by the El Reportero’s staff
Federico Fellini
The late Federico Fellini may be one of the acknowledged masters of world cinema. This film provides a tantalizing glimpse of the making of Fellini’s last film “The Voice of the Moon.”
After 14 years of gathering dust in the archives, it is being brought to light by co-producer and actress Christina Engelhardt, who worked with Fellini for eight years and became part of his inner circle. Among other things, it’s fascinating to see just how improvisatory and non-traditional Fellini’s cinema methods really are.
The Tiburon Film Society will present the the fi lm at the Bay Model located at 2100 Bridgeway in Sausalito [Phone: (415) 332.3871] on Thursday, August 7, 2008 @ 6 p.m.
Tribute to one of the greatest in salsa music: Frankie Ruíz (Aug. 9 at Roccapulco)
In Puerto Rico, Frankie Ruiz became a fan of a salsa band called La Solución, directed by Roberto Rivera and learned all of their songs. He attended every concert and show. On one occasion, Ruiz’s mother asked Rivera to give her son an opportunity to sing in the band, but to no avail. However, as fate would have it, 4in 1977, Ruiz was present at one of their shows where the lead singer did not show up. Rivera felt that he had no other choice but to give Ruiz a try. He was a success and was hired by Rivera. With La Solucion, Ruiz re-recorded a new version of Salsa Buena. He performed with the band for three years.
In 1980, Ruiz joined Tommy Olivencia and his Primerísima Orchestra. His youth and style known as Sensual Salsa helped to bring in a new generation of salsa followers. His first major “hit” was Lo Dudo (I doubt it) which was previously covered by José José. In 1983, Ruiz decided to go “solo” and had hits with No Que No, Mi Libertad (My Liberty) and Desnudate Mujer (Get Undressed Woman). He traveled extensively throughout Latin America, Europe and the United States performing and always used the phrase “Vaya, mi China” (Go, Baby) as his trademark. He was then called “El Papa de la Salsa” (The Father of Salsa).
Frankie Ruíz
Ruiz began to use illegal drugs and became an alcoholic. During a flight after one of his concerts he attacked a flight attendant. He was arrested and sentenced to three years at the federal prison in Jacksonville, Texas for the incident. Ruiz’s last song was “Vuelvo a Nacer” (Born Again), where he describes his errors in life by taking the wrong way and that he declares himself born again. His voice was heard raspy compared to his earlier career due to the effects of his drug use. Frankie Ruiz became ill and was hospitalized on July 11, 1998, after performing at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Shortly afterwards, on August 9, 1998, Ruiz died from complications from AIDS .[2] [3] [4] Before his burial, his remains were taken to Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, for a memorial service. He was later interred at Fair Lawn Memorial Cemetery in Bergen County, New Jersey. Ruiz was born in 1958 and died August 9, 1998).
Don’t miss it, Aug, 9 at Roccapulco Supper Club, at 3140 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94110, tel. 415.648.6611.
Escape to the Islands with an all-star line-up performing together for the first time!
Performers include Na Leo, the most popular female trio in Hawai’i; guitarist, vocalist, ukulele player and former member of the Ka’au Crater Boys, Ernie Cruz, Jr.; Kaukahi, who toured recently with Jack Johnson; and One Right Turn with Connie Cruz, Tiffa Cruz-Garza, and singer/ukulele player and member of the Opihi Pickers, Imua Garza.
This performance is made possible with support from the Rhoda H. Goldman Memorial Fund and is dedicated to the memory of Rhoda H. Goldman, Festival Chair from 1968 to 1996.
Sunday, August 10 at 2:00 p.m., at Stern Grove, 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard, San Francisco.
