Andres Cepeda, Colombian born singer from Bogota came to NYC for a concert that took place at Capitale. En La Escena gave me the wonderful task to go and cover the event, which was brought by Sm@rt Events and My Life Style Magazine.
Elizabeth Ortiz, President of My Life Style Magazine, interviewed Andres Cepeda and many more.
Best Buy had quite the crowd when Eddie Palmieri, a Latin Jazz Legend, came by for a panel discussion towards his DVD Release. He is a Grammy Award winning musician, pianist, and bandleader. He grew up in the Bronx after his parents migrated from Puerto Rico. He has been playing since he was a child.
Every friday night, Cavo Restaurant & Lounge (42-18,31st ave) hosts a big Euro-Latin Party. The combination of these two cultures gives Cavo a very live atmosphere. Its one of the best crossover parties in NYC. It contains 2 rooms, one for salsa, merengue, spanish rock, and more. Another for house, hip-hop and more.The best part about it is that theres absolutely no cover and free valet parking.
To mark off the 1 year anniversary, Elizabeth Ortiz, President of My Life Style Magazine, brought the event out. There were special performances by dancers and Artist, Fragancia Sofoke.
Heres a video I made from the night!
For more information on planning a special event or birthday, contact 718-775-6122
Here's a segment we did over the summer about Cavo.
"...real beauty is found on the inside and never fades, we have to constantly remind ourselves of our worth in a culture dominated by the ever-changing standards of beauty...Latina beauty is constantly under seige, either because of total omission, limited representation, outright misrepresentations, or stupid comments. And the lesson for young latinas everywhere is crystal clear: We have to tell our own stories, make our own movies, publish our own magazines, support those who do right by us, put the pressure on those who don't, and stop looking for a validation from mainstream media that are racist without even trying!"- The New Latina's Bible
Sandra Guzman
Sandra Guzman wrote an inspirational guide for Latina Women to follow and gain confidence from by gaining knowledge of their roots. The book opens up a new image on what it is to be a Latina-American. Many women struggle to survive socially in America because they don't have the personal and physical confidence to do so.
Rosie Perez, Actress and friend of Sandra Guzman, giving her input.
This book unfolds truths that will help you understand and appreciate who you are. It helps strengthen relationships with family, friends, and love. It will open up eyes to a beautiful world many Latina Women never expected to see.
"Our men are not stupid or ignorant, and they weren't born on Mars. They're not born machistas, either. But they were socialized into being and expecting certain things from us and society...We women must often be the teachers, but both men and women have to be willing to take on the challenge, and to meet it together, a day at a time. By establishing your own rules, are teaching your man to be the best hubby he can be. A macho moment." -The New Latina's Bible
Fashion Week may be over, but its still somewhat going for some in different ways. Elizabeth Ortiz, president of "MyLifeStyle Magazine," contributed to a fundraiser. This weekend, Warren Pena, democratic candidate running for a seat in Norwalk's Common Council at Large, hosted a campaign fundraiser.
He reaches out for his Hispanic Community in an impressive manner. This is what makes him different. How he sees the importance and wishes to support where he came from and his rich hispanic roots. Warren as well had all the support he needed, from his family, friends, and teammates.
Warren Pena also included designs by Sandra Baquero, a Colombian fashion designer. This spiced up the night. Who would of thought Politics and Fashion could blend well together?
Fashion Week as we know it started Thursday Night for Fashion's Night Out down in Soho. For me it started at Big Drop NYC for Nicky Hiltons launch of Nicholai. I was accompanied by Elizabeth Ortiz, President of LifeStyle Magazine and Media Partner of En La Escena. Nicky told us where her thoughts derived from and how she plans to further her collection in the future.
Through out the week, Elizabeth and I attended the VLOV collection for the Mercedes Benz Fashion Show at Lincoln Center. We attended many Spanish designer events/shows, such as Caribe Estilo (collections from Caribbean Fashion Week), which showed hot emerging designers from Latin America, such as Sully Bonelly, Carlos Casanova, Lucia Rodriguez, Thais Schenk, and Martin Polanco.
The way these girls walk down the runway is done so elegantly excellent. Especially when they walk in the 5 inch heels seen below. What may give off the fact that these shoes are from the "Caribe Estilo" show is the pride and representation of Soccer. We all love hearing the "Gooooooooooooal".
Elizabeth Ortiz, President of My Life Style Magazine
Heres En La Escenas Segment on Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. This segment also contains a bit of the Brazilian Independence Day, as well as a good look at hair and make-up with Salseeks very own.
How I Wrote that Song was a panel discussion on the process of songwriting and the stories behind these Bachata songs. Artists there included J'Martin, Yanel Cruz, Loisaidas Zol y Luna, but my personal favorite out of all would be the Bachata trio "24 Horas". They are just right off the bat charming and respectful men. The dynamic they bring to the table is amazing. Their voices will melt you away.
The artists sat and told their audience what had lead them to writing their song. They also did a minor performance of each. J'Martin blessed us with hearing "Aprender seer infiel," Yanel gave music to our ears with "Dominicanita," and 24 Horas lured us all with "No puedo Creer."
My favorite event of the year, not only because it marks 1 year after meeting Carmen Rosa from Mamachas Del Ring, but it also marks 1 year of meeting and knowing En La Escena.
This year I attended Chico y Rita, a heartbreaking and exhilarating animated feature-length film about a piano player and extravagant singer who come together. Their talents and passion for music brings them together and they fall in love.
I also attended a series of short films called "Empire State of Mind," featuring films: "NightLife", El Spanish Lesson," "Our Time," "Mosquito," "Gone," "The Act of Love," "The Interview," "Piel," and "Trouble Child."
One of my personal favorites was El Spanish Lesson, by Hannah Sanderson. A girl goes out of her way to meet her boyfriends mother, Magdalena at Magdalena's hair salon. Its humorous and cute to see the combination of two races coming together. The only thing stopping them from interacting is their difference of language. But in the end it comes to show that one can learn a lot from sitting in a Spanish Hair Salon.
Another one of my personal favorites was Mosquito, by Jeremy Engle. Mosquito follows a young boy that is tortured by his neighborhood locals. It shows the struggle he goes through to deserve the respect he needs. I have a soft spot for films about youth due to the fact that I work with children. I'm around them all day and I felt like this movie would be great for children who are tormented and need to believe that they can overcome their fears and gain respect.
Elizabeth Ortiz (President of My Life Style Magazine) got a chance to attend the pre-screening of CNNs "In her Corner", a documentary about Latino Women and boxing.
Japan witnessed a devastating 9.0 earthquake and tsunami that left 21,000 people dead/missing. Japan was left with limited food, water, electricity, and left thousands of children in need.
To support them, Veronica Ram & Lisa Li, founders of Livents, partnered with UNICEF (The United Nations Children's Funds) to produce a "Be an Angel" event. UNICEF works for children's rights. They specialize in helping children recover from traumas or crisis. Japan has supported this organization for years, therefore UNICEF was there to support Japan as well.
Lisa Li & Veronica Ram are now leading entrepreneurs that pave the way for growth, change, and development.
The fund-raising event took place at the chic lounge of the Fitzpatrick Hotel (687 Lexington Avenue), and it was beautiful. Another inspiring and musing place for En La Escena to be.
Aside from having an amazing open bar on Coronas for the beginning of the night at KATRA Lounge last night, I was there for the CD Release Party for Reggaeton Artists, Alexis y Fido. Being a huge Reggaeton fan I have to say their latest album is feeling fly. Surprise guest, Toby Love, was also in the building for the night.
Here is a fabulous segment with EnLaEscenas beautiful host Leticia Reyes.
Toby Love & Leticia Reyes
Leticia Reyes with two Reggaeton Artists in the making
Last night at the legendary SOB's, 5 couples came together to compete for a Salsa Competition. After some merengue and bachata warm ups the competition got intense.
Big pointers to the judges for being able to make such a difficult decision. 2nd and 1st place winners definitely deserved it.
This is an event that occurs often and i highly recommend it. Its open to both professional and non-professional dancers. Want to make a $300 cash prize? Definitely sign up for it when you can!
The Executive Producer Anthony Austin creator of En La Escena TV, interviews R&B and smooth Jazz artist Kem at Madison Square Garden, at his intimacy tour. I was there to film the interview and photograph the concert afterwards. Madison Square Garden was packed and KEM put on a fascinating show.
Natalie Maniscalo, CEO & Founder
of SALSEEK Photographed by Chasi Annexy
SALSEEK, an interactive digital magazine, provides you with news and trends from Salsa all around the world. Last night they had their ultimate kick-off party to celebrate the launch of SALSEEK, along with the Grammy Nominated New Swing Sextet & Salsa DJ Henry Knowles. This took place at Hudson Terrace, a luxurious rooftop bar.
The event was phenomenal, along with getting many interviews with Salsa Dancers and supporters, watching the crowd dance so lively to the music was inspiring.
This monday at LQ (Latin Quarter), the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism held a press conference announcing the upcoming República Dominicana Fashion. This affair kicked off the first of several events celebrating the provocative allure of Dominican art and fashion. Their fashion week is being held MAY 2011 on their beloved island.
"The Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism provides comprehensive information regarding the infinite list of compelling reasons to travel to this Caribbean gem, that truly Has it All. For travelers looking to sink their teeth into Caribbean offerings, the island of the Dominican Republic is already a definitive destination for indulging in tropical music, rich culture, nature, history, art, culinary excellence and luxurious beachfronts. And now, the RDFW movement has been widely embraced for its unprecedented influence in positioning the island as dazzling new destination for the global fashion industry. In the Spring of 2011 world renowned and emerging break-through fashion designers will once again descend upon the enchanted island of the Dominican Republic for the inaugural República Dominicana Fashion Week (RDFW). Only in its third consecutive year, this epic event continues to attract a host of international designers and emerging native garment gurus to its Santo Domingo stage. Designers such as Angel Sanchez, LuLu Guinness and Jose Duran, are amongst past presenters. From the modern stage, independent designers, to luxury brands, and franchises, RDFW is the premier event displaying the country’s expansive market and attractiveness of its diverse economy."
-To learn more about RDFW, please visit: www.rd-fw.com
Paolo Divaldi
Jose Duran
Dominican fashion designers, Sully Bonnelly, Jose Duran, Joel Jolibe, Janey (Nicole Miller),Andres Aquino; Paolo Divaldi, (Stylist & Makeup artist) and Milton Cruz (Fashion Stylist), were all there to support this fascinating event and introduce their culture.
Recording artists, such as,Kat Deluna, Maluca, Toby Love, Oro Solido, 24 Horas, new Latin female group Rok Fairies, and actor, Anthony Alvarez, were all their to represent their roots and heritage.
Another one of my personal favorites was Mosquito, by Jeremy Engle. Mosquito follows a young boy that is tortured by his neighborhood locals. It shows the struggle he goes through to deserve the respect he needs. I have a soft spot for films about youth due to the fact that I work with children. I'm around them all day and I felt like this movie would be great for children who are tormented and need to believe that they can overcome their fears and gain respect.
