(Mayan Nightclub, Sat Oct 3, 2009) - As the 2009 Mayan Team Showdown was underway, a big concern on everyone's minds and a motive of anxiety to all competitors was the question of if "Alma Latina" from Tijuana, Mexico/San Diego, CA, would join the Out-of-State/International preliminary division of the competition. Many dancers from all teams knew that if they did, they would be a great contender and a favorite to win the whole competition. Some dancers went as far as stating (even as they were in teams participating in the competition) that if "Alma Latina" was to enter the competition, they would be the sure winners without question, as their level of dancing and choreography is just too high.

Certainly, Gaby Equiz's & Sergio Jasso's "Alma Latina" from Tijuana, Mexico, has made its presence felt in the L.A. and California-wide Salsa Scene many times before, whether at shows or in…

(Mayan Nightclub, Sat Oct 3, 2009) - The defending 2008 champions, Luis Aguilar's "Tropical Rhythm," took second place in a battle of dancing and choreography like the Mayan nightclub and Los Angeles had never pesenced before. The 2009 Mayan World Salsa Team Showdown was an incredible event!

Their routine had strength, was very musical, almost theatrical, and was executed with a lot of heart and almost flawlessly. At the end, only 5 points separated them from their former place at this competition, behind Gaby Equiz's "Alma Latina" of San Diego/Tijuana.

The Tropical  Rhythm dance team is currently L.A.'s number one dance team, with the most committed members, the best choreographies, and the most appeal to a wide range of audiences. We surely hope that they are able to sustain the trajectory that they have carried so far, and remain strong for years to come, as many have been…

PBS will be having a film series, "Latin Music USA," from October 12 - 19 on American music, fusions of Latin sounds with jazz, rock, country, R&B - music with deeper roots and broader reach than most people realize. It's a fresh take on Latin musical history, and one that they say, "it's gonna move you!" 

The film series will reach across five decades and across many musical genres to portray the rich mix of sounds created by Latinos and embraced by all. The shows will premier on October 12th (Episodes 1 & 2) and October 19th (Episodes 3 & 4), 2009, on PBS stations nationwide and on PBS.org/latinmusicusa. Let's watch!

Latin Music USA invites the audience into the vibrant musical conversation between Latinos and non-Latinos that has helped shape the history of popular music in the United States. Fittingly, the series launches in Hispanic Heritage Month, a…

Angel Lebrón has quickly become a very popular name in the Los Angeles Salsa Scene. With a 14-piece band, sincere passion and commitment to Salsa, and a repertoire of great sounding music, it did not take long for dancers, venue owners, and promoters to fall in love with what Angel Lebrón was bringing to the table.

In April of 2007, Angel Lebrón created his own band, Angel Lebrón y Su Sabor Latino, and its popularity rapidly spread across Los Angeles and he was soon considered one of the town’s top names in Salsa music. With complete support and motivation from his family, Angel formed the band to do what he does best, direct great music.

This was an opportunity for Angel to introduce a return to the Latin Big Band sound that he loves so much, reclaiming the classic street salsa sound of New York City streets,…