Des Moines Latin nightlife has been growing tremendously and I have been fortunate enough to be involved in many of the events promoting Latin music. These included, but were not limited to the Iowa State Fair, where Latin Rhythmz was able to work with the ISF committee to bring you “Grupo Fuego”, to the Latino Heritage Festival, where I was honored to be selected as the entertainment chair for the second year in a row. There have been weddings, parties, events, Tuesdays at The Warehouse (formerly known as Kelysters) and well, any reason to dance some salsa.

With fall here and winter just around the corner, we are trying to organize and collaborate with businesses here in Des Moines, to continue to bring you great salsa, merengue, bachata and more. I will try as much as possible to keep you up to date on upcoming Latin Rhythmz events and partnerships. I will also try to post updates on new songs that are catching people’s attention out there.

As always, thank you for your continued support through the years. It has been a phenomenal run and I don’t see a slow down for the forseeable future.

Thanks,
Sergio

This year, his latest project, “Para Mi Gente” was released and so far, things are looking good. He has started with the single “Empece a Llorar” which is one my favorite of his songs.

If you like, cheerful, sentimental salsa that makes you move your arms around like you are playing the maracas, then you will like Anthony Cruz. Definitely check out his latest hit at your local “online store” or at one of our Latin Rhythmz dances

• Que Hiciste - Jennifer Lopez (no more calling her J-Lo) This is also the most popular one right now
• Traicionera - Marlon (this is probably my favorite. Starts off a little slow, like a Tango, but man, this song rocks!!!)
• Empeze a Llorar - Anthony Cruz
• La Nueva Generacion - NG2
• Nunca Habia Llorado Asi - Victor Manuelle featuring Don Omar
• No Me La Pongas Dura - Pedro Conga

So, these should keep you busy for a little while… I hope you enjoy… and don’t forget, if you like these songs, you will hear them and many more great ones at Latin Rhythmz events at Keysters and the Hotel Fort Des Moines!

Aventura has been around longer though they started as young teens. Through the years and album releases, their sound has really matured although their content has always been quite “grown up”. A lot of their hits have dealt with social and personal issues…hits like “Hermanita”, which is about a sister who is in an abusive relationship…to most recently, “Los Infieles” or The Unfaithful, well you can take a guess what that one is about. Musically, however, they have done a complete 180. Starting with a more conventional, equally as good style as in “Cuando Volveras” (When Will You Return) to a much more R&B sound in their most recent hit “Mi Corazoncito” (My Little Heart).

Xtreme on the other hand, takes these two styles that Aventura has evolved from and to, and fuses them. There is an obvious undertone of R&B, while still maintaining they traditional style of bachata and staying a little more true in that regard. It’s also more romantic but with a hint of eroticism. Vocally, Xtreme still sounds a little young, but very nice harmonizing throughout their repertoire. They are, I believe, on their second release and both have been great efforts. I do also think that Xtreme will go far, but they are yet as established as Aventura who is selling out venues worldwide.

The debut album from Grupo Fuego was produced by three time Grammy winner, and Latin music legend, Freddy Mendez. Grupo Fuego’s hits include “Fuego” and “Muevelo”.  If you would like more information about the band and listen to some of their hits, please check out there site.

Latin Rhythmz’ DJ Sergio will also be at this event to provide other hot merengue, salsa and reggaeton hits!

Come on out on August 12th and join Grupo Fuego at the Iowa State Fair (site) and enjoy a hot summer night of dancing to the Latin Rhythmz!!

Stay tuned for more information…

I had not heard many songs from that album and when I heard this track, I realized how much Aventura’s sound has changed since then. Of course they were kids at the time and they have definitely matured as singers and as musicians. This is a more conventional bachata as compared to the hip-hoppish/R&B sound Aventura plays these days. However, this sound works for them as well. I definitely recommend this song, if you’ve not already heard it.

That is one of the beauties of Latin music…it never goes out of style!

In the meantime, don’t forget that we are still out at Keysters along with our friends at Salsa Iowa. We are also still playing at the Hotel Fort Des Moines once a month. Usually the last Friday or Saturday of every month. The next Hotel Fort Des Moines dance will be Friday, April 27th so stay tuned for more information about that as well.

A couple of other notable mentions were N’Klabe with some of their hits, a special presentation by Juan Luis Guerra and of course, 4.40 (this was a treat and brought back memories of old with their hits, “Burbujas de Amor”, “Como Abeja al Panal” and others).

Aventura is one of my favorite bachata acts but I was not too impressed by the transformed version of their hit single “Los Infieles” (The Cheaters) in which, of all people, Frankie J comes on the stage to confront Romeo for having an affair with his wife.  It might have been a lot better, if it had ever developed into the bachata it’s meant to be, instead of maintaining the pop-ish sound of what is just supposed to be the intro.  It was more of an R&B song.

Overall, the evening was somewhat entertaining with some good performances.

So what did you think?

 That’s right, now I can hear songs like a remake of Esta Cobardia by the late, great Frankie Ruiz. This new project is by a group called La Nueva Combinacion and believe me when I tell you that they did the classic justice. I had to look these guys up and I found out that this is a collaborative album headed up by Angel Fernandez. The stars involved include Johnny River, Ray Sepulveda, Tito Allen, George Lamond and the singer on Esta Cobardia, sixteen year old, Luis Figueroa Roig. If you would like to find out more information on this project, the site is http://www.lanuevacombinacion.com/index-en.htm

Happy listening and please be sure to tell me what you think…

East Village
Ballet Des Moines Studio
502 E. Locust
Des Moines IA