by Annalis Flores
Katia Cardenal
It was a night to remember as activists, artists, poets, and officials from the historic San Francisco Nicaraguan Solidarity Movement took the stage at The Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts on Thursday, February 24.
The singer-songwriter Katia Cardenal was the honor guest at the event, who the crowd cheered as she took the stage to premiere her new single Si Te Vas a San Francisco, a rendition of “San Francisco (Flowers in Your Hair).” A special documentary music video featuring 1976-1987 TV footage and archival photography of SF’s Nicaraguan Solidarity Movement accompanied the performance. Guests celebrated former Nicaraguan diplomat and poet, Roberto Vargas’ 70th birthday, as it was the same day as the event. After the performance by Cardenal friends and activists joined Vargas at the cultural center’s gallery where a tresleches cake was presented to him. Words of praise were said to the then activista of the FSLN (Frente Sandinista de Liberación Nacional) that defeated the dictator Anastasio Somoza. It was an unforgettable evening for Nicaraguan culture, which was private, with special invitation only and free.
Musical Mex of Los Fabulosos
The new album by Los Fabulocos featuring Kid Ramos entitled “Dos” is now available in stores. Los Fabulocos is an East Los Angeles-based quartet inspired by Texas blues and Mexican Tejano influences. They like to term their music CaliMex since they formed in 2004. “Dos” marks the second album by the band which now features Kid Ramos. Since joining in 2007, Ramos has performed inexplicable guitar riffs which are featured in the new album.
According to their bio by Delta Groove Music, “Los Fabulocos play with enough energy to power a small fleet of lowrider vehicles, It’s a fuel that burns full-throttle, ignited by the heat of soulful guitar and accordion solos that will make your heart bleed.”
The band has already been praised by many critics and since their self-titled debut album they have gained dedicated followers from Texas and even Norway. It is a must check out album if you like a mix of latino and rock’ n’ roll rhythms.
New album from Gocho
Well recognized composerand producer, Gocho, has released his debut solo album “Mi Música” from VeneMusic. José Ángel Torres better known as Gocho signed with the global entertainment company, VeneMusic. The Puerto Rican has been in the industry for quite a while as a producer and composer.
Artists which he has worked with include Shakira, Daddy Yankee, ad Don Omar. It is now his time to show the public his complete creation of urban music. Vice President of Venevision music international, Jorge A. Pino L., stated, “The passion of Gocho, composing, producing, and interpreting his songs, can be seen in his fi rst production Mi Música” The 28-year-old has already gone on a promotional tour presenting his fi rst single Dandole on many hispanic entertainment programs.
A special acoustic performance of some songs off his album were presented in a Univision Interactive Media special, In Studio. Gocho is nothing but happy and confi dent that his new album will be successful and many fans will enjoy it.
Talented voices join for a Cause
Two of the most talented mexican voices in the Bay Area, MamaCoAtl and Diana Gameros performed at La Peña Cultural Center.
MamaCoAtl is a resident of the Mission district and well known not only for her voice but also for her poetry, healing, and spiritual activism. She initiated and promoted the Day for the Elimination of Violence toward Women and Girls and the 16 Days of ARTivism for the Healing of Violence. Gameros moved to the city of San Francisco from Juárez, Mexico. The singer/ songwriter is a versatile performer as her music ranges from Latin pop to traditional mexican styles. She also works with the community to perform for events that help non-profit organizations create awareness.
The concert helped celebrate International Women’s Day and help support the No+Bloodshed campaign. The ladies received cheers and praise for their performance and support for the cause.
