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[Pre-Show Post] A lavender ribbon is used for promoting cancer awareness. Episode 27 will be dedicated to a friend who recently started chemotherapy. When I suggested lifting their spirits by making a mix during this challenging time, they replied "let the music make me dream". Since this person likes brass-infused salsa cuts, I knew what would be the theme of the show. My own cancer journey was a complete success, and I am grateful for that. I can only wish the same for my friend. Join us as this person tunes in on Sept 28th and, if you can, show your support in the chat. Sharing your own cancer story is welcome, too. < NEXT POST PREVIOUS POST >

Replay Episode 28 using the link at the bottom of this page. 25 songs (2:05:30). This episode features a guest interview for the first time in a while. I managed to have a great talk with DJ BoriQua, one of the co-founders of World Salsa Radio . His show, "Afincando con DJ BoriQua" broadcasts on Saturdays 10:00am - 1200pm (Pacific Time). See the preceding blog post for more details. With DJ BoriQua as my guest, I thought it would be fitting to spotlight Puerto Rican salsa. There are 22 tracks spanning different decades with a range of artists from La Isla del Encanto , with a pre-interview mix (12 tracks) and a post-interview mix (10 tracks). My selection of songs is not intended as a "best-of list". Tracks were chosen primarily on a personal basis, but on most occasions I also chose songs that were not among the most famous of a given artist. Importantly, I also focused on songs by artists based in Puerto Rico -- as opposed to those who permanently relocated to the United States ((with just a few exceptions). The following artists are featured. Full attribution is given on the show. Andy Montañez El Combo del Ayer & Luigi Texidor El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico Frankie Ruiz Ismael Rivera Ivan Cáceres Kako Y Su Combo La Playa Sextet Mario Ortiz Marvin Santiago Moncho Rivera Noro Morales Rafael Cortijo & Su Bonche Raphy Leavitt Richie Ray & Bobby Cruz Sonora Ponceña Tite Curet Alonso Tito Rodriguez Tito Rojas Tony Vega Willie Rosario feat. Frankie Figueroa REPLAY EPISODE 28 < NEXT POST PREVIOUS POST >

Guests were once a staple feature of my radio show. We had some great guests who added a special touch. Early on, there used to be four spotlights in a show , and the guest appeared in Spotlight 4 with an interview of sorts and their selection of three songs. Guests ranged from musicians to DJs and anyone in between -- just as long as there was a salsa connection. Other examples include dance instructors, record label owners, and festival-goers. I stopped having guests after Episode 20 due to time commitments, but I would like to revisit the show format in the near future. (The other 3 spotlights focused on new releases, Japanese Latin music, and covers of Cuban classics). For the highlight of the show (Spotlight 4), it was always fun connecting with"salsa personalities" from around the world and sharing what they had to say. I was especially interested in the guest's choice of three songs. This format I thought would be unique and a great way to engage listeners, but I was never sure... I will give it another try. I have list of 'salsa personalities' I would like to welcome for a chat. And to listeners I ask: How about you? Who would you like to learn more about -- as a guest on Encanto Tropical? But first, below is a gallery of all the guests so far on Encanto Tropical. The show highlights and replay link are both available -- just click on the image to access the post-show writeup (the replay link will be near the bottom of the page). As always, I am grateful for listeners' support and keen for feedback. Contact me with any comments and your suggestions for a guest. Encanto Tropical Guest Index Click on an image to open the highlights page for more information and a replay link < NEXT POST PREVIOUS POST >

Replay Episode 27 using the link at the bottom of this page. 27 songs (2:00:26). This is a "get-well"dedication mix to a longtime friend who just started chemotherapy treatment and, by extension, is a nod to cancer warriors everywhere.The show spotlights salsa songs with notable brass sections (that's what my friend likes) -- so there's a lot of heavy trumpet, trombone, and saxophone. The following artists are featured. Full attribution is given on the show. Brooklyn Sounds Cesar Concepcion & Orquesta Recuerdos Chocolate Chucho Sierra Cuco Valoy Félix Del Rosario Y Los Magos Del Ritmo Ismael Rivera Jesus Gomez Kako Y Su Combo Latin Giants of jazz The Lebron Brothers Little Johnny Rivero Michi Sarmiento Mon Rivera New Generation Orchestra Colon Orchestra Love Orlando Marin Papo Felix And Ray Rodriguez Rene Bloch Rey Davila Roberto Roena Y Su Apollo Sound Saxomania Toño Reyes Y Su Saxo The Tony Rojas Orchestra Tromboranga Vitin Aviles REPLAY EPISODE 27 < NEXT POST PREVIOUS POST >

[Pre-Show Post] The next Encanto Tropical comes with the theme of salsa from Puerto Rico. This serves as a backdrop for an interview with DJ BoriQua, host of Afincando con DJ BoriQua , a great program in the World Salsa Radio lineup. DJ BoriQua co-founded the World Salsa Radio project along with Felipe Martinez, a.k.a EldelaClaveSF (interviewed in Episode 13 ), and the station is now in its third year. It has a roster of more than twenty DJs from across the world. As a guest, DJ BoriQua makes a fine highlight for Episode 28 where I will also focus on salsa by Puerto Rican artists. I am not an expert in Puerto Rican salsa but have selected enough tunes for the two-hour program. My choices are certainly not intended as a "best-of list" but rather as a personal selection to cover a range of artists representing La Isla del Encanto. Importantly, my focus is on artists based in Puerto Rico -- as opposed to those who relocated to the US (with a few exceptions). The song-selection spans several decades, from the classics to the present. I chose to interview DJ BoriQua because his radio show is among my favourites to listen to, not just for his selection of tunes but also his role as host -- he projects an upbeat, charismatic personality, with much wit and energy that vitalize Afincando con DJ BoriQua . Afincando con DJ BoriQua The program's current broadcast schedule at www.worldsalsaradio.com is every Saturday from 10am to 12 pm Pacific Time (1pm Eastern, 18:00 London, and 19:00 in Central Europe). Below are are some recommended shows available for replay. Episode 41 Episode 74 Episode 123 > See the entire playlist for Afincando con DJ BoriQua . GUEST PROFILE: DJ BORIQUA Hailing from Carolina, Puerto Rico, Orlando “DJ BoriQua” Felix’s song selection is a direct influence from the sounds surrounding him while growing up in his native island. He began deejaying in 1999 inside the U.S. Air Force Base in Saudi Arabia for the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Program. He made his name in the San Francisco Bay Area and became one of the primary DJs for such events/venues as the SF Salsa Congress, SF Salsa Festival, Sonoma County Salsa Festival, GlasKat Lounge in SF, Hot Salsa Fridays in San Jose, Sh Boom in San Ramon and many others. DJ BoriQua relocated to Dubai in 2009 where he deejayed at the Dubai International Dance Festival, Dubai Tango & Salsa Congress, Abu Dhabi Salsa Festival, and the Oman Salsa Festival making him one of the most popular and on-demand salsa DJs in the Middle East. He returned to the Bay Area in 2014 and co-hosted/deejyed at Hot Salsa Saturdays inside Dance Blvd in San Jose until March of 2020. Today he is the co-founder of World Salsa Radio, with his show Afincando con DJ BoriQua airing every Saturday from 10am to 12pm Pacific Time. < NEXT POST PREVIOUS POST >

While on a much needed holiday break where I was able to refresh and recharge after some rather difficult final months of 2023, I had the pleasure of hosting on January 2-3 my esteemed colleague and friend, DJ Hong from Philadelphia, USA. Hong is an internationally renown record collector and DJ, well regarded both for his role as a co-admin of CoBeatParty (a salsa DJ cooperative that was active during the pandemic) and his weekly live stream on Facebook and YouTube: DJ Hong's Latin Record Party , which broadcasts every Sunday at 8am Eastern time. I had the pleasure of setting up my sound room for him to broadcast a special show on his initiative: Guaguanco en Japon . I also participated by sharing the deck alongside him. Great times. Replay below. < NEXT POST PREVIOUS POST >

日本語 ｜ English The Japanese salsa band Son D'K.Libre is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a concert tour on February 11th - 14th in four cities: Hamamatsu, Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka. The tour supports their first album release, Lo Que Se Cuenta , in September 2023. All eight tracks are composed by band leader Yacel Sagarra (guitar and vocals). Available on all major digital platforms, CDs will also be for sale at the concerts. Tour Schedule Feb. 11 (Sunday) Hamamatsu: MARGARITA DJ Guitta • Tickets & Details February 12 (Holiday Monday) Tokyo: CROCODILE DJ Angel • Tickets & Details February 13 (Tuesday) Nagoya: TOKUZO DJ German • Tickets & Details February 14 (Wednesday) Osaka: SOMA DJ Atsushi • Tickets & Details Each concert date is supported by a local DJ. For the Tokyo concert, it's a privilege for me to be at the decks, as I have known the band from its inception back when I lived in Osaka. MEMBERS Son D'K.Libre is exceptional not only for its fine repertoire but also for its talented crew of Japanese musicians -- apart from Yacel Sagarra who hails from Santiago de Cuba. Yacel Sagarra (vocals, guitar, chorus)   Aya Sagarra (vocals, chorus)   Riho Oyama (keyboard)   Takahiro Ishii (bass)   Tokujiro Hamano (conga, chorus)   Hiroshi Kamezaki (drums, timbales, bongo)   Risabro Matuski (trumpet)   Masatoshi Takata (trumpet)   Kiyose Yuki (trombone)   Yuta Nakahira (sax) NOTE: Takashi Fukutoshi appears as special guest (flute) in the Osaka concert. Son D'K.Libre Website Facebook | Instagram | YouTube Spotify | Apple Music | Amazon Produced by Sagarra Music If you're in Japan, don't miss the Son D'K Libre Album Release Tour for an exciting salsa live experience -- Contact me (below) if you need help obtaining tickets. I'm pleased to mark the occasion of this concert tour with the upcoming radio show of Encanto Tropical (Episode 33) on Feb 8 , featuring all Cuban music including Son D'K.Libre and Yacel & Aya Sagarra. < NEXT POST PREVIOUS POST >

Episode 20 is available for replay. Check the link near the bottom of the page. April 13 was another fun show for World Salsa Radio . Our guest was the Spanish dancer Rumbera la Andaluza. It was great having her on the show. She spoke poignantly about several topics. See the pre-show post for more information about her. *Although both English and Spanish were used on the show, the guest showcase was solely in Spanish; however, here is an English transcript of the interview near the bottom of this page. Show Highlights: Introductory salsa mix: ~28:16 featuring 7 tracks by Panama Brass, Los Kenya, Orquesta Broadway, Oscar & Wladimir d'Leon, Chano Martinez, Louie Colon, and El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico. Spotlight 1 (New salsa releases): 28:33~ featuring Don Ruiz Orquesta, Tromboranga, and Lengaïa Salsa Brava feat Ricky Campanelli. Spotlight 2 (Latin music by Japanese artists) 41:10~ featuring Ayumi Suzuki, Banderas, and Salsa Swingoza. Spotlight 3 (Covers of Cuban music): 59:26~ featuring Los Calvos, Grupo Danson, and Tito Puente. Spotlight 4 (Guest showcase): 1:12:24~ featuring our guest, Rumbera la Andaluza, who talks about her inspiration, memorable experiences, and future goals; she also chooses 3 songs for us to listen to (by Diego El Cigala, Sonido Solar, and Doug Beavers). Concluding salsa mix: 1:40:06~ featuring 7 tracks by Ray Fernandez, Calle Vapor, Septima Bohemia, Habana con Kola, Conjunto Imagen, Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca, and Papa Orbe & Los Científicos del Sabor. Replay Episode 20 Guest Showcase English transcript Feat. Rumbera la Andaluza (by Angel Figueroa) It is a pleasure to introduce to everyone the Spanish dancer known as Rumbera la Andaluza. She will answer some questions and also share a selection of three songs for us to listen to here on Encanto Tropical. Good afternoon, Angel, and hello to everyone who is listening. Thank you very much for the invitation. It is an honour and a pleasure to be here and to share some time with you. What does salsa mean to you? Well, what salsa means to me… it means happiness, friendship, health, peace, equality. In this world (of salsa) we don’t distinguish between rich and poor people or between white and black people. For me, personally, dancing salsa means to feel free and release energy without thinking. Dancing for me is like a type of meditation that allows me to be completely in the present moment. That is a wonderful explanation of what salsa means to you. And how did you start dancing? That’s a long story. It started with my father. He played the trumpet and was a passionate dancer, naturally talented — he never went to dance school. At home we always listened to music and danced. But at the same time, he was a very strict person, and he didn’t give me much freedom to do things. He didn’t allow me to go out. Well, when I was 14 or 15, I went to a ballroom dance and here in Germany at that age it is very common to go to school with all your friends and classmates and that was always a moment of freedom for me, like an escape -- a short period of time when my father could have no control over me. I started with ballroom dancing, and I liked it a lot, and I took lessons 2 or 3 times a week, but when I got serious with my studies, I no longer had that kind of free time, and neither could I pay for the private lessons that I needed in order to participate in competitions. Once, at an open-air concert, I saw people dancing salsa for the first time, and I liked it. At that time, there were hardly any opportunities to learn how to dance salsa in the town I was living in, and I have to admit that what I did find was not to my liking. Then in another concert I met a person who invited me to go with him to his school and take his lessons. And it was then that I realized that I wanted to learn this style of dancing. That was in 1994. Since then I’ve been hooked. That salsa instructor learned everything from a Puerto Rican man who at that time was based in Germany. Within a few weeks the salsa instructor became my dance partner and we had some amazing times. What has been an inspiration for you? Well at the beginning, just like other dancers, I was especially impressed by Eddie Torres. First, I saw him on video, then in congresses and salsa festivals, and finally I decided to travel to New York to see him. It was awesome. From New York, I traveled to Puerto Rico, and there I got to know some very good instructors, both male and female. I was fortunate to get to know Papito Jala Jala, a salsa legend and an amazing dancer. And I especially came to know many talented male and female dancers at social dances, and these people really inspired me. In my opinion, you can learn a lot on the dance floor no matter where you are in the world. What is a recent, memorable experience with regard to salsa? I can remember many good experiences. But the most impressive from the last few months was the CoBeatParty Marathon in Barcelona in September. This special energy of friendship, love for music and dance, and gratitude to the amazing organizers, made it a very memorable event. What is a project related to salsa that you are currently working on? Well, I do not have any personal projects. I only try to support people who invest their energy into providing for us (dancers), organizing events, and starting up radio stations, like this station. For me, World Salsa Radio is an amazing project. We can be infinitely grateful to [the founder] Felipe Martinez, for his great commitment. And your show, Encanto Tropical, is a great treat for all lovers of Afro-Latin music. Many thanks to all the DJs of World Salsa Radio. And what are some plans of yours related to salsa? Well, I really want to see certain projects grow and I can only repeat that World Salsa Radio is one of them. And I really want to meet so many wonderful people that I have come to know through salsa and especially through the group CobeatParty. I also want to ask: what future goals do you have in your salsa career? Speaking of the future, in fact, I do have an idea. In a few years, I will move to Spain and in the part where I [have a place to] live, in my opinion, there are two things missing: there are no female DJs, and there is a lack of good music. The proportion of bachata is very high. I don’t find any salsa events — of pure salsa — and I don’t find events with mambo, salsa, guaguanco, guajira, cha cha cha, or salsa dura… So I have this idea to do some networking and to join up with other women with good dance instructors, good dancers -- and above all, female DJs -- and to start our own events. And to finish, what is a message you would like to share, whether for DJs, musicians, dancers, or listeners in general? A message… Yes I have a wish… It is that on the dance floor we try to take care of ourselves and be respectful, and I would like us dancers to team up and ensure this message stays strong wherever we are: at work, in the family, and among friends. We will never find that everyone is equally nice and kind, but having tolerance and respect can make something like a wonderful haven for music and dancing away from all these wars and conflicts that we have in the world. To make music and to dance, we have to relate to each other and to prioritize unity and collective action… this produces something much more beautiful and colorful than what could ever be accomplished by a sole individual. So the message is that we should live this attitude in the world outside of the dance floor. And I would love to know what songs you have chosen for us. As for the songs I have chosen for Encanto Tropical, they are the following. The first song is called “Dos Gardenias”. This is a version by Diego El Cigala. I grew up with this song. My parents always listened to it. This version is a more modern one. The second song is "Mambo Influenciado" by Sonido Solar. I chose it because when I was young, I used to love jazz music, and this song is like a fusion of jazz and Latin American music. The third is "Quédate" by Doug Beavers and Jeremy Bosch. I chose it because World Salsa Radio is located in the San Francisco Bay Area, and I liked the idea of choosing a song by a group from the Bay Area. I hope you all enjoy these songs. Well, Angel, thank you very much for inviting me to talk with you on Encanto Tropical for World Salsa Radio. < NEXT POST PREVIOUS POST >

DJ ALERT DJ El Chino of Solar Latin Club provides a great review of Danza para los Difuntos by Rubim de Toledo ... a track which I am helping promote. Rubim de Toledo is an award-winning bassist from western Canada whose newest album release, scheduled for August 2023, will include "Danza para los Difuntos" -- as yet unreleased on any media or on any streaming platforms. DJs, check it out on SoundCloud in the link below -- DM me if you are interested in a copy. < NEXT POST PREVIOUS POST >

It was great fun doing Episode 21. Replay is available below. The theme was salsa from the 1970s. Twenty-eight tracks were selected -- both well-known standards and rarities -- by the following artists. Roberto Angleró y Su Combo Conjunto Borincuba Angel Canales Willie Colón & Hector Lavoe Mickey Cora y Orquesta Cábala Chivirico Davila Nelson Feliciano & His Orchestra Fuego '77 Wayne Gorbea y Su Conjunto Salsa Kako The Lebron Brothers Los Hermanos Lopez Ismael Miranda con Orchestra Harlow La Muralla New Swing Sextet Ray Olan Tommy Olivencia y Su Orquesta Orquesta Revolucion '70 Tony Pabón y La Protesta Ismael Rivera y Sus Cachimbos The Tony Rojas Orchestra Jimmy Sabater Luis Santi Gilberto Sextet Bobby Valentin Javier Vázquez y Su Salsa Tata Vazquez & His Orchestra Johnny Ventura y Su Combo Show REPLAY EPISODE 21 < NEXT POST PREVIOUS POST >

Number 22 is now up (1:58:45 / 24 tracks). Click the replay link at the bottom of this page. This version has no guest showcase or spotlights. Instead, I feature songs played from my gig at last Saturday's Mambongo! 5/6 (Sat) in Tokyo... and *only* songs that I have never played on Encanto Tropical. Spinning at Mambongo was certainly great fun -- as always -- and I hope listeners enjoy this selection of tracks from that night. Artists featured are the following. Listen to the show for full attribution. Anaïs Abreu, Pio Leyva, Rudy Calzado, Tata Güines Rey Caney Con Orquesta Antonio Cartagena Oscar D'Leon Alexander Guerra, D'Nuevo Son Bentho Gustave Titiou Emilio Campos Conjunto Selección de Philadelphia Irving Manuel DJ Maurizio Doná La Maxima 79, DJ Pepe Bassan Grupo Nueva Gente Angel Melendez, Big Band Maquina New Swing Sextet Pablito y Su Charanga (DJ Venot Remix) Papa Orbe & Los Científicos del Sabor Eduardo Padua, Dominique Patrick Noël Rikuson All-Stars Los Rocket's Ruben Salas and His Salsa Orchestra La Santa Rumba The Tony Rojas Orquesta Tromboranga Hector Zalsumba Rivera REPLAY EPISODE 22 < NEXT POST PREVIOUS POST >

[Pre-Show Post] Up next is an all-Cuban mix for Episode 23 of Encanto Tropical on World Salsa Radio. Tune in for some fire... Arrancando motores para el próximo show de mi programa radial Encanto Tropical (#23) a través de WorldSalsaRadio. Es una mezcla de música cubana contemporánea (información de abajo). World Salsa Radio の次回の Encanto Tropical 放送に向けてプレイリストを準備中です。すべて現代キューバ音楽。 < NEXT POST PREVIOUS POST >