ELAMN July 2024
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DW3
With the release of their highly-anticipated Woodward Avenue Records debut, Southern California’s premiere R&B, funk and contemporary urban jazz powerhouse DW3 lets the world in on a cool “Vintage Truth.” Driven by the ever-evolving musical vision of core members – brothers Eric and Billy Mondragon and Damon Reel – their deepening artistry continues to transcend a well-earned reputation as a high energy, fun and freewheeling party band. While they continue to anchor Thursday nights and the 94.7 The Wave Sunday Brunch at Spaghettini in Seal Beach and electrify festival and cruise-goers as they have for more than a decade, the versatile ensemble is rapidly emerging as a multi-faceted recording outfit in their own right.
Las Colibri
LAS COLIBRÍ or “The Hummingbirds,” have a passion for music, beauty, and girl power. These women are flying into new territory as one of the most unique ensembles of its genre by returning to the all-string instrumentation of the early 20th century mariachi tradition and the colorful, feminine costumes of the Mexican cinematic divas of the 40’s and 50’s. After years of achieving much success individually as instrumentalists and vocalists in various professional arenas, these women have come together to form a stringed ensemble that is like no other in it's genre. Aside from their unique interpretation of traditional sones, huapangos, and rancheras, audiences will also recognize sounds of jazz, rock, oldies, and R&B through their innovative arrangements. With a lovely blend of vocal harmonies, beautiful smiles, and traditional mariachi instrumentation consisting of a Guitarrón (Bass), Guitar, Vihuela (Soprano Guitar), and Violins, Las Colibrí will be sure to get you laughing, crying, singing and even dancing to their contagious beats and melodies.
Ricardo Soltero
Born in Nayarit, Soltero has been the scenery director and stage-set designer for the biggest Day of the Dead celebration in the US, which takes place annually at Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
His pieces have adorned and colored an array of cultural exhibits, fundraisers and he has transformed ball rooms into magical environments with his paper mache, recyclable material, wood and styrofoam sculpted works. As well as iron rod sculptures for a flash mob performance at Union Station.
A list of his current and ongoing project collaborations include: Hollywood Forever Day of the Dead, Meet me at Metro, 20 years of Friday Kahlo with Sinergy group, 24th Street Theater set design, Semblanza Latinoamericana, The Autry Museum, East L.A. Meets Napa, Denver Botanical Gardens, Santa Clarita Day of the Dead, La Vista Memorial Park Day of the Dead, UNICEF's Annual Gala and Metropolitan Fashion show.
Soltero's work can be found through the City of Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and Mexico during different time of the year.
