_______________________________________________________________________

 

Tuesday, August 26, 2008 El Pikete

I've got you covered. Here is your first look of ex Bamboleo Yordamis Merget singing with El Pikete. Unfortunately Yordamis will not be able to attend the New Jersey show; but if you are ever in Miami make sure you check her out at Rice and Beans alongside El Pikete every Saturday night.

* There were some lighting problems as I recorded the video.

 

Don't miss El Pikete alongside ex Pupy y Los Que Son Son's star singer Pepito Gomez Sunday, August, 31 at Studio 45 in New Jersey.

For more info call 718-733-7163.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008 Rumor

Sources tell me that Manolito is already recording a new album in Havana. Maybe he was not to happy with the last release?

Friday, August 22, 2008 Yordamis

Miami Timba Star Yordamis Merget has joined El Pikete. I love this new addition to El Pikete. To the left we have Haney the young and very talented "Haila like" sonera. To the right we have the ex Bamboleo Yordamis who is a very beautiful and Charismatic timbera who has several years of experience in the Timba scene. And in the middle we have Xavier Milli who reminds me of Alain Daniel. El Pikete is starting to look like the reincarnation of the Bamboleo of the late 90s. This line up should be a very interesting one. It is also a lineup Miami timba fans should support, and not take for granted.

El Pikete will be at Rice and Beans this Saturday:

7500 NW 25th St # 103
Miami, FL 33122
(305) 468-8776

Friday, August 22, 2008 Havana in Alaska

Review by Julian Mejia of http://www.salsatlanta.com:


I am back from one of the, if not, the best trips I have done in United States. 7 days cruise from Vancouver to Anchorage Alaska.

Havana in Alaska, a Salsa cruise organized by Mary Christensen, Felix Bambury Webbe and Victoria Hadar Harel.

We departed Vancouver on Wednesday August 13th and arrived Anchorage Alaska on Wednesday August 20th.

From the day of embakation to the last day, about 80 people from all over participated on one of the best trips ever, a whole week of the best salsa parties, great new friends and dance workshops, from Son, musicality to Afro Cuban and Samba dances.

On Wednesday the 13th by 5PM we were all on board of the Carnival Spirit, a 88,500 tons ship, with more than 2,500 people on in. By 6PM our salsa group was dancing and getting to know each other at the Cool Club Lounge. DJ "Melao" was in charged of keeping of dancing all the time with the best Salsa, Son and specially Timba.

By 8:30 PM we were meeting daily for dinner and at 10:30 pm all back to the Cool Club Lounge or the Lido Deck for more dancing.
By 8:00 AM we were all dancing again on our workshops. I was so inspired to teach every day thanks to the great energy the group was providing me, despite the few hour of sleep every day, as soon as I was in front of this great group of people ready to dance, my energy was burning ready to teach and dance with everybody. Classes were until noon, and after class we were ready to discover Alaska (Ketchikan, Juneau, Sitka, Skagway)

On our day in Juneau after a day of seeing bears, salmon, glaciers, whales and many other things we finished the day by teaching and dancing at the Salsa Festival at the Centennial Hall in downtown Juneau. We loved the people in town, their energy. We did the largest Rueda in Alaska. 86 Couples or something like that.

I want to thank the organizers: Mary, Felix and Victoria, Dj Melao, instructors, but more specially to all the students who participated on this event. Without you this would had not been possible.

For those who missed it, I recommend you to contact Mary and ask here about next year's Cruise.

You can find the photos from each day at:
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6

Friday, August 22, 2008 Salsa Mayor

Maikel Blanco has released his new album "Anda y Pegate" with the lable Plantea Records who is practically releasing every major Timba album coming out of Cuba. The lable is located in Italy and it it also working with Prodland music who is based in Miami.I highly recomend this album which is great for the casineros and dancers of the world. Maikel is no longer with Envidia records. The story is that the last Maikel Blanco album "Me olvide quien era" which was released through Envidia contained the last of the material that was owned by Envidia records.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008 TCM Timba.com 2008 Recognition Award

Timba con Melao would like to recognize all those people who contribute in spreading this music we love to vast audiences worldwide. This year we want you guys to decide who deserves to take the title of TCM Timba.com Pioneer of the year. All the nominees have already been recognized as true pioneers in my book; but I want you to decide who the leader of the pack was this year. I have a genuine appreciation for the work and countless amount of hours that these promoters/managers/etc. have put into the promotion of Timba this year. I feel it is very important to give credit where credit is due. Que viva la Timba! Timba o Muerte ... Venceremos! Let's continue to take things to another level and lets win this fight together!

*Nominees* Most important Pioneer of Timba (out of Cuba)

1. Rafael Sonnenschein of Cubamemucho (organizer of the worldwide Cuban Salsa congress)

2. Elizabeth Sobol of Tiempo Libre (Manager of what I consider the most important Timba band in the world; Miami Libre; Grammy Nominee)

3. Juan Carlos/Sophie Giraud of Cuba in Toronto (Organizers of the only Timba North America has seen in years)

4. Anejo Productions of San Francisco's La Tropical (Longtime promoters of the hottest Timba spot in the U.S.)

5. Mary Christensen of Havana in Alaska (Organizer of the first ever Timbero's cruise to Alaska)

Vote Now

Tuesday, August 12, 2008 Tony Succar

a message from Mario de Leon promoter of viernes sociales.

The idea of the event is to bring the music back to the crowd that loves it. Bringing the musician face to face with the music lovers. I try to only use bands who are working on their career and are bringing some of their own music into the market, Original compositions.

I believe what happens is that the underground musicians innovate and evolve the music and it then gets reproduced by the same faces with the financial backing and sometimes not even correctly.

Past events have featured El Pikete, Dayron, and Xavier Milli among others. This week it's Tony Succar followed by the explosive timba of N'taya.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008 Upcoming dates!

DJ Melao @ Alcazaba Night Club (Coral Gables, FL)
Wednesday July 30th - Miami Salsa Congress (pre-party)
9:00 pm El Zol 95.7 live

DJ Melao @ Cubamemucho (Nottingham, U.K)
August 1-3- Cuban Salsa Congress
DJ Melao Official Deejay of the Cubamemucho Cuban Salsa Congress

DJ Melao @ Havana in Alaska Cruise (August 13-20th)

Tuesday, July 29, 2008 Miami Libre

I had the privilege of going to see Miami Libre today. Miami Libre is a musical that brings people the true story of the struggles that so many Cuban artists face in their journey from Havana to Miami. It is a story that represents many of us Timba fans who fight for the music we love everyday. It is a story that can open peoples eyes and ears. It is a story that is true, and 100% authentic! It is a full force of Timba (with the grammy nominated Tiempo Libre), killer dancing (ENA Dancers), and a compelling storyline with two very charismatic young actors Jencarlos Canela and Everlayn Borges. This is the dream musical for any Timba fan. It is the acclaimed Havana Night multiplied by two!

Tiempo Libre and Elizabeth Sobol have prooven to be the most important Timba band in the world! Tiempo Libre is breaking barriers and introducing this music we love to vast audiences across the U.S. in ways we never imagined. Not only are they introducing Timba music to audiences worldwide; but they are educating college students all across america. We can only hope that Miami Libre continues to be as successful as it has been in Miami throughout places like Broadway, Las Vegas, and even Europe. If you are in Miami between July 25th- August 17th do not miss this major event. Thank you Elizabeth Sobol! Thank you Tiempo Libre! Thank you for putting Timba in the spotlight across the U.S.!

Hopefully Miami Libre will feature a soundtrack on sale with some of Tiempo Libre's new songs!

Monday, July 28, 2008 Juventino appears

Here is new footage of Juventino performing his new song and being interviewed by Alexis Valdes on Miami T.V.

 

 

Thursday, July 24, 2008 Se pareze aquel

Dut to all the attention Pupy is getting for his new song "Se pareze aquel" I decided to share this rare footage of the song being performed by the band with Pepito right before his departure. The way this song was performed was something special to me. El maestro himself asked me to play the studio version of the song as he trusted that I would be able to mix it in with the band as they were performing it going into their second set. Here is the last part of the song. Enjoy!

 

Thursday, July 24, 2008 Xavier Mili

The latest news to hit the Miami scene is the Xavier Mili solo project! Xavier brings some straight up silky smooth timba full of flavor. The band brings the perfect blend of Salsa and Timba which is a great recipe for sucess in Miami. The band is already catching Miami's attention as they will be highlighting the annual Miami Salsa Congress as the guest band this year. I highly recomend you check out this group if you are in Miami. I will keep you guys posted with videos, pics, and more. For more on Xavier Mili click here.

Check out Xavier Mili and his band live below on Melaovision.

 

Tuesday, July 22, 2008 Miami Libre

Timba Con Melao wants to know who your favortie timba singer is. VOTE NOW!

 

Tuesday, July 22, 2008 Miami Libre

'Miami Libre': Original Miami production captures the Cuban immigrant life
Posted on Sun, Jul. 20, 2008
BY JORDAN LEVIN
jlevin@MiamiHerald.com

Miami Libre tells the story of Pepito, a young Havana musician who leaves behind his love Maria to take a raft to Miami, where he struggles and eventually finds success. It's structured more like a nightclub show than a classic stage musical. Gomez's timba band Tiempo Libre will play live. The Knight Concert Hall will be transformed into a cabaret, with a temporary floor laid over the regular concert seating, replaced by tables and chairs. There will be a full bar, and audiences will be encouraged to stay afterward to dance to Tiempo Libre's music, particularly at 11 p.m. weekend shows.

The story mirrors that of Gomez, whose Tiempo Libre has earned critical acclaim and produced two Latin Grammy-nominated albums. Gomez came to Miami by plane in 2000 after five years in Guatemala, instead of on a raft directly from Cuba. He struggled at first, working as a gardener and house painter. He played with Mexican bands in Palm Beach, and when he got a job with Cuban singer Albita, he would spend more than $100 in taxi fare to get to rehearsal because he didn't have a car.

''At the beginning it was difficult not to lose hope,'' Gomez says. ``But I knew that music was the only thing that could help me.''

Timba, the intense, intricate dance music of 1990s Cuba, had already brought Gomez and many of his countrymen through the ''special period'' of economic chaos and despair on the island. ''[Timba] was our support in a difficult situation,'' Gomez says. ``If we didn't have anything to eat, at least there was timba to listen to. If there was nothing to do, there was timba to dance to. If there was no work, we played to have fun and forget our pains. And on coming to the United States we wanted people to know this story, not just this musical style, but this part of our lives.''

Gomez found a supporter in Elizabeth Sobol, who fell in love with Cuban music in 1999 and went from managing famed classical music clients like Itzhak Perlman as a managing director of IMG Artists agency to working with Cuban artists in Miami in 2002. Sobol was moved not only by the band's music, but also by the stories of Gomez and his compatriots. She was convinced that, coupled with the enthusiastic reaction of audiences around the country to Tiempo Libre shows, their music and experience could have wide appeal.

''These stories are so powerful,'' says Sobol. ``They're universal immigrant stories. A lot of people have told the story of Cuba up to 1960, the golden age. No one has told the story of what has happened since then, or what's happening now. These are people who left everything behind, and through love and faith and hard work they're triumphing. It's an American story.''

One of the few Miami Libre performers not born in Cuba is its star, 20-year old Cuban-American Jencarlos Canela, who plays Pepito. An actor in the popular Telemundo novela Pecados Ajenos, a budding recording artist and a sometime model, Canela, whose father came from Cuba on the Mariel boatlift, says he's been both inspired and humbled at being in this show.

''I am very proud to be American, but that doesn't change the fact that my parents and my roots are from Cuba,'' Canela says. ``This has been a huge awakening for me. The responsibility is so big. It's honoring not only those who came for a better life but those who never made it.''

http://www.miamiherald.com/entertainment/theater/story/609488.html

Tuesday, July 22, 2008 Cubamemucho

Dear fans and new friends of Cubamemucho,
Welcome to the city of Robin Hood from 01.-03.August 2008, the city of
heroes - Nottingham.
Our Cuban Salsa heroes will be for one weekend only in the UK!
http://www.cubamemucho.com/en/nottingham/

You can still get Weekend full passes at the door. Available only during
the hours of registration. Payment on the day is to be by cash only as
credit card payments will not accepted on the day.
Due to a high amount of enquiries for parties or workshops only passes,
we are pleased to advice that these facility are now available, please
contact us directly.

Registration time Friday, 01.August from 7pm until 10pm and on
Saturday 11am until 7pm at the club, hotel, restaurant -
The Britania Hotel! at 1 St James Street, Nottingham, NG1 6BN
http://www.cubamemucho.com/en/nottingham/tickets/

At this point we would like to congratulate Lloyd Dunkley and Sharon
Hamilton, both courageous Salseros from Dance Cubana Events who made
everything possible to invite the world's leading Cuban Salsa stars to
the UK. You can find all our artists at the same time, at the same
place, only officially and legally at Cubamemucho congresses!
___________________________________________

Franchise me. CUBAMEMUCHO is the World Tour of Cuban salsa congresses,
created by Raffael Sonnenschein. If you would like to franchise
Cubamemucho in your country, please contact us by email. For the next
franchises we offer around the globe, please have a look on our new web
design http://www.cubamemucho.com
___________________________________________

Cubamemucho is the success story and franchise concept, the world tour
of Cuban Salsa congresses which many now try to imitate :o(
But CUBAMEMUCHO - is the real international one!
DJ Melao, Miami - Seo Fernandez, Milan - Jorge Camaguey, Barcelona -
Rafael Guardiola, Madrid - Lien Ramos, Madrid
- Alessia Cornacchia, Milan - Yunaisy Farray, Rome - Leonardo Diaz,
Milan - Alberto Valdez, Milano - Eloy Corales, Milan - Gabriel Deelgado,
Milan...
By the way due to high demand, we ll have this weekend lots of t-shirts
for Cubamemucho fans, all coulours, all sizes (S-M-L-XL).

We will end the summer of 2008 in the south of France, Toulouse, the
French capital of Cuban salsa from 05.-07.September 2008.
A la Boheme with a lot of French red wine:
http://www.cubamemucho.com/en/toulouse/

2009:
Visit the Home of Cubamermucho - The World Congress of Timba in Munich
in 2009 & La Rueda Mundial 2009 - The official Cubamemucho World
Championships of Rueda de Casino with participants from over 40
countries! If you would like to register for 2009 just send us an email
and a photo and the name of your team.
Winning rueda team 2008 - first place: Swiss
http://de.youtube.com/watch?v=3tIf6w-Jsuo
Winning rueda team 2008 - second place: Italy
http://de.youtube.com/watch?v=XhFOmHzVJXo&feature=related
Winning rueda team 2008 - third place: USA
http://de.youtube.com/watch?v=jxLrLzhyUco&feature=related

If you can't await Cubamemucho, then have a look at the following video
clips:
Video Clip: Cubamemucho - La Primera Liga de Cuba:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APgjjHg5GpI
http://de.youtube.com/watch?v=R_J_QwUvpDI
http://de.youtube.com/watch?v=XeEAeQHJpU0&feature=related
http://de.youtube.com/watch?v=IPHhZ6HyNyU&feature=related
http://de.youtube.com/watch?v=U2E-N4qhsDo&feature=related
http://de.youtube.com/watch?v=8v1INL6Gydg&feature=related
http://de.youtube.com/watch?v=L3TYw3FrWIw&feature=related
http://de.youtube.com/watch?v=ba9z4vJEqEs&feature=related
http://de.youtube.com/watch?v=W_mfA_kTP98&feature=related

Cubamemucho - the World Tour of Cuban Salsa Congresses.
Trendsetters are always one step ahead of time - Latin Lovers
International
http://www.cubamemucho.com

Wednesday, July 9, 2008 For the DJs (updated)

As things continue to change in the Timba world there is more and more evidence of DJs getting the recognition they deserve for pushing a genre of music which gets very little radio play. Italy's Ciclon Cubano has recorded a song with DJ Ivan El Samurai , Miami's Pepe Montes, and Nicholas Martinez dedicated to Timba DJs. The song talks about how DJs and artists are the perfect combination to keep this music we love going and strong. Just this year three songs have came out with references to DJs; but this is the first time we actually have a fellow DJ sing on the track. To all my DJs out there keep supporting Cuban Timba and keep the music alive! My thanks to my friends of El Ciclon Cubao for showing an appreciation of what us DJs do.

 

Sunday, July 6, 2008 Juventino

The latest artist to exile towards Miami is Juventivo aka "El chico divino" singer/dancer from la Charanga Habanera known for his latest single "Me Palpita". I can see a future for Juve as a professional dancer for video shoots, congresses, choreographies workshops etc. Juve was a graduate from la ENA as a dancer. This guy can be a pop star at any level as a singer/dancer in Miami.

Thursday, July 3, 2008 Timba Poll

Thursday, July 3, 2008 Lily

Pupy's new female lead singer Lily sings Dicen que dicen which was originally sung by Pepito.

 

Monday, June 30, 2008 Review of myself at SOBs

* Pic of Shabi, DJ Melao, and Lani @ SOBs

Its the first time I find a review of myslef DJing online so I decided to share it with you guys. My fellow timba geek Shabi took the time to write a review about me. Thank you Shabz!

Dj Melao didn't just rock the house, it was even better than that. I love all my timba dj’s from my first love Dj Gary to the amazing Reyna, Dj Walt in San Francisco and Saoco in LA, Medina in NY. I was looking forward to hearing Melao because I love his blog and I think the dedication he has in Miami promoting the music we love is amazing. We sat through a band that was not our style at SOB’s just to hear him between sets. I didn’t regret it for a second because he played some of the best timba I have ever heard. Not just some amazing rare classics but new songs I didn’t know existed, a wide range of artists and lots of live tracks. Timba, for me is a live art and there are too few live tracks or so I thought. This DJ has so much random, amazing live timba that I proposed marriage to him for his CD collection… Ha ha ha, but seriously thanks Melao for making it a really unforgettable night in NY. I really hope we can have you back here again very soon!!!

Thursday, June 19, 2008 Cruise with Issac

Labor Day Cruise
3 Nights Bahamas Cruise
from $349* p/p Double
For info call: 1-877-823-4218 or 305-648-7177

DEPARTURE: AUGUST 29, 2008

ISAAC DELGADO IN CONCERT!

ITINERARY: Miami • Cococay • Nassau • Miami

Thursday, June 19, 2008 Tiempo Libre

Tiempo Libre will be back at JAZID (Miami) Saturday, June 28
1352 Washington Avenue
Miami Beach
Shows start at 11:30pm
* This will be their last Miami gig before Miami Libre starts at the Arsht Center on July 25

Thursday, June 19, 2008 Latest on Pupy

Pupy himslef has asked me to share the news that he has found a new singer for the group by the name of Michel (not Maza). He will begin singing with the band after they arrive from their upcoming tour. Ex Los Que Son Son singer Jannier will be covering as the third vocal due to Pepito's departure on the upcoming tour.

Friday, June 13, 2008 DJ Melao in New York on 6/20!

*Melaos photos were done by Eli Silva (Timba Con Melao photographer)

Friday, June 13, 2008 The other half

Maikel brings us his sophomore Suprema Ley release which brings a different sound than what we are accustomed to hearing from Salsa Mayor. La sumprema ley has more of a traditional feel then that of the Salsa Mayor timba explosion. What I do find interesting is that Maikel decided to add the unreleased gem of Mi China Gladis on this album which is generally no so timba. It looks like Maikel will be busy this year as he will be releasing the Sumprema Ley and Salsa Mayor albums this year. More details on both albums coming soon.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008 Vanessa Formell

Miami T.V. held a heated debate last week between Vanessa Formell and Pocholo on La Cosa Nostra. This is type of crap you have to deal with in Miami when you have the name Formell. Can somebody tell me if the name Formell comes with a lable that says "I hate Miami ... long live comunism" or something like that? Why do my people have to be so ignorant? What I can say is that Vanessa Formell has took on the debate face to face and is representing many of us who share the idea of freeing the music from politics. Thank you Vanessa Formell for representing so many of us! Watch part one of the debate below.

 

Vanessa will have a historic concert on June 28th along with her mother Martha Medina and her brother Guianko as well. I hope my readers go and support her!

 

Sunday, June 1, 2008 Pepito in Miami

Last night ex Pupy y los que son son star singer Pepito made his first on stage appearance in Miami after leaving his fellow band during Pupy's Canadian tour. It was only a week ago that he was singing La Borrachera on stage with Los que son son and now he is on stage jamming in Miami next to El Pikete. Pepito just mesmerized Miami's audience the second he grabbed the mic. Like the great one's, Pepito has that magical ability to sing and bring chills down your spine the second he drops a verse. Cuba you lost a great singer ... Miami you better figure out what to do with him! As always Melao's got the footage for you to enjoy on Melaovision below.

 

Wednesday, May 28, 2008 Pupy!

Being on tour with Pupy y los que son son will probably be one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life, and as usual I will share videos with all of you so that you can visually capture some of the magic of being on tour with the guys, concert footage, and interviews. I had the privilege of listening to the entire new album next to el maestro himself and boy was I blown away. I promise this will be the most explosive releases of the year. The album features a little bit of everything. It should be released in a couple of months.

I have added two new songs from the album which I will be promoting above in my media player. One of the songs is not a very friendly song called "No soy yo" which is directed towards Maikel Blanco of Salsa Mayor and groups in Cuba who have been imitating/copying Pupy's and others music in Cuba. The other promo track is "Nadie Puede Contra eso" which talks about the fact that what is god given no one can take away. Those are two very interesting tracks which I decided to share with you guys although I know some of you are probably drueling with the clip of the new Van Van single "Arrasando" which I also added above.

All three concerts were high in energy and lasted nearly three hours each. The tour was a very well organized and I would like to give credit to Juan Carlos and Sophie Giraud from Cubaintoronto.com for putting together a magnificant tour and continuoulsy promoting Cuban music throughout Canada. Well sit back and relax as I take you through a variety of different videos on Melaovision below.

*Dont forget to check out track 2 and 4 of my media player above.

Interviews:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rehearsal:

 

 

 

Concert Footage:

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday, May 22, 2008 Havana in Alaska

TIME IS RUNNING OUT SO BOOK NOW AND GO PARTY WITH ME IN THE TIMBA ADVENTURE OF THE YEAR!!!!

Just when I thought I had heared it all !!! HAVANA IN ALASKA !!!

Casineros!!! Put on your dance shoes and head to Alaska!
7 nights of Cuban style salsa dance workshops and adventure
aboard the Carnival Spirit starts August 13, 2008 in Vancouver,

Go to www.havanainalaska.com for more information.

Email us if you have questions:
themagiccarpet@gci.net or para español - felimar07@gci.net

Tuesday, May 20, 2008: Cristobal joins El Pikete

The recently spotted in Miami Cristobal (ex Trabuquero) has added a combination of a trumpet and trombone to Miami's timba powerhouse El Pikete. Cristobal would like to share a few words with Timba fans worldwide on Melaovision below.

 

Tuesday, May 20, 2008: Ntaya @ Kristal

In Miami this friday? missing Pupy ... Dont worry! You will have plenty of hardcore timba to dance to with N'Taya this Friday @ Club Kristal located on 10855 SW 72nd Street. Call 305-274-1112 for more.

Thursday, May 15, 2008: Miami Timba All Stars

I decided to entertain the idea of my own Miami Timba All Star fantasy lineup. Here is is. ENJOY!

MELAO'S FANTASY MIAMI TIMBA ALL STAR LINEUP!

Vocals: Haney y Xavier (pikete)
Vocals: Nicholas Martinez (Ntaya)
Lead Vocal: Michel Calvo
Drums: Armandito Pututi 3
Bass: Wilber Rodriguez (carlos manuel)
Congas: Alexis Mipa Cuesta
Bongo: Tomas Cruz
Piano: Pepe Montes (ntaya)
Keyboard: Camilo Perez (pikete)
Trumpet: Cristobal (manolito)/Sandoval (lol)
Sax: Rosca (TL) Flute: Ernesto Fernandez (Ntaya)
Trombone: Bayron/Brailey Ramos
Violin: JC (pikete)

email me your thoughts to djmelao21@aol.com

Thursday, May 15, 2008: Casino born in 1938?

Here is some newly found footage of what some argue to be the earliest footage of Cuban Casino style salsa dancing. You decide? Hope you enjoy this as much as I did.