kesta happening magazine april issue

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/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE / APRIL 20124

ROCK

REGGAE

SALSA

BACHATA

URBAN

KESTADC.COM GALLERY

UPCOMING EVENTS

FEATURE

BOOK

MI PAIS

SPORTS

SPORTS

HEALTH

STYLE

KESTA GIRIL

LOCAL

RADIO PERSONALITY

KE?

TABLE OF CONTENT

AprilQuique Neira (Ex cantante de Gondwana)

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Photos of concerts and DC nightlife

Arcangel

Zacarias Ferreira

Calendar of upcoming events

Rodrigo & Gabriela

Las Anécdotas Mojadas by Alex Iraheta

WWE Raw Super Show

PUBLISHER: Media644 / DIRECTOR: Juan Luis Gonzalez / EDITOR: Amanda Landrian, Rosario GarciaDESIGN: Miriam Jave / WEB & TECHNOLOGY: Javier Gonzalez / WRITERS: Luis Ayala, Veronica Brown, Maria Veronica Cevallos, Christina Cortés, Rosario Garcia, Amanda Landrian, Juan Leon, Manu Mayor, Jenny Osoria, Gloria Turin PHOTOGRAPHERS: Jose Acha, Juan Luis Gonzalez, William Espinoza, Harold ReynoldSALES: Jose Acha, William Espinoza / CONTACT US: [email protected], www.kestadc.com, tel: 202 643 0555

ISSUE # 13

Apuesta por el Rock

Flower Fever

Win tickets to Quique Neira & Sierra Maestra

Sierra Maestra

Crystal Milana

Panamá

Diamond Boy Louis

Charly Garcia

WWE Diva Rosa Mendez

Relax, breath, and stretch

WWW.KESTADC.COM / 21SPORT

IT IS HARD TO PILE MUCH ELSE UPON THE SUBJECT OF WRESTLING’S SIGNIFICANCE SINCE ROLAND BARTHES’ INCISIVE OBSERVATIONS SHOULD BE PRETT Y MUCH THE FINAL WORD. IN “THE WORLD OF WRESTLING”, FROM HIS 1957 MY THOLOGIES, BARTHES EXTRACTS THE SOCIAL IMPACT OF “ALL-IN” WRESTLING. HE WRITES, “THE VIRTUE OF ALL-IN WRESTLING IS THAT IT IS THE SPECTACLE OF EXCESS. Here we find a grandiloquence which must have been that of ancient theatres. And in fact wrestling is an open-air spectacle, for what makes the circus or the arena what they are is not the sky (a romantic value suited rather to fashionable occasions), it is the drenching and vertical quality of the flood of light.” Later he writes with even sharper insight, “There are people who think that wrestling is an ignoble sport. Wrestling is not a sport, it is a spectacle, and it is no more ignoble to attend a wrestled performance of Suffering than the sorrows of Arnolphe or Andromaque.” Barthes goes on to flesh out the analogy between wrestling and ancient (classical) theatre: wrestlers’ physiques as their costumes, the way wrestlers exaggerate their motions to communicate suffering, that wrestling seeks above all to portray the concept of justice the way ancient Oedipus Rex portrays man’s smallness against the enormity of fate.

After “The World of Wrestling”, what else is there to say regarding what matters about professional wrestling except to remark on how Barthes’ words from 1957 Europe still apply to us in modern day America. The spectacle of excess part of Barthes’ vision has only become more obvious in 2012 with the acceleration of consumption and mass media, which since 1957, has been heavily incorporated into professional wrestling. Professional wrestling still faces snobbish derision and misunderstanding (A wrestling fan’s frustration with societal incomprehension of his passion is wonderfully embodied in 2000’s Ready to Rumble when David Arquette’s character cries out, “Wrestling is not fake!”). With Barthes’ words in mind and at heart one can only enjoy the spectacle.

The popularity of the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) brand evidences Barthes’ assertions concerning the cultural impact of pro wrestling and the wrestling audience’s awareness of the spectacle’s meaning. Crowd reactions to wrestlers’ displays and provocations are

derided by critics—classist prejudice compels them to depict wrestling audiences as lowdown and stupid— who mistakenly focus on the literal “realness” of the spectacle. Popular WWE wrestler John Cena’s striking, stirring “I can’t be stopped, I won’t be stopped” speech on WWE RAW a few years ago shows that a focus on the “reality” of Cena’s character is as misplaced as an insistence on the historical existence of Beowulf.

Monday April 9th, the opportunity presents itself to witness the spectacle of excess when WWE brings its RAW Supershow to the Verizon Center. WWE superstar and former WWE Champion John Cena headlines the April 9th event along with several other WWE stars including reigning WWE Champion CM Punk, third generation pro-wrestler Randy Orton, the giant Kane (AKA the Big Red Monster), musician/wrestler Chris Jericho, and former Real World Star and WWE Champion the Miz. Other WWE stars involved in the April 9th RAW show will be R-Truth, Dolph Ziggler, Daniel Bryan, Mark Henry, Sheamus, Cody Rhodes, Kofi Kingston, Epico, Christian, and Primo. WWE Divas in attendance include Rosa Mendes, Kelly Kelly, Beth Phoenix and Natalya.

Tickets range from $25-$75 and are available through Ticketmaster. Get yours!

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WWE Raw Super Show

Win tickets to Quique Neira & Sierra Maestra

Crystal Milana

WWE Diva Rosa Mendez

Relax, breath, and stretch


ROCK

arlos Alberto García Moreno, famously known as “Charly Garcia”, was born on October 23, 1951. At the early age of five, he started taking music classes and quickly became interested in classical music. As he got older his tastes developed into the rock and roll, we know now as he

went on to form bands like Sui Generis, Porsuigieco, La Máquina de Hacer Pájaros and Serú Girán. From 1980 to 2010, he released 24 solo albums that included songs that are now part of two generations of rockeros, and have become rock hymns often heard at concerts, parties, and even soccer stadiums.

He is a multi-talented singer-songwriter, pianist, and keyboardist who has been an essential part of not only the Argentinean rock scene, but also the entire Latin American movement. Charly Garcia’s history is full of rock and roll mayhem, including alcohol and drug abuse, and constantly changing musical styles. However, he remains loved and known as one of the rock and roll icons of his generation. Some experts consider him to be a part of what’s called the sacred trinity of Argentinean rock, which also include Luis Alberto Spinetta “the poet”, Leon Gieco “the social conscience” and Charly “el cronista”.

All of his fans are in for a great treat when Charly visits New York on April 25, 2012. Some fans will have the opportunity to finally see this rock icon sing and

dance with his unique musical styles, almost as unique as the musical genre he forms part of, Rock en Español.

I have personally had the opportunity of see Charly Garcia in concert twice. Each time was an entirely different experience. The first time was in New York City, in May of 2002, during a career defining promotional tour for his album, “Influencia”. This performance showed a different side of Charly Garcia that most of his fans were not used to and unfortunately, the album was given a lukewarm reception. Some said that Charly had lost his spark.

However, the second time I was fortunate enough to see him was at Vive Latino 2011 in Mexico City, where he completely redeemed himself putting together a show-stopping performance in one of the most important rock festivals in Latin America. This time was very different and I got to enjoy a “full of live” version of the Argentinean legend, with an excellent band and him enjoying every part of the performance. Charly showed up on stage dressed up as a Mariachi and wearing a T-shirt that read, “Quadrophenia” (in honor of the album from to the English band The Who). He started the show with a harmony of “Cerca de La Revolucion”, one of his best-known themes from 1984 from the album “Piano bar”. This song is still considered one of the best songs in the Argentinean rock history. His impeccable sound is also thanks to the quality of the musicians that accompany the legendary South American composer, among them the virtuoso guitarist Carlos Garcia López.

During Vive Latino, Charly played a full line-up of hit like: Funky, Pasajera en trance, No toquen, and Nos

By Luis Ayalasiguen pegando abajo (Pecado mortal). Then he went on to close his set with classics like: No importa, De la cama al living, Estoy verde, El amor espera, and No voy en tren. With this last song he said goodbye with a phrase that its part of the song but clearly denotes what Charly means to a lot of rockeros in Latin America: “Soy el que prende y apaga la luz,” the whole stage went dark after he said it and that reminded me why I became his fan in the first place. This man had not lost his spark; he was more alive than ever. He was energetic, hyperactive, running from one side of the stage to the other like a lunatic. It was great!

Later on when I thought my Charly Garcia experience was over, I had the opportunity to experience a rare backstage moment. He seemed to be having a great time backstage around people. It was amazingly evident that he has influenced so many young musicians and has the respect of the younger generations. At the time the he came into the backstage area, the DJ went so far as to change the music he was playing to suit Charly Garcia’s musical tastes, in what seemed like gratitude for him being there. It was an unforgettable experience.

Don’t miss the unforgettable experience that is Charly Garcia and go see him live in concert on April 25, 2012 at the Best Buy Theater in NYC. KestaDC.com has organized one of their infamous party buses, which will take excited rockeros from DC to the concert in NYC and back. Be a part of history and join the party bus now! Visit www.kestadc.com for more info!

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In the early 90’s a strong musical movement took place in Chile. Many good bands came out from the underground and made themselves known in the national scene. While many of those artists were good, a select few proved to be very special. Out of that select group, Quique Neira still stands out many years later.Quique started out as the lead singer of the band Bambu, one of the pioneers of the South American reggae sound. A couple of Bambu’s songs got wide distribution through Latin-American MTV. Quique also collaborated with the excellent Chilean hip-hop group Tiro de Gracia. The single “El Juego Verdadero”, became one of the most popular songs of the times.

In 1996, Quique joined the now legendary band Gondwana. With Quique as the band’s front man and one of its composers, Gondwana went on to release hit after hit. Songs like “Sentimiento Original”, “Armonia de Amor”, “Felicidad”, and “Ignorancia” crossed frontiers and made Gondwana known internationally. From 1996 to 2002, Gondwana along with Los Pericos became the leaders of the Latin Reggae genre. Gondwana with Quique Neira have become not just the top band in the genre, but their quality and melodic sounds have actually added a new legion of fans to Latin Reggae.

By: Manu Mayor

In 2002, Quique decided to start a solo project in order to pursue an extra outlet to his tremendous talent. Even though this was not his original plan, his solo pursuit eventually led to his separation from Gondwana. Since then, Quique has released the albums Eleven, Cosas Buenas and the acclaimed Jah Rock. Jah Rock is being hailed by fans as possibly not just the best Latin Reggae album of the last few years, but the best album of all Reggae in the last few years, yes including the Jamaican kind! The album happens to have been mastered in a studio right here in D.C.

Quique continued to experiment with different sounds and released a Dub version of Jah Rock named Jah Dub. In 2010, the original Jah Rock was also released in Europe which led to numerous appearances in some of Europe’s biggest music festivals. If you have been to Europe during the summer, you know that is a BIG deal.

Quique’s music has stood the test of time as messages of peace and love wrapped around sweet sounding, yet light melodies. His music soothes and is the perfect travel partner for your thoughts. Even if you’ve had a particularly stressful day, listening to Quique Neira will make you feel that everything is gonna be alright. If you don’t think Quique Neira is a Reggae legend in the making, then tell me what other artist made you feel like everything is gonna be alright? That’s right. Enough said. Quique Neira will be performing along with local reggae ska band Kickoman, at Liv Lounge in Washington DC, on Thursday April 26th, 2012. Get your tickets at www.tickeri.com! █

/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE / APRIL 20128SALSA

KH: Can you tell us a little bit about how the dynamic of the band works for people that don’t have an idea how your type of ensembles’ work? Who composes the music? Who chooses the musicians in the project? How do you create new music? SM: There are several ways we do this, but it’s probably the same for all groups of all kinds of genres all over the world. We look for songs among song writers that approach the group, sometimes even looking through songs that might not fit the genre or the work of the group, but we accept them just for the value of the song itself. We then arrange and see what we can do to make it fit into our frame, working to find the missing pieces. We also have some members in the band that write songs and in all cases, we try to choose texts that convey the message we are trying to send and that the arrangement helps in this capacity.

KH: For audiences of the younger generations, can you describe what’s so distinctive about son? SM: Unfortunately among the younger generations, son does not have the place that we think it should. This does not mean that son is not known or that very few young people enjoy and follow it, it’s our popular dance. What we mean is that the classic form of son, its small instrumental

on, one of Cuba’s best and most appreciated musical gifts to the world, has had no better advocate

than Sierra Maestra. The group was born in 1976 out of a desire of a group of engineering students in Havana to revive son to its traditional lineup of the 1920s and 1930s: tres, a guitar, trumpet, bongo, güiro and vocals. The group, whose former tres player Juan de Marcos González, of Buena Vista Social Club fame, a founding member, has continued its efforts decade after decade to keep reintroducing traditional son into the Cuban mainstream. More than 35 years later, multiple awards, Grammy nominations, and multiple recordings including their latest Sonando Ya (2010), Sierra Maestra brings their amazing show to the area.

Kesta Happening had the opportunity to ask the group about their music, their work, and just how they’ve managed to keep the tradition of son alive after so many years.

KH: Sierra Maestra has a career expanding 36 years. How has it been keeping up with the group and its mission to bring son to audiences? Sierra Maestra (SM): I think the most important thing has been to make our work as faithful to our sound, even if this means falling into repetitive schemes. The introduction of new generations of members to the group always refreshes the end result of our work. And above all, of course, it’s work.

KH: Why do you think Sierra Maestra’s goal is still relevant today? How do you keep the music relevant? SM: One of the main things, among many, that Sierra Maestra has done has been keeping the son genre alive in its classic form and maintaining the traditional music of any country popular and alive is very important. We work at this and the one that maintains the music relevant or not is the public.

lineup, is what gives a special sound to the songs. There are other forms to play son like using big bands or even digital technology, which is only logical as the years have passed, but the pure form has to always exist as a guide.

KH: How do other cultures completely foreign to Hispanic America receive son? Is there a difference? SM: We have played in over 70 countries worldwide and we can’t think of one negative experience. I think the public’s favorable reception for the music is based on the rhythms and the quality of work that we give each song we play during our shows.

KH: What’s distinctive about a Sierra Maestra show? SM: That’s a difficult question to answer but we can only say that we always try to give our music the

energy that it requires. We want our public, as well as ourselves, to enjoy the experience and that we both have a lasting memory of that show.

KH: What can we expect to hear and see in the upcoming show? What kind of set list will you be playing?SM: Cuban son songs made with a lot of love for our public. You will be able hear songs from our latest, Sonando Ya, and also songs that have become our group’s classics.

KH: After so many years, what is there left to do for Sierra Maestra? SM: There’s always something new to do as long as we are the strength and ability to do it. After more than 35 years doing it and still having our health to keep working is an achievement onto itself. Because that’s all you really need, health, to keep devoting yourself to what may come.

By Maria Veronica Cevallos

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Sierra Maestra will be performing at The Artisphere in Arlington, VA on April 20th

For more information about this show visit:http://www.artisphere.com

WWW.KESTADC.COM / 9BACHATA

here are a handful of artists, who dare to tackle the challenge of performing Bachata music at the international level. There are fewer still who embody the charisma and talent to make the genre their own in a way that nobody has before. Zacarias Ferreira

has done that and thanks to his talents, he has been able to survive poverty in the Dominican Republic.

Zacarias Ferreira was born in the town of Canca Arriba, Tamboril, the musical epicenter of the Dominican Republic. Zacarias was surrounded by music from an early age, his father and uncles were all semi-professional musicians. Motivated by a burning desire for improvement, Zacarias picked up his bags and relocated to the capital of Santo Domingo in pursuit of a musical career. While attending the Conservatorio Nacional, Ferreira supported himself by playing in local Bachata groups, which eventually led to a five-year stint with local celebrity band Brugal & Compania.

By Gloria Turin

Always having had his eyes fixed on a successful solo career, Ferreira released his debut CD, “Me Libere” in 1997 on the Discomania label. The disc was well received, eventually winning a Cassandra Award. Ferreira’s sophomore release, “El Triste” hit the market three years later, winning him his second Cassandra and announcing his arrival in the genre as a major player. The following year Ferreira became the nation’s first bachatero to be invited to perform at the Festival del Presidente, where he shared the stage with artists such as Marc Anthony, Marco Antonio Solis, and Los Hermanos Rosario, to name a few.

The United States welcomed Ferreira for the first time in 2001. During his short visit, he gave an impressive 77 performances in 48 days. Ferreira was picked up by the Campesino record label for the release of his third record, “Adios”. His first appearances on Billboard charts did not happen until sometime later, when the Bachata genre began to pick up steam in the United States. Released in 2006, “La Avispa” and 2007’s “Dime Que Falto,” put Ferreira’s name on Latin airplay charts. Today, Zacarias Ferreira is one of the most representative voices of the Bachata genre, whose songs have been released in countries like U.S., Puerto Rico, Spain, Germany, Italy, Venezuela, Cuba and many others.

The singer has won the affection of his public not only as a singer but also as a spokesperson for social causes in his motherland Dominican Republic. For this reason, he has gotten a nomination for “Man of the Year 2011”, awarded by Diario Libre, the largest Newspaper in the Dominican

Republic. Dominicans and his fans recognize his good deeds for children in extreme poverty helping rebuild and build new schools and providing school supplies. Also, Zacarias performs at least once a month to raise money to benefit the school system in Dominican Republic.

This amazing and talented man, Zacarias Ferreira, will be performing his old and new hits at Galaxy Nightclub on Sunday May 6th, 2012. Let’s be witness to his great talent and warm our hearts with his lyrics.

For more info check: www.kestadc.com. █

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/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE / APRIL 201210TROPICAL

WWW.KESTADC.COM / 11URBAN

o matter how many times he has come through the DMV, Arcangel’s concerts are always unique. Somehow or another, he always manages to top his last performance and make it a night you’ll never forget. With all of the great music this young artist has produced,

you will not want to miss his upcoming concert at Ibiza Nightclub on April 26th – it’s sure to be another amazing night! Arcangel gave his thoughts on his career thus far in a candid interview with Kesta Magazine below.

KH: You’ve been in the music industry for almost 10 years now. What is your favorite part of your career?A: The fans. Without my fans, I’m nothing. I do this for them.

KH: What artists have influenced your work?A: Oh man… Tego Calderon, Don Omar, Tempo, and Robi Draco Rosa.

KH: If we look at your iPod right now, what will we find on it?A: Just beats. I have lots of reggaeton, American hip hop, and Robi Rosa’s music but he’s more of a composer than an artist.

KH: What do you do to create your music – do you have a specific creative process you follow?A: Nothing. I’m just livin’ my life, having a good time. When I make a love song it’s because I’m in love. My music is all what I’m livin’ today.

By Christina Cortés

KH: How is your love life going?A: I’m in love with all my fans. I’m in love with my kids, my family… my music. I’m in love with life. I’m just enjoyin’ it. That’s it.

KH: There are a lot of people that say that as a genre reggaeton is dead. How do you think it is doing and what do you think the future of reggaeton will be?A: The future is bright! People say the genre is dead because the old artists are leaving but this is like sports or politics. If you look at sports the majority of athletes are young because the veterans retired. There’s a new wave of artists like me and the young cats want to listen to our music; they love it. The old stars are fading and the new stars are shining bright. A lot of these kids don’t even know who the older artists are or any of their music. I think reggaeton will be Latin music’s biggest genre and it already has been, so it’s already proven itself. So when people say the genre is dead to me that’s just a people talkin a lot of bs.

KH: You recently signed with reggaeton giant Pina Records. Tell us about the label and how you made the decision to join the record label.A: It’s been a lot of years and I’m a very big fan of Rafael Antonio Pina Nieves and what he does with artists. I wanted something different and I wanted to be able to focus on what I’m really good at. I’m really good at performing and recording, so I want to be able to put my attention there. When I had my own company it was stressful. There was always a lot to do. Now with a bigger team we can work it out better and I can really focus on what I love.

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KH: You have a new CD coming out soon. What can we expect on the CD – any guest appearances?A: My new CD is called Sentimiento, Elegancia y Maldad. It has four singles right now, and one of them is a song with Daddy Yankee. Right now we’re just workin’ on it so we can feel like it’s a perfect album. No tenemos ninguna presion para terminarlo. I’m not in a rush.

KH: You have visited the DMV area several times. How do you like coming here to perform?A: People in DC always show me a lot of love. There’s a lot of fans in DC. Every time I come they’re there, and I’m thankful. It’s a good feeling because I can tell people are lovin’ me and what I’m doing. It’s a good thing.

KH: Where do you hope to be in about 2-3 years; what are your future plans?A: Eventually I would like to be a music producer but when I get to 30 I don’t want to do nothin’. I just want to relax and watch my kids grow up. I’m 25 right now so I only have five more years but I’ma do it. I’m going to work hard. Watch – you’ll see.

KH: What can we expect at your upcoming concert at Ibiza Nightclub on April 26th?A: A lot of hits! I’ll be performing old songs and the new songs because I know that’s what fans want to hear. I want to give them the opportunity to hear all the music they love.█


KESTADC.COM GALLERY

Agrupacion Marilyn @ V3 Lounge 03.16.12

Mexican Institute of Sound @ Artisphere 03.17.12

Ballet Folklorico de Antioquia Colombia @ GMU 03.03.12

Ratones Paranoicos, Violadores, & Riff @ The State Theatre 03.15.12

Juan Luis Guerra @ Radio City Music Hall 03.10.12

artisphere.comFree parking evenings after 5pm and all day on weekends with validation; use N. Kent Street entrance • Two blocks from Rosslyn Metro (blue/orange) + DC Circulator • Entrance into Artisphere and our art galleries is free; select events ticketed • 1101 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA • (703) 875-1100

SIERRA MAESTRAMasters of Cuban Son! Fri April 20 • 10pm “Music doesn’t come more energizing than Havana’s glorious Sierra Maestra, who sparked the revival that led to Buena Vista Social Club’s music sweeping the globe” –ThE LisT

2010 lATINgRAMMy

NoMINEES

wHERE pEoplE ANd ART CollIdE

2010 Latin Grammy Award nominees sierra Maestra features five of the original nine members of the Buena Vista social Club. Named after the mountain range in eastern Cuba that was the birthplace of son, sierra Maestra are the guardians and masters of this distinctive Cuban musical tradition. They remain the first and best modern era group to play in the old-style son line-up—tres, guitar, trumpet, bongo, güiro and vocals—reminiscent of the great days of the 1920s and ‘30s.

Romeo Santos @ Patriot Center 03.09.12

WWW.KESTADC.COM / 13 13

artisphere.comFree parking evenings after 5pm and all day on weekends with validation; use N. Kent Street entrance • Two blocks from Rosslyn Metro (blue/orange) + DC Circulator • Entrance into Artisphere and our art galleries is free; select events ticketed • 1101 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA • (703) 875-1100

SIERRA MAESTRAMasters of Cuban Son! Fri April 20 • 10pm “Music doesn’t come more energizing than Havana’s glorious Sierra Maestra, who sparked the revival that led to Buena Vista Social Club’s music sweeping the globe” –ThE LisT

2010 lATINgRAMMy

NoMINEES

wHERE pEoplE ANd ART CollIdE

2010 Latin Grammy Award nominees sierra Maestra features five of the original nine members of the Buena Vista social Club. Named after the mountain range in eastern Cuba that was the birthplace of son, sierra Maestra are the guardians and masters of this distinctive Cuban musical tradition. They remain the first and best modern era group to play in the old-style son line-up—tres, guitar, trumpet, bongo, güiro and vocals—reminiscent of the great days of the 1920s and ‘30s.

Sun 04.01Sun 04.01Sun 04.01Fri 04.07Thur 04.19Sat 04.21Sun 04.22Wed 04.25Thur 04.26Thur 04.26Sat 05.05Sun 05.06Fri 05.11 - Sat 05.12Sat 05.19Thur 05-24Mon 06.10

Eva Ayllón @ The State theatreBaltimore Salsa Fest @Crowne Plaza TimoniumHermanos Flores & Lucho Muñoz @ Club OneLos Rolands de La Ceiva @ Club OneLuzbel @ Cuzco RestaurantRoberto Blades @ Ceviche HouseReal Woman Fashion Show @ Waterford of SpringfieldCharly Garcia @ Best Buy Theater, NYCArcangel @ IbizaQuique Neira (ex cantante de Gondwana) @ Liv LoungeCINCO Celebration @ The FilmoreZacarias Ferreira @ GalaxyM3 Rock Festival @ Merriweather Post PavllionArgentine Festival 2012 @ Thomas Jefferson TheaterBabasonicos @ Howard TheaterFoster The People @ Merriweather

For more information and many more events go to KESTADC.COM

KESTA HAPPENING DC FEATURED EVENTS

/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE / APRIL 201214FEATURE

ITH THE ARRIVAL OF THEIR LATEST ALBUM, AREA 52, THE “MINIMALIST” TWO-PIECE GUITAR OUTFIT, RODRIGO Y GABRIELA, SEEM TO GO INTO SUCH A

NEW DIRECTION (A FULL ORCHESTRA COURTESY OF C.U.B.A.) THAT IT SEEMS APPROPRIATE TO REVISIT THE BAND’S BEGINNINGS. The origin story of “El Rodi y La Gaby”, should be well known to fans, what with its memorable quality like something from a flamenco-metal version of a heartwarming underdog movie. Their unique inception affords a veritable treasure trove for music journalists in search of a captivating lead paragraph. The remarkable beginnings of “Rod and Gab” are as follows…

Rodrigo Sanchez and Gabriela Quintero, both teenagers, met at Mexico City’s Casa de Cultura. At the time Rodrigo played drums for the band Castlow while Gabriela played simultaneously in several girl bands (Las Brujas, Subterraneo and Las Formigas). Finding a mutual love for music (especially metal), the pair joined forces in the metal group Tierra Acida (Acid Earth) playing in rough and tough clubs all over Mexico City. Despite a five-hour a day rehearsal schedule, Tierra Acida never released a record (the band decided not to sign the record contract). The duo subsisted on day jobs, (Rod did the music programming for a TV station while Gabi gave guitar lessons to local kids) and played bossa nova in hotel bars at night.

Seeking a change of scenery, the band traveled to Dublin, Ireland with $1,000 and practically no English skills. Limited means and

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last minute unavailability of housing when a friend whom they had hoped to stay with told the duo they could not stay with her after all, necessitated busking (street performance), mostly on Grafton Street in Dublin. Eventually, the two found odd gigs (homes, wedding parties, gallery openings). Playing both covers and original compositions, they quickly built their reputation. In the winter they moved to Denmark (the site of inspiration for “Diablo Rojo” named after a Copenhagen roller coaster ride and “Viking Man” (after a local homeless man who encouraged them to busk on the cold streets).

Rodrigo y Gabriela soon found themselves in Barcelona where they once again began playing on the street, this time on Barcelona’s Las Ramblas. The duo eventually received a call for club gigs in Ireland and began supporting fellow former busker Damien Rice on his tour. This led to the release of Re-Foc in 2003. 2004 saw the release of Rodi y Gabi’s Live Manchester and Dublin. Currently the band has released eight albums (Foc, Re-Foc, Live Manchester and Dublin, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Live in Japan, 11:11, Live in France, and 2012’s Area 52).

Music critics have remarked on the unconventional influences the band has cited, perhaps expecting a “classical guitar” act have more flamenco or Mexican derived patrons. Rodrigo y Gabriela’s affinity for metal acts has drawn the most surprised reactions. Metallica, Slayer, Testament and Overkill share space with Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd and family salsa records as notable influences on the band. The group’s metal side is still present on their latest release with 13 piece Cuban orchestra C.U.B.A., Area 52.

It is perhaps too obvious to point out that the Latin (as opposed to “Rock”) side of Rodi y Gaby is undeniably and understandably more prominent in their new iteration with a full Cuban orchestra replete with percussion and horns. And it’s absolutely a welcome and wonderful development. As with the music of Camilo Lara’s Mexican Institute of Sound, an entrenched sense of place and identity is evident when listening to Area 52. Thus the somewhat patronizing label of “World Music” (what does that even mean?) sometimes slapped

on Rodi y Gaby seems even less sufficient for this album. Area 52’s song titles’ Mexican and Latin specificity alone defy generality: Tamacun, Hanuman, Ixtapa. Uniting with C.U.B.A. (Collective Universal Band Association) fills and broadens the impact of the band’s songs as well as more conspicuously linking Rodi y Gabi’s current music to its Latin roots and influences (especially Cuban son, jazz and salsa).

Production work is handled efficiently by Peter Asher (10,000 Maniacs, James Taylor, Linda Rondstadt and according to Asher the inspiration behind Mike Meyers character Austin Powers’ appearance). The orchestra sound is diverse from song to song and makes the band’s lyrical tracks even more epic. “Hanuman” sounds like a Santana jazz-metal fusion. C.U.B.A.’s contributions on “Tamacun” give the song an Afro-jazz kick worthy of Compay Segundo.

Though their compositions are original, the duo clearly respects their influences. This recalls the way the now defunct DLG beautifully updated Johnny Pacheco’s “Acuyuye”, paying tribute to the original’s universal exaltation of personal joy. This is one of the nicest things about Area 52—Rodi y Gaby step forward without forgetting the past.

Wednesday, April 25th marks the arrival of “El Rodi y La Gabi”

to the DC area as Rodrigo y Gabriela perform at the Warner Theatre with C.U.B.A.. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster. █

WWW.KESTADC.COM / 17BOOK

ou may remember Alex Iraheta’s name from a recent article in Kesta Magazine about local Latin rock and reggae band, Anexo Social. Iraheta is the frontman and very much a part of the local rock movement. Recently, Iraheta has had more things on his mind as he releases his first book, “Las Anécdotas Mojadas,” a compilation of stories, poems, thoughts, and prose covering one

topic--immigrants. As per our previous interview with Alex, he is very dedicated to tell immigrants’ stories in his music. One of his bands most successful songs is, “Time to Break the Borders,” a protest song condemning immigration laws.

Iraheta tells Kesta Magazine, “The book was born due to a need that exists among so many men, women, and children to express their feelings, dreams, and desire for someone to put a little bit of shine back into their eyes.” He goes on to say, “It was especially important for me to write this book to document their stories. In a few years, the newer generations will wonder about the immigrant’s plight and will not know where to turn to discover this identity. That’s why it’s important for me to collect these experiences that help define the immigrant community so they’re never forgotten.”

Alex Iraheta was born in San Salvador, El Salvador. He made his first trek to North America in 1987. At the early age of five, he was already delving into the artistic world

by writing and reciting poems and using large rocks near his grandfathers’ home in Chirilagua as a stage to perform. During his teenage years in Washington, DC, Alex began taken singing lessons, and writing music with teachers Alfredo Mojica and Lilo Gonzales Sr., both Salvadorean, along with a Brazilian teacher Richard Miller. Later in life, he decided to study communications, radio, and TV production. Since then, Alex decided to become serious and delve into writing poetry, music, theater, and radio.

In his new book, Iraheta continues to use his artistic prowess to challenge social differences and sets out to give a voice to those who have been marginalized for far too long. The stories in his book are about humble

families and people who have been misplaced from their beloved lands due to unspeakable horrors such as war and genocide.

At the same time that the book aims to bare all and speak the unspoken truths to give a voice to immigrant communities, he also aims to bring light to their continued hope and love in the face of repression. “This compilation of immigrant memories is the story of a people--those who have been opressed and forced to wander. Those who know the pain of a gunshot wound, and spilt blood, results of an anti-democratic and capitalist system. These people miraculously still have dreams, and search fervently for equality, and a place where all men and women are treated with dignity and respect,” reads a book description by the publishing house Palibrio.

The book describes deadly political decisions, bloody wars and long voyages into the darkness into the unknown. It targets the stories that immigrants have inherited. Las Anécdotas Mojadas narrates these catastrophic and inexplicable events in first and second person accounts. There are children, men, women, and the elderly who have known many years of a world that turns its back on the displaced.

Alex Iraheta hopes to narrate these stories, poems, and reflections to remind us of who we are and where we come from. The book does seem timely in a decade where immigration laws are the harshest they have ever been and some states continue to deny basic human rights to the immigrant community.

The book description fondly reads, “In these stories you will find those men with the large moustaches, little people who’ve had to sweat a lot, and women bustling with children. Here you will find them all, those who believed in magical lands and paradises.”

Iraheta’s hard work has finally paid off, and judging from a small sample of Las Anécdotas Mojadas, he brings his art and deep understanding of the immigrant’s plight together with ease. The book was published on February 23, 2012; however, the official book release is slated for April 28th, 2012. On that day, Iraheta has organized a presentation of the official book, where various artists, musicians, and other poets will participate, along with mention of the various places throughout DC where the book will be for sale. Among these will be Extreme Communications, Haydee’s Restaurante, Las Americas Dental Health, among others.

A full 368 pages of stories and poems, the book will be sold in hardcover at $39.95 and $24.95 for the paperback and will also available as an e-book for $3.99. For more information about the book and its release, please visit www.Palibrio.com.

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Alex Iraheta shows his new book “Las anécdotas mojadas”

By: Rosario Garcia

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ettled by the Spanish in the 16th century, Panama boasts a rich past that has contributed to a fascinating melting pot. The majority

of the population are Mestizos, a mix of African, Indigenous, and European ancestry but because of the Canal Panama has a large West Indian population, a sizable Asian population, and a trader class of Middle Eastern Jews and Arabs. This diversity gives Panama a unique experience

of Panama’s Azuero Peninsula. Its charm lies in its relative obscurity, allowing tourists to feel as if they are trekking through a virginal paradise. In Pedasi, fishing, surfing, and scuba-diving are the main attractions. One of its surfing beaches, Playa Venao, is famous for its backpackers who camp out on the beach and have formed a charming alternative community where you can kick off your shoes, start a bonfire and party on the sandy shore. Another must see destination is the Archipelago of San Blas in the Kuna Yala

Columbus Lighthouse

Maceio, Alagoas

By: Veronica Brown

among Latin American countries. The country has grown exponentially since the Canal transferred from American to Panamanian hands in 1991, and it currently has one of the most competitive economies in Latin America.

Let’s start with the beach buzz. Though Panama has hundreds of paradise-like beaches, two off-the -beaten path destinations stand out. One of them is Pedasi. Already treasured by the likes of Anjelina Jolie and Michael Jordan, Pedasi is a little fishing town at the Southeast tip

“HEART OF THE UNIVERSE”, “BRIDGE OF THE WORLD”, “MIRROR OF THE AMERICAS”, THESE ARE JUST SOME OF THE NAMES USED TO DESCRIBE THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA. THIS TINY ISTHMUS SURROUNDED BY TWO SEAS IS HOME TO THE PANAMA CANAL (THE 8TH WONDER OF THE WORLD), SOME OF THE BEST SURFING BEACHES ON THE PLANET, BREATHTAKING RAINFORESTS, AND A BOOMING METROPOLIS. THE REAL THRILLS HOWEVER, LIE IN ITS UNDISCOVERED ROUTES, STILL UNFETTERED BY TOURIST CROWDS AND WAITING TO BE EXPLORED. WITH ALL THIS AND MORE, IT IS EASY TO SEE WHY PANAMA IS BECOMING ONE OF THE MOST VISITED COUNTRIES IN LATIN AMERICA.


territory, a chain of 370 small islands ruled autonomously by the indigenous Kuna tribe, a fiercely independent people who maintain their traditions. In San Blas, you will get the chance to experience eco-tourism, a trend that encourages sustainability and respect for local cultures, so whether you want to take part in traditional dances or live out your wildest deserted island fantasy, this destination has it all.

Once you have soaked up enough sun on the beaches, you will be ready to enjoy Panama city. Often referred to as the “Dubai of the Americas,” Panama city has become Central Americas capital of international finance, this has attracted hundreds of foreign investors and millionaire expats searching for tropical warmth, and it has transformed the city into a true cosmopolitan capital. Visiting the Panama Canal is almost an obligation when in the city. Experience it by taking a tour up the canal, witnessing its massive locks opening in front of you is an incredible experience. Afterward, you can relax with a cafecito in El Casco Viejo, Panama City’s old colonial district. In el Casco Viejo, you can take in the architectural wonders of a bygone era as you walk its wide red brick roads and past the presidential palace, metropolitan cathedral, and historic plazas. The colonial district has also become a popular spot for those in search of nightlife or elegant dining. Choices are varied, one example is, La Rosa De Los Vientos, an Italian restaurant with waterfront seating. You

can then salsa the night away at Habana Panama, which features live bands every night.

There is no lack of nightlife in Panama City; Panamanians certainly know how to wind down and let loose, nowhere is this more evident than in the neighborhoods of Via Argentina and Calle Uruguay. These streets lined with bars and clubs, mostly frequented by locals, and many places feature local bands. In the city, a pit stop must be made at the Museum of Biodiversity, it is an excellent way to learn about the importance of protecting our global rainforests, in addition, it is the first building designed by architect Frank Gehry in Latin America.

If learning about Panama’s rich ecosystem spurs the inner explorer, it’s time to tie your hiking boots and head out to the rainforest. A great place to do this is in Boquete. Located on Panamas border with Costa Rica, Boquete is volcano territory as it sits on the skirts of Panamas only volcano the Volcan Baru. Its high elevation is a respite from the hot lowland weather. In Boquete, you can hike, climb, white-water raft, and a personal favorite, zip line, a free fall with a harness through the dense rainforest canopies. An unexpected thrill in Boquete is bird watching; you can take a tour on the many rainforest trails and watch the majestic quetzal up close. Panama is one of the most important avian crossroads of the world; interestingly it is to birds what it is to humans. If you prefer more of an adrenaline rush in your adventures, then Coiba National

Park is the place to go. This paradise for nature lovers has a dark past, for a century it served as a notorious prison for Panamas most dangerous criminals. The last convict was released in 2005, and Coiba became a Unesco World Heritage site. Coiba is not easy to reach, but once there you can avoid the tourist crowds and take in this majestic reserve. Snorkeling in Coiba gives you the opportunity to see the islands 760 species of fish, 33 kinds of sharks, and 20 species of whales and dolphins. Inside the island, you can trek in through its dozens of rivers to the dense rainforests. There are only six cabins in Coiba so if you plan to stay overnight you must make sure you’re one of them is available, don’t expect to get pampered here but do prepare for the ultimate explorer experience.

Panama’s former minister of tourism, salsa icon Ruben Blades said, “When people travel to another country, I don’t think they want only to be entertained and sit around the pool with a margarita. Tourism is a spiritual affirmation, or it can be. It should be.” This is what Panama offers, a country full of possibilities where the warmth of the Caribbean, the raw energy of our Latin American continent and the modernity of the present meld together to offer a truly unique experience. █

Marajó Island

The Panama Canal (the 8th wonder of the world)

Pedasi BeachPlaya Venao

Coiba National Park

Museum of Biodiversity

Archipielago de San Blas

Panama City

Casco Viejo

Volcan Baru

Azuero Peninsula

/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE / APRIL 201220SPORTS

WWE RAW IS COMING TO THE VERIZON CENTER MONDAY APRIL 9TH. THE ENERGETIC WWE DIVA ROSA MENDES WILL BE IN ATTENDANCE. IN OUR INTERVIEW WITH ROSA WE FIND OUT HOW SHE GOT INTO WRESTLING, HOW SHE FEELS ABOUT TRISH STRATUS, AND MORE…

KH: How did you get into wrestling?RM: I was actually a model for about 6 years. I did Hawaian Tropic kind of stuff, bikini type modeling, catalogue. I traveled all over the world. But I was always really athletic when I was in high school. I played basketball. I moved to Vegas and wanted to try something different and started doing muy thai. I fell in love with it. Then one of my bookers called me and asked me if I wanted to be a Diva. I watched wrestling when I was younger and was obsessed with Trish Stratus so I said “Absolutely”. He says, “Well, it’s not going to be that easy you have to enter this contest do this video and send your information.” There’s a lot of people entering this contest. It was called the Diva Search and it was in 2006. I came in fourth place. After I was eliminated I called them[the WWE] and said “You know what I really want to do this!” and they gave me a contract. I trained for about three and a half years before I debuted.

KM: What is your favorite part of being in the WWE?RM: My favorite part would have to be performing in front of an audience, in front of children and the reaction, the adrenaline rush. Putting smiles on people’s faces and winning obviously. Epico and Primo are tag team champions right now and I’m their manager. We’ve been winning every week so that’s always a good feeling. Also, winning a championship is awesome and a really amazing accomplishment. When you have those titles even though they make your luggage a little heavier it’s a really, really good feeling.

KM: Were you a wrestling fan growing up?RM: Yeah, absolutely. My favorite when I

was growing up was Sherri Martel-- Scary Sherri. I don’t know if you’ve heard of her but she was always screaming and very vibrant. She wore crazy makeup. I idolized her. Also Trish when I got a little older. She was one of my biggest idols because she was really athletic and beautiful.

KH: Who were some of your favorite wrestlers growing up (aside from Sherri Martel and Trish Stratus)?RM: The Ultimate Warrior. He would run to the ring. Even though I didn’t understand what he was saying. With his face paint and crazy muscles. And of course Hulk Hogan. What kid didn’t love Hulk Hogan.

KH: What type of training do you do to be able to wrestle?RM: I do a lot of plyometrics training. A lot of stuff outdoors. I do a lot of rock climbing, running. Having strong legs is really, really important in a Superstar or Diva. I do a lot of squats and lunges. I lift really heavy. I lift for strength.

KH: Are you ever bothered by the “wrestling isn’t real” type people/criticism? Do you hear that a lot?RM: I do hear it a lot and I get a lot of questions about that. Yes wrestling is scripted. It’s like a soap opera. It’s a show. You know its sports entertainment. But at the same time I do know that people see us work our butts off in there and we do sustain injuries like any other athlete. It doesn’t bother me when people ask because it is scripted but we’re athletic and we’re athletes and we do get normal injuries. I’ve had a sprained ankle, broken nose, dislocated shoulder, separated shoulder. So I’m sure people know that it actually really hurts.

KH: What can we expect at the Verizon Center show coming up in April?RM: I don’t know what you will expect because you know Wrestlemania is the event and it’s the Superbowl of wrestling and a lot of things happen, a lot of surprises happen, a lot of changes happen. So I’m excited to find out what’s going to

happen and this show in Washington DC is a must see show because people are not going to be able to tell what’s going to happen next. Nobody knows what any finishes are going to be. Nobody knows what matches are on the card. This is going to be a really exciting show. Basically after Wrestlemania everything is new and fresh. It’s like a new year. I can’t wait to see it happen. I can’t wait to see who we’re up against and I’m sure we’ll still have the title!

KH: Any final words for the fans out there?RM: I appreciate all the support I’ve gotten on twitter. My twitter is @LaRosaMendes. I’ve been getting so much support and so much great feedback on my managing skills. I love our fans. Our fans are what make us out there. They help us perform and give us feedback and the reaction we want when we’re out there—Well, sometimes the reaction we want. I love them with all my heart and soul. I really appreciate the fans and especially the little kids. █

by Juan Leon

WWW.KESTADC.COM / 21SPORTS

IT IS HARD TO PILE MUCH ELSE UPON THE SUBJECT OF WRESTLING’S SIGNIFICANCE SINCE ROLAND BARTHES’ INCISIVE OBSERVATIONS SHOULD BE PRETT Y MUCH THE FINAL WORD. IN “THE WORLD OF WRESTLING”, FROM HIS 1957 MY THOLOGIES, BARTHES EXTRACTS THE SOCIAL IMPACT OF “ALL-IN” WRESTLING. HE WRITES, “THE VIRTUE OF ALL-IN WRESTLING IS THAT IT IS THE SPECTACLE OF EXCESS. Here we find a grandiloquence which must have been that of ancient theatres. And in fact wrestling is an open-air spectacle, for what makes the circus or the arena what they are is not the sky (a romantic value suited rather to fashionable occasions), it is the drenching and vertical quality of the flood of light.” Later he writes with even sharper insight, “There are people who think that wrestling is an ignoble sport. Wrestling is not a sport, it is a spectacle, and it is no more ignoble to attend a wrestled performance of Suffering than the sorrows of Arnolphe or Andromaque.” Barthes goes on to flesh out the analogy between wrestling and ancient (classical) theatre: wrestlers’ physiques as their costumes, the way wrestlers exaggerate their motions to communicate suffering, that wrestling seeks above all to portray the concept of justice the way ancient Oedipus Rex portrays man’s smallness against the enormity of fate.

After “The World of Wrestling”, what else is there to say regarding what matters about professional wrestling except to remark on how Barthes’ words from 1957 Europe still apply to us in modern day America. The spectacle of excess part of Barthes’ vision has only become more obvious in 2012 with the acceleration of consumption and mass media, which since 1957, has been heavily incorporated into professional wrestling. Professional wrestling still faces snobbish derision and misunderstanding (A wrestling fan’s frustration with societal incomprehension of his passion is wonderfully embodied in 2000’s Ready to Rumble when David Arquette’s character cries out, “Wrestling is not fake!”). With Barthes’ words in mind and at heart one can only enjoy the spectacle.

The popularity of the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) brand evidences Barthes’ assertions concerning the cultural impact of pro wrestling and the wrestling audience’s awareness of the spectacle’s meaning. Crowd reactions to wrestlers’ displays and provocations are

derided by critics—classist prejudice compels them to depict wrestling audiences as lowdown and stupid— who mistakenly focus on the literal “realness” of the spectacle. Popular WWE wrestler John Cena’s striking, stirring “I can’t be stopped, I won’t be stopped” speech on WWE RAW a few years ago shows that a focus on the “reality” of Cena’s character is as misplaced as an insistence on the historical existence of Beowulf.

Monday April 9th, the opportunity presents itself to witness the spectacle of excess when WWE brings its RAW Supershow to the Verizon Center. WWE superstar and former WWE Champion John Cena headlines the April 9th event along with several other WWE stars including reigning WWE Champion CM Punk, third generation pro-wrestler Randy Orton, the giant Kane (AKA the Big Red Monster), musician/wrestler Chris Jericho, and former Real World Star and WWE Champion the Miz. Other WWE stars involved in the April 9th RAW show will be R-Truth, Dolph Ziggler, Daniel Bryan, Mark Henry, Sheamus, Cody Rhodes, Kofi Kingston, Epico, Christian, and Primo. WWE Divas in attendance include Rosa Mendes, Kelly Kelly, Beth Phoenix and Natalya.

Tickets range from $25-$75 and are available through Ticketmaster. Get yours!

by Juan Leon

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HEALTH

by Jenny O

aking care of our bodies not only requires for us to go the gym and hit the weights, but we also need to set aside time for self-reflection. By learning to feel ourselves, we learn how to take care of our temple (the body) in a different style, which is by practicing relaxation, breathing and stretching within the exercises that

we already practice on a daily basis. For this month’s health article in Kesta Magazine, I took the time to try something completely new to the exercises that I do and teach, so I went and took a Contemporary Stretching class in Maryland by Jose Manuel Ozuna -Dancer, Choreographer and Instruc-tor. In the class, Jose Manuel combines all three techniques of relaxation, breathing and stretching to allow the body to accomplish maximum physical training.

We all need a moment to relax; to allow our minds to assimilate and be aware of what we are doing. Especially

when practicing an exercise, it allows for the body to take in the information that has been given from the exterior to the interior and take that energy to another level of physical training. Not to mention that being able to set aside time everyday to relax helps any tension to return back to equilibrium.

Using the right techniques of breathing is very important to keeping our body stable and it creates an endurance to keep us lasting longer on any exercise that we practice, es-pecially cardiovascular activities. Breathing is a part of our normal day-to-day activities; it’s such a part of us that we don’t even notice it. When practicing an exercise, breathing correctly is crucial to allowing our muscle to extend and work in its full potential.

Stretching is another element that is very important as it prevents our bodies from suffering any injuries after a workout. A better cardiovascular rhythm, increased body alignment and an increase in flexibility are just some of the

benefits of regular stretching. Many of us don’t like to take the extra time to stretch, but all it takes is 5-10 minutes a day to reap the benefits that stretching can offer our bodies.

Breathing, relaxing and stretching are very important com-ponents to keeping our bodies healthy and fit. My recom-mendation to the reader of Kesta Magazine is this: In the same way that you might train, lift and keep a watchful eye on your diet, it’s just as essential to do activities to help us relax, practice better breathing techniques, and work daily to increasing our flexibility to create a healthy, fit body.

Recommended classes:Yoga, Pilates, Bars, Massages █


Flowers are having a serious moment in fashion right now, and although winter is still pestering us with its chilly temperatures, florals are the perfect way to brighten up your boring winter wardrobe. Celebrities like Elizabeth Olsen, Jessica Alba, Miranda Kerr and Scarlett Johansson have all been spotted wearing their gardens to go. Until spring hits us in full force, try pairing your florals with contrasting leather jackets, tights, or winter booties to give the perfect juxtaposition of style.

1. Wedges $110, Steve Madden; victoriassecret.com | 2. Jeans $214, Current/Elliot, Nordstrom.com | 3. Trousers $79.90, Zara; zara.com | 4. Buttondown Blouse $78.00, Hanalei; anthropologie.com5. Sundress $280.00, Zimmerman; saksfifthavenue.com | 6. Leggings $25.00; lulus.com | 7. Heels $80.57, ASOS; asos.com

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By Amanda Landrian

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/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE / APRIL 201224KESTA GIRL OF THE MONTH


Background / Hometown: Originally I’m from Lithuania, Kaunas. But i been living in Philadelphia since i came to US, so i call Philly my hometown now.

Hobbies: Traveling, cooking ,gym, running, healthy life style, shopping, dancing, movies

Favorite Restaurant: I really love that place in the Georgetown waterfront, on the Potomac River. Its such a peaceful place and water fountains are so beautiful! The best part is that you can enjoy this gorgeous view while dinning, inside or even outside, which is perfect to enjoy first warm spring days.

Favorite Quote: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you ” (Bible)

Favorite Movie: The Beach, Blow, Fight Cub, Gran Torino, Original Sin

Favorite Movie: H2O ;)(wink wink) Alcoholic drink: Cosmo. I think martinis are very sex drink.

Photographer: Cameron (DCProstudio.com)

/ KESTA HAPPENING MAGAZINE / APRIL 201226LOCAL

he Apuesta Por El Rock (APER) Facebook page info reads, “It’s not about Rock en Espanol / Rock in Spanish anymore. It’s about Rock free of borders or limits. We want to reach not only Latinos that like this type of music but also Americans that want to learn more about rock in Latin America and Spain.” If it sounds like an ambitious mission statement,

that’s because it is. It’s also right on the money on what the DC Latin rock scene needs now. Founder Jose Luis Espada was driven to use social media nearly a year and half ago to quote, “find all the rockeros out there.” We both laughed as I reminded him this sounds similar to the X-men movie plot where Magneto tries to use cerebro to find all the mutants in the world. He jokes, “Yeah actually it’s exactly like that.”

Although the name uses the word rock in it’s moniker, APER tells us, “On any given day you will find any of the following genres of music on our page: Punk, Metal, Ska, Reggae, Rock and Indie in both Spanish and English.”

So what is Apuesta Por El Rock? The Apuesta team tells us, “It’s a place to get organized. We noticed there are not many media outlets that deliver on our mission or venues for that matter. There are plenty of electronic music, reggaeton, salsa and bachata nights, nothing against those types of music, but there needs to be a space for rock. We know there are plenty of rockeros in the area, we just need to get organized.”

Although, Jose Luis started the group he tells us, “We work with a large team. People we meet contribute everyday on the page. Bands help us by spreading the word, it’s really a community running the page together. It’s not the job of one or two people.” In addition to the Apuesta Por El Rock Group Facebook Page, now there are other spinoffs to include “Reggae, Rock y Mas” and “MoshPitDC” which covers the local metal scene.

One of APER’s most admirable goals is to spread the rock scene to today’s youth. “We’re passing through a time where our youth (I’m talking high school or middle school) 90% of them are listening to salsa, bachata, merengue, reggaeton, electronica etc. Whereas in the mainstream community, rock is still popular, for some reason in the Latin community it’s dying out.” So is rock dead? APER says, “Well if we don’t do anything about it might be. We want to put ourselves out there to fight for people’s attention, let them know we are here. This is what’s going to keep the movement growing here in DC.” APER’s goal is to eventually organize “Battle of the Bands” with high school bands to encourage them in playing instruments and specifically playing Latin Rock.

APER recently grouped together with “MetroRockDC”, a sort of rock democracy where local bands assign a representative that attends monthly meetings and helps organize events. “We want our shows to be of good quality with the proper equipment, stage, lights, etc.” With the help of nearly 24 local bands the collective has grown enough to organize two events per month, rotating between DC, MD, and VA.

APER is also invested in providing a medium for new music. “Our Facebook page is open for new bands to share their music, or music fans to post videos of songs they like.

We want to make new music as easily accessible as turning on your radio. Rock en Español fans are hungry to listen to something new.”

Mixing some old and new, the APER team put on a great 1-year anniversary party last year to celebrate the success of their page. The lineup included guest band “Veritas Vos Liberabit” (NJ), Izula (VA), Piloto (DC) and headlining was Argentine rock band, Carajo. “It was a very proud moment for us to see our APER flyer on Carajo’s Facebook page, with their 300,000 followers...that’s the kind of thing that will help put DC on the map.”

A little over a year and a half ago, one of APER’s collaborators, Cornelio Perez, found the Apuesta Por El Rock page after doing a google search. “Tell her the rest of the story,” says Jose Luis. Cornelio smiles and says, “Panteon Rococo was coming to New York and I was all set to go with some friends, but they cancelled at the last minute. Apuesta was already in New York and they encouraged me to head out there and meet up with them. I went and met alot of good friends. That’s what APER is all about to me, a place for people with common interests to get together for our rock fix.”

by Rosario Garcia

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Join the cause and go “Like” these pages today!

You can find Apuesta online at www.apuestaporelrock.com

Comunidad Rockera MD/DC/VA

www.facebook.com/apuestaporelrock1

Collectivo de bandas locales: www.facebook.com/metrorockdc

Reggae,Ska y Mas: www.facebook.com/dcreggaeskaymas1

Metal: www.facebook.com/metalerosdc

Pagina del Tributo a Soda Stereo en el área.: www.facebook.com/SodaStereoFansDC

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WWW.KESTADC.COM / 27RADIO PERSONALITY

Join the cause and go “Like” these pages today!

You can find Apuesta online at www.apuestaporelrock.com

Comunidad Rockera MD/DC/VA

www.facebook.com/apuestaporelrock1

Collectivo de bandas locales: www.facebook.com/metrorockdc

Reggae,Ska y Mas: www.facebook.com/dcreggaeskaymas1

Metal: www.facebook.com/metalerosdc

Pagina del Tributo a Soda Stereo en el área.: www.facebook.com/SodaStereoFansDC

very Monday through Friday from 3-7pm, you can catch him live on 107.9 El Zol FM, making you laugh hysterically and enjoy your ride home. With more than 10 years of experience on the airwaves, Diamond Boy Luis is a true radio veteran who loves his new job here in the DMV –

and we love him, too! We got the dish on this new radio personality during an exclusive Kesta Magazine interview, check it out!

KM: How did you begin your radio career?DBL: I actually got into radio by mistake. I come from a musical background – I was in a group called Nice & Wild and following that my brother released his own album in 1996. I was fresh out of college and I went by New York radio station 103.5 WKTU to drop off my brother’s album. Someone there recognized me and we started talking. He told me I should do promotions with them, and I ended up joining the team.

KM: So how did you start working at El Zol?DBL: They were looking for someone to join the station in the afternoons and I was contacted about the position. I applied, they interviewed me, and I got the job. I’m very blessed because I have a career that I love.

KM: Where did the name Diamond Boy Luis come from?DBL: It comes from the title of the hit song Nice & Wild had, “Diamond Girl”.

KM: What is your favorite thing about working on the radio?DBL: The listeners. I love mingling with listeners. Depending on the type of show you’re on, the focus can be on the music or it can be a talk show, but I love interacting with listeners. Each listener is a character and they’re so funny. I wish I could put all of the callers on air.

KM: What has been your most memorable phone call since joining El Zol?DBL: There was this guy that called us crying. He said he is here by himself and when he was in his country he was a mayor, but he had been out of work for a long time. He basically had given up on life. I’m not the type of person to sugar coat things, so I asked if that was the lesson he wanted to send to his family back in his country – that if things aren’t going your way you just give up. After that

his attitude kind of changed, the light bulb turned on, and the conversation became lighter. I heard from him again after that and he said he was doing a lot better, which I was happy to hear.

KM: What has been the funniest or most embarrassing thing that has happened to you on air?DBL: When I was in Arizona on Club 95 and I was feeling sick so I was kinda out of it. I got a phone call that they were bringing an artist named XL like five minutes before they got to the station. When he got there I introduced him as “Extra Large” and the dude was pissed. There was also another time when I was in New York and we had N*Sync on air. It was in the 90’s before anyone knew who they were, and we kept calling Justin (Timberlake) JC and vice versa. At the time, it wasn’t a big deal because no one knew them but looking back it’s pretty funny.

KM: What music are you into right now?DBL: I’m really enjoying the Portuguese record “Ai Se Eu Te Pego” by Michel Telo. I’m also really into bachata. The new bachata artists are really stepping it up. Be it Romeo by including artists like Usher and Lil Wayne, or Prince Royce with his new songs. They’re taking the genre mainstream and that’s awesome. And then you also have people like Pitbull. I’m really excited that the Spanish market is embracing pop music.

KM: If you could tell listeners only one thing about yourself, what would it be?DBL: I love to laugh and I want to bring that to everyone. I want to be that friendly guy on the radio that if you’re having a shitty day you can be like “You know what, let me listen to him because I know he will make me laugh”. Whether it’s because of the crazy sh*t I say or one of the stories I tell, I just want people to laugh. I think that if I can make one person laugh everyday then I’ve done my job.Make sure to stop by Club One in Alexandria on Wednesday nights to party with Diamond Boy Luis and DJ Xplosive! █

By: Christina Cortés


By: Nair Deheza

WWW.KESTADC.COM / 29KE?

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1. Open the QR code reader application

2. Take picture / scan the QR code with your mobile device3. The code willl take you to the Win Tickets Page for a chance to win4. THE FIRST PEOPLE TO ANSWER THE QUESTION CORRECTLY ON THE WIN TICKETS PAGE WINS TICKETS TO CONCERT.Good Luck!

KESTA HOROSCOPE

Scorpio: Sierra Maestra says:” El dia que estes llorando, y tu alma se encuentre triste si bailas salsa mi hermano olvidaras que lo fuiste”-“Son para ti”, Sierra Maestra

Virgo: Foster The People says: ”Forget your problems Lay it down, they start up” -“Miss You”, Foster The People

Leo: Charly Garcia says:”Por favor no hagas promesas sobre el bidet.” -“Promesas sobre Bidet”, Charly Garcia

Cancer: The Rock says: “Can you smell what The Rock is cooking?”-The Rock

Gemini: Luzbel says: “No, no me pidas explicación. En el amor no hay condición sólo entrega ternura y calor. Solo déjate ser” -“Déjate Ser”, Luzbel

Capricorn: Roberto Blades says: “En el amor no se engaña a la persona que tu quieres si es que la quieres con el alma” -”Víctima de afecto”, Roberto Blades

Sagitarius: Babasonicos says: ”Empeza por aceptar tu maldad. Un poco de autocrítica no te vendría mal” -“Nosotros”, Babasonicos

Taurus: Zacarias Ferreira says:”Deja el recuerdo de aquel que te hizo mal” -“Secretos del Amor”, Zacarias Ferreira

Libra: Eva Ayllón says:”El amor, siendo humano tiene algo de divino, amar no es un delito porque hasta Dios amó.”-“El Plebeyo”, Eva Ayllón

Pisces: Charly Garcia says: ”Oh, no puedes ser feliz, con tanta gente hablando, hablando a tu alrededor” --“Hablando a tu corazón”,Charly Garcia

Aquarius: Quique Neira says:”Que tanta derecha o que tanto la izquierdasi lo que la gente quiere es mirarse sin desconfianza.” -“Canto de Amor”, Quique Neira

GIVEAWAYS:Aries: Quique Neira says:” Brilla brilla brilla Como el sol en un nuevo amanecer” -“Dar y recibir”, Quique Neira

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