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www.alfredoflores.net honored by photography award

www.alfredoflores.net honored by photography award
Named to Washington Life magazine's Hot List September 2010

Friday, December 18, 2009

PHOTO STORY

Top 10 D.C.Concerts of 2009

Photo Credit: Metromix concert photographer Alfredo Flores

It's been a stellar year for live music in the D.C. area. Two days in particular will be remembered fondly by many concert-going Washingtonians: U2 graced us with their presence on September 29 (making many forget Lady Gaga was also performing in town that same night), while Virgin Mobile FreeFest hosted an incredible lineup on August 30 at no charge to the audience. But there were plenty of other great shows this year, and Metromix concert photographer Alfredo Flores offers his take on 2009's ten best concerts based on visual spectacle, stage presence, rapport with audience and, of course, their music.

Wednesday, December 09, 2009

PHOTO STORY

Raphael Saadiq live at 9:30 Club

Photo Credit:Alfredo Flores, Special to Metromix

A blend of 1980s classic R&B, neo-soul new school and several odes to the style of Motown-era blues, Oakland, Calif.-born Raphael Saadiq brought his smooth rhythms to the 9:30 Club. Many may remember Saadiq as a key member of the new jack swing group Tony! Toni! Tone!, which had their best years in the late-1980s to mid-1990s. And many of the crowd at the 9:30 Club surely did remember those days as they chanted for Saadiq to sing the band’s seminal hit “Anniversary.” Saadiq teased the crowd by repeatedly asking if “ya’ll ready for Anniversary?” only to go into songs from his solo career. But that’s a good thing considering his soulful hits like "Ask of You" and "Me & You," all sung passionately on stage, Saadiq often clutching the microphone, eyes closed, letting the music take over his soul.

Thursday, December 03, 2009


PHOTO STORY

Dancing w/ theStars' Mya & accused "White House Party Crashers" @ America's Polo Cup

Photos by Alfredo Flores, D.C. Entertainment Examiner

Grammy-award winner and "Dancing with the Stars" runner-up Mya shines at Land Rover America's Cup 2009, co-founded by Tareq Salahi. Filming for a potential spot on “Housewives of D.C.” was former model Michaela Salahi, who along with husband Tareq have recently been accused of crashing last week’s White House state dinner honoring the Indian prime minister. The event also featured a special performance by Grammy-winner and feature star of the upcoming season of "Dancing with the Stars" Mya.

PHOTO STORY

They Might Be Giants Play for Kids (and Grownups Later)

Photos by Alfredo Flores NBC 4 Washington's Around Town

Always looking to expand their musical horizons, They Might Be Giants hosted a show for both kids and adults, and one just for adults at the 9:30 Club -- selling out both. They Might Be Giants’ appeal to children is easy to see and hear, with their folksy tunes about science (paleontology, evolution, astronomy, chemistry, anatomy and more), and a fun portion of the concert sung by sock puppets called "The Avatars of They."

Thursday, November 19, 2009

ARTS & EVENTS

The Upside of Heartache: Aventura

Written by Washington Post Express contributor Alfredo Flores

PERHAPS IT'S A good thing bachata boy band Aventura grew up in the South Bronx rather than the Dominican Republic. While the bachata Latin genre is popular in the DR, it was considered hick music for older folks due to its origins in the rural countryside. But there were no stigmas attached to the music in New York, where Dominican-Yorkers like Aventura's lead singer and heartthrob Anthony "Romeo" Santos could sing enchanting and soulful love ballads to his heart's content. "Many people thought that bachata was for middle-aged guys who would kill themselves if their wife didn't come back for them. It's sad stuff, man." Sad might be an understatement. The original name for the bachata genre was "amargue" — bitter — and its lyrics are laced with heartbreak, infidelity and tears. But in the 1990s, many bachata bands ditched the acoustic guitar in favor of electric while keeping the traditional bongos and guira percussion instruments. Aventura took it a step further and added R&B and hip-hop elements — that led to more than 1 million albums sold thanks to hit singles "Ella y Yo," "Mi Corazoncito," "Obsesion" and the newly released "Por un Segundo."
"It's tough for young people to admit they like bachata because of its reputation as a 'back in the days' type of music, but now they can say it with pride that they love bachata because of Aventura." The title of the new album, "the Last," had many fans fearing the group might split up, but it's merely the final album under Aventura's old contract with Premium Latin Music label. It's also a signal that change is coming to the band's music. "We don't want to marry any genre," said Santos. "We definitely want do more collaborations in the future. But you can say goodbye to 100 percent bachata." The new album features Santos translating Wyclef Jean and Ludacris trying to woo in "Spanish Fly" and in "All Up 2 You" an electronic booming beat is layered with Spanish-language raps from reggeaton duo Wisin y Yandel and R&B singer Akon (yes, Akon en espanol).

Monday, November 02, 2009

Monday, November 2, 2009

Haunted Hill 09 Photos

Photo Credit: www.alfredoflores.net

A few shots from this past weekend's Haunted Hill show at the Nokia Theatre in NYC












Friday, October 09, 2009

PHOTO STORY

W Washington D.C. Grand Opening Celebration

Photo Credit:Alfredo Flores, Special to Metromix

Six-time Grammy Award winning artist John Legend and actress and singer-songwriter Emmy Rossum were among the celebrities and VIPS in attendance at the W Washington D.C. Grand Opening Celebration in downtown. Also in attendance were TrenDC’s Paul Wharton and Reggie Love, President Obama's Body Man, who all walked the “purple carpet” under the glow of the luminous purple “W” sign of the lavish hotel. The W is the closest hotel to the White House, and acclaimed designer Dianna Wong has redesigned the historic Hotel Washington, infusing bright colors and contemporary design while preserving the building’s Beaux Arts architecture.

Thursday, October 08, 2009

PHOTO STORY

"Becky's Fund: Walk This Way" Charity Fashion Show

Photo Credit:Alfredo Flores, Special to Metromix

For the first time ever in D.C., the lavish Liaison Hotel was home to an "over the pool runway show" featuring several players from Washington Redskins and D.C. United in support of Becky's Fund, which raises awareness to help prevent domestic violence in the community. The rooftop runway for Becky's Fund: Walk this Way was hosted by the Redskins' Clinton Portis & Custom Clothiers' Eric Finn. Other Redskins in attendance were Jason Campbell, DeAngelo Hall and Chris Cooley, joined by United players Bryan Namoff, Devon McTavish and Santino Quaranta. The event also marked the beginning of a new strategic partnership between George Washington University Hospital Women's Board and Becky's Fund to work together to spread the message of respect, hope, and empowerment.

Friday, October 02, 2009

PHOTO STORY

U2 360° Tour at Fed Ex Field

Photo Credit:Alfredo Flores, Special to Metromix

U2? Perhaps it’s a band you may have heard of! Well the masses made the trek out to Fed Ex Field in Landover, MD to see the spectacle that is U2. Like the 360° description in the tour’s title, U2’s stage itself is circular and is almost completely encircled by another ring – Bono’s runway so he can walk deep into the audience on the field. The Dublin, Ireland rockers have released 12 studio albums, with worldwide sales totaling 145 million records, and they have won 22 Grammy Awards, more than any other band. But none of that mattered to those lucky enough to get tickets to the sold-out show. Many in attendance gawked at the U2’s enormous stage, which featured a steel structure that took four days to build, $40 million to construct, three days to break down, transport and set up again, and features a 150-foot pylon and a 54-ton cylindrical video screen that lit up Fed Ex Field. U2’s arena anthems were a perfect fit for what quite possibly has been one of the biggest stage setups in the history of live music. Among the hits belted out by Bono, rocking his signature purple shades, during the band’s two-and-a-half hour show, were "Beautiful Day," "New Years Day,” "Get On Your Boots," and "Where The Streets Have No Name." One of the more touching moments of the night was when Bono pulled a Persian-American from the audience, and denounced racism in the United States. The two were draped by a large American flag while they sang "Sunday Bloody Sunday." Opening for U2 were English rockers Muse.
PHOTO STORY

Pink and The Ting Tings: A Colorful Show at Patriot

Photos by Alfredo Flores NBC 4 Washington's Around Town

Pink, often stylized as P!nk, has sold more than 31 million albums worldwide. Her songs are characterized by their personally rebellious tone and a statement-like strict use of the first person. Pink’s fifth and most recent album, "Funhouse," was released in late October 2008 and was preceded by her first solo number one on the Billboard Hot 100, "So What."

Thursday, October 01, 2009

ARTS & EVENTS

The Language of Dance: Reggaeton Club Stars Wisin y Yandel

Written by Washington Post Express contributor Alfredo Flores

AT THE MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS last month, everyone in the audience was stunned when Kanye West rudely stole Taylor Swift's moment by storming the stage. Many were wondering why he would do such a thing, but reggeaton stars and first-time VMA nominees Wisin y Yandel were just wondering what the heck was going on. "Remember that we don't speak the language, so we did not know exactly what was being said, but we felt that something inappropriate was taking place," said Wisin (born Juan Luis Morera Luna) in Spanish — his "La Revolucion" with Yandel is this year's top-selling Latin album. "And our heart just went out to that young lady." While they may not speak English, their infectiously danceable Latin hip-hop is crossing cultures, being played on English-language music networks and radio stations. Their "Abusadora" was nominated for the MTV VMA for best pop video, becoming the first nominated song written entirely in Spanish in the history of the awards. To be happy just to be nominated is a cliche, but Wisin y Yandel (Yandel's real name is Llandel Veguilla Malave Salazar) were beaming while walking down the red carpet. They hobnobbed with English-language collaborators (through their manager/translator) they've worked with in the past — including 50 Cent, Lenny Kravitz, Fat Joe, Paris Hilton and — and those they may work with (a Justin Timberlake collab is in the works). Their work with 50, who raps in "Mujeres in the Club" in "Revolucion," began last year when W y Y invited him to perform with them at Madison Square Garden. "To our surprise, he came," Wisin said. "Not only did he perform with us; he expressed that he loved our music and would like to continue to collaborate with us, so we wrote 'Mujeres in the Club.' He sent it back to us with his rap on it, and the rest is history." That history includes 50,000 at a concert in Venezuela when 50 opened for the Puerto Rican duo in February, and a raucous sold-out show last month in Miami erupted when T-Pain made a surprise cameo performance. While Wisin y Yandel differ in music styles, they seemed perfectly joined at the hip when performing, finishing each other's sentences, fast and slow parts of tracks flowing perfectly. Wisin is assertive and aggressive — his spit-fire raps fire up the crowd — while Yandel is calmer, more laid-back. This combination of hard raps with smooth vocals, in with dembow, hip-hop, dancehall, reggae and pop, have led to a string of club-banging hits like "Rakata," "Llama Pa' Verte" and "Sexy Movimiento." » Patriot Center, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax; Thu., Oct. 1, 8 p.m., $38.50-$78.50; 703-993-3000.
PHOTO STORY

Yeah Yeah Yeahs Pack the 9:30 Club

Photos by Alfredo Flores NBC 4 Washington's Around Town

Indie-rock demigods the Yeah Yeah Yeahs packed the house at 9:30 Club last Friday night. The band's lead singer Karen O has been noted for her sense of fashion, wearing ostentatious outfits made by her friend, fashion designer Christian Joy. The hipster leaders are based in NYC.

Monday, September 21, 2009


PHOTO STORY

Fruit Bats Hang at Black Cat

Photos by Alfredo Flores NBC 4 Washington's Around Town

Fruit Bats were formed in 1999 by guitarist, pianist and singer Eric Johnson, the band's main songwriter and only constant member. The folk rock band originated from Chicago, but is now based in Seattle. Originally part of short-lived Chicago group I Rowboat, Johnson and two of his fellow Rowboat members, guitarist Dan Strack and drummer Brian Belval, created Fruit Bats as a side project.

Aziz Ansari @ Sixth & I Historic Synagogue

by
Alfredo Flores
September 26, 2009
8:00 pmto11:00 pm

Comedian Aziz Ansari is a scene stealer, such as when he played a racist fruit vendor who refuses to sell apples to kiwis in “Flight of the Conchords.” But it’s his hilarious role as hyperactive, sex-obsessed stand-up comedian Raaaaaaaandy (that’s no typo, he spells it with 8 A’s) that truly stood out in a movie full of outstanding stand up comedians, this summer’s “Funny People.” Raaaaaaaandy starts a Darfur charity just to hook up with a girl, has his DJ repeat the punch lines while remixing the comic’s name and throwing in sirens that you’d hear in reggeaton concerts, and dispenses cash via “money cannons.” It’s akin to the obnoxious ‘Def Jam’ hip-hop style comedian Reggie Warrington that D.C.-native Dave Chappelle played in “The Nutty Professor,” only amped to the umpteenth degree. Ansari’s first Comedy Central “Intimate Moments for a Sensual Evening” debuts this fall. 8 p.m. showtime. $22.50, $25 at door. Sixth & I Historic Synagogue: 600 I Street NW, D.C. 202-408-3100

Thursday, September 17, 2009

ARTS & EVENTS

Elementals of Passion: Guillermo Arriaga's 'The Burning Plain'

Written by Washington Post Express contributor Alfredo Flores

FOR MORE THAN 30 years, the horrifying image of a couple trapped inside a burning house in Mexico City has haunted screenwriter-turned-director Guillermo Arriaga. Arriaga, best known for penning " Amores Perros," " 21 Grams" and"Babel," let his imagination run free, wondering who these people were; what their stories were. The story was the catalyst for Arriaga's directorial debut,"The Burning Plain." It's a romantic tragedy staring Oscar-winners Kim Basinger and Charlize Theron, who plays Sylvia, a restaurant manager by day, sex junkie by night and, later on, a mother. One singular tragic moment of a burning home propels this story of love between a mother and daughter in New Mexico, and the love of that daughter and her own little girl in Oregon. We talked to Arriaga about his latest project.» EXPRESS: How did you approach Charlize Theron about her role? » ARRIAGA: It didn't take too long to convince her to be in the movie. She told me, "In Hollywood, we're used to being likeable characters." This character is hard to like, at least in the beginning. But there's hope in this character, in that she has many layers and that she can improve her life. It's what drew Charlize to the project, and she's the first person that came to mind when writing this story. » EXPRESS: Have there been concepts in this film and in your previous works? » ARRIAGA: When I think of stories, I always think of a concept. In "Amores Perros," it was about the relationship between man and dog. In "Babel" it was the last day of something, the 24 hours that changed the life of someone. In "The Burning Plain," the concept was the four elements. The story of Sylvia was the story of water, and it's what held me to the location — in rainy, gloomy coastal Oregon. The story of earth was with Gina [Basinger] and Nick [Joaquim de Almeida, two lovers in the farmlands of rural New Mexico]. Air was represented by the farmers when they fly their crop dusters. And then there's fire, which is Mariana [Jennifer Lawrence] and Santiago [Danny Pino, the kids of Gina and Nick], with Jennifer Lawrence always making fire or playing with fire. It gave me coherence for stories I've been gathering in my mind for many, many years. » EXPRESS: Despite the very dark scenes throughout the movie, in the end, is this a love story? » ARRIAGA: This is a movie about love, but not the Valentine card kind of love. It's love in all its intensities. It's love in all of its destructiveness, redemption capacity, romantic love, love between mother and daughter. It's an exploration of love, through tragedy, an exploration of love through the hope that love can bring. » Area theaters, opens Fri.

ARTS & EVENTS

They Walk Among Us: Dinosaurs Roam the Verizon Center

Written by Washington Post Express contributor Alfredo Flores

HIDDEN IN THE Verizon Center stands will be a master puppeteer inside a miniature version of a large-scale dinosaur, moving his arms and head in dino-like fashion. On the arena floor, a gigantic robotic lifelike version of the real thing will be making the same motions as his master. This is aptly called the "voodoo rig," one of the many techniques used in the Verizon Center return of the large-scale production of "Walking With Dinosaurs — the Arena Spectacular." In charge of creating the pre-historic creatures is self-proclaimed "dinosaur nerd" Sonny Tilders, and few are more qualified. He's considered one of film and TV's top animatronics engineers from his work on "Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith" and "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." Like other arena stars, the 17 massive creatures who star in the show are caravanned around in 25 trucks with a road crew of 60. Its largest passenger (after she's assembled) is the Brachiosaurus, 36 feet tall by 56 feet long. The mighty T. rex is the star attraction, showing amazing agility for its size and startling audiences with its fierce roar that echoes throughout the arena. Those walking just outside the Verizon Center need not be frightened; it's just your everyday dinosaur letting his presence be known. » Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW; through Sun., Sept. 20; $29.50-$65; 202-628-3200. (Gallery Place-Chinatown)

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

PHOTO STORY

SneakerBall VI

Photo Credit: Alfredo Flores, Special to Metromix

SneakerBall VI is the only black tie and sneakers gala (yes, that’s right, a gala where guests are welcomed to don sneaks with their tuxedos and evening gowns). The event annually celebrates the best of sports in the Greater Washington D.C. region and was held at the National Building Museum. The event was organized to benefit the Greater Washington Sports Alliance Foundation, which is made up of six local charities and creates avenues for corporate philanthropy to enhance the region's youth sports programs and facilities. There were over 1,000 attendees, more than 50 professional athletes & Olympians, the Greater Washington sports franchise ownership groups, leaders of the region's business community and the Sports Alliance charitable partners. New to this year’s edition were the SneakerBall Awards, an interactive awards program that allowed the public to vote for the winners in categories that define excellence in athletic performance, franchise leadership, community sponsorship and media coverage. At the event, Eunice Kennedy Shriver was posthumously honored as a 2009 Hall of Champions inductee for her tireless work with Special Olympics.

Monday, September 14, 2009

PHOTO STORY

31st Annual Adams Morgan Day Festival

Photos by Alfredo Flores
On Tap Magazine

The 31st Annual Adams Morgan Day Festival featured two large signature music stages and other innovative and dynamic cultural, music, arts and dance activities. The famous Columbia and Florida Stages, located at the top and bottom respectively of the Adams Morgan 18th Street strip, showcased live music acts from all genres from Central and South America, Latin rock, salsa, jazz, and soul—including reggeaton artist Cristopolis and funk rockers Funkmnkyz. The festival is the longest continuous neighborhood festival in Washington and D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty dropped by to greet supporters as well as his father, Philip, who is the owner of Adams Morgan’s Fleet Feet running store. The festival consistently draws large attendance in the 25,000 range, and this year’s edition was no different.

Monday, September 07, 2009

PHOTO STORY

Old Ebbitt Block Party feat. Bruce in the USA Springsteen cover band

Photos by Alfredo Flores
On Tap Magazine

The First Annual Old Ebbitt Grill Labor Day Block Party has held right in the Ebbitt's backyard on G Street NW between 14th and 15th Streets in downtown D.C. Food was provided by Old Ebbitt Grill, and attendees were entertained by performances by Mudcat, a high-energy Blues Musician from Atlanta, local street performers such as On Tap magazine featured artist Justin Trawick and headlined by Bruce in the USA--nationally known as the premier Bruce Springsteen Tribute Band. A portion of the proceeds from the Block Party will go towards D.C. Central Kitchen, celebrating its 20th anniversary of proudly combating hunger.

Monday, August 31, 2009

PHOTO STORY

Virgin Mobile FreeFest 2009!

Photo Credit:Alfredo Flores, Special to Metromix

Get up close and personal with the bands, the crowd and more at this year's biggest concert


On Sunday August 30, Merriweather Post Pavilion was home to the Virgin Mobile FreeFest, a full-day full of rock bands, hip hop groups and DJs. And this time, in a year when many are down on their luck financially, the event was free! The festival, featuring headliners Blink-182 and Weezer, sold out quickly and an estimated 35,000 were in attendance. Check out our exclusive galleries of the bands, the audience and much more!


Virgin Mobile FreeFest 2009: The Bands

See the stellar line up, including Blink 182, Weezer, Franz Ferdinand, Public Enemy, Jet, The Bravery, D.C. native Wale and many more!

Virgin Mobile FreeFest 2009: The Crowd

The stage may have been crazy, but the audience was crazier. Check out our best crowd shots from the all-day show!

Thursday, August 27, 2009

PHOTO STORY

Nayas in Adams Morgan

Photos by Alfredo Flores NBC 4 Washington's Around Town

D.C. rockers Nayas hold court at Adams Morgan's Bossa Bistro & Lounge most Thursday nights. Their schedule is available on their MySpace page. Their music blends reggae, rock and Latin beats.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

PHOTO STORY

Ricardo Arjona: Stories on Stage

Photos by Alfredo Flores NBC 4 Washington's Around Town

Guatemalan singer-songwriter Ricardo Arjona is known for his brand of storytelling via pop ballads, which he brought to the Patriot Center last Saturday.Arjona is known for his theatrical sets during performances, with band members playing characters from the songs. Arjona's album “5to Piso,” released last year, refers to the fifth floor of his Mexico City apartment and shares the things he saw from that vantage point on a daily basis.Beautiful imagery added an illustrative backdrop to his songs on Saturday.

Friday, August 07, 2009

ARTS & EVENTS

View From Above: Ricardo Arjona

Written by Washington Post Express contributor Alfredo Flores

DON'T CALL Ricardo Arjona a Latin lover-type singer. Although he has the looks and charisma to be marketed as such (and was, early in his career), Arjona prefers to play the role of storyteller in his pop ballads. I'm a chronologist; I talk about everything, not just about love," said Arjona in Spanish while in Miami preparing for his 18-city U.S. tour. "I talk about the undocumented [people]; I criticize Latin American society, but also sing about everyday life." Arjona's storytelling has made him one of the most sought-out Latin artists in his two decade-long career, regularly filling stadiums in Latin America and arenas in the United States. While big-arena concertgoers can expect bright lights, video backdrops and pyrotechnics, Arjona also employs a theatrical musical-like setup and actors who play the roles of characters in his songs. It's the ultimate in visual storytelling and a perfect reflection of the personal lyrics found in his 2008 album, "5to Piso." This tour offers a captivating vision of urban street life that Arjona witnessed from the fifth-story window of his Mexico City apartment. "The album is a biography of the past three years of my life," the Guatemalan singer said. "I was blessed to be given as much time as I felt necessary to complete the project. It's a wonderful experience and a chance to find that right sound, right words to capture the moment." The backdrop behind Arjona onstage is the dark, gloomy city, but one that's vibrant, full of life, brick buildings with blinking lights, people moving around in the windows and on rooftops. His nine-piece band even plays roles, portraying band members in a seedy bar, playing guitar, piano and percussion, while the keyboard player performs in a car. Arjona's lyrics in "5to" sometimes are of heartbreak, such as in "Como Duele (How It Hurts)" about couples who stay together after years of monotony. In "Que Nadie Vea (So That No One Sees)," he speaks about a boy hiding his sexual preference (a taboo subject in many parts of Latin America) in the sad ballad that features stirring violin, cello and clarinet. And in the ranchera duet with Paquita la del Barrio, "Ni Tú Ni Yo (Neither You Nor I)," Arjona sings about women who stand up to the men who mistreat them. » Patriot Center, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax; Sat., Aug. 8, 8 p.m., $59-$99; 703-993-3000.


PHOTO STORY

Jason Mraz Headlines an Evening of Friendly Folk at Merriweather

Photos by Alfredo Flores NBC 4 Washington's Around Town

Jason Mraz, also known as Mr. A-Z, is a singer-songwriter, born and raised in Mechanicsville, Va. His stylistic influences include reggae, pop, rock, folk, jazz and hip-hop. Mraz’s second album, “Mr. A-Z,” peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 200 and sold more than 100,000 copies in the United States. In 2008, Mraz released his third studio album, “We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things..,” which debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 was a commercial success worldwide, peaking in the top ten of many international charts.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Black Plastic Bag: Washington City Paper's Music Blog

Novalima @ Black Cat

Although most of the members of percussionist troupe Novalima danced during the group’s Black Cat show last week, it was a guy with thick blue-rimmed glasses sitting on a box who managed to captivate the audience. It was no ordinary box, though—it was a cajón, the square wooden instrument that provides a thunderous boom and drives Novalima’s pulsating rhythms. The man on the box was master percussionist Juan “Cotito” Medrano, who was stellar during his first ever D.C. performance. He dazzled the audience with his precise timing, his hands a blur as they struck the cajón with incredible speed. It’s easy to see why Medrano won a Grammy while playing cajonero for global music star Susana Baca. He now brings his experience and expertise with Afro-Peruvian percussion instruments to Novalima, which is Spanish for “new” (Nova) and “Lima,” the capital of Peru. The second song in the set was “Liberta,” which commemorates the abolition of slavery in Peru in 1856. The song, off of 2008’s Coba Coba album, is best known for its lyrics, belted out in Spanish by Cotito, which proclaim a black man will be president. Vocalist Milagros Guerrero was a hit with the crowd, as she sashayed across the stage and got down, squatting and shaking her booty during some of the funkier songs, such as the rural piece “Camote.” The track, which takes its name from the Spanish word for sweet potato, is about using one’s feet to harvest potatoes. Opening for Novalima was the almost all-female (sans the male bass player) group Pistolera, which is Spanish for “female gunslinger." The group’s name is appropriate because the two most engaging members were lead singer/ guitarist Sandra Lilia Velásquez and accordion player Maria Elena. The two played off of each other’s energy, Elena rocking out on her accordion, and Velásquez doing the same on her guitar.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

PHOTO STORY

Hip-Hop's Brightest Meet Up at Merriweather

Photos by Alfredo Flores NBC 4 Washington's Around Town

Hip-hop stars including Big Boi, Busta Rhymes, Nas and Common took the stage during the Rock the Bells hip-hop fest at Merriweather Post Pavilion. Big Boi is a rapper, songwriter, record producer -- and, of course, he's best known as one half of the alternative hip-hop superstar duo Outkast. In contrast to his more sedate, philosophical partner André 3000, Big Boi's on-record and stage persona enjoys partying. Big Boi can be identified by his rapid-fire delivery, a style which has become more distinct since the album ATLiens. “Life is great right now," Big Boi told us. "My first solo album ('Sir Luscious Left Foot') is done. We’ve got a new label situation. It’s a whole tidal wave of new stuff coming out. Rock the Bells is the truest form of backpack rap that you can get to," Big Boi told us. "All of these guys are true lyrists, and are perfecting the art craft of hip-hop. Glad to be part of it all for the first time.” Big Boi talks of Outkast. His new album features the single "Lookin For Ya" with Andre 3000 and Sleepy Brown.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Black Plastic Bag: Washington City Paper's Music Blog

Latin Alternative Music Conference Wrap-Up

Posted by Alfredo Flores, Washington City Paper on Jul. 20, 2009, at 4:36 pm

Many established and up-and-coming artists in cumbia, rock, electronica, funk, soul, reggae, hip-hop, and various other genres attended the 10th Annual Latin Alternative Music While most of the artists at the LAMC spent their days in the hotel mingling with record executives, the nights were another matter, with performances at S.O.B.’s, Bowery Ballroom, Prospect Park Bandshell, and a conference-closing Central Park SummerStage show, featuring Latin hip-hop superstars Calle 13.Washington City Paper was there to document the sights and sounds thatcaptivated over 10,000 concert-goers , and to talk to many of the artists in attendance about their future projects and upcoming D.C.-area shows. Those who frequent the Eighteenth Street Lounge in Dupont Circle, might recognize the name Federico Aubele—or are at least familiar with his mix of Argentine tango and electronica that’s often played at the lounge. Aubele’s sound certainly grabbed the attention of Thievery Corporation DJ and ESL Music co-founder Eric Hilton. Back in 2001, Aubele was a DJ in Berlin and played Thievery Corporation tracks during his sets. That year, Aubele sent Hilton a demo, and was thrilled when he heard back from Hilton via e-mail. “He gave me a pretty thorough critique of the demo,” said Aubele in a sit down interview at LAMC. “Eric gave me pointers on what to do, how to improve tracks, what tracks to keep, which ones to cut. And shortly after, I began touring with his band, Thievery Corporation.” Now that Aubele is an accomplished performer himself, he’s been touring non-stop worldwide as a headliner for the past few years. He occasionally performs small, intimate acoustic sets at Eighteenth Street Lounge and plans to play the 9:30 Club in October. One of the major goals of the LAMC conference is to highlight artists that have yet to grab headlines, but are on the verge of breaking through as major artists. Mexican MC Niña Dioz is well on her way, having opened for everyone from Ghostface Killah to Mexican rap giants Molotov and Plastilina Mosh. She generated buzz after her U.S. debut at this year’s SXSW festival. When asked about the hip-hop scene in her native Mexico, Dioz, who made her LAMC debut this year, said in Spanish, “It’s growing slowly but surely. It’s been going on for about a dozen years, strong, and I think it’ll really take off over the next five years.” She has been groomed by Mexican hip-hop pioneers Control Machete, who also hail from her hometown of Monterrey, whom she met a few years back at a concert. Machete’s DJ Toy Selectah is producing her new album Nueva Escuela, set for release in October. Natalia Lafourcade has always been a big fan of Julieta Venegas, arguably the queen of Mexican pop-rock. But little did Lafourcade know that the feeling was mutual. “I was driving my car in Mexico when I get a call, and I hear this distinctive high pitched voice, ‘Hola, it’s Julieta,’” said Lafourcade, in Spanish. “There was no way this was a joke, her voice you can’t fake. And I was thrilled when she asked me to be part of her Unplugged album.” Venegas’ MTV Unplugged album went on to become one of the biggest hits of 2008. Lafourcade, who in addition to her prowess as a singer is also an accomplished instrumentalist, performed as part of Venegas’ orchestra, playing various instruments throughout the recording. Fast forward one year, and it was a no-brainer for Venegas to repay the favor, taking part in the title track for the recently released Lafourcade album Hu Hu Hu. With a name like “The Velvety Ones,” it’s no surprise that Aterciopelados are best known for earthy feel-good music. The duo’s latest album, Río, features music about their beloved Bogotá River—which was majestic when they were young, but is now a polluted mess. The critically acclaimed 2008 album spreads this message through progressive rock music, loaded with electronica beats and indigenous sounds found in their native Colombia and other Latin American countries. “We’re big fans of Andean music,” said Atercio’s singer Andrea Echeverri in Spanish. “We’ve added a full-time flautist that can [play] the [Andean panflute] zampoña.” Bandmember Héctor Buitrago added, “It’s an indigenous sound we’ve always liked, and we love that we have it as part of our band when we tour.” Aterciopelados perform in D.C. often, having played shows at the defunct Nation nightclub in Navy Yard, the Kennedy Center, and most recently at the State Theater, back in April. Los Amigos Invisibles are no strangers to D.C., having played to crowds at the Black Cat, the Kennedy Center, and, just last month, a sold-out live set at the 9:30 Club. That show was one of a select handful of concerts LAI performed recently to promote their latest album, Commercial. “We’re pretty busy people,” said Amigos lead singer Julio “Chulius” Briceño, whose band blends ’70s and ’80s funk with various cumbia, jazz, and gozadera from their native Venezuela. “People always ask me when we started this tour but the truth is—even though this is called the ‘Commercial’ tour—we’ve been touring non-stop for the past 10 years. D.C.’s 9:30 Club has always been one of our favorite venues to play during that time.” While best known for their very dance-friendly and animated live shows, the band has gone from being a New York City-based party band to enjoying more mainstream success in recent years. “What I like best about ‘Commercial’ is that it’s our most tight album yet,” said Briceño. “We used to do long eight minute-plus tracks that went on and on. They were fun, but we feel our new songs are proof of our constant evolution.“We’ve practiced these songs in front of our live audiences for two years now, and we’re excited to have the album come out,” he continued. “We’ve been playing music together for almost 20 years, and if you can’t evolve your music at this point, you might as well open a restaurant, serve people food instead of music.” When you mention percussion andhip-hop, few have been more involved in that fusion than Cypress Hill’s Eric Bobo. The son of New York City Latin jazz musician Willie Bobo, Eric joined Cypress Hill when the Beastie Boys, whom he once performed with, decided to take a break from touring in the mid-’90s. Bobo and Cypress Hill have been inseparable since, with Bobo’s percussion adding a new element to the group’s already impressive sound. “When you look back to the origins of hip-hop, it was all about live instruments,” said Bobo, whose debut solo album Meeting of the Minds was released last year. “And percussion music was the key.” Look for more of that percussive element—Bobo’s bongos, drums, and all—in a new Cypress Hill album, its first in five years, to be released in late 2009. Bomba Estéreo was one of the busiest bands at the LAMC. Not only did they put on a thrilling show at the Bowery Ballroom, but also did animpromptu set at D’Antigua in Queens , opened for Calle 13 at Central Park SummerStage, and followed that up with a set at S.O.B.’s. Conference attendees seemed more than happy to watch the high-energy Colombian band bring their version of “psychedelic cumbia” to various venues. “We love what we do,” said Bomba lead singer and MC Liliana Saumet, in Spanish. “We’re like a bomb in your stereo, ready to be lit up and explode in your ear!” Their mix of cumbia with champeta, reggae, hard rock rhythms and Saumet’s raps made their crowds hop and bounce throughout their sets, particularly on the hit single, “Fuego.” While the Central Park audience was impressed with Bomba’s explosive opening set, few can top that level of energy unless it’s five-time Latin Grammy winners Calle 13. They are a highly entertaining hip-hop group that started out with their global hits “Se Vale Tó- Tó” and “Atrevete-te-te” (both of which sport incredibly catchy choruses that were screamed by the thousands of Puerto Ricans at the Central Park show) from of their 2006 self-titled debut. Calle 13 is a family affair led by Residente, his half-brother Visitante, and their sister PG-13. While Visitante plays to the side of the stage at most shows—hopping between guitar, keyboard, and various other instruments—his boisterous siblings take center stage. Their Central Park set had elements of jazz, salsa, tango, cumbia, bossa nova, and electronica. Residente’s spit-fire rhymes flowed perfectly with the versatile PG-13—who displayed her soulful vocals on the band’s ballads, and served as hype-man (er, hype-woman) and second MC on other tracks. The highlight—other than the extended 10-minute party version of “Atrevete-te-te”—was the band’s Michael Jackson tribute. After a brief break, the band donned sunglasses and bedazzled clothing, then busted out in dance to MJ’s “Thriller.” The face of the band will always be the charismatic Residente, who often smiles mischievously at the audience, hops up and down like a pogo stick and deliver perverse, but crowd-pleasing, dances. But at the Central Park show, PG-13 took a much larger role compared with previous concerts, particularly the group’s only D.C. concert to date, which took place at the 9:30 Club back in October 2007. “We remember that show, totally. Amazing vibe and energy coming from the audience,” said MC René Pérez Joglar, a.k.a. Residente, after his Central Park show. “We hope to make it back once our crazy schedule allows us to.” Calle 13 has been touringand producing Grammy-winning records at a breakneck pace since then, but somehow found the time to make a documentary. Their film, Sin Mapa, is about their journeys through South America and the land’s indigenous culture and art. The movie will be available on iTunes and DVD on July 28. Check out more photos from the LAMC here.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009


PHOTO STORY

Los Amigos Invisibles Bring the Funk to 9:30 Club

Photos by Alfredo Flores NBC 4 Washington's Around Town

The seemingly tireless Los Amigos Invisibles are constantly touring the globe. Venezuelan band Los Amigos Invisibles play a blend of disco, acid jazz and funk mixed with Latin rhythms.Their 2003 masterpiece, “The Venezuelan Zinga Son, Vol. 1,” was nominated for the Latin Grammy for best Alternative Latin Album.Their album “Superpop Venezuela” was also nominated for a Grammy in 2007. Los Amigos Invisibles' new album, “Commercial” is their first non-independently released album in their nearly 20-year career. “Commercial” features the hit single “Mentiras,” a track in which the band members try to convince their wives it wasn't them in racy pictures of SOMEONE getting drunk with fans after a show.

ARTS & EVENTS

Conscious In the Club: Common

Written by Washington Post Express contributor Alfredo Flores

YOU'D THINK THAT that playing a heroic futuristic soldier in the "Terminator: Salvation" blockbuster would be the highlight of Common's summer. But mention the upcoming Rock the Bells hip-hop festival he's about to be part of, and the calm and cool rapper becomes super geeked-out. "Oh, man! It's funny, every year they have Rock the Bells, I wish I was on tour [with it] because I've always felt it was such a great ticket," said Common during a break from filming the Steve Carell-Tina Fey comedy "Date Night." Rock the Bells — named after the LL Cool J classic — started out as a West Coast festival in 2004. But after its impressive debut, and a documentary that captured the chaotic efforts to get all of the Wu-Tang Clan onstage, filmed months before the untimely death of Ol' Dirty Bastard, the festival went global. Acts ranging from established superstars to reunited bands of hip-hop's past to new artists bring messages as diverse as they are: some hardcore, some pop and many who share Common's belief that hip-hop be used as an avenue to discuss socially relevant issues. In this "socially conscious" rap, artists sometimes sacrifice commercial success to speak their minds. "Guys like the Roots or Busta Rhymes — those are all people I really respect and love," said Common. "I can definitely relate, and I dig a lot of what they bring — uplifting and inspired tunes. Rock the Bells keeps the tradition of what we know hip-hop to be." For his latest creation, he pays homage to the "Planet Rock"-type funk music from the likes of Afrika Bambaataa in arguably his most club-banging track to date, "Universal Mind Control" (UMC) from the album of the same name. He enlisted the help of groovemasters and producers the Neptunes to create this futuristic reinvention of a party jam. "During a time when there's so much trouble, you want people to just let go, feel better about themselves," said Common. "That's what the goal was. It's paying homage to the early days of hip-hop." Common has never been shy to show his dexterity and take on different genres. This is apparent in his fascination with jazz, soul and R&B. "I'm a seeker; I go out and seek and learn as much music as I can," Common said. "Whether it's Earth, Wind and Fire, Pink Floyd, I go out and dig into the music and get inspired by new things." » Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, Md.; Sun., July 12, noon, $51-$101; 800-551-7328.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

PHOTO STORY

Tego Calderon brings Latin Hip-Hop to Fur

Photos by Alfredo Flores NBC 4 Washington's Around Town

Puerto Rican rapper Tego Calderón is nicknamed "El Abayarde," referring to a ghetto on the island of Dominican Republic. Calderón's 2003 album "El Abayarde" made him a major Latin star. In addition to Latin rap, Calderón's also made songs that are considered "pure" reggae, like his hit 2006 single "Chillin'." Calderón has received a Source Award from The Source Magazine for International Artist of the Year, as well as a Tu Música award. The artist has also received several awards nomination, including a Latin Grammy, Billboard Award, Premios Lo Nuestro and Premios La Gente.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Black Plastic Bag: Washington City Paper's Music Blog

Photos: Anthony Hamilton and Musiq @ Constitution Hall

Anthony Hamilton is a trooper. While many performers have canceled performances because of illness or fatigue, Hamilton hobbled on one leg for the majority of his soulful 45-minute set played to a sold-out crowd at D.A.R. Constitution Hall on Friday evening.

The R&B singer injured his left knee recently, but barely took advantage of the cane or crutches his stagehands implored him to use. Instead, he favored his right leg, danced as gracefully as a one-legged person could, and even got a dozen or so females to join in on stage for a rendition of “Sista Big Bones” set to the theme from TV’s “Fat Albert”. The North Carolina native made the song his own by ad-libbing and asking a few of the plus-sized ladies in attendance to join him on stage. Hamilton showed them his appreciation by coyly singing “Sista thickness/Get down wit the quickness/Hope you won’t forget this/Put me on ya gift list.”

After all of that hopping around, Hamilton, nattily dressed in a gray suit, sat down and busted out the love ballads “Her Heart” and “Prayin’ for You.” He then rose to his feet (or rather, his foot) to close the set with “Charlene,” a slow jam about heartbreak, and the uplifting “Cool.”

Headliner Musiq stuck to the fun, groovy tracks that have made him a star. He was backed by an all-female five piece band—which included scene-stealing drummer J Latoiya—and two female dancers. The deviation from the predominately male backup bands that dominate R&B provided the sort of funky ’70s feel that Musiq favors.

Musiq’s set was loaded with feel-good tracks like “Whoknows” and “Girlnextdoor,” and ended with his song about friendship leading to romance, “B.U.D.D.Y. Its chorus showed the singers playfulness: “I can’t lie/It would be fly/If you were my B-U-D-D-Y/Don’t be shy/Give it a try/I could be yours if you could be mine.”