Latin Jazz - Struggling to stay afloat in NYC

Gone are the days of the Palladium and the Village Gate. Gone are Tito and Ray. Gone are the fans and supporters.

Although we'll never have those days again, we can do much to preserve and keep latin jazz alive in NYC.

Visit places like the Nuyorican Poet's Café on 3rd Street and Willie's Steak House in the Bronx.

Tune in and pledge your support to stations like WBAI.

Turn to the club listings in the Village Voice newspaper.

Google or Yahoo! search great local artists like John Benitez, Ralph Irizarry, Arturo O'Farrill, Sonido Isleño, Steve Pouchie, Wilson "Chembo" Corniel, Annette Aguilar, Ivan Rentas, Dafnis Prieto, Gilberto Colón, Lil' Johnny Rivero, Ray Vega, Pedrito Martinez, Andrea Brachfeld, Luis and Roberto Quintero, Ruben Rodriguez, Dave Valentín, Frankie Vazquez, Andy Gonzalez, Willie Martinez, Igor Atalita, Willie Rodriguez, Jimmy Sabater, Jose Mangual, Jr., Nicky Marrero, Chris Washburne, Bobby Sanabria, and many others. See their schedules.

These wonderfully talented musicians play with all their heart and unequalled passion.

Check them out. Buy their CD's (legally!). Let's keep Latin Jazz alive!

Musically,
Hector Echevarría

OK, so Bush got caught saying the S word.....big deal. There are a few more important things at play here. First, let me start by saying that, yes, I voted for Bush. I am not, however, a Bushie. However, never has any time in American history proven to be so trying. When one considers North Korea, Iran, Syria, Israel vs. Hezbollah, and Iraq, it's amazing that George W. Bush is showing such composure.

I'm relieved to see our President's candor. He's been too caught up in media rhetoric lately, trying to please too many of us.In watching the clips of the dialog between Bush and Blair, here's what I gather:

Bush and Blair were still at work. Planning and still discussing the fragile subject of what else? Peace.

Candor and rapport. It's good to see two of the world's most powerful leaders comfortable with each other.

Awareness. They were aware to the core of the problems in the Middle East. Notably, Iran and Syria. They were also aware to the ineffectiveness of the U.N. and Kofi Annan.

So, in closing, I am more than relieved to have heard the S word from Bush, than some empty, politically-driven speech on prime-time television. If you're going to interrupt my regular programming, do it this way. It's how reality television is supposed to be.

Hector Echevarria