CUBANARAMA – CUBANARAMA

GINO CASTILLO | BUENA VISTA LEGACY BAND “THE SHOWCASE” | CUBANARAMA | 6-6-2021

Guest: Guest: Gino Castillo | 6-6-2021

Gino is an Afro-Cuban jazz percussionist, and singer. We’ll be discussing his newest project- Buena Vista Legacy Band “ The Showcase”. Exploring the phenomenon of the Buena Vista Social Club, an album recorded by anonymous Cuban musicians in 1996 which led to documentaries with a large cult following. His background includes an honorary degree in percussion teaching from George Gershwin Conservatory (Ecuador), a degree in percussion studies from the Caturla Conservatory and the Felix Varela Conservatory, and many private lessons, included studies with Cuban artist Oscar Valdes (Cuba).

He has collaborated with many international artists, such as: Etienne Charles, Earl Klugh, Ray Parker Jr, Horacio el Negro Hernández , Charleston Jazz Orchestra , Jose Pepito Gomez, John Benítez, Pascoal Meirelles,, Paulo Moura, , Alex Alvear , Oscarito Valdés, David Lee, Jessy J, André Neiva, Zacai Curtis, Rafael Paceiro, Emilio Morales, Frank Rubio, Ymelda Marie-Louisa , Cruks en Karnak, Juan Fernando Velasco, Carmen González, and more.

STEVE PICHAN | IS THIS AMERICA | 4-29-2021

MUSIC

Guest: Steve Pichan | 4-29-2021

A prolific artist whose musical expression of past, present and current events will leave you examining your own beliefs and trying to understand the world around you. Pichan began writing music and lyrics as a young boy. Over the years his focus has been more “story” styled songs as demonstrated in “You Don’t Know Che”! about Che Guevara, chief exectutioner during the late 50’s and early 60’s in Cuba under Castro. Che is celebrated by celebrities and others that don his image on clothing and jewelry. He was also glorified in the movie “Motorcycle Diaries” directed by Robert Redford. Che was responsible for the execution of hundreds, if not thousands, of Cubans who resisted the iron fisted rule of Fidel Castro.

Other songs: The day God Laughed, Leaving Detroit, Am I Here Already? “Bob” Iron Man, shines the llight on the goodness of everyday Americans when faced with a tragedy such as 9/11. “Look Away” written for the documentary “Our Vietnam Generation. The topics are varied with each song but often touch on a cultural or politcal issue of the day. The songs presented for this interview are downloadable on Sound Cloud for free. All other material is available on traditional sites for listening and / or purchasing. Spotify, Amazon, Itunes. Is This America, Pipeline Fields, Big Brother Big Sister, The Mask

THE DISTURBING CASE OF CHARLIE BRANDT | 10-1-2013

AUTHORS, MISSING PEOPLE

Guests: Diana Montané + Peggi Moore [Friend of Victim; Michelle Lynn Jones 1966 -2004] | 10-1-2013

When detectives respond to a crime scene in Orlando, Florida, during the “Summer of Hurricanes” in 2004, they find Charlie Brandt hanging from the rafters in the garage of his niece; Michelle Jones’s home. Inside the house, they find a scene of horror that reminds them of other murders… In 1978, 13-year-old Carol Lynn Sullivan’s head was found inside a rusty paint can in Osteen, FL; her body was never found. Homeless transient Sherry Perisho was murdered in 1989, after moving to Florida from Illinois. Finally, in 1995, Miami prostitute Darlene Toler was deposited on the side of the road, wrapped up “like a package.” Perisho and Toler had their hearts removed; all three had been decapitated; and all three are believed by investigators to have been the prior victims of Charlie Brandt. The true story of the crimes committed by Brandt with insight from an FBI profiler and forensic psychologist, victims’ friends and relatives, and the unique writings from victims before their deaths.

CHARLIE BRANDT

FERNANDO HERNANDEZ | THE CUBANS: OUR LEGACY IN THE UNITED STATES | 12-19-2012

AUTHORS

Guest: Fernando Hernandez | 12-19-2012

Lead Instructor, Business Dept at Everest Institute Kendall campus (Miami) Fernando Hernandez is the author of The Cubans : Our Legacy in the United States. He was born in Banes, Cuba, arrived via the Pedro Pan Operation in 1962 at age 9. Grew up in NYC, attended Power Memorial Academy, Graduated from St.Thomas U. in Miami with a BA in Communications and a Masters in Management. I was in pharmaceutical sales for many years until one day I got up, and quit. That was in 2003. Ever since I have been teaching at Carlos Albizu University and Everest Institute in the Business Department.

The Cubans: Our Legacy in the United States chronicles the Cuban immigration to the United States from the 1800s to the present era. The author analyzes the impact the Cuban community has had on the cultural, economic, social, sports, and political scene in American society throughout multiple generations. Cuban immigrants have been one of the most successful communities in the United States. The book examines the contribution to baseball from Martín Dihigo to Tony Pérez and from Ernesto Lecuona to Gloria Estefan in music. In business circles the reader will discover that The Coca Cola Company, the Kellogg Company and McDonalds Corporation had Cuban-born Chief Executive Officers and that Movado watch company was owned by a refugee who fled communist Cuba. The book vividly depicts more than 250 extraordinary and intriguing men and women that make for engrossing and captivating reading.

STEVE PICHAN | WARS AND STRIPES | 11-6-2011

MUSIC

Guest: Steve Pichan | 11-6-2011

Songs from the “Wars and Stripes” CD were chosen for use in his documentary “Our Vietnan Generation”. The premiere featured at the Fox Theatre in Detroit and honored Vietnam Veterans for their service. Songs used for the feature; “We shall never forget” (theme song), “Mikie’s Minutes” (tribute to Sgt. Michael Ingram) and “Look Away” (a music video reflection of the treatment of our Vietnam Vets upon their return to the States). I owe a debt of gratitude to Keith for including me in his extraordinary and important work! In October, 2010, Director Agustin Blazquez, chose “You don’t know Che” for his documentary, “Che; the other side of an icon” that premiered in Miami, Florida. A music video was produced as well intended to expose the true Che Guevara, right hand man and executioner for Fidel Castro. Past songs and CD’s are story based, American folk and rock genres and include “Ironman” (tribute to John LaPointe, an ironworker who volunteered his time to tear down the steel structures of the Twin Towers after the 9/11 attacks) and “Leavin’ Detroit” (a reflection on tough times and lost jobs in the Detroit auto industry).

STEVE PICHAN | II | 10-5-2010

MUSIC

Guest: Steve Pichan | 10-5-2010

I began writing music and lyrics as a young boy. Over the years, I have focused my writing more on “story” styled songs as demonstrated in “You don’t know Che!” , “The day God Laughed”, “Leavin’ Detroit” and the first CD, “Am I Here Already”. The topics are varied with each but often touch on cultural or political issues of the day. “Leavin’ Detroit”, also subtitled “a short musical tale of a displaced autoworker” was released in April 2009 and inspired by the multiple factory closings and job losses in the automotive industry. The 5 track EP chronicles the experiences of one fictitious character “Bob” as he loses his job, then his home and decides to pack up his family and head for North Carolina where they struggle to adjust to the new region. “Am I Here Already” begins with “The line” which was a plea to political candidates in 2008 to deliver the truth to the public. Citizens, accustomed to having to sort through spins and lies, are becoming increasing complacent and disheartened by the political process. Simple truth telling from politicians (a novel idea) would hopefully earn the trust of voters and improve public perception and interest. This song is currently available in full version at the music link. Other songs such as “Iron man” shines a light on the goodness of everyday Americans when faced with a tragedy such as 9/11. For every song, there is likely a story or hidden meaning. I hope there is one here that speaks to you.

STEVE PICHAN | I | 10-3-2010

MUSIC

Guest: Steve Pichan | 10-3-2010

ALEX RAMOS | 8-1-2010

SPORTS

Guest: Alex Ramos | 8-1-2010

Alex Ramos, “The Bronx Bomber” born in Manhattan, NY. won 4 Golden Gloves titles in NYC in [1977-80]. Experiencing hard times after retiring from boxing, the former amateur pro boxer went on to form- the Retired Boxer’s Foundation.

GINO CASTILLO | 6-9-2010

MUSIC

Guest: Gino Castillo | 6-9-2010

Percussionist, composer, singer and educator. His music studies begin in Ecuador and Cuba where he lived for several years and spent most of his time studying with master teacher Oscar Valdez Moreno. His album “Ya llegamos” (dedicated to Paola Racines [r.i.p.]) is his first Latin jazz record as a solo artist. Before that in 2006, he had already done a similar album with the band “Santa Palabra”. The album was called “Un Dia” which contained compositions by various musicians.

COREY KOEHLER | 2-21-2010

MUSIC

Guest: Corey Koehler | 2-21-2010

The Short Version… I am a singer/songwriter who writes music designed to inspire you, loosen up your stiff neck, and make your beer, wine or any other beverage taste a lot better. I enjoy good beer, an occasional smoke, and a good success book. And you?

The Long Version… I am a married and young 37 year-old father of three who discovered that not only do I love making up songs BUT I can actually sing a little and even play some guitar while doing it. After putting my new found talent on display for family and friends and then getting a good response and some encouragement, I decided to take my new found talent to the public. This again, resulted in a good response and more encouragement. But, I still was being kind of yella (as in “some folks called him yella” from Kenny Rogers tune “Coward of the County”). Then, after a few years a s a indie music blogger, podcaster and internet marketer, I realized that what many of the artists were doing was something I could do and in some cases, better. I figured, what the hell! So here I am, putting myself out there with the ultimate goal of a full-time career in music. It is something that I need to do for myself, my family as well as each and everyone one of you that need proof that it is never to late – and you are never to old – to pursue your passion and to live life on your own terms.