DJALMIGHTY recap of Electric Fest

It was thrilling when we found out Kesta Happening NY and DC was invited to attend the Electric Zoo Festival in Randall’s Island in NY. Al Mighty and DJ Big Happy from KestaDC.com’s Electronic Beats Radio show had announced the exciting news of this event just four weeks before the event which took place on September 5-6. Kesta fans immediately requested more info on the event. Although KestaDC had never promoted any Electronic Music Events, it is evident that the majority of Latin Americans are diverse music aficionados. The promotion and countdown began on KestaDC.com and KestaNY.com.

It was Friday night when the mission began, the objective: To party in NY with most of the greatest electronic music DJs, such as Ferry Corsten, Deadmau5, David Guetta, Danny Tenaglia, Robbie Rivera, Kaskade, Benny Bennassi, Armin van Buuren, Markus Shulz, Steve Angelo, ATB, and many, many more. Encouraged by the popularity of the Electronic Beats show and the NY party, we knew we were headed for the adventure of the summer.

One of our buddies had some doubts about the atmosphere and stereotypes of the event and party goers, but Al Mighty and Big Happy had attended several music festivals and enlightened him with their memorable and fun experiences at WFM in Miami and the several times Paul Oakenfold and Tiesto visited DC.

Arriving in Philadelphia, we stopped for a Philly cheese steak and a cold beer. We checked out some clubs such as Priva and several others. We were hyped to see all the beautiful women hanging out and dancing to house music.

We continued on through Atlantic City with the belief that we could win some money to party even harder once we arrived in NY. It was the early hours of the morning as we hit the Craps and Black Jack tables. We lost, but it didn’t matter, we were on our way to Electric Zoo.

Once in NY we found it difficult to find the island due to several detours. Once we arrived around 4pm, 5 hours late, we found that it was better to drive and park in Randall Island Park than the alternative, taking the metro and then bus and ferry. It was much cheaper to pay $10 for parking than the $25 we would each spend on public transportation. I almost forgot, there were some tolls to pay for crossing the bridge, but it was only about $3. The bass was audible from the parking lot which easily fit over 200 vehicles.

As we walked to the festival entrance, we could already see the diverse crowd that we would be alongside us experiencing this exhilarating event. We saw the meat-heads with the gorgeous girlfriends, most with boobs that would never giggle no matter how much the jumped, and the raver’s practicing with the glow sticks and the regular clubber’s who know where to have a good time.

As we got to the gate we there were several people selling their extra tickets for a decent price. Tickets began selling at about $60 weeks in advance, but at the door they were $90 per day, but you could also purchase the two-day pass for $165, VIP Single day was $180, and VIP two-day was $335. VIP included a separate seating area next to the main stage which included couches several tables with comfortable couches, bleachers, and 4 bars.

We picked up our Media passes and walked right in. They had the obvious security checks and police on horseback nearby. There were plenty of port-a-potties near the Grove Discotheque where Frankie Knuckles spun. We walked through to the center of the park where it was spacious and can see the main stage and all the tents. It looked amazing and sounded incredible as all the music beats and melodies drowned your ears. Of course, we went to get a drink. “Ouch,” $9 a beer and $12-$15 for mixed drinks. Well the need to profit somehow. We were prepared.

The DJs had the crowds jumping, screaming, and dancing all day long. No matter what tent you were in the sets played were amazing. The crowd was just as diverse as the Kesta Happening fans. You can see people from all around the world, displaying their flags proudly. All the sexy ladies were dancing everywhere which was great when you had to sit and take breaks from standing. The main stage had a crowd of over 1,000 people during the majority of the day, even then all the tents were crowded, and yet there was plenty of room to sit down and eat a delicious Gyro/Kabob from one of the vendors.

You could simply ask any one where was the after party and you would hear of a different one every time. Everyone was friendly and having a good time. We did not see any fights or anything strange besides the few arrests that we outside by some undercover cops.

It was an amazing experience worth every penny, the drive, and the sleep deprivation due to all the after parties. Next time you hear of this festival on KestaDC.com, KestaNY.com, or Electronic Beats Radio, make sure you don’t miss it. See you at the next Festival!

PACHA MASSIVE IS HERE TO STAY WITH NEW RELEASE "IF YOU WANT IT"

PACHA MASSIVE ....‘If You Want It’ Brings The Group’s Signature Funky Bilingual Fusion Of Dub And Electronica With Latin Rhythms Like Cumbia And Palo’

Released on September 22nd, 2009.

Pacha Massive (from ‘Pachamama’ meaning “Mother Earth”), is a sexy collaboration between Dominican-born Nova (keys/guitar /writer/producer) and Colombian-born Maya (writer/bass). The band, from the Bronx, New York City, was Nacional Records’ first U.S.-based signing. Their music is a bilingual, loungey, mood electronica, fusion of traditional Latin rhythms like Colombian cumbia, Dominican palo, reggae, dancehall, and dub.

Pacha Massive has had success after success in their relatively short career. They came in at first place for the Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC) Battle of the Bands (previous winners include Kinky and Los Abandoned who have both gone on to launch successful careers). They were featured in Nacional Records soundtrack to the box-office hit “La Mujer de Mi Hermano,” with their infectious hit “Don’t let go”. Pacha Massive’s debut album, All Good Things (February 2007) became an instant hit becoming #1 on iTunes Alternativo chart. The same year they were invited to open up for Aterciopelados in New York City at the prestigious Madison Square Garden. All are feats not customarily performed by a newly formed band with their debut album.

Pacha Massive have shared the stage with artists like Ozomatli, Café Tacvba, Los Amigos Invisibles, Aterciopelados, Sidestepper, Yerba Buena, and most recently opened up for King Chango here in Washington, DC.

Now Pacha Massive is back with their second album, “If you want it”, released on September 22nd, 2009. As with the previous album they hit the ground running opening up for King Chango in their “Return of King Chango” concert here in Washington, DC on September 25, 2009 at the Black Cat. Pacha Massive is definitely not your high energy rock group, what they will provide is relaxing, sexy, mood electronica, funky, bilingual fusion that will slowly immerse itself into your subconscious.

“If you want it’s” initial singles include the title track “If You Want It” as well as “Right Now” and “Just Want To See Ya.” ‘If You Want It’ continues the uplifting spirit of Pacha Massive’s debut album. “There is still has that overall positive outlook on life from ‘All Good Things,’” says the group’s founder/songwriter/producer Ramon Nova. “While this new one isn't exactly a narrative album, it draws more directly from my actual life experiences.”

Contact: rosario@kestadc.com

Alex*Cuba brings his Cuban Soul-Rock with "Agua del Pozo"

Cuban singer songwriter Alex*Cuba released “Agua Del Pozo” on September 22nd, and it’s full of the unique Cuban soul-rock that one expects from this Cuban-Canadian transplant. Alex*Cuba may be residing in cold, dreary Canada but his Artemisa, Cuban roots are clearly defined in his romantic guitar riffs and tantalizing vocals. “Agua del Pozo” will transport you to the busy streets of Cuba, cruising in an old 50’s Ford Thunderbird with the top down, smoking a cigar with the Habana breeze blowing through your hair.

Alex*Cuba is no stranger to music, his first time on stage was at age four playing claves (a percussion instrument) on national TV with his music instructor dad. Alex*Cuba went on to study guitar, tres, percussion and bass and won a National Song Writing Competition in Cuba when he was the ripe age of 18. All good things come in twos, and so does Alex*Cuba who has a twin brother, Adonis, also a musical prodigy. The brothers formed a group called The Puentes Brothers and recorded an album titled Morumba Cubana that was nominated for a Juno Award for World Music in 2001, and won a West Coast Music Award and a Canadian Independent Music Award.

Now Alex*Cuba is going the solo route, departing from traditional Cuban music norms and mixing a little soul-rock right into his musical palette. The result is a sexy rock that will surely calm you down after a tough day.

The single from “Agua del Pozo” is “Amor Infinito” which was the ITunes Single of the week early in January. Although “Agua del Pozo” has been available on iTunes it has never been available in-stores or on other music services in America. The special international version features two unreleased tracks “Pide Un Deseo” (Make A Wish) and “En Armonia” (In Harmony), and will be released on Alex’s own Caracol Records, distributed by EMI/Caroline Distribution.

The release on iTunes will also feature a digital booklet. Alex starts his U.S Tour beginning in late September through October. If you’re not in the U.S. or already have the album, you’ll still be able to purchase the additional tracks on iTunes.

Listening to “Agua del Pozo” will leave you feeling peaceful and refreshed, something you don’t get too often with artists today. Alex*Cuba breaks language barriers by writing music that speaks to the heart and soul, not tied to a specific tongue. He also has a playful side, evident on his website where you can go upload a picture of yourself and "Get your 'Fro on"...Fun times! :)

Pick up a copy of “Agua del Pozo” today and start your journey into Cuban soul-rock with Alex*Cuba!

Contact: rosario@kestadc.com

Monte Negro brings "Fugitives of Pleasure And Pasajeros" to a bi-cultural audience

Monte Negro brings “Fugitives of Pleasure and Pasajeros” to a bi-cultural audience

Montenegro, is an L.A. based rock band, they’re Mexican, they’re American and they’ve got a message for you… “they’ll sing it through and through, so please don’t fuck around.” These are excerpt lyrics from their song “Message” off of their new EP, “Fugitives of Pleasure And Pasajeros” released in July 2009 under their label Feed the Hungry Records. Although the “Message” is a not a song about the bands background, credo, or musical stance, listening to it for the first time really gave me an idea of who Monte Negro really is.

Monte Negro is a family affair as Lead brothers Kinsky and Rodex Gallo first formed a group together in 2001, called Anima, who was quickly categorized as “the Latino Red Hot Chili Peppers." Anima broke up in 2003 but that didn’t keep the brothers away from music for long… the brothers teamed up with guitarist Jason Li Shing and drummer Xavier Lopez, and called themselves Monte Negro.

Monte Negro’s music, “they’re vehicle to pleasure”, as singer Gallo croons on “Fugitives of Pleasure” off the new EP, is best described as a Spanglish mix of mysterious new wave that in the same cut will tangle genres and remind you of Mana, the Cure, and Caifanes… then just when you thought you’d figured out their “genre”, they’ll mix in a little hip-hop and good old American rock and roll, just to see if you’re awake.

In “Fugitives of Pleasure And Pasajeros”, Monte Negro doesn’t shy away from difficult topics, tackling immigration in “Immigrants Lament” where they croon “Pasajero sin destino, que haya luz en tu camino” during the chorus and getting right into it later in the song with “Soñando el sueño dorado que mi pais me ha robado”.

In “Loco por tu amor (Tarde o temprano se paga)”, Monte Negro describes el “desamor” or “heart-break” that will stab right into the hearts of those who have loved and lost… haven’t we all?

Monte Negro made their musical debut in 2007 with "Cicatrix," which sparked enough interest for a major label (Epic) to re-release it in '08. They’ve since travelled the world and toured with major artists (toured with Enanitos Verdes in LA and Texas), opened up for Gwen Stefani in Puerto Rico, and also toured with Babasonicos and Zoe just to name a few.

The “Fugitives of Pleasure and Pasajeros” EP is out in an Original Version that contains 5 new songs, and was also released as a “Limited Edition” that is complimented with deluxe artwork and packaging, autographs, 6 additional eclectic instrumental tracks, and an unexpected surprise: "La Negra Tomasa" in a stunning hip-hop reinvention of the Caifanes classic. Yes, you heard Caifanes, “La Negra Tomasa” and hip-hop in the same sentence. I can assure you that if you quit trying to pinpoint what makes Monte Negro tick and just enjoy the eclectic Spanish and English construction of music, you will be highly pleased with what you’re left with.

Contact: rosario@kestadc.com

Enanitos Verdes celebrate 30 years together!!

Go see this historic 30 year anniversary concert at the State Theater this Wednesday, September 23, 2009!

Enanitos Verdes is an Argentenian rock group founded in 1984 that had it's beginnings touring in places such as Buenos Aires and Mendoza. Since then Enanitos Verdes have continued to produce steady albums (a total of 14!!) and building a large fan base throughout the world.

Enanitos Verdes are pioneers of the latin rock scene having been the first Argentenian band to be signed by a US record company (Polygram) in 1998. Their album released in 1998 and Traccion Acustica was nominated for a Grammy in the 'Best Latin Rock Album' category. Since then the Latin sensation has been touring with other great acts such as Cafe Tacuba and Alejandra Guzman.

30 years later Los Enanitos Verdes are still rocking the stage from Central to North America! You can't miss this show if you're a true rock fan!

18 and up to enter. VALID ID required. There is a $3 security fee for patrons under 21.

Doors: 7:00 PM
Showtime: 8:30PM
Tickets: $30 adv / $35 day of

Los Fabulosos Cadillacs returns to the big apple!

Los Fabulosos Cadillacs in NYC.. worth the drive!

September 22, 2009
Los Fabulosos Cadillacs
Hammerstein Ballroom
311 West 34th Street
New York, NY 10001
18+
Cost: $47.50 9:00pm
Tickets on Sale HERE

Los Fabulosos Cadillacs is a Latin-American rock and pop band from Buenos Aires, Argentina. They played a sold-out show in April at the Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC and Kesta was there! (Read the Kesta blog here...) the lines to get in were 5 blocks long... the tix were selling for $200+ from scalpers and everyone and their momma was there from DC.. will they do it again this Tuesday, September 22nd? We'll find out!

This Tuesday show is the rescheduled appearance after Los Fabulosos Cadillacs were forced to cancel their Central Park SummerStage Free show as part of the Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC) conferece in July of this year. Instead they chose to play Mexico City for the VIVE LATINO whose dates had been rescheduled due to the swine flu (ayyy caramba!)

Either way if you missed your dose of Fabulosos Cadillacs this summer you get a second chance this Tuesday! After a 6 year break-up the Fabulosos Cadillacs return stronger than ever to please audiences all over the United States. Don't miss it!

contact: rosario@kestadc.com

10th LATIN GRAMMY AWARD NOMINEES ANNOUNCED

10th Latin GRAMMY Award Nominees Announced
September 17, 2009

GRAMMY.com


Calle 13 leads with five nominations





(For a complete list of 10th Annual Latin GRAMMY nominees, click here.)

Nominations for the 10th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards were announced today at a press conference attended by national and international media at the Conga Room at L.A. Live in downtown Los Angeles.

In a year that recognized an array of performers and creative professionals across numerous styles, the nominations spotlight a unique mix of established and emerging artists. Calle 13 leads the nominations with five. Ivan Lins & The Metropole Orchestra, José Lugo, Jorge Luis Piloto, Ivete Sangalo, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Caetano Veloso, and Wisin y Yandel garnered three nods each.

Ricardo Arjona, Babasonicos, Bebe, Café Tacvba, Andrés Cepeda, Daddy Yankee, Don Omar, Luis Enrique, Luis Fonsi, Sergio George, Saúl Hernández (Jaguares), Laura Pausini, Luz Rios, Marco Antonio Solis, Mercedes Sosa, and Tito "El Bambino" are among those who received two nominations. And a wide array of established music makers and rising new talent — including Vicente Amigo, David Bisbal, Ruben Blades, Beto Cuevas, Franco De Vita, Cucu Diamantes, Shaíla Dúrcal, José Feliciano, Vicente Fernández, 50 Cent, Jaguares, Kinky, Sebastian Krys, Natalia Lafourcade, Alejandro Lerner, Los Amigos Invisibles, Gian Marco, Fito Paez, Omara Portuondo, Reik, Aleks Syntek, Nestor Torres, Bebo Valdés, Chucho Valdés, Carlos Vives, and Bernie Williams — also earned nominations.

"Latin music is very much alive and well and in this, our milestone 10th year, the Latin GRAMMY nominations continue to reflect and represent a considerably diverse, eclectic and comprehensive worldwide Latin music community that includes established music makers as well as emerging talent," said Gabriel Abaroa, President of The Latin Recording Academy. "With so many music professionals participating in the awards process, it's gratifying to see so many creators, performers, producers, albums, and songs getting due recognition from peers. On Nov. 5 in Las Vegas, we look forward to spotlighting this year's nominees and celebrating a decade of recognizing the best and brightest in Latin music."

Artists reading nominations this morning included Cuevas, Dúrcal, salsa vocalist Luis Enrique, Latin pop singer Luis Fonsi, actor and GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY winner Andy García, Latin pop singer Luz Rios, Emmy winner Jimmy Smits, and Tito "El Bambino."
Calle 13's five nominations include: Album Of The Year and Best Urban Music Album for Los De Atrás Vienen Conmigo, Record Of The Year and Best Alternative Song for "No Hay Nadie Como Tú" (with Café Tacvba), and Best Short Form Music Video for "La Perla" (with Ruben Blades).
Earning three nods each are: Ivan Lins & The Metropole Orchestra for Album Of The Year and Best MPB (Musica Popular Brasileira) Album for Regência: Vince Mendoza, and Record Of The Year for "Arlequim Desconhecido"; musician/producer José Lugo for Record Of The Year ("Si No Vas A Cocinar," featuring Gilberto Santa Rosa), Best Salsa Album (Guasábara), and Producer Of The Year; songwriter Jorge Luis Piloto with two nominations in the Song Of The Year category (Luis Enrique's "Yo No Sé Mañana" with Jorge Villamizar, and Andrés Cepeda's "Día Tras Día" with Yoel Henriquez), and one in Best Tropical Song ("Yo No Sé Mañana" with Jorge Villamizar); Ivete Sangalo for Best Brazilian Contemporary Pop Album and Best Long Form Music Video for Pode Entrar, and Best Brazilian Song ("Agora Eu Já Sei," with Gigi); Gilberto Santa Rosa for Best Salsa Album (Contraste En Salsa), Best Traditional Tropical Album (Una Navidad Con Gilberto), and Record Of The Year ("Si No Vas A Cocinar," with José Lugo Orchestra); Caetano Veloso for Best Singer-Songwriter Album (Zii e Zie), Best Brazilian Song ("A Cor Amarela"), and Best Long Form Music Video (E A Música De Tom Jobim); and Wisin y Yandel for Best Urban Album (La Revolucion) and two nominations in Best Urban Song ("Abusadora," with Marcos Masis "Tainy" and "Mujeres In The Club," with 50 Cent and Ernesto F. Padilla "Nesty La Mente Maestra").

This year's Album Of The Year category features an array of worldwide artists and musical genres: Puerto Rico's Calle 13 for Los De Atrás Vienen Conmigo; Colombia's Andrés Cepeda for Día Tras Día; Nicaragua's Luis Enrique for Ciclos; Brazil's Ivan Lins & The Metropole Orchestra for Regência: Vince Mendoza; and Argentina's Mercedes Sosa for Cantora 1.
The race for Best Urban Music Album features some of the biggest names in the genre: Calle 13's Los De Atrás Vienen Conmigo; Daddy Yankee's Talento De Barrio; Don Omar's Idon; Tito "El Bambino"'s El Patrón; and Wisin y Yandel's La Revolucion.

The milestone 10th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards will feature 49 categories and will be supported on radio via Univision Radio (the official Spanish-language radio network of the Latin GRAMMY Awards), and highlighted on the Internet by Latingrammy.univision.com (the official Spanish-language Web site for the 10th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards), featuring video interviews and behind-the-scenes footage from today's nominations announcement.

The 10th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards, set for Nov. 5 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, will be broadcast live on the Univision Network from 8–11 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. Central).

For media credentialing instructions and more information, please visit http://www.latingrammy.com/.
For updates and breaking news, please visit The Latin Recording Academy's social networks on Twitter at www.twitter.com/latingrammys and Facebook at www.facebook.com/latingrammys.