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Los Muñequitos de Matanzas

Formed in 1952, this stellar rumba group is famous throughout Cuba.  They also charmed audiences everywhere in the US on their first, second, and third US tours, in 1992, 1996, and 1998.   They were back in August, 1999, in the Spring of 2000, again in 2001, and for the last time in the US, in 2002, after which George Bush blocked them. Then they returned in April, 2011.

The group got its start in 1952 in a bar in Barrio Marina in Matanzas, Cuba, a neighborhood with a strong African culture, when a group of youths began following the rhythms of a song by Arsenio Rodríguez that was then playing, using dishes and bottles, as is the style in "kitchen rumbas."  For more, see "the Foundation."

Their discography includes  "El guaguancó de Matanzas" (Siboney,88), "Los Muñequitos de Matanzas" (Ace,90), "Rumba caliente" (Qbadisc,92), "Oyelos de nuevo" (Artex,93), "Real Rumba" (Corasón,94), "Vacunao" (Qbadisc,95) o "Po Iban Eshu" (Qbadisc,96).

Los Muñequitos de Matanzas are part of the living legend of African music in Cuba, and they remain very close to their Abakuá (Efik/Efo) roots. Most members are also members of an Abakuá potencia, or lodge.

Israel Berriel, singer, passes to the ancestors, 12/2020

Jesús Alfonso Miró, Musical Director passes to the ancestors, 6/3/90

Esteban Vega Bacallao "Chachá" passes to the ancestors, 7/19/07 IBBAE, CHACHÁ

announcement from Los Muñequitos on the occasion of Chachá's passing, 7/19/07

Anuncio de los Muñequitos en ocasion del fallecimiento de Chachá, 19/7/07

Gregorio "Goyo" Diaz obituary, 5/8/96

 

Members (as of 2000), this has changed a lot:

Diosdado Ramos Cruz

General Director / Dancer / Guagua

Jesús Alfonso Miró

Musical Director/Quinto / Cajón / Iyá batá [now deceased]

Baldomero Ricardo Cané Gómez

Singer / Percussion [now deceased]

Israel Berriel González

Third voice

Bárbaro Ramos Aldazábal

Dancer / Guagua

Vivian Ramos Aldazábal

Dancer / Maruga

Ana Pérez Herrera

Dancer / Falsetto singer

Alberto Romero Díaz

Singer / Claves [now deceased]

Rafael Navarro Pujada

Soloist / Claves

Israel Berriel Jiménez

Soloist / Campana brasileña

Agustín Díaz Cano

Salidor / Okónkolo batá

Facundo Pelladito

Dancer / Percussion

Iván Alfonso Fernández

Percusión

12/14/09 Newsletter

Cuban Band Shines at Montreal Jazz Festival, 7/13/07, Granma

Alberto Romero Díaz, singer for Los Muñequitos, 1948-2006, passes on 8/11/06 at age 58

Los Muñequitos' Ricardo Cané passes on, 6/5/03

Ricardo Cané obituary - obituario, 6/10/03

Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, Cuba's top rumba group, in 50th anniversary concert
, 10/9/02, Havana

Arte cubano para nuestros cinco héroes, 5/7/02

Music review, Los Munequitos de Matanzas at HotHouse, Chicago, 3/02

Los Munequitos And Friends Jam Session At LP Studios, 4/02, nice pics

Muñequitos poster for LA 2001

Grammy nomination 2001

Fall '00 tour of some Muñequitos members

CBS Sunday Morning - 5/16: check out the CBS site

¡Vamos a guarachar!: Interview with Gregorio "El Goyo" Hernández, Esquina Rumbera, posted 12/18/06 

Informe en español - directo de Dirección Provincial de Cultura

Los Muñequitos en "el Mundo"

Los Muñequitos Live on Rapidshare, 1998 Tour

1998 Tour

Articles/Artículostop

Jazz y guaguancó en festival cubano, tributo a Muñequitos de Matanzas  1/19/2019 Prensa Latina: "De acuerdo con el programa, la dirección musical está a cargo del reconocido pianista y compositor cubano Alejandro Falcón, quien además asumió los arreglos protagonizados por Muñequitos de Matanzas junto al proyecto Cubadentro. El repertorio que presentarán evidencia un recorrido por obras típicas de la formación matancera, acompañada por una sesión de metales, artistas invitados y el formato jazzístico del talentoso Falcón. De los participantes destacan la voz de oro de la música campesina, María Victoria; la rapera Telmary Díaz y el pianista Ernán López-Nussa, este último invitado a interpretar un tema junto a Falcón. Los organizadores presagian será una noche de lujo 'donde se hermanarán géneros y artistas diversos' en homenaje a uno de los grupos de rumba más queridos de todos los tiempos, orgullo del folklore cubano."

La Habana de rumba  11/1/2018 Radio Cadena Habana: "La convocatoria tiene el objetivo de estimular el intercambio entre cultivadores de este género musical de diversas provincias y diferentes generaciones. Exponentes como Los Papines, Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, Los Güiros de San Cristóbal, Timbalaye, Rumba Morena y Explosión Rumbera, se presentaran en los espacios concebidos en la capital. Desde las provincias vendrán también importantes grupos, como Rumbávila, de la central Ciego de Ávila, muy influido por las raíces haitianas; de Cienfuegos llegará Ochareo; Rumbatá de Camagüey, y también de Matanzas Rumbatimba."

Timbalaye 2018: La rumba no ha perdido la ruta en Matanzas  8/23/2018 UNEAC: "De hecho, el inicio de la etapa matancera del Timbalaye 2018 estuvo protagonizado por las actuaciones de Los Muñequitos de Matanzas y Los Reyes del Tambor, agrupaciones yumurinas que fueron homenajeadas por su emblemático quehacer. Los Reyes del Tambor, ya con tres décadas de existencia, se presentaron en la tarde del martes, en el Castillo de San Severino, mientras en la noche, en el barrio de La Marina, tocó el turno a Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, ya con 65 años de trabajo. En el cierre del Timbalaye matancero, en la Casa de Cultura de Pueblo Nuevo se realizó un espectáculo que incluyó a los colectivos Afrocuba, Siete Potencias, Los Matanceros y la comparsa La maravilla, así como a Los Muñequitos… y a Los Reyes…"

Que La Ruta de la Rumba llegue a toda Cuba  8/10/2018 Granma: "Reconocimientos a diferentes personalidades que han tenido que ver con el género: a rumberos, bailarines; lecciones de danza, rumba y son; encuentro con íconos de la rumba; eventos teóricos, de reflexión; homenajes como el que tendrá lugar a Los Muñequitos de Matanzas y a la Agrupación Folclórica Los reyes del tambor, por sus aniversarios 65 y 30, respectivamente; encuentros de técnicas de percusión, y la presentación de agrupaciones que cultivan la rumba, el punto cubano y la Tumba Francesa, entre otras, forman parte del programa concebido por el Ministerio de Cultura, sus consejos nacionales de Patrimonio Cultural y de casas de Cultura, la Uneac y el Proyecto Internacional Timbalaye, que presiden los profesores y coreógrafos Ulises Mora e Irma Castillo."

Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, 65 años de cubanía  11/8/2017 UNEAC: “Una de las peculiaridades y fortalezas nuestras es que sabemos combinar la experiencia con la sangre joven sin abandonar las esencias”, dice Alfredo Smith Junco, productor de la agrupación. “Fíjense que el cantante líder tiene 77 años, el otro cantante tiene 80 y el director 73; y a la vez muchos cantantes y bailarines jóvenes y hasta una niña de siete años y además tenemos una comparsa que el años pasado obtuvo el Gran Premio del Carnaval de Matanzas”.

Muñequitos de Matanzas celebrate 65th anniversary  11/6/2017 Granma: "In terms of repertory, almost all of their numbers were created by members of the group, which no doubt favored the development of a unique sound that distinguished the Muñequitos' style. They now have to their credit more than 100 rumbas, and traditional call and response pieces."

A Cuba-Harvard connection, with a beat  8/29/2017 Harvard: "“To see a Muñequitos show is priceless,” said Terry, who grew up seeing the 65-year-old group perform. “The work that they’re doing is very important for the younger generation because it continues the oral tradition of passing information from the older generation to the younger. It’s the first time my students are experiencing a real rumba, expressed with authenticity. I can teach this in classes, but it’s different to see. It inspires my band to look back into their own culture and use that inspiration to move things forward.”"

Con reconocimiento al maestro Milián Galí Riverí inició Fiesta de la Danza  4/28/2017 TV Santiago: "El percursionista Mililián Galí Riverí con sus toques de tambor batá inauguró la Fiesta de la danza. FIDANZ 2017 reúne a jóvenes y experimentados creadores de esta manifestación e incentiva la superación de noveles artistas." [Gali era ahijado de Esteban Vega Bacallao "Chacha" de los Muñequitos de Matanzas.]

Declaran el año 2017 AÑO DE LAS TRADICIONES AFROCUBANAS  1/31/2017 PL: "Como año de celebraciones de las tradiciones afrocubanas declararon al 2017 autoridades de la música de la occidental provincia de Matanzas, sede nativa de importantes grupos cultores de esos ritmos.(PLRadio) La iniciativa surgió de la Empresa Comercializadora musical Rafael Somavilla de esta urbe, a 100 kilómetros de La Habana, según comunicó a Prensa Latina Luis Ortega, promotor de entidad. Ortega destacó que cinco agrupaciones del género celebrarán festejan y aniversarios cerrados fundacionales, entre ellas las emblemáticas Los Muñequitos de Matanzas (65 años) y el Grupo Afrocuba, que arribará a las seis décadas de creado."

The rumba  10/13/2016 Cubarte: "The rumba is a Cuban musical genre that is sung and danced, and its origin is basically urban. There are three aspects: the yambú of urban source, the columbia, of rural source, and the guaguancó that is also urban. Perhaps the latter is the most popular of all. Its music lacks rituals or religious elements. Let us recall that its genesis and formation comes from urban areas, rooming houses, slums, in locations around the ports and sugar mills, hence its musical instruments such as drums, cajones, claves and spoons. The main groups of this genre in Cuba are the Muñequitos de Matanzas, Los Papines and the Camagüey group Rumba Ta, which have led the rumba to high levels in all corners of the world."

La rumba: complejo musical cubano de raíces africanas y españolas  5/14/2014 PL: "Entre los que ponen su empeño para perpetuar ese género, Patrimonio Cultural de la Nación, está el cantante y percusionista habanero Rogelio Gatel, para quien la rumba ha dejado de ser un ritmo exclusivo de La Habana y Matanzas a partir de su extensión a otras regiones de Cuba. Al respecto, aseguró que en la actualidad existen grupos en Pinar del Río, Santa Clara, Trinidad, Cienfuegos, Ciego de Ávila, Camagüey y Santiago de Cuba, donde además los jóvenes tienen un peso importante en la membresía de las agrupaciones existentes en la ínsula… Gatel recordó que se inició en la rumba con Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, agrupación emblemática de este género en Cuba que tanta gloria le ha dado a la isla, y explicó que también en La Habana se vinculó con muchos rumberos que le abrieron las puertas."

An Exceptional Duet in Los Muñequitos de Matanzas  11/6/2012 CubaNow: Interview with founders Esteban Lantri (Saldiguera), and Hortensio Alfonso (Virulilla).

Seis décadas de Los Muñequitos de Matanzas  11/6/2012 Juventud Rebelde: "Entre las múltiples expresiones de admiración durante el desarrollo del homenaje se oyeron voces que clamaron para que se mantenga ese espacio de Los Muñequitos con sus invitados, tal vez con periodicidad mensual, como si fuese una peña folclórica, para corear una vez más junto con Minini (Francisco Zamora Chirino), el director del Grupo folclórico Afrocuba: «Vengan rumberos, vamos a guarachar, vengan rumberos, vamos a guarachar. ¡Goza, mira qué bueno está el Marinón! ¡Qué bueno está el Marinón!»."

Good Cuba Rumba in Havana’s Vedado  12/27/2011 Havana Times: "On this occasion it was dedicated to rumba, one of the most authentic expressions of Cuban cultural identity. The group Los Muñequitos de Matanzas — which is now marking 60 years since its creation — had almost all those in attendance on their feet and dancing. Even the more timid were moving their shoulders and tapping their toes from their seats."

Los Muñequitos de Matanzas and Friends First Performance  5/4/2011 YouTube: Many thanks to Onel Mulet for making this momentous occasion possible

The Arts of Cuba, Set to Wow New York  2/8/2011 NYT: "The Cuban rumba and dance troupe Los Muñequitos de Matanzas hasn’t performed in New York in nearly a decade. Danza Contemporánea de Cuba, which mixes Afro-Caribbean dance and classical European ballet and was founded in 1959, has never been to the United States. Neither have the socially conscious photographers Adonis Flores and Cirenaica Moreira. All those and more than two dozen other artists will take part in a wide-ranging festival of Cuban arts that will last more than two months in locations around New York this spring. The festival, called “¡Sí Cuba!,” is one of the most significant indications that cultural relations between the United States and Cuba are thawing after nearly a decade in a deep freeze."

Update; "Lost" Muñequitos tracks  1/9/2011 Esquina Rumbera 

LOS MUÑEQUITOS DE MATANZAS EN LA CASA DEL CARIBE  11/1/2010 Casa del Caribe: "Estuvieron aquí provenientes de la provincia de Guantánamo como parte una gira promocionando su espectáculo "Homenaje a los ancestros" y luego de presentarse en Casa, donde hicieron un mano a mano con la Compañía Folklórica Kokoyé, se presentaron en el municipio Songo La Maya para actuar de nuevo el jueves 21, esta vez en el Patio Palenque de la Casa de las Religiones Populares… Hablando de los planes inmediatos que tiene el grupo, está venir a la próxima edición de la Fiesta del Fuego. Según declaraciones de Diosdado: "hace muchos años que no estamos aquí y con tremendo gusto vamos a venir al Festival del Caribe, ya que ustedes nos han invitado."

Semana de la Cultura en La Marina, Matanzas,Cuba.  10/30/2010 YouTube: "Defiles y comparsas, Homenaje a Jesus Alfonso de los Munequitos de Matanzas."

Los Muñequitos en la rumba de la Sala Atril, del Karl Marx  2/20/2010 Atenas, Matanzas: "Las afamados Muñequitos de Matanzas, fueron invitados especiales del nuevo espacio que dedica a la rumba La Sala Atril, del teatro Karl Marx, en la capital cubana. El grupo que dirige el maestro Diosdado Ramos, ofreció un concierto con temas antológicos y los más recientes incluidos en el disco De palo p'rumba, placa de la casa discográfica cubana Bis Music, el cual estuvo nominado a los codiciados Premios Grammy Latino. La agrupación folklórica emprenderá en el venidero marzo una gira por varios países de Europa y participará en Munich, Alemania, en el Festival Cubamemucho, junto a otras agrupaciones de la Isla y después se presentarán en Francia, Italia y Suecia, según comentó Ramos. Durante el concierto de la noche de este jueves, en la Sala Atril, Giraldo Piloto, reconocido músico y compositor anunció que el Festival del Tambor, tendrá lugar entre el nueve y el 14 de marzo, en el cual destacados grupos cultivadores de las raíces afrocubanas ofrecerán su arte."

En memoria Jesús Alfonso Miró, director de Los Muñequitos de Matanzas  6/11/2009 Claridad: "Como compositor fue imprescindible en el repertorio de esa agrupación, siendo conocidas sus obras en el mundo entero, como autor de Congo Yambumba, la Llave, Chino Guaguao, Lengua de Obbara, Saludo a Nueva York, y muchas otras que ya son clásicos de la rumba cubana… Jesús Alfonso, perteneciente a la sociedad matancera Efí Irondó Itá Ibekó, respetuoso portador de la regla de Osha, será recordado por todo su pueblo y muy especialmente por los rumberos de todo el mundo." [Eso es una potencia Abakwa…]

Murió el director musical del grupo cubano Los muñequitos de Matanzas  6/5/2009 PL 

La rumba de luto en Cuba  6/4/2009 AIN: "Para Vivian Ramos, bailarina de la agrupación afrocubana desde los seis años de edad, hoy consagrada en el género, Jesús deja su impronta y de ahora en lo adelante Los Muñequitos llegarán más lejos y sus ritmos ancestrales cobrarán más fuerzas, porque siempre los acompañará."

Fallece director de Los Muñequitos de Matanzas  6/3/2009 Granma/AIN: "Desde 1967 fue Director Musical y quinto de esa agrupación a la que amó profundamente y dedicó la mayor parte de su vida… Jesús fue a la rumba como Cuní o Chapottín al son. Jesús le dio a la rumba su vida toda, destacó."

Título: La rumba de Matanzas a La Habana. Artista(s): Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, 2008  5/3/2009 Egrem: [remastered Muñequitos hits from 60's and 70's] "Disco doble con la música interpretada por agrupaciones de rumba que hicieron trascender hasta hoy, por su calidad y auténtica manera de hacer la rumba, sus primeras grabaciones. Es el caso de Muñequitos de Matanzas, Papín y sus rumberos (en la actualidad integrante de Los Papines), Grupo Afrocubano Lulú yonkori, y el legendario Alberto Zayas “El melodioso”. Temas originales de rumba, unidos a otros que fueron llevados a ese “tiempo” como Tu olvido o La bien pagá; y autores como Evaristo Aparicio y Florencio Calle, reconocidos maestros de la rumba, hacen de este disco una joya, donde puede encontrar los inicios discográficos de este género. La Dra. Maria Teresa Linares explica con toda precisión las características del disco y lo que aporta la reedición de estas grabaciones para la cultura cubana, en la nota discográfica que aparece en español e inglés."

Varadero Music Festival Becomes an Annual Event  6/12/2008 Cuba Now: "The festival’s agenda includes performances by outstanding and popular Cuban bands like AfroCuba, the Muñequitos de Matanzas as well as singers such as Spanish Dyango, Cuban Carlos Varela, and Portuguese Luis Represas, among others."

Troupe keeps beat to Cuban rhythms  7/18/2007 Times Colonist, Victoria: los Muñequitos - "The Grammy award-nominated band, which was formed 50 years ago, is one of Cuba's most celebrated rumba groups and features dancers, drummers and vocalists -- including three generations of one family. They have performed worldwide and received rave reviews at the recent Montreal 2007 Jazz Festival in front of audiences of thousands. Hanson said this is a rare chance to see and hear them in an intimate setting He noted the performers are "stunning, brilliantly melodic." At the end of a recent concert in New York, people tossed money on stage. The San Diego Union Tribune calls them "The essence of Cuba's musical soul;" Latin Beat Magazine says they are "Truly keepers of a sacred flame;" and Arborweb dubs them "Living lessons in 500 years of Afro-Cuban history." Hanson has studied drumming in Brazil, west Africa, Cuba and elsewhere but says these performers are tops. "I studied with them for two weeks at Banff Centre for the Arts where they were teaching people from all over about Afro Cubanismo -- including Grammy award winners," he said."

Número 29 Año 7  7/18/2007 Boletín CUBARTE: Tata Güines y sus tambores resuenan en España; Próximamente grupo Sierra Maestra actuará en Europa; Músicos cubanos realizan gira conjunta por España; Rumba en grande con Los Muñequitos en Canadá

Cuban Band Shines at Montreal Jazz Festival  7/13/2007 Granma: "The authenticity of the Cuban rumba group Los Muñequitos de Matanzas received raving audience reviews at the recently concluded Montreal 2007 Jazz Festival. The legendary group from the northwestern Cuban province of Matanzas performed before thousands of people, giving the best of their traditional repertoire while showing that rumba is alive in today’s Cuban music. The impact of the Muñequitos performance was all the more significant when taking into account the packed festival schedule with more than 300 concerts by artists from some 30 countries."

Alberto Romero Díaz, singer for Los Muñequitos, dies 8/10/06 at age 58  8/19/2006 AfroCubaWeb: "AfroCubaWeb salutes that great and knowledgeable artist, Alberto Romero Díaz. Born in 1948, he loved baseball and music and sang for los Muñequitos since 1980. His distinctive voice helped them win the Latin Grammy in 2001."

Falleció Alberto Romero, cantante de Los Muñequitos de Matanzas  8/12/2006 AIN  

Repicarán los tambores cubanos en Venezuela  7/7/2006 Radio Progreso: "El grupo cubano ¨ Los Muñequitos de Matanzas ¨ participará en el III Festival Internacional "Todos los Tambores del Mundo", encuentro que presentará en Venezuela reconocidas agrupaciones percusionistas de los cinco continentes del 12 al 17 de julio. El Instituto de las Artes Escénicas y Musicales de Venezuela informó que el festival se desarrollará en Caracas y 11 estados, y la apertura tendrá por sede la sala Ríos Reyna del capitalino Teatro Teresa Carreño. Entre los artistas invitados se encuentran también Les Go Koteba (Costa de Marfil), Tambor Voz del Ancestro (República Dominicana) y Paban Das Baúl and Mother India Drums (India). Según la fuente, por Australia se presentará el grupo Drum Drum y de España llegará el reconocido guitarrista Hernán Romero, junto a Compaz Flamenco. Venezuela presentará una variada propuesta de 30 grupos, que junto a los colectivos foráneos actuarán en Carabobo, Miranda, Guárico, Zulia y Vargas (occidente) y Barinas y Apure (llanos). Amazonas, Delta Amacuro (oriente) y Mérida y Táchira, en la zona andina, también acogerán la cita rítmica, cuya programación incorporó, además de los conciertos, talleres y exposiciones."

Rumba Diplomacy in the Age of Bushismo  6/2/2005 World Policy Journal: "One Havana morning in June 2001, members of the rumba group Los Muñequitos de Matanzas were filling out U.S. Optional Form 156 BNS, version in Spanish, to get visas for a forthcoming tour of the United States. I saw the old familiar question, “¿Es Ud. Miembro del Partido Comunista de Cuba? [Are you a member of the Communist Party of Cuba?] Sí ___ No ___.” Below that, a new question had been rubber-stamped onto the printed form: “Es Ud. Miembro o Representante de Una Organización Terrorista? [Are you a member or representative of a terrorist organization?] Sí ___ No ___.” I took out a notebook and copied it down, because I didn’t believe my eyes. Was this perhaps a test of the applicant’s basic intelligence?1 Shaking their heads in disbelief, the Muñequitos checked the “No” box. "

Interview with Marta Moreno Vega  8/19/2004 MundoAfroLatino: published 7/26/03 - "When the spirits dance Mambo, produced by the Caribbean Cultural Center, Marta Moreno Vega and Bobby Shephard, has been screened all across the United States and in film festivals in Europe and Cuba. The documentary highlights history of the African traditions of Cuba and it's influence in Cuban popular music. There are interviews with practioners of the West African Yoruba based tradition of Santeria along with appearances by the Muñequitos de Matanzas, Yoruba Andabo, Cuban Hip Hop artists and many others."

Cuba's music: A dance of life  7/25/2004 Sun Sentinel, Florida: "Though it seems a century ago, it's only been six years since music fans in the United States first got the opportunity to see Cuban bands play their music live. For South Florida -- so close to Havana yet at times so far from tolerance -- the advent of Cuban touring acts offered an embarrassment of riches: salsa singer Isaac Delgado's regular, albeit semi-clandestine, shows; band leader and flutist Jose Luis Cortez; El Tosco and his mighty NG la Banda came twice in one year; the venerable rumba collective Los Muñequitos de Matanza played a sold-out Jackie Gleason Theater; Los Van Van faced the ire of screaming, bottle-throwing protestors before setting the Miami Arena alight with its torrid brand of salsa."

Tribute Gala to the 80th Anniversary of Lira Matancera  5/20/2004 Cubarte Newsletter: "One of Cuba´s oldest orchestras, La Lira Matancera, has been paid tribute for its 80th anniversary on May 12, at the Sauto Theater, in the western Cuban city of Matanzas. Los Muñequitos de Matanzas and the Fantasia String Quintet, directed by maestro Alberto Garcia, shared the stage with the group and played old and contemporary classics of its repertoire. Other invited celebrities included, Eduardo Rosillo, professor of Cuban radio announcers, linked to the work of the orchestra for years."

No Cuban, No Problem - The Latin Grammys were 100% Cuba-free thanks to the man in the Oval Office  9/11/2003 Miami New Times: Los Muñequitos and Van Van directors banned by Bush directly as he panders to the Miami Mafia.

Los 50 de Los Muñequitos de Matanzas - Rumba de corazón  10/3/2002 Granma: "El concierto que ofrecerán Los Muñequitos de Matanzas para conmemorar el aniversario 50 de su creación (miércoles 9 de octubre, 8:30 p.m., en la Sala Avellaneda del Teatro Nacional) traerá más de una sorpresa. El espectáculo contará con las tradiciones que conforman las raíces de la rumba, sus variantes (el yambú, la columbia y el guaguancó) y servirá para presentar su último DC Rumba de corazón (Bis Music de ARTEX)."

Foreign Performers and U.S. Gigs: Getting Here Is a Tougher Ticket  7/22/2002 LA Times: "As of two days ago, Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, the Cuban rumba group who has appeared many times in the U.S. over the last 10 years, had to cancel scheduled appearances at the last moment (though their INS petition was approved weeks ago) at the National Black Arts Festival in Atlanta and in Puerto Rico and New York. Also having to cancel was Síntesis, the distinguished Cuban group celebrating its 25th anniversary this year with a just-announced 2002 Latin Grammy nomination, who were to appear at various dates in August. - Ned Sublette"

Arte cubano para nuestros cinco héroes  5/7/2002 Juventud Rebelde: "El Conjunto Los Muñequitos de Matanzas hizo llegar a nuestros cinco Héroes de la República prisioneros del Imperio su disco La rumba soy yo, con el cual ganaron el Premio Grammy Latino 2001, en la categoría de Mejor Álbum de Música Folclórica. El solidario gesto surgió de una propuesta de su director, Diosdado Ramos, y de la representante del grupo, Cary Diez, durante una exitosa gira de alrededor de un mes por Miami, Washington y Nueva York, donde actuaron e impartieron clases. Ramos recordó a JR que en su actuación ante casi 3 000 personas en Miami Beach sufrieron las presiones de los elementos contrarrevolucionarios radicados allí."

Los Muñequitos de Matanzas bringing rumba long-due respect  4/7/2002 Miami Herald 

LA RUMBA SON ELLOS  11/26/2001 La Jiribilla, Cuba: Chachá gets good press: "¿Lo más grande y significativo?: el viejo "Chachá", Diosdado y sus Muñequitos de Matanzas, los míticos Papines, la maestría de Changuito, el sonido de Tata Güines, el guaguancó de la Habana, entre otros, todos ellos arropando e inspirando la "sangre joven", las voces que se parten, que se rajan, que pregonan y cuentan las historias de la calle, porque eso es este disco, un camino por el centro de las carreteras, los solares y la vida cubana de ayer y hoy...Con mucha felicidad hemos recibido la noticia: Los "Timberos Cubanos" ganaron un Grammy Latino, un justo y merecido homenaje a los pioneros de la "Timba Cubana", los padres del guaguancó."
  

Links/Enlaces top

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Mu%C3%B1equitos_de_Matanzas

 

Troupe keeps beat to Cuban rhythms

Grania Litwin, Times Colonist

Who: Los Munequitos de Matanzas
Where: Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad St.
When: 7:30, tonight
Tickets: $17.50/$18.50 in advance at 384-3786, or $22.50 at the door
Note: Workshop in drumming and dancing tomorrow

An acclaimed 12-member rumba band from Cuba that performs tonight at the Victoria Event Centre, has already got Jordan Hanson's pulse pounding out some excited rhythms.

"When I heard Los Munequitos de Matanzas was touring Canada and that we had an opportunity to host them in Victoria, I immediately said: 'Let's do it,'" explained the event organizer and University of Victoria drumming teacher.

The Grammy award-nominated band, which was formed 50 years ago, is one of Cuba's most celebrated rumba groups and features dancers, drummers and vocalists -- including three generations of one family.

They have performed worldwide and received rave reviews at the recent Montreal 2007 Jazz Festival in front of audiences of thousands. Hanson said this is a rare chance to see and hear them in an intimate setting

He noted the performers are "stunning, brilliantly melodic." At the end of a recent concert in New York, people tossed money on stage. The San Diego Union Tribune calls them "The essence of Cuba's musical soul;" Latin Beat Magazine says they are "Truly keepers of a sacred flame;" and Arborweb dubs them "Living lessons in 500 years of Afro-Cuban history."

Hanson has studied drumming in Brazil, west Africa, Cuba and elsewhere but says these performers are tops.

"I studied with them for two weeks at Banff Centre for the Arts where they were teaching people from all over about Afro Cubanismo -- including Grammy award winners," he said.

"Cuba is a place where one of the most sophisticated polyrhythmias in the world is played, and this group is very, very authentic."

The group plays on Congo drums and also cajon box drums, which were inspired by old shipping boxes that were used as drums. Some held candles, others soap, and some were packed with cod from Canada. "That gave them the high, low and mid pitch drums."

Los Munequitos will hold three community drumming and dance workshops tomorrow: Afro-Cuban dance at 4:30 p.m. in Fairfield United Church Hall, and drumming (Level 1 at 6:30 p.m., and Level 2 at 8 p.m.) both at Fairfield Community Place, 1330 Fairfield Rd.

Workshops are $25, with a second for $15. Register by calling 384-3786.

glitwin@tc.canwest.com

Cuban Band Shines at Montreal Jazz Festival, 7/13/07, Granma

The authenticity of the Cuban rumba group Los Muñequitos de Matanzas received raving audience reviews at the recently concluded Montreal 2007 Jazz Festival.

The legendary group from the northwestern Cuban province of Matanzas performed before thousands of people, giving the best of their traditional repertoire while showing that rumba is alive in today’s Cuban music.

The impact of the Muñequitos performance was all the more significant when taking into account the packed festival schedule with more than 300 concerts by artists from some 30 countries.

Among the many musicians on hand for the Montreal Jazz Festival were Cesaria Evora (Cabo Verde), Angelique Kidjo (Benin), Rachid Taha (Algeria) and US trumpet player Wynton Marsalis with the Lincoln Center Orchestra.

The Muñequitos de Matanzas travel west this week to British Colombia, where they will play a concert in the city of Harrison.


Alberto Romero Díaz,
singer for Los Muñequitos, dies 8/11/06 at age 58, 8/06

Falleció Alberto Romero, cantante de
Los Muñequitos de Matanzas


MATANZAS (AIN 12/8/06).  En la madrugada de este viernes falleció víctima de cáncer, en esta ciudad, a los 58 años de edad, Alberto Romero, destacado músico y cantante de la agrupación afrocubana Los Muñequitos de Matanzas.

Con muchos años de experiencia en el trabajo del rescate de raíces afrocubanas, representó a la cultura cubana en numerosas giras de Los Muñequitos por países como Bélgica, México, Alemania y Estados Unidos.
Sus cantos aparecen en el disco "La Rumba Soy Yo", uno de los más importantes de la agrupación y con el que ganaron en el 2001 el Grammy Latino.

Alberto Romero dies, singer from Los Muñequitos de Matanzas

Matanzas (AIN 8/12/06).  This Thursday early morning, Alberto Romero died a victim of cancer, at 58. He was an outstanding musician and a singer in the AfroCuban group os Muñequitos de Matanzas.

With many years of experience working on the rescue of AfroCuban roots, he represented Cuban culture in numerous tours with Los Muñequitos in countries such as Belgium, Mexico, Germany, and the United States. His songs appear in the CD La Rumba Soy Yo." He was one of the most important members of the group and they won the Latin Grammy in 2001 with him.

Alberto Romero Díaz, singer for Los Muñequitos, 1948-2006
From Esquina Rumbera:

The world lost a great rumbero on August 10. Since joining the group in 1980, Alberto's contribution to the Muñequitos as solista was immeasurable, he will be missed.

Listen to Alberto sing "Oyelos de nuevo" from the "Real Rumba"compilation CD. He does the intro and the inspirations. See esquinarumbera.blogspot.com/2006/08/alberto-romero-daz-singer-for-los.html

Falleció Alberto Romero, EFE, 8/12/06

Por Ernesto Galván
La Habana, Cuba
Fuente: EFE

El músico y cantante Alberto Romero, voz del grupo de música afrocubana Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, falleció hoy a los 58 años, informaron medios locales.

La Agencia de Información Nacional (AIN) indicó que el deceso de Romero, que pasó gran parte de su vida escarbando en las raíces de la música cubana derivada de la emigración africana, se produjo en horas de la madrugada tras padecer "una penosa enfermedad".

Romero puso voz al disco La rumba soy yo, uno de los más importantes de la agrupación y con el que ganaron en el 2001 un Grammy Latino.

Fundada en 1952 en el barrio de La Marina de Matanzas, a unos cien kilómetros de La Habana, Los Muñequitos de Matanzas son una de las agrupaciones más importantes de la música cubana.

La banda cuenta con una amplia discografía, en la que destacan títulos como El guaguancó de Matanzas, Los muñequitos de Matanzas, Rumba caliente, Óyelos de nuevo, Real rumba, Vacunao y Po Iban Eshu, además de la La rumba soy yo.

AfroCubaWeb salutes that great and knowledgeable artist, Alberto Romero Díaz. Born in 1948, he loved baseball and music and sang for los Muñequitos since 1980. His distinctive voice helped them win the Latin Grammy in 2001.

Los Muñequitos Live on Rapidshare

rapidshare.de/files/28095760/Munequitos.zip

Los Muñequitos' Ricardo Cané passes on, 6/5/03

Ricardo Cané, senior member of the world-renowned rumba group Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, died this morning at the Provincial Hospital in Matanzas. He had undergone a sudden operation for a "severe vascular accident" which entailed the amputation of his right leg. After post-surgical unconsciousness with assisted breathing, he briefly rallied, but ultimately lost the battle.

In Matanzas this morning there is a tremendous farewell in progress.

See Ricardo Cané obituary - obituario, 6/10/03

Schedule (updated 2/20/03)

Los Muñequitos will be in Greece for The Cultural Olympiad 2001-2004 in July, 2003 along with the Conjunto Folklórico Nacional in a rare double bill.

Music review, Los Muñequitos de Matanzas at HotHouse, Chicago, 3/02

Metromix
By Howard Reich

To Americans smitten by the "Buena Vista Social Club" movie and concerts, Cuban music is all about lilting melodies, genteel rhythms and pre-Castro romanticism.

But though "Buena Vista" artists such as Compay Segundo and Omara Portuondo epitomize one glorious facet of Cuban music, the island teems with a far wider range of sounds than the film and its offshoots suggest.

Among the musical genres Cuba has nurtured through the centuries, perhaps none is more pivotal than rumba, in which a corps of vocalists chant plaintive phrases, accompanied by swirling layers of percussive rhythm.

Short of traveling to Cuba, the best way to experience this music was a Sunday night visit to HotHouse, where Los Munequitos de Matanzas celebrated a remarkable anniversary: its 50th. Considering the group's long-standing commitment to ancient musical traditions, this show represented about as authentic an entree into rumba as is possible in the 21st Century.

Judging by the patter in the overflow audience, more than a few listeners expected something closer to the lush lyricism of the "Buena Vista" score. But as the music of Los Munequitos de Matanzas gathered momentum—its textures thickening, its layers of rhythm becoming ever more intricate—even the most skeptical listeners had to be swayed by this music.

The sheer onslaught of sound, with these adept musicians articulating so many interrelated meters at once, proved gripping. For starters, three congueros fired off fast-flying staccato riffs, while more than half a dozen vocalists sang sinuous lines in unison—all the while telegraphing clave beats of their own using a variety of handheld percussion instruments.

Here was a timeless, fantastically developed music that transcended traditional Western harmony, melody and song structure. If anyone doubted that the roots of folkloric Cuban music sprang from Africa, the brilliantly complex drumming and melismatic chant of Los Munequitos de Matanzas made the point palpably clear.

Though the group also is famous for its choreography, which touches on elements of religious ritual, during the first set it was the instrumental virtuosos who dominated, with dancers playing a secondary role. Apart from a dance sequence in which a man and a woman engaged in an aggressive battle of the sexes, and another in which costumed characters alluded to mythic tales, this show was first and foremost about rumba virtuosity at its most abstract.

Perhaps the dearth of first-set choreography allowed so many in the audience to approach the stage to dance. To their credit, they moved with remarkable fluidity and proficiency.

It was 10 years ago that Los Munequitos de Matanzas made its Chicago debut, under the auspices of HotHouse.

A decade later, the club remains faithful to the cause.

Muñequitos nominated for Grammy 2001top

The list of Grammy nominated Cubans should also include "La Rumba soy Yo," nominated best production in folklore, featuring Los Muñequitos de Matanzas [produced by Caridad Diez and Joaquin Betancourt, which also features Yoruba Andabo, Clave y Guaguancó, Los Papines, Changuito, Tata Guines, as well as Issac Delgado, Aramis, Haila, el Indio and Mayito].

Cary Diez is the nominated producer and she is in Los Angeles with THE FULL 17 members ENSEMBLE of Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, working with Stage Of The Arts Inc. a California Educational 501 (c) (3) corporation.

We may be contacted regarding Los Muñequitos

Jorge Luis Rodriguez
www.AFROCUBA.org
(323) 855-3131
AfroCuban Research Institute.
Stage Of The Arts, Inc. in collaboration with
International Programs and Services,
California State University.
Sponsored by the EOP Department.

LOS MUNEQUITOS AND FRIENDS JAM SESSION AT LP® STUDIOS, 4/02

Members of the popular Afro-Cuban band Los Muñequitos recently visited the
LP® studios for a jam session, during which they were introduced to the LP®
Galaxy Giovanni Series Congas and welcomed as new LP® artists.
www.congahead.com/On_The_Scene/munequitos/0402.htm

Nice set of pics.

Scheduletop 2011

Los Muñequitos de Matanzas   -   2011 US Tour Performance Schedule   -   4/11 to 5/11
Additional dates to be added shortly

April - April 3 University of Washington
Meany Hall for the Performing Arts (performance April 3)

April 4-5 OPEN 

April 6 - 8 Savannah Music Festival 
Savannah, GA 

April 9 Rialto Center for the Performing at Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA

April 10-11 University of Florida Performing Arts, Curtis M. Phillips Center
Gainesville, FL (performance April 10; workshop April 11)

April 12-13, OPEN

April 14-15  Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts
Miami FL (performance April 15)

April 16-17  David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts
Tampa, Florida (performance April 16)

April 18, Outpost Performance Space
Albuquerque, NM 

April 19 The Lensic Center 
Santa Fe, NM 87501

April 20 La Pena Cultural Center
Berkeley, CA 

April 21-22 Lisner Auditorium, George Washington University
Washington, DC (performance April 22)

April 23 Annenberg Center
Philadelphia PA

April 24 – 26 OPEN

April 27 Cleveland Museum of Art
Cleveland, OH 44106

April 28 August Wilson Center for African American Culture
Pittsburgh, PA

April 29 – May 1  Mass MoCA
North Adams, MA (performances April 30 & May 1)

May 2 – 7 World Music Institute at Symphony Space
New York, NY (Performances May 5 – 7)

May 8 The Performing Arts Center at Purchase College
Purchase, NY 10577


Schedule 2010
top

18th of march 2010 they will perform at the opening ceremony of THE WORLD CONGRESS FOR CUBAN CULTURE in Munich, Germany - CUBAMEMUCHO

Dates are available - tour information: www.munequitosdematanzas.com/service/newsletter/en141209.php

They are back on world tour. Would you like to have them in your dancing school party? your dance club? a theatre in your hometown? With only 150 to 200 customers for a show, a concert near by you, can be realized! Our agency organizes - exclusively - the tour from March to including April 2010, Mondays to Sundays. We accept invitations from all around the world! Any country any city any school any theatre can still choose your own date for the concert, just sent us your request via email to booking@munequitosdematanzas.com


2007

Los Muñequitos tour Canada, 2007

Check the venues before you make plans!

July 2 – Harbourfront, Toronto

July 3 – Montreal Jazz Festival 

July 5-8 – Sunfest, Victoria Park, London, Ont. 

July 11-12 – Vancouver (workshops) 

July 13 – Harrison, BC 

July 14-15 – Vancouver Folk Music Festival 

July 19 – Atlantic Jazz Festival, Halifax, NS 

July 20-22 – Islands Folk Festival, Duncan, BC

July 25 Calgary Folk Festival Boot Camp, Calgary, Alberta

July 27 Calgary Folk Festival, Calgary, Alberta

July 31-August 2 Decidedly Jazz Danceworks, Calgary, Alberta

2002

Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, Cuba's top rumba group, in 50th anniversary concert, 10/9/02, Havana

March 12 - 13, 2002

Milwaukee, WI

Latino Arts

March 15, 2002

Ann Arbor, MI

University Musical Society

March 17, 2002

Chicago, Il

Hothouse

March 20, 2002

Madison, WI

University of Wisconsin

March 22, 2002

Woodstock, NY

Bearsville Theater (CCE presentation)

March 23, 2002

Great Barrington, MA

MahaiweTheater (CCE presentation)

March 26 - 27, 2002

New York, NY

Joe's Pub

April 6, 2002

Washington, DC

Lisner Auditorium

April 9, 2002

Miami, FL

Jackie Gleason Theatre for the Performing Arts

Los Muñequitos en Miami!.

Tues. April 9, 8pm
Gleason Theater
Miami Beach
copresented with
Miami Light Project

Reserved seat tickets on sale Now: $21 - $31 - $41 (includes venue surcharge) available at Ticketmaster outlets or the Jackie Gleason Theater box office

Tour brought to you by Multi Arts Projects and Productions
  www.multiartsprojects.com/index.html
See their site for updates.

Schedule 2001

August-September 2001 Performances    

August-September 2001 Workshops
   

Spring and Fall 2002: 50th Anniversary Tour


August 2001 Performance          - see also:  Muñequitos poster for LA

LOS MUÑEQUITOS DE MATANZAS
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

Saturday AUGUST 4; midnigth-LAX Arrival/Llegada.- Lobby of the Gershwin Hotel in Hollywood and la Casa.-

Sunday 5th- Housing; planning / orientation meeting, facilitators and SOTA staff. Lunch by the pool. 

Monday, 6.- 10 AM- Orientation Meeting. International Programs and Services, Cal State University, Ricardo Martins.

1 PM.- Lunch,

2.-Media kit-off

3 PM.-AfroCuban Master Class by Los Muñequitos de Matanzas- Music Hall

Tuesday, 7 .- to Thursd. 9: Classes and workshops. La Casa and AfroCuba.org Gallery

Friday 10 .- 1 PM to 7 PM, set up/ montaje at Ebell theatre.

7-8 PM .- Fiestecita at front of the Ebell

8-10 PM.- LA RUMBA SOY YO

Saturday 11.- 11AM Alma del Barrio 88.9 FM. Radio entrevista/live Interview- Guido, Cary, Jesus, Diosdado, Jorge

Sunday 12- Workshops

Friday 17.- Celebrate Brooklyn Festival in NY. Sound check at 3 PM. One hour performance at 7 PM. Prospect park

Friday 24, Conga Room. Percussion, 8-9 PM

Sat. 25 and Sunday 26: African Marketplace

SEPTEMBER 

Friday 7. LA RUMBA SOY YO, State Playhouse -8 PM 

Midnigth: Oshun

Saturday 8 & Sunday 9th, Street Scene Festival. Dan Diego

Thursday 13 or 20: Occidental College. Half day residence. Workshop and performance.

Dates are available for booking Los Muñequitos de Matanzas on August Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 in New York. We are also open for booking August 20 to September 20 in the West Coast.

Peace-

Jorge Luis Rodriguez
AfroCuba@aol.com

www.AFROCUBA.org

Informacion : (213) 855-3131

Producing Director is Jorge Luis Rodriguez. The Producer for the 2001 Muñequitos US tour is Ed Santiago. Stage Of The Arts, is a non-profit California Educational corporation founded 1982. 

A presentation of the AfroCuban Research Institute. Stage Of The Arts, Inc. in collaboration with the International Programs and Services department of California State University in Los Angeles. Sponsored in part by KLON 88.1 radio and Timba Percussion.

WHAT: The best Rumba from Cuba: the legendary Muñequitos de Matanzas presenting a unique review of music and dance "La Rumba Soy Yo" (I am the Rumba).

WHEN: August Friday10 and Saturday 11, 2001. 8 pm

WHERE: Wilshire Ebell Theatre 4401 W. 8th Street, Los Angeles (323) 939-1128 (1 block south of Whilshire on Lucerne Boulevard) Parking available.

TICKETS: $26.00 and $16.00. Available by calling Ticketmaster at (213) 365-3500 and (714) 740-7878; on line at www.ticketmaster.com, or at Tower Records, Robinsons-May, Wherehouse Music, Tu Musica and Ritmo Latino. Ticks available at the theatre box office, (323) 939 -1128

INFORMATION: (213) 855-3131; www.AFROCUBA.org; AfroCuba@aol.com

August-September 2001 Workshopstop

Ray Veitia, Public Affairs
(323) 855-3131
(213) 448-0328
Ivonne Cachu, Public Relations

Dance and Music workshops with Los Muñequitos de Matanzas
(2001 Grammy nominated)

WHAT: Afrocuban percussion and dance classes. Congas, Bata, hand percussion, singing with 2001 Grammy nominee Los Muñequitos de Matanzas. Information: (323) 855-3131

WHERE : 

Monday 20.- 6:30 to 8 PM and 8 PM to 9:30- Percussion and dance workshops. Hosted by Pascuale Angelucci at 1230 S. Flower Street. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Tuesday 21.-6:30 to 8 PM and 8 PM to 9:30- Percussion and dance workshops. Hosted by Pascuale Angelucci at 1230 S. Flower Street. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Wednesday 22.- Mi Gente.- 6:30 to 8 PM Percussion and 8 to 9:30 PM Dance- 7174 Melrose Avenue, LA, CA 90046 (2 blocks west of La Brea)

Thursday 23.- Mi Gente.- 6:30 to 8 PM Percussion and 8 to 9:30 PM Dance- 7174 Melrose Avenue, LA, CA 90046 (2 blocks west of La Brea)

CONTINUES Mondays and Tuesdays at 1230 S. Flower Street.

Wednesday & Thursdays at Mi Gente

Wednesday 29.- 6:30 to 8 PM, Percussion workshop and 8 to 9:30 PM Dance class.
9:30 Rumba by Los Muñequitos. And every Wednesday thereafter August/Sept.

A presentation of the AfroCuban Research Institute (www.AFROCUBA.org), Stage Of The Arts, Inc. in collaboration with the International Programs and Services department of California State University in Los Angeles.

Spring and Fall 2002: 50th Anniversary Tourtop

MultiArts Projects & Productions announces

the 50th Anniversary Season of

Los Muñequitos de Matanzas

Dates in U.S. and Canada available for march/april 2002 and also Fall 2002

Hailed as the "reigning regents of rumba" by the San Francisco Chronicle, "the essence of Cuba’s musical soul" by the San Diego Union Tribune and "truly keepers of a sacred flame" by Latin Beat, Los Muñequitos de Matanzas are amongst the highest regarded practitioners of rumba and the unequivocal masters of Afro-Cuban ritual music in the world. Founded in 1952, the group spans three generations of fathers and sons, brothers and sisters, uncles and cousins, and an extended family of musicians. Celebrating their 50th Anniversary in 2002, Los Muñequitos remains a seminal force in the development of Afro-Cuban dance and percussion.

Mesmerizing audiences with their fiery rumbas, explosive dance and captivating vocals, the legendary Los Muñequitos return to the U.S. for their sixth tour since 1992. These special tours will feature programs primarily focused on rumba – including a lot of new stuff and some of the early melodic songs. The performances promise the same electric dancing, swirling melodies and rhythmically complex drumming which have won the hearts of audiences the world over.

On stage, Los Muñequitos bring to life the vibrant culture of the African Diaspora intrinsic to Cuba’s living legacy. Off stage, the group brings the energy and exuberance contained in their performances to a host of residency activities ranging from dance and percussion workshops to lecture-demonstrations and performances for families. These activities provide an even greater opportunity to experience the richness of Cuban culture and are designed for people of all ages and levels of experience.

Tours produced by MultiArts Projects & Productions. Full and half-week residencies available.

For booking information: MultiArts Projects & Productions

140 Second Avenue, Suite 502
New York, NY 10003

Tel: 646-602-9390

Fax: 646-602-9395

email: mapp@artswire.org

 Fall '00 tour of some Muñequitos memberstop

U.S. Engagement Itinerary for Rumba Matancera
A Sub-Group formed by Los Muñequitos de Matanza
October 17 through November 5, 2000

Los Muñequitos members appearing as Accompanying the Rumba Matancera are: Rumba Matancera are: 

Louis Carreras
Agustín Diaz Cano & Ramon "Sandy" Garcia Pèrez
Rafael Navarro Pujada of Grupo AfroCuba de Matanza
Israel Berriel Gonzalez
Bárbaro Ramos
Diosdado Enier Ramos
Vivian Ramos
Esther Yamile Ramos
Israel Berriel Jimenez

and in California with guest percussionist Jesus Diaz

Date

Type Appearance and Location

Tickets/Booking Info

Tuesday, October 17

Percussion Workshop 404-577-0707

Earth Shaking Music, Atlanta, GA

Wednesday, October 18

Dance Workshop Call Ellen Bleir 706-742-5605

Center for Healing Arts, Athens, GA

Thursday, October 19

Master Percussion Class Free to Public

Georgia State University (GSU) School of Music, Atlanta, GA

Friday, October 20

Performance 404-577-0707

GSU School of Music, Atlanta, GA

Saturday, October 21

Performance 510-273-2450

Cowell Theatre, San Francisco, CA

Sunday, October 22

Dance workshop 510-273-2450

Alice Arts Centre, Oakland, CA

Sunday, October 22

Performance 510-273-2450

Cowell Theatre, San Francisco, CA

Monday, October 23

Vocal and Percussion Workshops 510-273-2450

Alice Arts Centre, Oakland, CA

Tuesday, October 24

Performance 510-273-2450

Rio Theater, Santa Cruz, CA
Tickets for the Oct 24 Santa Cruz show are available at Rhythm Fusion (a drum store in Santa Cruz) 831-423-2048.

Wednesday, October 25

Performance 510-273-2450

Stanford University, CA

Thursday, October 26

Dance workshop 510-273-2450

Alice Arts Center, Oakland, CA

Friday, October 27

Travelling Back to Atlanta, GA

 

Saturday, October 28 – November 4

No Engagements 404-892-8553

 

Saturday, November 5

Travelling to Cuba

 


CBS - 5/16/99
top

Los Muñequitos de Matanzas were featured in an 8-minute segment on the May 16 broadcast of CBS Sunday Morning, as a cultural segment of an entire program about Cuba.  The Director, Diosdado Ramos Cruz, was interviewed and also shown performing his role as babalawo or priest in the Yoruba religion.  The Musical Director, Jesus Alfonso, was also interviewed, as was Ned Sublette, a producer and founder of Qbadisc, which has brought so much of the Muñequitos' music to the US.  One of los Muñequitos' founders, "Chachá" Esteban Vega, a formidable legend, described the origins. Matanzas was highlighted as the great center of African culture that it is.

Check out the full story at: http://www.cbs.com/prd1/now/template.display?p_story=150320

Thanks to Alison Stewart at CBS for linking to AfroCubaWeb.

Spain, 5/99

Los Muñequitos de Matanzas visitan a España hasta el dia 16 de Maio.   Si alguien sabe de eso, favor de informarnos.

1999 Summer US Schedule (updated 8/1/99) [see also note from Ned just below]

Friday August 6
Saturday August 7

Sunday August 8
Wednesday August 11
Thursday August 12
Friday August 13
Saturday August 14
Sunday August 15
2 performances at SOB's/NYC at 9pm & 11pm
Central Park SummerStage/NYC at 3pm
gates open at 1:30
Latino Arts Festival/Queens at 7pm
Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival (JPDF)at 8pm
JPDF at 8pm
JPDF at 8:30pm
JPDF at 2pm and 8:30pm
JPDF at 2pm
NY
NY

NY
Lee, Massachusetts
Lee
Lee
Lee

Reminder from Ned Sublette

We will have a rare opportunity to see the world's greatest rumba group -- Los Muñequitos de Matanzas -- in New York this weekend. They will appear:

August 6: SOB's (9 and 11 p.m.)
August 7: Central Park Summerstage (gates open 1:30, show at 3)
August 8: Queens Theater in the Park, in the NY State Pavilion of the 1964 World's Fair, Flushing Meadows, Corona Park (7 p.m.)

The following week they will be in residence at Jacob's Pillow in Lee, Massachusetts. These are their only U.S. appearances this year.

Don't miss them!

Press Release on the 1999 and 2000 tours

Los Munequitos de Matanzas, the legendary troupe of three generations of dancers, drummers and singers will return to the United States in Summer 1999 where they will be at Jacob's Pillow/Lee, Massachusetts for one week August 9-15. The group will be  available for continguous residency and performances during this time.

In addition, the Munequitos will be returning to the United States during the Spring 2001 season. In past tours (this is the fifth time they have toured the U.S.), they have sold out countless concerts mesmerizing audiences with their fiery rumbas, explosive dance and captivating vocals.

On stage, Los Munequitos bring to life the vibrant culture of the African Diaspora intrinsic to Cuba's living legacy. Offstage, the group brings the energy and exuberance contined in their performances to a host of residency.  The 2001 season tour will be produced by MultiArts Projects & Productions, which has organized the group's past three U.S. tours, with Pentacle handling tour development. Full-week and half-week residencies are available.

For more information on Los Munequitos de Matanza's upcoming touring, residency and fees please contact:

Ann Rosenthal or
Cathy Zimmerman

MultiArts Projects & Productions
140 Second Avenue, Suite 502
NY NY 10003
tel: 646-602-9390
fax: 646-602-9395

email: mapp@artswire.org

Arte cubano para nuestros cinco héroes, 5/7/02top

Hugo García, Juventud Rebelde

MATANZAS.— El Conjunto Los Muñequitos de Matanzas hizo llegar a nuestros cinco Héroes de la República prisioneros del Imperio su disco La rumba soy yo, con el cual ganaron el Premio Grammy Latino 2001, en la categoría de Mejor Álbum de Música Folclórica.

El solidario gesto surgió de una propuesta de su director, Diosdado Ramos, y de la representante del grupo, Cary Diez, durante una exitosa gira de alrededor de un mes por Miami, Washington y Nueva York, donde actuaron e impartieron clases.

Ramos recordó a JR que en su actuación ante casi 3 000 personas en Miami Beach sufrieron las presiones de los elementos contrarrevolucionarios radicados allí. "Nos mantuvimos firmes, nada de miedo y nos concentramos en nuestro trabajo para mantener la calidad del espectáculo", rememora, mientras explica que "es un regalo sencillo de los matanceros y de todo el pueblo de Cuba, lleno de simbolismo y cubanía, como expresión del cariño y admiración que sentimos por la actitud valerosa de ellos contra el terrorismo y el ejemplo que representan ahora para las nuevas generaciones", concluyó Ramos.

La entrega oficial de los cinco CD para Gerardo, Ramón, René, Antonio y Fernando, fue en la sede de la Sección de Intereses de Cuba en la capital norteamericana, donde "ofrecieron su contagiosa y muy cubana música a más de 300 personas entre las que se incluían amigos de Cuba y el personal cubano que trabaja en Washington", escribió en una misiva de agradecimiento Dagoberto Rodríguez Barrera, jefe de la representación de nuestro país en Estados Unidos.

Este año Los Muñequitos de Matanzas arriban a su aniversario 50 de fundados y en ese tiempo su arte ha contribuido a mostrar al mundo los valores culturales de Cuba.

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Contacting the Muñequitostop

The director, Diosdados Ramos Cruz, can be reached in Matanzas at 53.52.2481
Armando Valladares has retired from his position as Artistic Director


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