The SPOT

Video Song: "Pelidrosa" - Orion & King Louie (like the song? download it now at The Spot)

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Hey Guys!

Were you at the hottest spot this summer?  We sure were lol... "The Spot" by Heineken launched on July 13th with over 12 events that include live concerts, art exhibits and film screenings, thoughtfully curated by Remezcla (a leading creative house and content authority on emerging Latin culture). Kinky, Tego Calderon, La Mala Rodriguez, Vico C, Carla Morrison, and the New York International Latino Film Festival are just some of the over 30 artists and organizations who are apart of the event’s line-up.  

We went to the Digital Art Battle, which gave off that futuristic/funky vibe!  We watched live art making from two big projections, while standing on some artifical grass lol. The artists were creating digital art work using a Wacom Intuos tablet. The audience favorites won tablets of their own. We even posed in front of a step-and-repeat that was made out of Heineken cans - pretty dope!

We got there just in time to see a performance by The Reason & Fire, this duo def kicked off the night the right way, I loved their music and style...they were a Baile-Funk/Electro Rock type group (Checkout our video for some of the performance). On the 1s and 2s we had iBomba and QuestLove.. yup the celebrated producer and Grammy Award-winning drummer of the band The Roots, was there! Tt was definitely The Spot to be that night.

The three-week festival includes all elements of a performance space, art gallery and music concerts. Check out what you can catch this final week:

Wednesday, July 27th at 7pm

NYILFF Screening: Downtown Calling

Thursday, July 28th at 7pm

Our Latin Thing + Williamsburg Salsa Orchestra

Friday, July 29th at 8pm

Vico C + Mala Rodriguez

Saturday, July 30th

at 1pm - The Spot Lounge

at 10pm - Mexican Institute of Sound, Patafunk + Nacotheque

“The Spot by Heineken offers the community access to some of today’s hottest and more unique Latinos in the music and art world through an engaging platform, all while strengthening Heineken’s support of creative and innovative minds in the Latino community.”

  - Carolyn Concepcion, Brand Manager of Heineken.

Song of the Week: "Rehab" - in Memory of  Amy Winehouse (Our modern Janis Joplin)

xo, Samantha Vargas

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What's Up!

Trendsetting Latino artists, musicians, DJs, filmmakers and fashionistas have all been hanging out under one roof this summer - The Spot by Heineken (curated by Remezcla), located in the heart of Soho's Nolita neighborhood.  The Spot by Heineken (a sort of pop-up club) celebrates the convergence between Latino culture and urban creativity, and is a big testament to the impact that many Latin artists and the creative community have made on U.S. cities. 

We attended the Digital Art Battle last week...which was really dope! We sipped on some heinekens and watched live projections as New York artists collaborated in teams of two, creating digital works in a variety of styles on a Wacom Intuos tablet. Here were the teams:

Federico Frum & Buttsup

Rimx & AEON

CERN & Marthalicia (<---I'm a fan of her work!)

 Miopuma & Rage Johnson

Backing up the artists on the turntables was iBomba - one of New York's hottest underground Latin party DJ's and the "modern day major of soul music," The Roots' own Questlove!!! Beyond his work with The Roots, which has gained the distinction of being one of the most influential and consistently game-changing hip-hop groups around as well the house band for Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, boasts production credits for Al Green, Erykah Badu, Joss Stone, Justin Timberlake and D’Angelo. Questlove’s insatiable love of music has led him on a worldwide crate-digging journey. He has amassed a vinyl collection of more than 50,000 records that are shelved in a floor to ceiling, climate controlled library room in his personal studio. What to do with all those records? DJ, of course. Questlove has rocked parties to sold out crowds worldwide. With such a diverse collection, he is able to deliver an eclectic variety of sets. No matter what the style, when Questlove gets behind the decks, people dance until the lights come on.

Also providing tunes was New York's own electro-rock due The Fire and Reason.  The duo is made up of singer Bella Saona and guitarist/DJ/beat man Steve Narvaez.  The Fire and Reason won the 2009 Brink of Fame award (the same prize given to Lady Gaga the previous year) at the NewNowNext Awards, and have performed with the likes of The Dragonettes, La Roux and Sleighbells. 

Be sure to checkout the rest of The Spot's line-up for this, its final week...I'm definitely going to try to catch that screening of Downtown Calling (since I missed it at the NYILFF, last summer) and the performance by Vico C and Mala Rodriguez on Friday. RSVP now!!!

Song of the Week: "Volvere" - Mala Rodriguez

xo, Jessica

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The List Contest

We are picking 2 winners to be added to "the list" for Heineken's Ritmo Sonico at the Copacabana with Victor Manuelle and Jowell y Randy on August 1st. 

Facebook - The first person to tag "Scene Stealers" with the answers to the following questions, will be added to "the list":

1. When and where did we celebrate our birthdays?

2. Name the title and date of our blog post about our trip to DC.

3. What is our slogan/tag line?

Twitter - The 20th tweet or RT will added to "the list" - "Follow @Scene_Stealers! They offer the best giveaways! #VictorManuelle #JowellyRandy #Copa #TheListContest" 

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A Legend Returns to New York

Video Song : "Copacabana" - Barry Manilow (Remix)

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At the Copa (CO!), Copacabana
Music and passion were always the fashion
At the Copa.......

Willie Colón & half of our Boss' face lol

Haha...Hey Guys!

As you can tell this post is all about that legendary club, the club that's been a household name for the past 72 years. It was the place where all A-list celebs attended. I was soooooo hyped to be a apart of the Grand Opening on Tuesday July 12th! That evening Hennessy presented - musical icon -Willie Colón to inaugurate the new COPACABANA! The historical spot reinstated that Latin flair that the venue is known for - with the Latin icon's performance. La Mega's (97.9FM) very own DJ Lobo, the #1 Tropical DJ, was on the 1's and 2's spinning the best of Latin music. Laura Stylez (The Hennessy brand ambassador) was also in attendance. After working the press, I hung out with Ms. Stylez and LBoogs in the VIP section! All VIPs were treated to food, complimentary Hennessy drinks (aka open bar) and good timess!! Paco Navarro was also there amongst other industry people...The vibe was fabulous, my parents even went, sharing this moment with them made the night for me! However, something was missing and that was my event-partner in crime Jessica :/. Nonetheless, the evening truly gave off that unforgettable and a "Yup, we are back" feeling. Copacabana's new home is now in the heart of Manhattan's Times Square (268w. 47th St. at 8th Ave). The biggest names in Latin music will grace the stage at the brand new Copacabana. Log onto www.copacabanany.com for the upcoming schedule of performances.

I was in charge of the Press/VIP list for the night, it got pretty hectic but it worked out and the outcome of the opening night was a grand success!! (I also greeted and welcomed Willie Colón, which was a sweet experience). Now a little bit about the spot...

Original Copa dancers with owner

The renowned three-floor Copacabana contains the famous disco floor along with the exquisite Copacabana Dancers directed by Melanie Torres and Copacabana Orchestra led by musical director Richard Gonzalez. The modern venue comes with a beautiful glass-enclosed rooftop that overlooks the Big Apple's gorgeous skyline (scheduled to open in the fall). The newest attribute to the world famous nightclub is the restaurant, the Copacabana Supper Club. The Copacabana Supper Club, led by Cuban Chef Alex Garcia (Calle Ocho, Patria), offers authentic Latin cuisine focused on the specialties of regions where Chef Garcia's food memories are strong and personal.  The Copacabana Supper Club will restore that charm and excitement of a bygone era with its soul-satisfying Latino cuisine, engaging atmosphere and live music nightly. The venue's interior design draws inspiration from the history of the Copacabana and the famous Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
 

Prior to this relocation, the Copacabana, operated for many years on West 34th street, West 57th St, and East 60th St. Barry Manilow sang it: "Music and passion were always in fashion at the Copa...." Check this site out with clips from the Copa back in the 40's. There is no doubt in my mind that the new Copacabana will continue to be a scene full of glamour with amazing entertainment and delicious food.
 
"This Copacabana is a welcome addition to the scene, offering a chance to experience nightlife in one space as it use to be ...gourmet food, dancing, live music and lounging... who could as for more?"  - Owner, John Juliano

 

Ladies it's 21 and over and fellas, you have to be 25 and over (No little boys allowed, only real men ;). The dress code is also super strict -- no jeans, hats or sneakers allowed) 

Ok well that's about it! Make sure you send us your e-mail to Nyscenestealers@gmail.com if you want to get the inside scoop of whats going on with the Copa! :)

My parents and I <3

P.S - Que Viva Colombia HP ;)! I hope all my fellow Colombians stacked up on the aguardiente this week. The Colombian independence day is on July 20th! Even though we didn't have our annual festival in Queens or won the Copa America -__- .. we still have to party it up and celebrate the beautiful country!! Where else to begin the festivities other then the Copa!?!?! Alex Sensation will be spinning Tuesday night and celebrating his 20th yr at the Copa (for those who don't know he began his career there at the age of 17). Try to stop by!!

XO, Samantha 

Song of the week - Copacabana - Barry Manilow

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What's Up,

I didn't go to the Copcabana Grand Opening for personal reasons, but here's a brief history on the venue:

The world-famous Copacabana, a mainstay of New York nightclubs, came to symbolize everything that is glamorous and elegant.  No other club has had a more profound effect on the public recognition of a performer and their roster reads like a who’s who of show business and the music industry. 

The club opened November 10, 1940 at 10 East 60th Street in New York City. Although Monte Proser's name was on the lease, he had a powerful partner: mob boss Frank Costello. Costello put Jules Podell on the scene to look after his interests, and within a few years Proser was out and Podell was the official owner.

Many entertainers made their debuts at the Copacabana and helped to develop the unparallel reputation.  Harry Belafonte headlined the club the 1950s. Sam Cooke performed there on July 8, 1964, resulting in the LP Sam Cooke at the Copa. Sammy Davis Jr. shattered attendance records with his run in May 1964 and in 1965 The Supremes made their debut there in July, resulting in Motown Records booking The Temptations, Martha and the Vandellas, Marvin Gaye in the next few years.



Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis were frequent performers at the club, and did their last performance there as well, on July 25, 1956, which is seen in the 2002 TV movie Martin and Lewis.


This nightclub achieved a degree of notoriety due to a May 16, 1957 incident involving members of the New York Yankees. One evening, Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford, Hank Bauer, Yogi Berra, Johnny Kucks and Billy Martin, along with their wives arrived at the nightclub to celebrate Martin's birthday. Sammy Davis, Jr. was the headliner. During the performance, a group of bowlers, apparently intoxicated, started to interfere with Davis' act, even hurling racial slurs at him. This behavior incensed the Yankees, especially Martin, since his club roommate was catcher Elston Howard, the first African American to join the Yankees. Tensions erupted between the two factions, and the resulting fracas made newspaper headlines. Several of the Yankees were fined. One of the bowlers sued Bauer for aggravated assault, but Bauer was found not guilty.

In keeping with the trends of the time, in the mid-1970s, the Copa became a discothèque. It was closed for three years in the 1970s after the owner died. The 1978 Barry Manilow hit song "Copacabana" is about the nightclub.

In 1992, then-owner Peter Dorn moved the club from its original location of over 50 years, to 617 West 57th Street. Dorn charged landlord Nicola Biase with "not liking Hispanics," the stated reason for the move.

In 2001, the club was forced to move a third time to West 34th Street and Eleventh Avenue, when its landlord terminated its lease early to build office towers on the site. Since the early 2000’s the club has been a home for hip-hop, salsa and other Latino acts. In June 2007, the club closed due to the expansion of the New York City subway. El Gran Combo was the final performer.  

Part of the 2003 Yerba Buena song "Guajira" is set there. The Copa was used as a setting in the films Goodfellas, Raging Bull, Tootsie, Carlito's Way, Martin and Lewis and Beyond the Sea, as well as several plays, including Barry Manilow 's Copacabana (musical). 

It is with great excitement that the Copacbana reopens in its fourth location in Times Square with three floors including a supper club by Chef Alex Garcia, a live music/club venue and a fourth floor boosting a retractable rooftop space with views of the city no matter the season.  

Song of the Week: "Birth of the Blues" - The Rat Pack

xo, Jessica

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Dalé ;)

Video Song: "City of Gods" - Pitbull

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Hey Guys,

with the Scene Stealer winner!

I hope you all enjoyed your 4th of July weekend! I know I did ;) ...What a busy couple of weeks it has been, from Jessica getting serenaded by TKA to us partying up at the Wisin y Yandel concert! Plus working along with our new client the New Copacabana and coming up with a layout for our first Beauty & Fashion page for the mag! So excited =)

You guys have to read Jessica's blog to get the 411 on TKA and her outer-body experience! lol She lovesssss Freestyle so this was quite the treat. Later on that week Jess and I went to the Wisin y Yandel concert which was fantastic! We partied at the Prudential Center with our friends and the Scene Stealer contest winner, Diana Ruano. We had a blast!! Reggaeton is a genre that's fading away, but its artists like Wisin y Yandel that keep the momentum going! They def had me on my feet and singing like there's no tomorrow. #goodtimes !

Speaking about concerts ... last Thursday we literally stayed up 24 hours to catch my future hubby Pitbull, Marc Anthony, Neyo and T-pain performing for Today Show - FREE - summer concert series at the Rockefeller. The 2011 Today Show Summer Concert Series takes place every Friday morning on the plaza at Rockefeller Center (between 49th and 50th St. near 5th Ave.). The Friday show start at 7:00 A.M., so you better get your bootayy up EARLY if you want a decent view. Viewing is on a first-come, first-served basis.We got there at 4am thinking that we will get good seats, negative! Fans were camping there... We got into the main area but couldn't really see much =[ (it sucks being a lil' over 5ft). Nonetheless we had a blast listening to them during soundcheck. I think its awesome to have free concerts like these -- I just wish it wasn't as early 0_o.

Check out the schedule!

FRIDAY, JULY 8, 7:00 A.M. – Blake Shelton

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 7:00 A.M. – Chris Brown

FRIDAY, JULY 22, 7:00 A.M. – Cee Lo Green

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 7:00 A.M.– Journey

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 7:00 A.M. – Maroon 5

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 7:00 A.M. – Zac Brown Band

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 7:00 A.M. – Enrique Iglesias

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 7:00 A.M. – Train

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 7:00 A.M. – Lenny Kravitz

We also had a press event that took place last week at the legendary Copacabana! Stay tune for that recap along with next week's Grand Re-Opening, where salsa icon Willie Colon will be performing! I'm so exited to be working at this venue and being part of the historic evening (Deff taking notes for our lounge that will be in effect in 4 yrs! Or sooner lol).

Wow, next week is going to be pretty busyyy, not only with the Copa's Grand Opening, and the preview for Brownsville Bred - Off Broadway show  - on July 13th we will also be attending The Spot by Heineken! Celebrating the partnership with Remezcla, a leading creative house and content authority on emerging Latin culture.Trendsetting Latino artists, musicians, DJs, filmmakers and tastemakers will ALL unite under one roof in New York this summer!  I cant wait to be be inspired and surround myself with great Latin Entertainment.

Kinky, Tego Calderón, La Mala Rodríguez, Vico C and Carla Morrison, and the New York International Latino Film Festival are just some of the artists and partners who will be part of Heineken’s The Spot line-up. (Cant wait :D)

That's about it kiddos, thanks so much for taking your time to read this... Till next time!!

Song of the week: Pitbull & Marc Anthony - Rain Over Me

xo, Samantha

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What's Up!

So these past few weeks have been hella hectic, chock full of work, meetings and various events.

As you all should know by now, Samantha and I have a weekly segment (every Monday) on Front Stage Radio with Pretty Lou, Jess Cortez, DJ Top 10, DJ Fort Nox and Angela on Urban Latino Radio (from 10pm to 1am)...well last Monday I was super stoked to find out that Latin freestyle artists, TKA/K7 were going to be the in the building!! 

Hailing from New York City, TKA was discovered when it sang at a Sweet Sixteen party in an East Harlem church in 1984. Record producer and manager Joey Gardner, who attended the party, was impressed with the trio, and so with his help, signed with Tommy Boy Records.The group’s first single was "One-Way Love", a major hit in the Latin club communities of New York and Miami, which was followed by " Come Get My Love." They recorded the album, titled Scars of Love, which included the first two singles. The title track was then released as a single, followed by "Tears May Fall," "X-Ray Vision," and "Don't be Afraid." A greatest-hits package was released in 1992, with a new track, "Maria," which was released as a single. Following the split, the members of TKA went on to pursue independent interests. Kayel recorded under the name K7 and had a hit hip-hop album called Swing, Batta, Swing, which contained the hit singles "Zunga Zeng, and "Come Baby Come. They have however, come back together and still perform throughout New York and Miami.

And they were in the studio!! I love freestyle music, I grew up on it as a child...so seeing these guys up close and personal was amazing. Plus K7 sang "Louder Than Love" to me ::love struck face::!! 

Next up was Wisin y Yandel.  We got special suite tickets to the Wisin y Yandel's Los Vaqueros El Regreso World Tour stop at the Prudential Center in New Jersey. 

Wisin y Yandel are a Puerto Rican reggaeton duo, consisting of Juan Luis Morera Luna (Wisin) and Llandel Veguilla Malavé Salazar (Yandel). They started their career in 2000 and have been together since, winning several awards during that time. These superstars are famous for songs like “Abusadora,” “Rakata,” and more. They’ve also collaborated with a wide array of artist like Akon and Enrique Iglesias. 

Lastly, we stayed up all day and night to catch the handsome Pitbull perform at Rockefeller Center for the Today Show's Toyota Summer Concert Series. Pitbull brought the party to the plaza performing three of his collaborations, including “Give Me Everything” with Ne-Yo “Rain” with Marc Anthony and “Hey Baby!” with T-Pain. 

International music sensation Pitbull has sold millions of digital singles; scored two No. 1’s on Billboard’s Rap Albums charts, and has been featured on tracks by such pop-chart mainstays as Usher, Enrique Iglesias, Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, and Janet Jackson. On the business side, Pitbull (whose given name is Armando Christian Pérez) launched his own Polo Grounds Music/J Records imprint (Mr. 305 Records), introduced his specialty vodka Voli, partnered with Sheets, the dissolvable energy strip, inked major sponsorship deals with blue-chip brands Kodak, Dr. Pepper, Bud Light and capitalized on his enormous popularity in the community by releasing his first Spanish-language album, Armando, which features the Top 5 Latin Billboard pop single “Bon Bon.” To top it all off, the Miami native was awarded his hometown’s Key to the City as a thank-you for the positive PR he has brought Florida’s nightlife capitol.

So there's a recap of out jam-packed music week...

And for all you New Yorkers...the music don't stop! Heineken, in partnership with Remezcla, announced their schedule of events and talent line-up for The Spot by Heineken, an unprecedented three-week series of events inspired by and connecting Latin music and culture, taking place under one roof in New York City this summer. The Spot by Heineken will open its doors on Wednesday, July 13th and exclusive information on these events can be obtained by registering on www.remezcla.com/TheSpot.

Party on!

Song of the Week: "Tears May Fall" - TKA 

xo, Jessica

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HEINEKEN ANNOUNCES TALENT LINE-UP AND SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 
FOR “THE SPOT”

Tego Calderon, Kinky, Carla Morrison, Diego García, Los Rakas, Zuzuka Poderosa, Maluca, La Mala Rodríguez, Vico C, Williamsburg Salsa Orchestra, Our Latin Thing, Nacotheque, Peligrosa All-Stars and the Mexican Institute of Sound among performances.  

NEW YORK, N.Y. June 30, 2011– Heineken, in partnership with Remezcla, announced today the schedule of events and talent line-up for The Spot by Heineken, an unprecedented three-week series of events inspired by and connecting Latin music and culture, taking place under one roof in New York City this summer. The space combines all elements of a concert hall, art gallery and local hangout.