How, why and when did you get into salsa?
Well I really got into salsa music when I left home and went to college. I listened to the tapes I had to remind me of home.
That's the boring part. I got into hard core salsa dancing when I saw a show in the bronx and said "I want to be like those dudes!"
Who first taught you to dance salsa?
The same guy I saw in the show... Juan Portella.. He is one of the best teachers I had!
Did you have any dance training prior to salsa?
If you call Breakdancing training :P
Tell me a little about The Mambo Project. When, why and how was it set up?
The Mambo Project is a great event I put on every year in Miami. Quite honestly, I was tired of my friends from all around saying there weren't any places to dance mambo in Miami. At the time I was living in Miami, the On2 crowd was small so I decided to start doing socials.
Every social got bigger and bigger and eventually I wanted to do something bigger than a social. The key to the event was using the "Miami" appeal to bring everyone together. The fact that it has gained the reputation as a vacation and relaxing weekend really sets it apart from other congresses and festivals.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I get inspiration from different sources... as a promoter, I try to observe successful non-salsa events and see what makes them so popular. I feel that bringing non-salsa elements into an event make it more appealing like a pool party, etc..
Overall, I get my inspiration from my mother who is also an artist and pushes me in whatever project I start.
Who do you admire?
There are different people I admire and I cant name them all but as a promoter I admire Jennifer Aucoin from the Canada Salsa Congress. She puts together an amazing and well-organized event. I also admire Marc Ecko for his magazine called COMPLEX. I get a lot of ideas from that and it pushes me to make LaVoz better.
For dancing, I definitely admire my mentors Victor & Burju. I admire Burju for her tenacity to succeed and victor for his patience and social dancing skills :P
What’s your favourite track at the moment?
Good question. I am also a salsa historian so this changes quite frequently as I am always coming across new music but at the moment, I would have to say - Orquesta Power, TODOS VUELVEN..... What a swingin' song!
What are your all time favourite tracks?
Trucutu - Tommy Olivencia with Chamaco Ramirez on Vocals
Alejate De Mi - Hector Lavoe
SERA - Orquesta La Conspiracion
Con Su Permiso - Hector Rivera
What are your favourite albums?
There is only one... Plante Bandera by Tommy Olivencia with Chamaco Ramirez on vocals.......... For those that dont know, Chamaco is the most underrated Sonero in salsa. Check out the webpage I dedicated to him:
www.myspace.com/chamacoramirez
What was the last CD you bought?
Sonora Matancera with Celia Cruz (it has the original SILENCIO)
What music is in your car/cd player/tape player at the moment?
I make a compilation every two months of my favorite songs.
Who are your favourite artists?
Chamaco Ramirez
Hector Lavoe
Tommy Olivencia
Gilberto 'Pulpo' Colon
If you were not a successful Promoter/Teacher/DJ, what would you be doing instead? Or if you also have a full-time job, what do you do?
I do have a full time job with the US Coast Guard. Cant really talk too much about what I do but I will say that I love it.
By the way, I am not a DJ, I just collect music... just want to make sure people don't think I am trying to take their job :)
Tell me something most people wouldn’t know about you?
I love shooting guns and jumping out of helicopters.
What’s your all time favourite salsa club/event that you have taught/danced?
I will never forget Mambo City 2006. That was the first time I performed at a congress and it was international!
I also love social dancing and I don't remember resting that whole weekend. I think I got sick when I got back cause my immune system was shot....
What has been your most memorable moment?
In salsa there were two, performing the Black & White Hacha Piece at Mambo City in 2006 and the 2006 Mambo Project when I was able to perform for my parents.
Have you had any embarrassing/nightmare-ish moments in salsa?
One time I sprained my ankle doing a shine... my brother laughed at me for that one... I also got jabbed in the eye with a girl's finger.. I thought I could dance through it but nope... it wasn't happening...
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I am honored you guys asked me for this interview and applaud what you guys are doing. Keep the passion alive and thanks again!
Chris Soto www.themamboproject.com
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