The Mosaic Music Festival certainly ended with a roar with this second last event! For how often do you get 5 hours of almost non-stop Latin music spanning various genres such as jazz, mambo, merengue and bolero, played by natives from various Latin American countries and accompanied by excellent local musicians like Boon Ngee (drums) and Leo Jeoh (trombone) (both from the Thomson Jazz Club's big bands too)?
Unlike many non-native artistes, these performers not only sing with authentic accent and feel, but would dance at the same time. The crowd was certainly pleased to hear familiar favourites from Celia Cruz, Gloria Estefan, etc, and also joined in singing Besame Mucho, Oye Como Va and Santana's Black Magic Woman and Corazon Espinado.
Like in previous shows, the gig was opened by hot babes Annabelle Francis and the host of radio station Lush 99.5 FM, Vivien Tan. Nevertheless, they were unable to steal the limelight from the excellent bands despite their mesmerising charm.
And in an event like this, their partners on the dance floor can never be forgotten. Not only was a couple seen dancing on stage with the band, local salsa dancers from the many salsa schools flourishing in Singapore were also contributing to the festive mood - just like a typical scene in Latin America.
And if you think that the drum is only for the boys, the young, sexy, female Mexican congo player will tell you "No!". This event also brought other surprises when the vocalist sang Teresa Teng's songs like "The Moon Represents My Heart" (yue liang dai biao wo de xin) in Latin mode. However, the biggest surprise came when Vivien Tan told the audience that the Afro-Cuban All-Stars will jam with the other musicians at around 11:15pm. Like true Latin fans, the crowd stay till past midnight to catch a glimpse of the stars.
With native Latin bands on stage and salsa dancers on the dance floor, we felt like we were transported to another place as Vivien rightly said.
Despite being a supposedly all-Latin event, it is a pity that no bossa nova was heard. But it is a greater pity if you did not join us for it will be a long time before we have another festival like this.
Anthony
Founder, NUS Alumni Jazz & Lindy Hop eGroup
Co-leader, NUS Alumni Arts & Culture
Sat 18 Mar 06
FREE
7- 7.30pm Mario Lopez & Ireson Nokia Music Station
8 - 8.45pm, 9.15-10pm Salsa Inca Nokia Music Station
10 - 11pm Mario Lopez & Ireson Nokia Powerhouse (Stage@Powerhouse)
Nokia Music Station at Esplanade Outdoor Theatre (Located along Esplanade's waterfront)
Salsa Fiesta
Mario Lopez & Ireson;
Salsa Inca
Nokia Music Station
7- 7.30pm Mario Lopez & Ireson
8 - 8.45pm, 9.15-10pm Salsa Inca
Calling all salseros and salseras! Get ready to cross body lead, whisk and dip. This non-stop party reaches fever pitch with a salsa concert, music courtesy of a salsa-Latin orchestra comprising Singapore and the region's best. With music this good, even the two left feeters will be dancing! Mario Lopez & Ireson plays different kinds of music, such as Latin, Jazz and Pop, whilst Salsa Inca plays familiar tunes tweaked to their own special arrangements. Comprising some of the most prominent musicians form local Latin music scene, one can always count on this group to get the fiesta started!
Latina Fiesta
Mario Lopez & Ireson
Nokia Powerhouse (Stage@Powerhouse)
10 - 11pm
Calling all salseros and salseras! Get ready to cross body lead, whisk and dip. This non-stop party reaches fever pitch with a salsa concert, music courtesy of a salsa-Latin orchestra comprising Singapore and the region's best. With music this good, even the two left feeters will want to give dancing a shot!
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