Final Gala of the Drum Festival
Written by Administrator

Translated by / Eduardo Rodriguez Melis
Wednesday, 03 April 2013 00:00

The final Gala of the Drum Festival at the Mella Theater had a luxury start with the presence of Walfredo de los Reyes Jr. a Cuban based in the USA. Who has achieved a successful career as a percussionist and has played the drums with Santana and the Chicago group. In company of the Norwegians Per Mathisen and Jan Gunnar gave evidence of their undoubted mastery and made a premiere of the authorship of Gunnar: Havana Drive.
The final conclusions would be with the dance groups in the Salón Rosado de la Tropical, the Hotel Occidental Miramar and in the Palace of the Rumba with the Camagüey group Rumbatá. The event was affected in its schedule by the days of mourning for the death of the Venezuelan President Chávez, and nevertheless has managed to remain despite the disappearance of other events due to the financing difficulties, a remarkable effort of Giraldo Piloto that brings together the good Will of the musicians and the possibilities of the sponsoring commercial firms.

The Drum Festival at the Occidental Hotel Miramar had a beginning and end of luxurious nights, the event ended with the presence of Yissy Garcia and his group.

They shared stage In the company of Norwegians Per Mathisen and Jan Gunnar, melvis santa and his sister Brenda.

Last Updated on Wednesday, 03 April 2013 20:29

Brief account of Walfredo de los Reyes Sr.
Written by Administrator

Translated by / Eduardo Rodriguez Melis
Wednesday, 03 April 2013 00:00

June 16, 1933: Walfredo de los Reyes Sr is born, in Havana, Cuba. Percussionist, Drummer.
One of the most outstanding percussionists of the Latin environment in the USA. UU. In 1956 he was with Julio Gutiérrez and Peruchín in the “Cuban Jam Session” of Panart. In 1960 he recorded “Cuban Jazz” with Israel López “Cachao”, Jesus Caunedo, Luis Escalante, Paquito Echavarría and Los Papines. He records with Nat King Cole in Havana. He has also worked with such great artists as Tito Puente, Julio Gutiérrez, Tito Rodríguez, Rolando La Serie, Louie Bellson, Israel López “Cachao”, Alex Acuna, Tito Rodríguez, Chico O’Farrill, José Fajardo, Linda Ronstadt, and Steve Winwood, Sammy Davis Jr., Paul Anka, Jerry Vale, Milton Berle, Bobby Darin, Liberace, Wayne Newton, among many others. Considered as one of Cuba’s most influential drummers and one of the pioneers in playing both percussion and drums at the same time.

Last Updated on Wednesday, 03 April 2013 20:32