other for money. In the end, a drunk man finds the two bodies, takes the money, and walks away singing the main message of this song: Life is full of surprises.

5. “Te Estan Buscando” This is another song that deals with the issue of criminality in big cities. "Te Estan Buscando" (They are looking for you), is a warning to those who take the wrong way in life. It also describes the tension that arises when law enforcement agents move into the ghetto. The slow melody, which is defined by some amazing trombone playing, is plain fantastic.

4. “Sicarios” is probably one of the toughest songs Ruben Blades has ever written. It describes the deadly ritual that goes along with the mission of a sicario (hired assassin) who gets ready to shoot someone from his motorcycle. The figure of the sicario, which evolved in Latin America mainly through drug related violence, has affected countries like Colombia and Mexico. The lyrics of this song describes that sad reality.

3. “Tiburon” This song has lots of inner messages on it. In this case, this tiburon (shark) is more than animal here. This track deals with Imperialism in the Americas and with the uncomfortable presence of a powerful being in the Caribbean. If you listen carefully, this shark refers to presence of the US in the region. "Tiburon" is a call for an entire continent to defend its sovereignty.

2. "Plastico" is one of the most popular songs by Ruben Blades. Its irony makes a mockery of all of those who are trapped in a superficial life where the only thing that counts is money, fashion, and fake relationships. "Se ven las caras pero nunca el corazon" (You see faces but never the heart) is the sentence that defines this wonderful single.

1. “Ligia Elena” at first, the lyrics of this song may seem to tell a funny story. However, the funny part goes away quickly when you start to connect the lyrics with the real life. Racism has been a taboo in Latin America for many years. However, it does exist and very often it goes in connection to social class exclusion. "Ligia Elena" tells the story of a rich white girl who falls in love with the 'wrong' person. This is as good as it gets in terms of Ruben Blades lyrics.

To read his lyrics go to: http://www.rubenblades.com/letras. Enjoy.

Very often when we think about Latin music, we probably think about music in Spanish language, a night of dancing, romantic songs or the hits of popular stars like Shakira and Daddy Yankee. However, Latin music is more than that.

Latin music is, in fact, a reflection on a whole culture and the environment where it has evolved. Because of this, there are many Latin music songs that deal with important social issues in the region. The following is an overview of the way Latin music connects with issues of identity, race, and poverty.

Culture and Identity

Since the arrival of Columbus, Latin America has been struggling with its own identity. From the very beginning, the imposition of European standards affected millions of people in the region mostly through social and racial discrimination. There is one element though, that has played an important role in the construction of culture and identity in the Americas: Latin music.

The main reason why Latin music has played this role relies in the fact that it has been an inclusive experience. In other words, Latin music has never been touched by the imposition of particular standards. It has been a popular phenomenon that has been defined by people of all races and social backgrounds.

Latin music is by itself a defining element of culture and identity. It has reinforced identities among people in Latin America as well as Latino communities in the US. This is why a classic Tango song touches the soul of an Argentinian person in the same way the notes of a Ranchera melody touches the heart of a Mexican person.

National and Regional Identities

Latin music has also played a significant role in the construction of national identities. By exalting the natural treasures of Brazil, the song "Aquarela Do Brasil" by Ary Barroso, is one example of the way music has entered into the realm of national identities. Something similar happens with songs like "Guantanamera" in Cuba and "La Pollera Colora'" in Colombia.

Very often, however, Latin music has moved beyond the national sphere to embrace a regional cause. There are many songs that deal with the identity of Latin America as a whole. For instance, the song "Por Que No Se Van" by the Chilean Rock band Los Prisioneros, is a strong call to be proud of Latin American culture.

More recently, the famous Urban/Hip-Hop band Calle 13 has enjoyed enormous popularity thanks to the song "Latinoamerica," which offers amazing lyrics about big and small things that are unique to the culture, history and people of the Americas. In this sense, Latin music has become a channel that is constantly reinforcing national and regional pride.

Racism

For many centuries, racism has remained a taboo topic in Latin America. This is in part because of the cultural mix that occurred during the colonial times. With so many skin tones resulting from that mix, color became less important than class in terms of assigning individual social status.

This assumption became even bigger during the independence period when a new flow of democratic ideals promoted the value of mixed societies. In spite of this, race remained an important element of discrimination in the region neglected by the fake victory of those ideals over the real world.

Latin music has produced many songs dealing with this kind of discrimination. This is, in fact, particularly strong when dealing with Afro-Latin music such as Salsa, Merengue or Samba. One of my favorite tracks in this field is "Etnia" by the Colombian Salsa band Grupo Niche. This is a powerful song that reminds us of the fact that we all share the same blood and origin.

Another song dealing with racism is "Ligia Elena," a single written by Ruben Blades that describes the social scandal produced by a rich, white girl who falls in love with a poor, black trumpet player.

New Latin music artists continue to touch racial issues in their songs. One of the most outspoken bands in this field is Colombia's Urban sensation ChocQuibTown. Their song "De Donde Vengo Yo" describes the struggles of black people in that country.

Poverty

Besides racial inequality, poverty represents the economic side of the same coin. Because of its impact, poverty and the struggles of all of those who suffered from this social imbalance have become a recurring issue in Latin music. One of the best singles dealing with this topic is "El Costo De La Vida" by the Dominican superstar Juan Luis Guerra. This track denounces the never ending increase of the cost of living in economies that have been always in trouble.

Poverty, racism and the construction of identities are some of the social issues that Latin music has confronted. There are many more topics Latin music has touched including politics, criminality, human rights, gender, and environmental issues. This article is just a brief introduction to the relation that exists between Latin music and society. If you listen to it carefully, Latin Music can tell you many things about Latin America and its people.

The Richmond-based Salsa band Bio Ritmo has just released the new album La Verdad. This musical production preserves the innovative style that has defined the music of this band for over twenty years. The album's hit song "La Verdad" is one of the best Salsa songs I have listened to this year.

Bio Ritmo is quite active in these days. Besides the new album, the band is getting ready to promote its music with a new tour around the country. The following are the cities and venues included in the band's upcoming series of concerts.

I recently had the pleasure to exchange some words with Bobby Marin, a legendary Latin music producer who was behind the Latin Boogaloo craze that took by storm New York during the 1960s. From our conversation, it became clear that Boogaloo has never gone away. Moreover, Bobby Marin is making his own contribution to the resurrection of this vibrant rhythm.

Back in the 1960s, Bobby Marin had the opportunity to work with the big names of Latin Boogaloo including artists like Joe Cuba, Louie Ramirez and Tito Puente, among others. Now, this experienced producer is actively involved in different project aimed at preserving the memory of Latin Boogaloo and old good Salsa.

Among his current projects, Bobby Marin has built a website where he is bringing music that has never been released before. Lots of Salsa, Mambo, and of course, Boogaloo. He is also working on a new book for Fania Records where he shares his life experience with the music he helped to define. Finally, Bobby Marin is collaborating with the upcoming Boogaloo movie We Like It Like That.

According to Bobby Marin, Latin Boogaloo is recently enjoying an increasing popularity in different places. Whether the resurrection takes place or not, Latin Boogaloo will always keep a special place in Latin music history. If you want to find out more about Latin Boogaloo, I invite you to read Bobby Marin's exclusive interview for About's Latin Music site.

Traditional Latin American music is often overlooked because of the attention people give to main rhythms and styles such as Salsa, Merengue, Tango and Latin Pop.

However, there are hundreds of traditional styles that are worth to get familiar with if one wants to get a better understanding of Latin American music. Let's take a look at some of the most important rhythms and styles that define Traditional Latin music.

Zamba and Murga from The South

Besides Tango, the southern part of South America is home to very interesting traditional music. Zamba is, in fact, the national dance in Argentina and Chile.

The sounds of Zamba are produced by a combination of guitars playing along the beats of a prominent drum named bombo leguero. By contrast, Murga is more of a popular musical theater played in Uruguay and Argentina during the Carnival.

Andean Music

As its name says it, Andean music was born in the extensive region crossed by the Andes. Because of this, Andean music is very popular in countries like Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador. This type of indigenous music is usually played with a set of different panpipes, charango (a small string instrument) and bombo (drums).

Choro and Sertaneja Music from Brazil

Choro and Sertaneja music are only two of the most popular forms of Traditional Latin American music coming from Brazil. Choro developed in Rio de Janeiro during the 19th century. It became popular in the 1930s but it lost its appeal during the Bossa Nova boom. Choro is usually played with guitars, flute and cavaquinho, a combination that makes this style quite pleasant to the ear.

Sertaneja music is a traditional style equivalent to Country music in the US. It is, indeed, quite popular in Brazil but not outside the country. Sertaneja has its origins in the sertao and caipira music, two traditional Brazilian music styles. In addition to Choro and Sertaneja, Brazil has many more traditional rhythms that include Maracatu, Afoxe, Frevo and Forro, among others.

Cumbia from Colombia

Cumbia is Colombia's most well known contribution to Traditional Latin American music. This rhythm was born in the Atlantic coast of the country during the 19th century. Cumbia offers a heavy percussion which is nicely combined with large gaita flutes. Despite being a Colombian rhythm, Cumbia has been extensively adopted as a musical expression in modern Mexican popular music.

Llanera Music from Colombia and Venezuela

Outside Colombia and Venezuela, very few are familiar with Musica Llanera, the music from the enormous area that includes the Colombian and Venezuelan plains above the Amazon. Llanera music takes inspiration from the country life in the plains and its rich sounds are produced by a standard combination of harp, string instruments (cuatro or bandola) and maracas.

Son and Danzon from Cuba

Cuba is by far one of the most influential countries in the making of Latin American music. It is also a land where we can find some of the most popular expressions of Traditional Latin music. Cuban Son, which was born in the Cuban country side, was originally played with guitars and percussion instruments such as clave and maracas. Cuban Son is, in fact, an essential ingredient of that musical mix we refer to as Salsa.

Danzon is one of those rhythms from which you can perceive a perfect combination of European sounds and African influences. It evolved from previous styles that included contradanza and habanera. This is definitely one of the most pleasant rhythms of Cuban music.

Plena and Bomba from Puerto Rico

Similarly to Cuban Son, the origins or Puerto Rican Bomba and Plena are also linked to country life. Both rhythms are heavily charged with African influences. Because of this, drums play a major role in the sounds of Bomba and Plena. While Bomba surged in northern Puerto Rico, Plena evolved in the southern, coastal part of the country.

Ranchera and Sones from Mexico

Overall, Ranchera is one of the most popular styles of Traditional Latin American music. It was originally played by a single guitar player but later became closely related to a full Mariachi band. During the troubling times of the Mexican Revolution, Ranchera music became a way to promote Mexican culture.

Nevertheless, two centuries before Ranchera, Mexico had developed its own Son, which was influenced by indigenous elements as well as African and Spanish traditions. Mexican Son was not a fixed rhythm but rather a flexible musical style whose sounds were heavily shaped by the different regions where it used to be played.

Besides Mexican Son and all the musical forms mentioned in this article, there is an amazing range of Traditional Latin music styles throughout Latin America. Each individual country in the region has nurtured Latin American music with its own contribution. This article is just an introduction for all of those who want to venture further in the rich universe of Traditional Latin music.

Forty years ago, the Cheetah Club in New York hosted one of its most special nights. On August 26, 1971 the legendary Salsa band Fania All Stars played at this venue delivering one of the most outstanding Salsa gigs in Latin music history.

Among the crowd, there was a film crew, led by Leon Gast, that captured the best moments of the show. That recording was the base for an experimental documentary dealing with Salsa and Latin culture: Our Latin Thing.

What started as an experiment ended up to be one of the most important visual documents ever produced in Latin music. Nuestra Cosa Latina, as it was known in Spanish, became the Woodstock of Salsa music.

The magic of the Cheetah celebrates its 40th anniversary. That concert not only gave birth to Our Latin Thing but also became a music production embraced by Salsa fans all over the world.

From that memorable concert, the songs "Descarga Fania" and "Quitate Tu" became anthems in the Salsa realm. Thanks to its amazing brass sections, percussion, and outstanding singers like Cheo Feliciano, Hector Lavoe and Ismael Miranda, The Fania All Stars changed the history of Salsa in one night.