Flaco Jimenez

Flaco Jimenez

In the landmark reference book, “The Billboard Guide to Tejano and Mexican Music”, written by San Antonio Express-News music reporter Ramiro Burr and published by the prestigious Billboard Books, Flaco was given one of his highest compliments:

“What B.B. King is to the blues, or George Jones is to traditional country, Grammy-winning accordionist Flaco Jimenez is to the world of Tex-Mex Conjunto. Jimenez was universally recognized as a leading exponent of the authentic South Texas Conjunto. While there are many masters of the accordion along the Texas-Mexican border, none have toured Europe, Japan and other points overseas or recorded with as many pop, rock and country artists as Jimenez. By all accounts, Jimenez was an international icon for the accordion-fueled Conjunto genre.”

Flaco Jimenez, the pioneering icon of Conjunto and Tejano music, was destined to be a great musician. He grew up in the barrios of San Antonio listening and learning his famous father’s trade.

Flaco’s father, Santiago Jimenez, Sr., was labeled the “father” of Conjunto music. He was a forerunning artist in his own right. At age seven, Flaco was already performing with his father on stage in front of live audiences. He had acquired a love for the music and would make a career out of it.

By the time he was 15, he was in the studios making records as a member of the group Los Caporales and soon thereafter was given his father’s nickname of “Flaco”, which means skinny or thin. After playing the local saloons and dance halls in San Antonio for years, he acquired a solid reputation as a unique musician and stylist. In the 1960’s he teamed up with a fellow musician Douglas Sahm, the founding member of the famous rock band The Sir Douglas Quintet, and then went on to New York to jam with Bob Dylan and Dr. John. From there, he played for mostly Anglo audiences with Peter Rowan and then traveled the world with Ry Cooder and David Lindsey, receiving international acclaim for his contributions to Cooder’s landmark album, Chicken Skin Music.

For Booking Information Visit: The Flaco Jimenez Web Page

El Tigre Lupercio

El Tigre Lupercio

Servando Lupercio; “El Tigre Lupercio”, was born on February 17, 1958 in a place called “El rancho La Providencia”; Municipality of Tepatitlan, Estado de Jalisco, Mexico. His parents were humble and hard workers with a family of ten siblings.

Because “Little Servando” needed to help his parents when he was a kid, he worked and was only able to finished the sixth grade. In 1977; when he was sixteen years old, Lupercio decided to try his luck in United States. He crossed the border and came to Winter Garden, Florida. Now, “Big Servando” worked as a farmer, picking up oranges, tomatoes, peppers, etc. He married for the first time and had three children, later he got separated from his first wife.

In 1983, Lupercio started working at Walt Disney World in one of its cafeteria. Later, he is moved as a bus-boy at the Mexican restaurant in EPCOT. Here is where he found his passion for food and music. He meets and developed a great friendship with “Mariachi El Cobre”. Since he was little, Servando has loved Mariachi and rancheras music. Then he had the opportunity to sing with this group. At this time; he started to be known as “El Tigre” and then he meet his actual wife. They have been marriage for twenty years and have two kids.

El Tigre never has taken it easy; he has always been energetic and willing to work. During the week ends, he sold tacos in a near fleet market. He called his little establishment “Taquito Jalisco”. It seems that it was good, because in 1993 Lupercio opened his own Mexican Restaurant with the same name. Today is one of the best and well recognized Mexican restaurants in the Central Florida Metropolitan area.

For Booking Information Visit: The El Tigre Lupercio Web Page

Hermanos Herrera

Hermanos Herrera

Hermanos Herrera is a family group consisting of five Herrera brothers and their younger sister. The group plays various styles of traditional Mexican music such as son huasteco, son jarocho, and norteño. The group has played at various venues throughout the southwestern United States as well as Mexico.

Hermanos Herrera captures with remarkable authenticity all of the musical styles that make up these traditional styles of Mexican music. They play with remarkable composure and maturity far beyond their youthful age. They perform with an aggressive and energetic style that is passionate, exhilarating and refreshing. They remain truly authentic in their interpretation of these marvelous traditional musical genres.

The five brothers in the group Jorge Andrés, Luis Albino, Miguel Antonio, Juan Pablo, and José Marcelino are students at UCLA, while Rebeca Isabel is a student at Fillmore High School. The group has recorded four CDs under the Sonbros Record label: Sones Huastecos con los Hermanos Herrera, De Corazon Huasteco, Pasion Huasteca, and Cruzando al Norte. Forthcoming are two additional CD’s of Norteño music and Jarocho music.

Hermanos Herrera have performed on national television programs such as Hola Los Angeles, Buenos Dias Los Angeles, Despierta America, Noticiero 52 Telemundo, and LATV: Mex 2 the Max. The have performed at venues such as the Universal Amphitheatre, John Anson Ford Amphitheater, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Orange County and San José Performing Arts Centers. Moreover, they have also performed internationally in Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico City, Mexico, and Amatlán, Veracruz.

They have performed with the likes of Linda Ronstadt, Los Lobos, Los Rieleros del Norte, José Feliciano, Los Camperos de Valles, Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano, Ozomatli, Julieta Venegas, and Tlen-Huicani.



For Booking Information Visit: The Hermanos Herrera Web Page

Marilyn Fernández

Marilyn Fernández

“Me Gusta la pizza. Me gusta pescar. Adoro la música” asi es Marilyn Fernandez. Es una joven sencilla, dulce, con muchos anhelos y llena de energia. Sin embargo esta bella , feliz, talentosa y joven nacida en Fresno, California ha sido conocida por la gran video-audiencia de MTV En Español y VH UNO internacional, también se ha presentado ante inmensas muchedumbres en infinidad de conciertos además de presentaciones con orquestas y shows de televisión.

Marilyn Fernandez está lista para el estrellato, ha grabado tres CDs demostrando en esta su tercera producción su madures artística y un dominio completo en el escenario.

Su primer lanzamiento- “ la que perdió “ fue programado por más de 300 estaciones de radio, generando fuertes ventas y reconocimiento internacional. es hoy y el video de Marilyn Fernandez Es uno de los más vistos en VH Uno y MTV En Español Internacional.

Marilyn Fernandez a tenido presentaciones ante las multitudes que visitan a las mundialmente famosas Fiesta Broadway Y La Fiesta De Las Americas en Los Angeles California. Ha cantado junto a la Sinfónica de Beverly Hills celebrando La diversidad de Las culturas Latinas, ha compartido escenario con estrellas del canto como Gloria Trevi, Lucero, Pablo Montero, Alvaro Torres y más.

Marilyn Fernandez se siente completamente en casa cuando canta en un escenario y su audiencia le corresponde de igual manera.” Disfruto Viajar Y especialmente compartir con esa gente maravillosa de todo el mundo que viene a escucharme cantar.”

Ella apoya a su comunidad, Marilyn Fernandez ha donado sus talentos para recaudar fondos para muchas causas nobles, incluyendo una causa con la participación del famoso actor Edward James Olmos para proveer arte y educación para los estudiante de Coalinga, California.

For Booking Information Visit: The Marilyn Fernandez Web Page

Ricardo Castillon - Tambalea

RICARDO CASTILLÓN released “Nueva Fusion” under independent label “Pueblo Entertainment Records,” on May 28, 2007. Produced by Ricardo Castillón, Adam Vargas, and Manuel Garza, with a fierce new sound of mariachi sounding trumpets along with cumbia-style percussive rhythms, hot guitar licks, screechy flashy trumpet solos, accordion infusions, and Latin hip-hop grooves. The new single entitled “Tambalea” was well received in Mexico as of April 16, 2007 opening new venues and was released on May 14, 2007 in the U.S. by Monitor Latino.

After not touring since 2001, Ricardo anxiously calls back his old band “La Diferenzia.” A powerhouse touring band including Adam Vargas, Val Maltos, Sinuhe Aussenac, Mike Macias, Ross Vialpando, Edward Hernandez, Cesar C . Sanchez and Steve Sanchez.

“It’s like we never stopped playing. It’s just a “New Fusion,” Ricardo said.

For Booking Information Visit: The Ricardo Castillon Web Page

Fernando Arau - Comedian

Fernando Arau

En 1997, después de 23 años de éxito en México, Fernando Arau fue contratado por Univisión, la cadena más importante de habla hispana en los Estados Unidos, como el conductor del programa "Despierta América", el programa matutino de habla hispana con mayor audiencia en Latinoamérica.

"Despierta América" ha estado en el aire por 10 años logrando un éxito difícil de superar. Es un programa en vivo de tres horas, de lunes a viernes y de 7a.m. a 10a.m. hora del este de los Estados Unidos. Después de un año de estar viviendo en Miami, donde Arau ha logrado la fama debido a su talento y carisma, el Comité de "Las Estrellas de la Calle Ocho" y la Cámara de Comercio de Miami, le otorgaron la famosa "Estrella de la Calle Ocho".

Dos años más tarde, y debido a su constante éxito, plasmo sus manos en el famoso "Paseo de las Luminarias" en la Ciudad de México. Productor, director y escritor de sus propios shows; Fernando Arau a dominado las diferentes áreas de la industria del entretenimiento, desde haber sido mimo y payaso en las calles de la Ciudad de México, hasta hacer teatro, cine, radio y televisión.

Fernando es hijo de Don Alfonso Arau, productor y director de películas como: "Zapata" y "Como Agua Para Chocolate" y de Magdalena Corona, coreógrafa y bailarina retirada del Ballet Folklórico de México. Su hermano Sergio Arau, es músico, director y productor de la película "Un Día Sin Mexicanos", donde Fernando también aparece como actor.

Fernando comenzó su carrera a la temprana edad de 5 años, bailando "tap" con sus padres, y después fue sacando poco a poco a la luz sus diferentes talentos.

For Booking Information Visit: The Fernando Arau Web Page

JayKay - Urban Latin Pop

JAYKAY

From a successful career as a young singer to stardom with (the original) Dutch Idols, JayKay is now ready to show the world what he is really about. With a style all his own and offering a full package; singing, dancing, composing, arranging, writing, producing, fashion designing; JayKay is going to be the first all round urban artist out of Europe.

THIS IS THE BIOGRAPHY OF JAYKAY
Like any big artist from the past century, JayKay is the son of a preacher. But his father wasn't the only one to lead him towards music. His mother wanted her son to play music for the Lord and she pushed JayKay to study the piano from a very early age. He started training his vocal chords as well as his fingers even before he could speak and later JayKay joined the church's children's choir.

Part of his father's job was to travel the globe spreading the word. JayKay lived on a number of Antillean islands and South American countries during his childhood. When living at a Venezuelan boarding school, he came in touch with other singing talents and he discovered artists such as Boys II Men, Take 6, Michael Jackson and many salsa and merengue musicians. He taught himself how to rap (in different languages!) and beatbox and he polished up the dancing talent he was born with.

But beside the music he was pretty talented at sports too, basketball in particular ; hence the Dennis Rodman colors in his hair, now JayKay's trademark. For a little while he didn't know whether to choose for sports or a career in entertainment. It was decided when he formed his first close harmony group. Since then throughout his travels he has set up numerous singing groups performing everywhere he settled, from church performances to regular large venue filling gigs. He even capitalized on his good looks modeling for a lot of fashion shows on Curacao.

For Booking Information Visit: The JayKay Web Page

Fragment Crew - Reggaeton

Fragment Crew

New York City is the rightful birthplace of many musical movements that have changed the sociocultural dynamic in decades past. Once again, NYC will bear witness to the musical evolution of Fragment Crew, a group that both embodies and revolutionizes 4 groundbreaking Latin genres in their own right – Hip-Hop, R&B, Reggae/Dancehall, and Reggaetón.

Fragment Crew features the musical stylings of hip-hop emcee Aro, R&B crooner Davon, Reggae Dancehall virtuoso Chico Navaja and is spearheaded by rising super producer/artist, Napoles. As former members of the first Latino group ever signed to Interscope Records’ both Napoles and Aro bring industry experience to the table, while simultaneously staying true to the streets.

“Our music reflects the diversity of our backgrounds – we incorporate ‘fragments’ of Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Jamaica and Cuba,” explains Napoles. In addition to the geographical fusion it undertakes, Fragment Crew strives to develop and maintain a high level of artistic integrity. “We also unite key elements of different genres of music. Each of us has been influenced by different music and we show this in our artistic delivery. ‘Fragment Crew’ is much more than our name. It symbolizes the direction in which we’re taking our music,” affirms Chico.

In July of 2007, Fragment Crew released its debut album, ANYTHING GOES, which features collaborations with today’s hottest rising talent in Latin music, such as Notch, Malverde, DJ Blass, Frank Nitty, and Chika. “We wanted to come out with something that would breathe new life into Latin urban music,” says Davon. The first single, Nunca Te Olvidaré, is already blazing up radio stations across the U.S. and abroad.

To further demonstrate the versatility of these 4 visionaries, Aro is slated to appear in the critically acclaimed independent film, THE STARTUP. “Music is definitely my first love, but to be able to branch out and try something new is always a challenge I love to undertake,” comments Aro.

Indeed, Fragment Crew is making way for a new era of music – one in which ANYTHING GOES.

For Booking Information Visit: The Fragment Crew Web Page

Consolo - Reggaeton

Biografía de Consolo:

De cuna muy humilde, pero sabiendo muy bien lo que hay en la calle, William Casanova Andujar, mejor conocido como “Consolo” (“La Diferencia del Reggaetón”), llega al competitivo género del reggaetón para medirse de tú a tú con la crema de la crema. Nacido en el área de Santurce y de descendencia dominicana, el artista busca darle un giro muy interesante al ritmo que interpreta a través de cada melodía que sale de su boca, entre las cuales se encuentran: “Prostibruto”, “Teca Manteca”, “Tenis Converse”, “Dulce María”, “Carmela”, "Los Charoles", “Caco Conguero”, entre otras. Además, el artista cuenta con Dj Diego de Baby Records, quien es el creador de las pistas. “Mi intención es presentar lo que está pasando en la calle a diario, pero de una forma muy jocosa y, sobre todo, divertidísima”, asegura el cantautor de 24 años de edad, que se define como una persona auténtica, humilde y carismática. Además, todo un maestro en el campo del baile. Entretanto, el artista, que sigue muy de cerca la lírica de Tego Calderón, Eddie D. Y Julio Voltio puntualiza que no tiene la intención de tirarle a persona alguna. “Aunque, eso es parte del género. ¡Siempre tiene que estar! Es parte de la cultura… ¡El reggaetón es un género urbano!”, exclama quien domina el arte de jugar con las letras. Y hablando un poco ya del contenido del álbum, “Consolo” (“La Diferencia del Reggaetón”) presenta oficialmente el tema “Prostibruto”.

For Booking Information Visit: The Consolo Web Page

Divino - Reggaeton

Conveying heartfelt emotion through richly textured songs has always been a priority for Puerto Rican reggaetón sensation Daniel Divino Velazquez, whose confessional lyrics and impressive vocal range have made him rise to superstar status throughout the Caribbean and Central America. Now, with the release of Todo A Su Tiempo: Platinum Edition, the pioneering artist will doubtless conquer U.S. audiences and establish himself as one of the most versatile performers in the genre.

Divino began his career at the age of fifteen, when his family moved from The Bronx, New York, to Ponce, Puerto Rico. Already a prolific songwriter, Divino immersed himself in the islands booming Spanish-language rap scene. With the help of a neighborhood acquaintance, he started recording his very own cassettes and selling them on the streets, thereby amassing a local following. Thanks to this growing buzz, Divino managed to score gigs as the opening act for Puerto Rican rap pioneers Vico C and Ruben DJ during their performances in Ponce. In 1994, Divino recorded his first official single, A Donde Voy, for the compilation album MC Non-Stop Reggae Vol. 1 as part of the group Psycho Unity. But despite the singles success, Divino decided to concentrate his energies on his day job as an assistant in a juvenile institution. His brother, K2 Young, had made inroads in the reggaetón genre as a member of DJ Playeros esteemed crew.

He was well-known for his close friendship with Baby Ranks, with whom he often performed. Divino decided that it was his brothers fate to conquer the genre and opted to live vicariously through him instead of joining him in that journey. His own musical aspirations faded to the background. In 1999, Divinos brother was killed, only one day after celebrating his 21st birthday. I dont know if it was my rage or my anguish, but I decided to reenter the genre, Divino says of his comeback in 2000. Baby Ranks, who was also devastated by the loss, asked Divino to join him on a track he was recording for the production Darwins The Music II. Later, they joined forces again for the hit Quiero Esa Nena off of DJ Nelsons The Flow: Sweet Dreams.

For Booking Information Visit: The Divino Web Page