Artists

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Influential Latino

Dominican singer Juan Luis Guerra was chosen as one of the 100 Most Influential Latinos in the World by People Magazine in its first Spanish edition, published in 2007. 

People referred to him as “the most important interpreter of the Bachata” and of Dominican music that has had an impact throughout the world. 

Juan Luis was grateful for the honor of being included on the list. In a press release, he said his selection to the list constituted an important acknowledgement of Dominican music.

“We are overjoyed to receive this news. Our work has always been oriented toward praising Dominican and Latin American culture,” said the leader of 4-40.

Juan Luis, who will soon premiere his latest musical work, said it is an honor to be on the list with so many other national and international artists and musicians.

 

Anthony Ocaña Raleases New CD

Anthony Ocaña, Dominican composer and guitarist living in Madrid, will present his second musical creation, this time as a soloist. It will be a very intimate CD in which he plays acoustic guitar and interprets 10 short songs written by him and one sublime version of Luis Eduardo Aute’s “Al Alba.”

With his music, Anthony Ocaña penetrates and brings out the emotions we tend to keep hidden inside. He is accompanied on some songs by Guarionex Aquino, Isidro Bobadilla, Esar Simó and Sebastián Lerner. Maridalia Hernández is the special guest singer and interprets “Save Me” on the CD.

After having finished his musical studies in New York, Anthony developed a career in composition as well as in guitar.  His music has been recognized by such awards as the Francisco Tárrega Prize, the Sr. Josephine Morgan Award and by Theater House (Casa de Teatro).

He has shared the stage with Egberto Gismonti and Gonzalo Rubalcaba, among others.

His first CD was produced with pianist Sebastián Lerner and was called “A paso de cebra” (“To the Crosswalk”).


Dominican Artists Exhibit in Nicaragua

“Tireless” is the name of the exhibition of Dominican painters that will be on display in Managua, Nicaragua.  

The exhibition will be held at the “Roberto Incer Barquero” Library of the Central Bank in Nicaragua’s capital city, Managua, from August 28 to September 1.

Dominican artists Pilar Gómez, Mirna Ledesma, Alejandro Asencio and Marino Chanlatte will show their work in the “Tireless” exhibition.

 There will be 28 paintings of various sizes, styles and techniques on display for Nicaraguan viewers.

The international event is sponsored by the Ministries of Culture for Youth, Norwegian Cod, the National Lottery and the Dominican Embassy in Nicaragua.

 

Johnny Ventura to Receive Grammy for Musical Excellence

Johnny Ventura will end his “Delicious Farewell” (Sabrosa Despedida) with a perfect finale after having been chosen as one of the celebrities who will receive a “Latin Grammy” for Musical Excellence on November 1st in New York City. Known throughout the world as “El Caballo” (the Horse), the Dominican meringue composer and singer’s contributions will be recognized by the Latin Recording Academy.

The musical excellence award is given to men and women who have developed into “sacred” celebrities and music icons who have contributed to music with their performances.

The Grammy’s 16-member Board of Directors selects the artists who will receive the awards each year. Interestingly, this year’s selection of the singer of “Pitaste?” came as no surprise to anyone.
Johnny confirmed his attendance at the ceremony which takes place a day before the Latin Grammy Awards, to be held in New York on November 2nd.

He said he is thrilled at the news as he wasn’t expecting to receive so much attention this year, which will be remembered as his “Delicious Farewell” that began a month ago in the Miches community.

“The honor of this prize has great significance for me because of all that it implies. The year 2008 also has a very special meaning to me because I will celebrate 50 years as a musician. People still show their love the same in every town I visit,” said the legendary merengue musician.