Latin Beat Magazine: Que pasa in Los Angeles

Bringing the 2003 concert series to an end at the Ford Amphitheatre in Hollywood this year are two very special events. On Saturday, October 4, the music community comes together to honor Lalo Guerrero, the father of Chicano music. The event will include performances of a mariachi and a ballet folklórico, plus many special guests; not proceeds will benefit the Mariachi USA Foundation. Closing the season on Saturday, November 1, as part of the Latino Heritage Celebration will be the Day of the Dead Celebration. This Mexican cultural tradition celebrates the memories of those who have passed away in an evening filled with entertainment, magic, comedy, music and dancing. There will be Day of the Dead altars, arts and crafts, and of course, lots of fun for all. For more information, visit www.fordamphitheatre.org.

Salseros will be treated to a full month of live salsa music starting on Friday, October 3, with local favorite Orquesta Son Mayor at the Sportsmen's Lodge in Studio City.

Everyone is in for a special treat on Friday, October 10, when directly from New York City, the popular band Son Boricua, featuring the legendary golden voice of Jimmy Sabater and master percussionist José Mangual, Jr., performs at the Sportsmen's Lodge in an event not to be missed.

Earlier this year, the world-renowned Colombian salsa band Sonora Carruseles cancelled a scheduled concert in Los Angeles due to visa problems. With visas already approved, the band will be performing at the Hollywood Park Casino in Inglewood on Friday, October 17.

Albert Torres Productions, in association with Latin Beat Magazine, will be throwing the scariest "Halloween Salsa Bash" in town on Friday, October 31. Headlining the evening's costume extravaganza will be the sounds of Johnny Polanco y su Conjunto Amistad plus DJ Frank. The event will host a costume contest with cash prizes and gifts. Sorry, no masks please, but dress to impress of to scare. For table reservations and more information on this event and all other events produced by ATP, call (310) 445-9705 or visit www.AlbertTorresEvents.com.

Continuing the healthy schedule of live salsa performances into the month of November is a visit by the premier New York City salsa band, Spanish Harlem Orchestra. They will be performing on Friday, November 7 at the Sportsmen's Lodge, another can't-miss event.

The hardest working man in salsa is Oscar D'León, whose orchestra will return to Los Angeles on Wednesday, November 26 (day before Thanksgiving) for a performance at the Hollywood Park Casino. Opening the evening will be Johnny Polanco y su Conjunto Amistad plus DJ Robby and DJ Frank.

The rock en español band Maldita Vecindad is scheduled to perform on October 5, 2003, at JC Fandango in Orange County.

The Jaguares Revolution 2003 Tour is scheduled to make a stop at the Long Beach Arena in Long Beach on November 29, 2003.

Local favorite Candi Sosa delivers her sultry vocals Fridays through Mondays at the Havana Mania Restaurant in Redondo Beach, home of Monday night's mojito happy hours and Tuesday's roast pig nights.

Every Sunday afternoon is The Salsa Cantina at The Sagebrush in Culver City. All ages are welcome with a salsa dance class starting at 3:30 4:30 p.m. and music that continues till 11 p.m. by DJ Robby.

Albert Torres Productions Inc. will be hosting their annual New Year's Eve Salsa Extravaganza on Wednesday, December 31, 2003 at the Hollywood Park Casino in Inglewood. New York City's José Alberto "El Canario" and his orchestra will be headlining the event together with Johnny Polanco y su Conjunto Amistad plus DJ Robby. The event will include a buffet dinner and party favors. Make your reservations now for this special holiday event.