La Vida Yaya

Here is where you can find my music-related posts. Enjoy! Quetzal at LACMA. Photo by Abel Gutierrez. Rocio Friday, June 8, 2012 Melena Wednesday, June 6, 2012 Entre Mujeres   Wednesday, May 30, 2012 Return of the Conga Tuesday, March 27, 2012 Aztlan Underground's new song and video "Our Nature" Tuesday, March 20, 2012 Bang Data - La Sopa   Thursday, March 15, 2012 Native American Music Awards   Thursday, October 7, 2010 Quetzal   Sunday, July 11, 2010 Aztlan Underground's New Album   Friday, June 11, 2010 Francisco Aguabella Friday, May 14, 2010 Ozomatli Day - City of LA   Friday, April 23, 2010 Rene Camacho- Bassist   Tuesday, September 22, 2009 Latin Beat Magazine   Monday, September 14, 2009

Marisoul, J. Hernandez, G. Tenorio, P. Hidalgo, Miguel Ramirez, Donaji, Juan Domingo The African roots and influences in Mexico are still somewhat of a mystery to most. Fiercely patriotic citizens boast about Mexico's rich homogenous culture, history, and food, but for some, Mexico's culture is rich in outside influences that have been adapted and remade Mexican. But labels and identity are always far more complex than what you see on the surface. That is why I felt compelled to chat with my friend and local LA musician, Gabriel Tenorio, about his recent cross-cultural/border-crossing project, The Return of the Conga . The conga, aside from being an actual drum, is also an African rhythm that crossed to Southern Mexico via Cuba in the 1800s. While the style flourished and became popular in Cuba in the early part of the 20th century it disappeared in Mexico. The conga is still danced and played in contemporary Cuba and continues to be played throughout the salsa world. ...