Hello culture supporters and dancers:

We want to remind you that our 9th Annual IFE-ILE Afro-Cuban Dance Festival, July 18th - 20th, Miami, FL is now open for pre-registrations until June 31st (visit our website: www.ife-ile.org) All levels welcome (minimum 2 years experience required for advance level)

This event provides a warm learning environment for the lovers of Afro-Cuban culture, in addition to promote cross cultural outreach through those communities that share common roots (i.e. Haiti, Brazil, etc.)

This 2008 edition will feature IFE-ILE dance instructors: Yosvany Gonzalez in Orisha and Arara dance (graduate from the Instituto Superior de Artes, Havana, Cuba and higly experienced in both Afro-Cuban dance and drumming) , Yanitzia Mizrahi in Orisha and Popular Cuban dances (graduate from the Escuela Nacional de Instructores de Arte, Havana, Cuba ), Yanier Trigoura in Orisha and Congo -Bantu (graduate from the Escuela Nacional de Artes, Havana, Cuba) and of course our company director Neri Torres in Afro-Modern, Orisha and Popular Cuban dances (from  both the Escuela Nacional de Instructores de Arte and the Instituto Superior de Artes and now proudly an MFA Candidate at the University of Colorado), Master Drummer Luis Torres in Afro-Cuban drumming (recipient of 2000 State of Florida Individual Fellowship and 2008 State of Florida Award for his contributions to the culture in the State of Florida)

Guest Instructors include:  Mano Mericier in Haitian dance (renowned Haitian dancer and choreographer) Jorge Lizaso in Afro-modern jazz and Salsa Casino  (Instituto Superior de Artes, Havana, Cuba)

On Friday July 18th, we will have a lecture on Afro-Cuban dance and music based on an ongoing research by company director Neri Torres.

On Saturday July 19th, our annual Dance  Gala Performance will feature a 2Xs a contemporary dance company from Mexico exploring African roots sharing the stage with IFE-ILE followed by an after party with Cuban Timba music by our killing DJ Melao.

 Venue: Arts and Mind Center

3138 Commodore Plaza

 Coconut Grove, FL 3133

Tel: 305. 476.0832/ 305.796.1125

Hi, we kindly ask the moderator of this group to post the following
message, to tell you that you can read an interview with zouk/R&B
sensation SUZANNA LUBRANO. also on zonabonita.com an interview with
Shery a rising star from Guatemala. Musicians, models and more on
zonabonita, where talents get exposed.
enjoy!
http://zonabonita.com

Rumba Caribe 28th June

Rumba Caribe on 31st May - the second at our new bigger venue
Departure was another great party, check the photos by clicking on the
link on the left of my website http://www.tropikalmusic.co.uk

Don't miss the next Rumba Caribe on Saturday 28th June & don't forget
to send me your names for the guestlist! (see below).

Rumba Caribe takes place 10pm - 4am last Saturday of every month, next
date Saturday 28th June @ Departure, 2 Crutched Friars, London EC3N
2HT. Tube Aldgate/Tower Hill. Admission £10 guestlist (£7 before 11pm)
/ £15 door (£10 before 11pm). Last admission 2am. For guest list email
info@... (with your full names please) by midday on
the day of the club at the latest (or phone or text me on 07950 634
045 anytime). Strictly over 18's (ID required). Dress code
smart/casual - no hoods, caps or tracksuits.

Rumba Caribe is a Saturday night tropical music party presenting top
Latin, Caribbean & African DJs in a stylish club with a bass heavy
sound system & plenty of room to dance. DJ Loco (Colombia), DJ Lio
(Cameroon), DJ Pat (Congo) & guests will be playing the best selection
of Reggaeton, Zouk, Dancehall/Bashment, Soca, Salsa, Merengue,
Kizomba, Kuduro, N'Dombolo, Coupe Decale, RnB, Hip Hop & all Latin,
Caribbean, African & Urban Tropical sounds. See
http://www.tropikalmusic.co.uk for DJ biogs & more info.

Seating reservations : Departure has three well situated reservable
seating areas (booths) with room for up to 10 people in each. There is
still one left - if you would like to reserve it please click on the
seating reservation link on the left of my website
http://www.tropikalmusic.co.uk. Booth reservations must be paid in
advance by midday on the Friday before the club.

Ciao,
Mark_W

It started with Lambada, then zouk,zouklove, soulzouk, zouk
revolution, now London has it's own variation of this wonderful
dance;
Lyrical Zouk. Lambada zouk danced with sensuality, poise,connection
with your partner, allowing combinations to emerge organically
throughout the dance; Experience this new wonderful style every week
at The Inn On The Green.

Inn on the Green a unique experience

Inn On The Green is the only Lambada Zouk Class of it's kind in
London. This is not a
class where one learns a move a week, it's a class where we look at
elements that make up the dance and try to work on them in order to
be a stronger dancer. A well structured warm up, using elements of
contemporary, Jazz, footwork drills, partner work,
musicality exercises, choreography work, the toughest and ultimately
the most rewarding class around.

Take Your Dance to the Next level

Class starts 7:30
of class only Three pounds ( for beginners and improvers)
Inn On imp rovers
3_5 Thorpe Close
Ladbroke Grove
W10 5XL...

Lyrical Zouk Every Monday

Dear Friends:

There are a number of new posts on my audioblog Likembe.

From "Why I'm an "Ebenezer Man'":

". . .If Virgin Records had licensed some of Obey's great Nigerian releases like Current Affairs (Decca WAPS 488), Sound of the Moment (Decca WAPS 498) or Eyi Yato (Decca WAPS 508), they might have gotten somewhere. Those records, all released in 1980, with their soul-stirring Yoruba harmonies, mind-bending guitar work and echoes of American rhythm and blues, display the great Obey at the peak of his powers. In comparison Sunny Adé, as good as he is, is just outclassed. . ."

From "Hummin' With the Bees!":

". . .The Katenga Humming Bees, led by guitarist T.C. Katenga, were a popular band in Malawi during the 1970s. Other than that, I can't tell you anything about them. I love the rough and ready quality of these two tracks, issued on the Zakwathu label (MX 104) circa 1973. . ."

From "Music From the Heart of Africa":

". . .It turns out that Chad has a small but vibrant music industry, and many of its artists are showcased on the website Ialtchad.com. As you might expect from a country located in the geographical center of Africa, the musical influences run the gamut: from soukous and hip-hop to highlife, mbalax and even Ethiopian funk. Maitre Gazonga's LP Les Jaloux Saboteurs (Tangent/Celluloid TAN LP 7003) was recorded in Abidjan, apparently utilizing musicians from several African countries. . . "

From "Franco in the Age of Authenticité":

". . .It just so happens that among the many hours of African 45s on tape reels that I recently digitized are thirteen tracks that le Grand Maitre recorded with his band le Tout Puissant OK Jazz in 1972-73. This era is interesting for several reasons. In October 1971 President Mobutu Sese-Seko proclaimed his policy of Authenticité, which had a number of implications. For one thing, the name of the Democratic Republic of Congo was changed to the Republic of Zaïre (it was changed back following Mobutu's overthrow in 1997). The cultural dimensions of authenticité are described by Graeme Ewens, in his essential biography Congo Colossus: the Life and Legacy of Franco & OK Jazz (Buku Press, UK, 1994). . ."

From "Another Mystery Tape":

". . . Alèmayèhu Eshèté has been called "Ethiopia's Elvis" or "The James Brown of Ethiopia" for his musical style and manner of dress. He's been on the scene since the mid-1950s, when he revealed a talent for imitating the singers Little Richard, Elvis Presley and Ray Charles. In 1956 he joined the Police Orchestra in Addis Abeba, and from 1961 onward has formed numerous bands and recorded uncounted songs that have become popular standards. . ."

Please feel free to drop by!

Time	Class	Instructor
6:00-7:30pm	Mali Dance	Mohamed "Joh" Camara
7:30-9:00pm	Kutiro Dance	Malang Bayo

Sunday Night Special Guest
29th June 2008

Fabrizio Miccichè & Brown Sugar


SalsaCD brings you our International Salsa Party Night with the
fabulous Fabrizio & Brown Sugar.

Personal info. Fabrizio Miccichè was born in Palermo (Italy) in 1976
and moved to the Netherlands in the year 2000. It was only at the age
of 25 that Fabrizio was introduced to Salsa. His first salsa party
was like entering a new dimension where something hidden inside him
finally immerse – the passion and love for salsa dance and music.
Nowadays, he is still trapped in this new world as strong as ever and
salsa has become a passion in his life.
International teaching experiences:

- First Dutch salsa bootcamp with Edie "the salsa freak", Nov. 25-26,
2007, The Netherlands
- Salsafever days 2007 Nov. 23-25, 2007, Dussendorf, Germany
- Haarlem Salsa Festival, Oct. 26-28, Haarlem, The Netherlands
- Salsafestival Switzerland, Feb. 22-24, Zurich, Switzerland

Brown Sugar currently teaches lady styling in Holland and she is
often invited to congress.

Timetable for the night :-

Doors Open 8pm
8.30pm Cuban workshop followed by Freestyle until 12am on the main
floor

Want more join Fabrizio in the Adobe room from 9.30pm with an
additional workshop

Giving you a Fantastic opportunity to join the
Afro Cuban/Rumba class, please note that you will be asked to dance
bare footed and its preferable to wear comfortable clothes.

Ladies also in the Adobe room at 9.30pm styling with Brown Sugar.

Performance as well – what a night!!!

Entry £10 for Class and Club
Club only £5

Dancing till 12am
Santa Fe, Bluewater, Kent, DA9 9SG

more info http://www.salsacd.com

Hi there,

I am a new member of this group and excited about participating.

My organization hosts cultural programs to Cuba for lovers of Latin Dance. This
fall we have a wonderful event we've organized together with Cuba dance troupes
and schools.

It's called Baila en Cuba [Dance in Cuba] and takes place from November 22 to
29. It is part of the Havana International Latin Dance and Music Festival.

It's eight days of dance pageantry, competitions and lessons for lovers of
Salsa, Rueda de Casino, Son, Rumba and Cha Cha Cha. Mornings are filled with
lessons taught by Cuban dance masters. Afternoons include guided excursions to
caves, botanical gardens, architectural, historical and nature sites, artist
studios, visits to a cigar factory and an Afrocuban community, and the white
sand beaches of eastern Havana. Evenings are packed with Baila en Cuba gala
events where you'll hear a dozen of Cuba's best bands perform just for you and
your dance mates.

Visit our website, meet your dance instructors and the acclaimed musicians. The
entire itinerary and costs are detailed at:

http://cubadance.ca

Baila en Cuba is for students and lovers of Cuban dance and music.

I invite you to join us for one magical week in Havana, together with hundreds
of Latin Dance fans and pros from scores of countries on this unparalleled
program of dance instruction, exhibitions and music.

Come to Cuba with us, dance, have fun and make lasting friends. Experience
beautiful Cuba, its art and history, and get to know its kind outgoing people.
What better occasion to visit the island?

My colleagues and I are here to help you go to Cuba and answer all questions and
concerns. Call us toll free at 1-877-687-3817. Please do share this invitation
with your friends and family.

From Canada and Cuba with Love,
Marcel Hatch
Education Director
Cuba Education Tours
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

1-877-687-3817  Toll free in Canada and the US
1-604-677-2944  Long distance

info@...  Email
http://cubadance.ca  Web

Idol 2008 is coming to your area and for the first time this year is
open to dancers to enter and compete to become Idol 2008.
Idol 2008 is the music and dance competition for singers, vocal
groups and now for dancers and dance groups to enter.  2007 was the
competitions third year, with over 10,000 applicants entering. This
makes the competition the largest talent contest outside a certain
ITV show and with Idol's new dance category, this year's contest is
set to be even bigger!
The competition will now offer singers and dancers the opportunity to
perform live in front of large audiences as well as the chance to win
up to £25,000 in prizes if crowned the UK'S 2008 Idol.  This
competition is the ultimate search for the cream of the UK's talent
and with over 7,000 dancers and singers already registered
nationally; this year's standard is expected to be the highest to
date.
Idol 2008 auditions are presently kicking off all across the UK, with
applicants auditioning from August in hope of being chosen to
progress through to the live rounds. The competition has two age
categories; Under 18 and 18 and over. The selected individuals from
auditions will then qualify to appear in a regional live shows in
front of a capacity crowd. Thereafter, only the very finest acts will
then qualify for the National Grand Final to compete to be the UK'S
ultimate.
The competition poses fantastic opportunities to not only develop
performance skills and personal ability, but to expose competitor's
talent. The latter stages of the competition provide competitors with
the opportunity to impress the judges and many guests from record
labels, agencies and the entertainment industry.
Additionally, the vocal winners will receive a range of prizes
including for the winning act the prize of a recording contract to
release their single with the aim to nationally chart. The dance
winners will go on a UK tour and appear in the video for the vocal
winner's single.
Last year's winners B-Kay & Kazz are set to storm the National charts
with their debut single `You know it's right' being released on July
21st. The talented duet have been at Indie store number 1 for 10
weeks and just concluded a 200 date UK tour.
With the competition offering a multitude of prospects and prizes for
undiscovered talent, this is one opportunity not to be missed for
singers and now dancers alike.
Anyone requiring further information or to enter Idol 2008 can go
online at www.Idol.uk.com
For more information visit http://www.idol.uk.com and go to `competition
info'
or contact info@...

July th 11. Viva - New Spanish fiesta at the Royal Vauxhal
Tavern.London..
We are back. This time with a fantastic host and performer Ernesto -
Glam Slam UK, DJ residente Tranki Tronki and surprises... Come and enjoy
your favorite Spanish pop sounds. Watch a fantastic spanish movie...
Tapas and more..))) Una fiesta British-friendly para la comunidad
hispana..
open door 21 until 2.
5 pounds entry all night..
http://www.rvt.org.uk

Congolese Dance and Drum Workshop

CALIFORNIA SUMMER WORKSHOP

In gorgeous Pike, California (near Nevada City)
July 25-August 3, 2008!

REGISTER TODAY!

Come be part of this unique 10 day learning experience and celebration of Congolese art and culture with

International and Nationally renowned Master Artists from the Congo.

Event Info:

v      Daily offering of classes: Dance, Drum, Likembe (Kalimba) & Song

v      Kindezi (Childcare) & African Marketplace

v      Mbongui: "Learning circle" all in a Village style atmosphere!

v      Cultural Cuisine: Congolese, Vegetarian & American

Master Artists:

Thomas Boukaka ~ Sandor Diabankouezi ~ Chrysogone Diangouaya

 Willy Loketo ~ Muisi-kongo Malonga ~ Hyacinte Massamba

 Constant Massengo ~ Regine B. Ndounda ~ Prisca Ouya ~ Mbemba Pangou

Matingou Tintina ~ Kiazi Malonga ~ Lungusu Malonga

 and SPECIAL GUESTS!

Camp Costs:

v     Adults: $90/day - All 10 days: $800

(All 10 days before July 10th: $750)

v     Teens: $50/day - All 10 days: $400

v     Child 3-12 yrs: $35/day - All 10 days: $300

v     Vacationers: $60/day

v     Group rate: $80/day - All 10 days: $750

(10 or more adults)

For more info please contact:

v      Regine N'Dounda (510) 489-2920 or (510) 706-4047 (cell)

v      Cai Sorlien (530) 288-3603 

                          or visit

    www.congorhythms.org

Space Reservation:

For deposits or space reservation, please send $90 registration fee, plus the enclosed "Registration Form", to be received before July 20th.

Registration form and all payments are to be mailed to:

CONGOLESE DANCE & DRUM WORKSHOP

c/o Cai Sorlien

2500 Pike City Road, N. San Juan, CA 95960

Hi Everyone...
Viva - New Spanish fiesta at the Royal Vauxhal
Tavern.London..
We are back. This time with a fantastic host and performer Ernesto -
Glam Slam UK, DJ residente Tranki Tronki and surprises... Come and enjoy
your favorite Spanish pop sounds. Watch a fantastic spanish movie...
Tapas and more..))) Una fiesta British-friendly para la comunidad
hispana..
open door 21hrs until 2hrs.
5 pounds entry all night..
http://www.rvt.org.uk
maybe see you tonight?

Club Tropik every Wednesday @ Stanza in Soho - starts 16th July

Club Tropik is a new weekly Wednesday party at the very stylish
bar/club/restaurant Stanza in Soho starting Wednesday 16th July
promoted by tropikalmusic.co.uk events. From 8pm to 10pm we will have
Kizomba dance classes with Iris De Brito & Miguel Monteiro. At 10pm
the party will start, with our DJs playing all tropical music styles
until 3am.

Club Tropik @ Stanza, 93 - 107 Shaftesbury Avenue, Soho, London W1D
5DY. Tube Leicester Square/Piccadilly Circus/Tottenham Court Road.
Admission free before 9.30pm then £7 guestlist/£10 door. Dance classes
1 hour £7, 2 hours £10 (includes club entry). For guest list email
info@... (with your full names please) by midday on
the day of the club at the latest (or phone or text me on 07950 634
045 anytime). Strictly over 18's (ID required). Dress code
smart/casual - no hoods, caps or tracksuits.

Club Tropik is a weekly Wednesday night tropical music party
presenting top Latin, African & Caribbean DJs in a very stylish Soho
venue. DJ Loco (Colombia), DJ Guerrito (Angola), DJ Rafa_L (French
Caribbean), DJ Marito (Portugal) & guests will be playing Kizomba,
Zouk, Reggaeton, Salsa, Merengue, Dancehall/Bashment, Soca, Kuduro,
N'Dombolo, Coupe Decale, RnB, Hip Hop & all Latin, Caribbean, African
& Urban Tropical sounds. For more info see http://www.tropikalmusic.co.uk.