Latin Party Tribute Night! Hector Lavoe & Maykel Blanco

Join us at The Studio's Tribute Night to 2 famous names in Salsa then and now, often heard at salsa parties and festivals around the world! Introducing featured artists/bands - HECTOR LAVOE Héctor Lavoe moved to New York City in 1963 at the age of sixteen and soon began singing with various groups, including Orquesta New York, Kako All-Stars, and in the Johnny Pacheco Band. Pacheco and Jerry Masucci, co-founders of Fania Records, paired Lavoe with trombonist Willie Colón, beginning one of the most productive and lasting collaborations in Salsa. The pair would produce 14 albums. Lavoe’s articulate voice, talent for improvisation, and humor complemented Colón's raw, aggressive, New York City trombone-driven sound. Together they sounded like El Barrio. Following his partnership with Colón, Lavoe's solo efforts cemented his standing as a superstar. Heading the Colón orchestra, he traveled the world over and was a frequent guest singer with the Fania All-Stars. “Todo Tiene Su Final” (“Everything Comes to an End”), “El Día de Mi Suerte “ (“The Day My Luck Changes”) and “Periódico de Ayer” (“Yesterdays’ News”) captured the urban experience in El Barrio, full of intrigue, angst, and heartache, with its joyous musical counterpoint that was made for dancing. They survive today as some of the most successful and lasting musical creations of Latino culture in the United States. In 1987, his final album, Strikes Back, was nominated for a Grammy. Lavoe died on June 29, 1993 in New York City, from complications of AIDS. He was only 46. Héctor Lavoe lived and died like the protagonist of one of his many Salsa hits about heartaches and broken dreams. His biography was brought to the screen in El Cantante, a 2006 film directed by León Ichaso, starring Marc Anthony as Lavoe, and Jennifer López as his wife, Puchi. Source: pbs.org MAYKEL BLANCO Y SU SALSA MAYOR #MaykelBlanco was born on January 21, 1981 in Havana, in a family that has nothing to do with music. But he liked listening to different radio music programs and this parents were very good dancers. Since he was very little, he was involved in school cultural activities, as well as in his neighborhood and in different public places, where he sang, danced and imitated popular artists, sometimes with saucepans, boxes or anything that can be used as a percussion. At the age of 12, he began to study percussion at night school “Geraldo Guanche”, and the conservatory “Amadeo Roldan”. When he was just 15 years old, he established his own group, and began to obtain great success in the movement of amateur artists, receiving multiple awards. At 18 years old, he formed his first orchestra: “Suprema Lay”, associated with “Centro Provincial de la Música Rafael Somavilla” in the province of Matanzas. Just 2 years later, the record company (label) “Envidia Record” from Spain, included them in their catalog. The young Maykel worked very hard to produce over 10 CDs, recorded as a percussionist in more than 40 CDs and composes a big part of the songs by the Jazz group « Habana Express ». In 2005 he assumed the musical direction of “Salsa Mayor”, and received 5 nominations and award as “The Best Art Direction” . From 2007 Maykel Blanco as director of his orchestra, becomes one of the main representatives of the Cuban music in various countries of the world, mainly Europe. In Italy he receives the award ” Best Group for Cuban popular music “, 2006-2007. The same year he receives the award for the best concert live in Paris, France. This young 32-year-old musician remains faithful to the Cuban popular music, and is called ” musical Machine of Cuba “: ” La Maquina de Cuba « . Source: maykelblanco.com Feb 22 Saturday 9.30pm - 1.30am MUSIC & DJs: Salsa Music including by Featured Artists 60% Bachata 40% DJ Yuma (Kevin Aubry) / DJ Dennis Goh / DJ Kyle Siew WHAT ELSE: 200 Sqm of fabulous dance space, sound system & DJs Bar Service & Bar Tables Alcoholic & Non-Alcoholic drinks Free Flow Water Entry $10 WHERE : The Studio 112 Middle Rd Midland House #07-02/03 www.thestudio.sg Directions: Building to the left of Bugis+ mall front entrance. Look for door/lift lobby and sign that indicates "Midland House" 5 mins from Bugis MRT