Hanging with a LEGEND

Video Song: "La Malanga" - Eddie Palmieri

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Hey Guys,

This post is dedicated to a legendary man, a man who not only has an enormous amount of talent but also a heart full of love and positive energy...the one and only Eddie Palmieri! Ahhhh yes, this NINE time Grammy Award winner is our client. We are so honored to work with this musical icon.


We went to DC, on Sunday, June 12th to see Mr. Palmieri receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the DC Jazz Festival! He was actually the FIRST LATINO to be honored with this award (saxophonist Jimmy Heath was also a recipient that day). Shortly after Mr. Palmieri did what he does best...he played at the National Mall with his 11-piece All-Star Orchestra. What a performance it was! He had  everyone dancing...definitely giving the DCJF some spice ;)

And get this...Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor showed up to support! I actually had the privilege to shake her hand, formerly introduce myself andddd walked her to the VIP tent :) (you, stealing a scene with the Justice #winning). Unfortunately, we couldn't take a picture with her due to all these rules...but there is a mini clip of me shaking her hand :)...The Justice was actually sitting behind us throughout the whole performance! El Maestro described her attendance as "the biggest honor of my entire career!" He even dedicated his first song, "Muneca" to her! What a sweet moment!


After the performance we went back to the hotel, hung out with our LS (linesister) Arlene, who actually has a cool blog as well (APMcGheeReact.blogspot.com). Then we linked back up with the crew/band for some cocktails! Some of the band members were telling us about the night before in LA for the Playboy Jazz Festival, where Bill Cosby, Jamie Fox and Christina Millian were in attendance!


The next day was the press conference, It didn't go as well as planned but we got great footage of Eddie talking about an issue that's affecting todays musicians. The elimination of 31 categories, for the 54th annual Grammy Awards. One of the categories is Latin Jazz. This has raised many eyebrows and disappointed numerous musicians, especially former recipients/nominees. The National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS) announced the cut of categories earlier this year. This decision caused protests nationally and internationally. Latin Jazz, Contemporary Jazz, Cajun, Zydeco, Hawaiian, Polka, Traditional World and certain Gospel, Blues, R&B, and Mexican categories, among others have all been unceremoniously terminated (so sad). Eddie Palmieri being the originator of Latin Jazz, took this to heart. He and other artists are trying to make a change. Log on to Grammy Watch to be part of the petition to save todays music! Eddie is actually spearheading this petition to reinstate the Latin Jazz category. Its not right to have all these forms of Jazz in just one category. They all have such distinctive sounds that the originators worked so hard to create. If you feel that this is wrong, state your comments here or go to Grammy Watch...and speak up!


Shoutout to Jorge, Scarlett (videographer) and Delisha!! #RoadtripDC!


Song of the Week: "Muneca" - Eddie Palmieri



xo, Samantha

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What's Up!

As mentioned earlier this week, we were in Washington, DC for 2 day (Sunday-Monday) working with one of our clients, Eddie Palmieri.

So for those of you who have no idea who I'm talking about, shame shame on you...prepared to be schooled. 

Eddie Palmieri is legendary...in every sense of the word.  Mr. Palmieri is a one of the most renowned Latin Jazz pianists of our time. His charismatic power and bold, innovative drive as a composer/arranger, pianist and bandleader has led him on a distinctive musical career that spans over 50 years...and he hasn't stop yet!  With a discography that includes 36 recordings, Palmieri has received nine Grammy Awards.  His first was in 1975, for The Sun of Latin Music, which is widely considered the the most historic, as it was the first time Latin music was recognized by the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS). 

Mr. Palmieri was born in Spanish Harlem in 1936.  He, along with his older brother, late Salsa legend and pianist Charlie Palmieri, began studying piano at an early age. His professional career kicked off in the early '50s with Eddie Forrester's Orchestra.  From there he joined Johnny Segui's band and also spent time with the Tito Rodriguez Orchestra before forming his own band, the celebrated La Perfecta, in 1961. 


La Perfecta was unique in that it featured a trombone section in place of trumpets, something that has been rarely done in Latin music. With his Eddie Palmieri and La Perfecta's infectious sound, he soon joined ranks with the esteemed Machito, Tito Rodriguez and other major Latin orchestras...but his unconventional style is what set him part in the 1970 release of Harlem River Drive. This recording was a first, in that it fused black and Latin styles (and musicians), resulting in a free-form sound that encompassed elements of salsa, funk, soul and jazz.


Still no clue?...Then I'm sure you've heard of a song called "Vamanos Pa'l Monte." (Yea, that's him!!)

So we headed down to Washington DC to accompany Mr. Eddie Palmieri and his orchestra for their performance at the DC Jazz Festival. The DC Jazz Festival is a soaring 13-day celebration of Jazz...providing dazzling arrays of performances, while presenting a virtual kaleidoscope of styles. The DCJF each year presents Lifetime Achievement Awards to jazz greats in recognition of their vast, enduring contributions to jazz and humanity.  This year, joining the ranks of illustrious artists, was the brilliant saxophonist Jimmy Heath and none other than the celebrated Eddie Palmieri! It was wonderful to see there incomparable artists be honored for representing the rich tradition of jazz and for their serve as model ambassadors for jazz music around the word.

Then it was performance time! The Eddie Palmieri All-Star Salsa Orchestra had everyone on their feet!! It was a great time! Shoutout to this orchestra: Herman Olivera (lead vocalist), Nelson Gonzalez (tres, guitar, coro), Brian Lynch (trumpet), Conrad Herwig (trombone), Jimmy Bosch (trombone), Karen Joseph (flute), Jose Claussell (timbales), Vincent "Little Johnny" Rivero (congas), Luques Curtis (bass), Orlando Vega (bongos) and Joseph Gonzalez (coro).

The following day, we were present with Eddie Palmieri while he went through a round of interviews discussing the DCJF Lifestime Achievement Award and the current NARAS situation.  

Following the interviews, we sadly packed up and headed back home. We definitely had a great time though and are truly looking forward to continue our work with Eddie Palmieri.

Thanks for catching up...now put on those Salsa shoes and go out and dance! 


Song of the Week: "Cafe" - Eddie Palmieri

xo, Jessica

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Ok Guys so check it! In order to party with us VIP style you must be the 30th tweet stating "Follow @SCENE_STEALERS the best/sexiest Latina bloggers out there! www.officialscenestealers.com #wisinyyandelcontest" to win a pair of VIP Suite tickets to this Friday's Wisin y Yandel concert at the Prudential Center.

P.S. You can RT more than once! Good Luck!
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If the Music's too Loud...You're too Old (jk)

Video Song: "Angelito" - Aventura

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Hey Guys,

We just got back from DC, you have to check out our next post for the update! But let me tell you it was quite an experience.

But before that…

On Monday June 6th, model, Tahiry Jose stopped by for an interview with the Front Stage Radio family! This voluptuous Latina was voted #7 on Complex Magazine’s Hottest Dominican Women list. Some of you might know her as Joe Budden's Ex. Well now she is on a steady path to stardom! She does not only have the looks, and...cough cough...the ASSests but she also has book smarts. She graduated from John Jay College, but always had the passion for the nightlife/entertainment scene. She has a couple of cool projects coming up so stay tune! For now follow her @TheRealTahiry!

On Wednesday, June 8th we attended Conquista La Noche con Johnnie Walker at 809 Lounge in the Heights with DJ Alex Sensation. Click here for his performance! 

Mannnn does he know how to work the crowd, especially me lol! This event also included Bachata group 24 horas, Yunel Cruz and Zol y Luna! We missed the Yunel Cruz and Zol y Luna performance but arrived right when 24 Horas hit the stage. I’m obsessed with Bachata and love there “Estas en mi mente los 24 Horas” song! Throughout the night, they had different Johnnie Walker cocktails - of course we tried them all! :D

Since I’m a martini lover, I enjoyed the Whiskitini drink they had! Here is the special ingredients for all you bartenders out there: 

• JWBL (1.5oz)
• Peach Schnapps (1.0oz)
• Grenadine (.5oz)
• Sour mix (1.0oz)
• Shake it with ice and strain it and walllaaaa there’s your Whiskitini!

Now if you want to do a quick pregame at the house try Johnnie Walker Black label with Ginger Ale! Its REAL simple to make and a great way to start the party! They were also serving Johnnie Walker with actual chocolate! We missed that tasting =/ but heard it was DELISH!

Tomorrow we are going to another private Johnnie Walker event! (We are actually working this one). Can’t wait! I love partaking in events - the positive/energetic atmosphere keeps me going and reminds me how much I love what I do! 

Stay tune for our "Spotlighter of the Month"! She is on fire. Check this out and you will know what I'm talking about...

With Tahiry after the interview!

That is just a fraction of what she does! Not only can the girl move but she also act and she is currently producing/hosting a new web series called I'amwhatIdo! Stay tune for the full recap on Ms. Kaity Martinez!

 xo, Samantha

Song of the week: Shakira - Rabiosa Ft. Pitbull ;)

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What's Up!

We just came from a weekend in "The District"...or better know as the capitol of the United States (Washington, DC), but you'll get a full recap on that trip later on this week.

This week's post is all about music.  Last week (June 8th) we traveled to 809 Lounge for a special Johnnie Walker Black Label event called "Conquista La Noche."  You may remember we went another event a few months ago with the same name, where Johnnie Walker Black Label introduced DJ Alex Sensation as their new brand ambassador ("Conquistando La Noche").  This event was different in that they labeled it the "Music Edition," to celebrate Latin artist that are conquering the music industry.  So long with Alex Sensation DJing, there were live performances from Yunel Cruz, Zol y Luna and 24 Horas.

Have you heard the song "Dominicanita"? If not you...you should! The youthful, Yunel Cruz has demanded the attention of Bachata enthusiasts everywhere with this song. This song is about a beautiful love, based on a true story, that has become very popular in the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Central and South America and some European cities.   

Zol y Luna is a musical group including Karlos Oka, Bryan Martinez Arnaldo Batista and Ronald Vivas.  This New York bred Latin group developed in late 2009, producing different Caribbean rhythms.  The brought together popular U.S. genres (Pop, R&B and Jazz) that they grew up on with the Merengue and Bachata beats of their culture. You may have heard of their single, "La Luz de Mi Vida"...if not, I hope you check it out.

The modern Bachata genre has a new face and its name is 24 Horas. The Dominican trio's singles "24 Horas" and "No Puedo Creer/I Can't Believe" have been hits on the Billboard Latin Tropical charts. These youngsters from New York have definitely set their goals on taking over the Bachata game. The group - Jonathan "Mickey", Rodolfo "Joell" Jaquez and Ruben "Jiory" Serverino - together have come become the new generation of Bachata music and have filled nightclubs and theatres to capacity not only in the United States, but also throughout the Caribbean, Latin America and Europe, even performing Madison Square Garden in New York as Enrique Iglesias's special opening act. 

As a special surprise, Judy Santos and Marlyn Jimenez, part of the exceptional New York based female duo, Girlz Talk, performed with 24 Horas. It was awesome to see two females representing in the urban Bachata industry that is dominated by male artists. Shoutout to them for making moves!!

So I hope we just put you on to some new music for your ipods...because Johnnie Walker definitely did for mine (lol). 

You can't talk about music, without mentioning dance. So we're super excited to be featuring Kaity Martinez as our  "June Spotlight of the Month." She's a talented and driven actor, producer and choreographer.  Be on the lookout for that!!

Song of the Week: "Marvin's Room" - Drake

xo, Jessica

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On the road...

Video Song: "Set it on Fire " - Rooftop

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Hey Guys,

I hope you all had a wonderful Memorial weekend! Can you believe we are already in June?! Why is this year going by so fast? =( lol

So let's play catch up…We’ve currently been working with a couple of clients, Eddie Palmieri, Johnny Walker, the new Copacabana and much much moreee! Our latest client was Award-Winning Journalist, Sandra Guzman! Latinas would consider her as the Goddess of Latina empowerment! We were honored to help her with the book launch/reading of The New Latina's Bible at Borders Columbus Circle. Ms. Guzman discussed her book, with Oscar-nominated actress Rosie Perez and CEO of El Diario, Rossana Rosado! She even gave us a shoutout (Check our video out). We felt extremely flattered to be acknowledged by a powerful woman like herself. Her book explores and touches issues that us Latinas encounter on a everyday basis. I’m not done reading the book yet, but I can tell all you striving Latinas out there its worth the read! It can be a life changing experience.

“I wrote The New Latina’s Bible with a simple desire: to inspire Latinas to feel joyous about their culture, to understand that they mattered, that they are beautiful and intelligent and that they could dream big and achieve the unimaginable. I hoped that this one stop, no-nonsense resource guide to everything Latina would help them see that their heritage was a gift not a burden. And, that our way of healing and dealing with life – experienced through the unique prism that is our culture – was indeed a blessing.” – Sandra Guzman

Ahh! She is truly inspirational, a living angel. She is the voice for every Latina out there, she writes from the heart and soul, which makes her words so relatable. After the reading (which was a Sex chapter ;) ) we headed over to the afterparty at the Empire Hotel (Rooftop)! Everyone wanted to talk to the Latina goddess of the hour.  We managed to take a pic with Sandra and get our book signed :) while mingling in the VIP. It was a great turn out. I couldn’t stay for long because I had a flight to Miami to catch.

I left Jessica for the whole weekend, longest time we ever been apart =( lol.  Miami was my mini-getaway, it was great to just relax and clear my mind. It’s essential to do that once in a while, especially when you have more than 2 jobs to handle -_-.  My last day at Miami was pretty random. I was tanning on the beach when a bunch of paparazzi were snapping away right in front of us. Someone yelled “Its Lindsay Lohan” – Yes, I’m not ashamed to say I’m a Lohan supporter…granted she has been in trouble for the past couple of years and she has no one to blame but herself, I still feel for her. Anyway, the Mean Girl actress sat right in front of us. Its so funny because when I was younger  I always said I was going to meet her or bump into her. I had to steal a mini-scene with her. After she blew off the annoying paparazzi, I went up to her and told her to stay strong and not to quit! (I really want her to have a comeback like Britney Spears!) She shook my hand and genuinely appreciated what I said. I didn’t want to bother her with pics but my friends, took some shots of us interacting. Hang in their Lohan!!!  She actually had a photoshoot for Plum Magazine at the Raleighi Hotel right next to where we were staying, the Continental.

When I got back Jessica and I went to the private launch of NYC’s most exciting new mobile restaurant “The Camarena Taco Truck”. The tacos were absolutely scrumptious! I had to sneak two more into my tummy!  They were infused by familia Camarena Tequila. There was Tequila galore! There were shots ready upon arrival, signature cocktails and cupcakes filled with this smooth tequila. #CamarenaTequila = My new best friend lol.

Last but not least, shoutout to our second home SAZON RESTAURANT; my boss Genaro Morales has filed a discrimination lawsuit. Unfortunately the neighbors and board don’t really want us there and are finding every way possible to close us down. Its very unfortunate! I hope this racism stops :/ Don’t forget to support Sazon!

Well that’s all readers/viewers…I cant wait to see what 2011 summer will bring us!

xo, Samantha Vargas

Song of the week - Wicked Games - Weeknd (He is on fireeee)

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What's Up!

For the past few weeks, we've been working with award-winning journalist, Sandra Guzmán in preparing for the highly anticipated launch of her new book The New Latina's Bible. All our hardwork paid off and resulted in an amazing book signing and reading at Borders Columbus Circle, launching Sandra's New York book tour.

Sandra Guzmán is an award-winning multimedia journalist with more than two decades experience in broadcast, newspaper and magazine journalism. Guzmán is the former editor-in-chief of Latina magazine and was also a former associate editor at The New York Post, here she edited nearly a dozen feature sections, including Tempo and a section she created that covered the city's Latino community. Guzmán's The New Latina's Bible, is the predecessor to her first book, The Latina's Bible: The Latina's Guide to Love, Family, Spirituality and La Vida.

Sandra Guzmán was joined at Borders by some of her friends: Rossana Rosado, publisher/CEO of El Diario, and Academy Award nominee, Rosie Perez, as well as a room full of her fans. The book, which she read excerpts from, is a book on what every Latina should know about dating, health, succeeding professionally and managing friendships...among other things. It's been nearly 10 years since the original Latina's Bible was released, Guzmán has updated lots of information as well as added two new chapters. Guzmán continues in to use her trademark warmth, humor and wisdom to explore the wide range of topics that rarely addressed to Latinas. Sandra Guzmán is hip and empowering...and her book is a great guide for twenty-first century Latinas who are facing the trails and joys of living and loving. She is truly an inspiration and while at her book reading was reminded what it is to dream and to most importantly achieve. 

Afterwards we headed to the Empire Hotel Rooftop afterparty for a few drinks with Guzmán, Rosie Perez, Telemundo Acesso Total's new correspodent Madelyn Rodriguez, producer/writer/actress Elaine Del Valle, actor Jimmy Smits and others. The events were a greats success and we were super proud to be a part of something so influential to the Latina community.

Then Samantha was off the Miami for the weekend...and me, covering for her at work -____-

Wednesday, May 25th, Samantha and I were reunited for an agave influenced filled event. Camarena Tequila launched their brand of tequila with a taco truck parked in the Classic Car Club of Manhattan. This family brand of tequila has been around for over six generations. For over 250 years, the Camarenas have taken great care in preserving the invaluable resources of the region of Arandas (home to family-owned tequila distillery), practicing sustainable farming and taking a long-range approach to growing quality agave...and you can definitely taste it.

The Camarena Tequila Taco Truck which arrived in New York on May 19th, will be a criss-crossing the city until June 28th hitting various venues and events...for free! Yea, thats right, the Camarena Tequila Taco Truck will be serving up crispy tacos filled with pastor and tequila-spiked pineapple salsa, tequila-marinated chicken taquitos and even a pinto bean taco with a shot of tequila in the bean pot (must be 21 and over though). All these delicious snacks were created by chef, Jesse R. Vega (of Suenos Restuarant). Want to get your hands on these tasty tacos?! There's three ways to find the truck (1) "like" Camarena Tequila on facebook and keep an eye on their virtual truck, (2) follow them in twitter and/or (3) friend them on foursquare for their latest location.

In additions to tequila-infused food, Camarena served up some deliciously smooth cocktails...of course all with tequila! Robicelli's also made an appearance at the launch with dozens and dozens of mini-cupcakes with...yea that's right, tequila! Who knew you could cook so many good things with tequila (lol)?

Til' next time...

Song of the Week: "Party Rock" - LMFAO ft. Lauren Bennett & GoonRock

xo, Jessica 

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Check us out on

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Catch us every Monday (10pm-1am) only on

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