— PERFORMERS —
Mississauga Latin Festival ONLINE - 2020
Each year, over 200 artists pass through the stage of the Mississauga Latin Festival providing a show of cultural diversity with the colourful display of costumes and contagious movements, and a variety of musical rhythms performed by the different bands and singers. The festival is proud to promote our local talent and to showcase the folkloric groups that show the traditions of the different geographical regions in Latin America, and they in turn preserve those traditional dances for future generations.
AFOCHILE
Folklore exhibition
The mission of AfoChile, Friends of the Chilean Folklore, is to share Chilean folklore in all its expressions, primarily through dance, encouraging the participation of young and older adults. They perform at community events and also on their own. AfoChile seeks to share Chilean culture and folklore while building solidarity connections, contributing to cultural events that respond to needs that arise at times of natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods.
Presentation Time: Day 3 — 3:50 pm
ALMA GAUCHA
International Music Group
Was created in 2000 with the purpose of developing the argentine (folklore) the members are Orlando's second voice and guitar, Andres's first voice and guided and the director and founder Leon in percussion guitar and first voice. They have been performing for over 20 years, and they have performed with great artists such as Leo Dan and Los Panchos.
Presentation Time: Day 2 — 6:00 pm
ANGELLA RAMOS
International Singer
Pure energy, joy, power, and talent are the cover letter of this artist. The sound of this powerful singer is innovative; it is colorful, fresh, and original. Its starting point is tradition, it fuses and creates the sound that identifies it.
Presentation Time: Day 3 — 2:55 pm
ASI ES MI TIERRA PERU
Folklore exhibition
Asi es mi Tierra Peru was created with the great desire of showcasing the Peruvian dances in Canada. Peru has a long history of folklore; their dances have a dramatic mix of old and new ages, and also they are the result of different ethnicities: Native Pre-Inca, Inca, European, and African. Such diversity of dances reflects the integration of these cultures.
Presentation Time: Day 2 — 6:35 pm
BAJUCOL
International Folklore Performer
The Colombian Youth Folklore Ballet (Bajucol), a group of Colombian adolescents and young adults in Boston, led by Miguel Vargas, a Colombian financial professional who loves dancing. Bajucol brings together about 20 youngsters ages 14-24. Parents help with the customs, the flower arrangements, and with encouragement to their children. Youth learn about the origins of the dances, the customs, and the celebrations of the Colombian culture.
Presentation Time: Day 1 — 7:20 pm
BALLET FOLKLORICO DE VERA CRUZ
International Folklore exhibition
This group was founded in 1990 by Prof. Ángel Ciro Silvestre García, it is a dance company that participates actively in the dissemination of Mexican culture, bringing to the stage a rich sample of scenic folklore. They have performed in national and international events various institutions of the State Government such as the Veracruzano Institute of Culture, the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Education and Culture, to name just a few.
Presentation Time: Day 2 — 7:50 pm
BANDA 16 DE AGOSTO
DE AGUACHICA CESAR COLOMBIA
International Band
Banda 16 de Agosto It is a musical group in the Papayera Band Format, Their music underwent a process of evolution, with presentations mainly on Sundays after mass, festive dates, protocol acts, private parties, and popular celebrations. In 2003, the band almost disintegrated, but it was restored by the young Maestro Luis José Solano Duarte, who reactivated it with a new generation of musicians whom he has been leading.
Presentation Time: Day 3 — 2:00 pm
BOROLO
Vallenato Music Band
The most acclaimed group of vallenato music in Canada is called Boroló Vallenato. With a four-year track record participating in different entertainment venues in Canada, discos, festivals, they come to the Mississauga Latin Festival. Imposing the Vallenato rhythm and Colombian folklore. They are the undisputed leaders of live music in the Latin market.
Presentation Time: Day 2 — 6:50 pm
CARLA &THE LATIN TRAIN BAND
Music
Carla & The Latintrain is a musical band formed 7 years ago by a few talented individuals who shared the love to promote their South-American roots thorough music, collaborating to create a perfect mix of songs that take the listener on a journey to our colorful lands. A vibrant melting pot of Latin rhythms such as Bolero, Cha-Cha, Son, Salsa, Cumbia, and more with a pinch of jazz, with lyrics both in Spanish and English, Latintrain’s goal is to engage all audiences and create a big party ambiance celebrating life and sounds anywhere they go. For the past 7 years, Latintrain has been playing all around the GTA, proudly representing their roots and spreading the Latin vibe.
Presentation Time: Day 3 — 5:15 pm
CARLOS BASTIDAS
Ontario Pops Orchestra
Colombian-born Canadian, Carlos Bastidas, is the Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Ontario Pops Orchestra and Music Director of the Durham Chamber Orchestra. Since founding the Ontario Pops in 2014 he has led it from its inaugural concert in 2015 to its fourth sold-out season in 2018-19. As Music Director of the Durham Chamber Orchestra since 2016, he has been such a contributor to the orchestra’s success that they have had to change venues to accommodate their increased audiences.
Presentation Time: Day 3 — 12:30 pm
CARLOS CRUZ
Singer
To Speak of Carlos Cruz is to speak about the many facets of Latin music. This talented Dominican singer shows us his immense musical range and versatility by interpreting a variety of tropical rhythms. His unique voice as well as his spontaneity and charm win over the hearts of his public who admire him not only as an artist but also as the humble and sincere person that he is. His Artistic ability, dedication, and effort have been recognized by multiple nominations and awards not only in Toronto but also in his native Dominican Republic.
Presentation Time: Day 1 — 8:15 pm
CHANTEL COLLADO
Singer
She is a Latin star. Chantel Collado was born in Toronto Canada to a Dominican father and Uruguayan mother. Youth added to that great overwhelming personality, perseverance and discipline have made her one of the most relevant feminine promises of Urban Bachata.
Presentation Time: Day 3 — 5:50 pm
DIANA ZAIRA
Singer
Diana Zaira is a songwriter and singer from Medellin, Colombia she has been in Canada for 15 years now and is well known in the Hispanic community. She began her career 13 years ago by singing Colombian folkloric music, later in her career she began to incorporate a variety of music genres such as cumbia and Colombian Popular music.
Presentation Time: Day 2 — 7:05 pm
DIEGO MARULANDA
Singer
Diego Marulanda is a well establish dance, theater, film, and television scoring composer. Born in Bogota Colombia. He has developed himself into a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, performing as a vocalist, playing guitar, cuatro, tiple as well as numerous traditional Latin American instruments that make up his extensive collection. From his childhood in Colombia to his youth and adulthood in Canada, his development as a creative artist has led him to explore Colombian and Latin American music as a performer, composer, songwriter, and producer, considering both a comprehensive search for the political and social identity of the music.
Presentation Time: Day 3 — 7:00 pm
DJ ALBERT
Music by
In 2008, DJ Alberth Moreno moved to the beautiful city of Toronto, Canada where until today he is the most sought after DJ of the industry. His devoted professionalism has granted him exclusive presentations with mega Latin stars such as Romeo Santos, Marc Anthony, Gente de Zona, Carlos Vives, Juan Luis Guerra, El Gran Combo, Fonseca, Joe Arroyo, Nicky Jam, Jorge Celedon, Pitbull, Farruko, Prince Royce, Felipe Pelaez, Maluma, Willie Colon, Chantel Collado, Fito Blanko, La Firma Santana, Los 4, Los Van Van, La Charanga Habanera, Jacob Forever y many more.
Presentation Time: Day 2 — 8:50 pm
DKANO
Singer
DNKO LA VOZ DEL BARRIO - was born in Matanzas, Cuba. From a very young age he felt love and interest in music, his career began when at 10 the artist participated in auditions for a musical band in his school. Later on, he was part of a popular group called Unión Atenas. In 2013 he began his life in Canada, a multicultural country that gave him the opportunity to develop a more international sound, and his songs are now danced by a mixed audience.
Presentation Time: Day 2 — 7:30 pm
EL PARRANDÓN
Music’s Band
El Parrandón, agrupación musical de raíces colombianas, es hora de disfrutar con la mejor cumbia latinoamericana, ellos están promocionando su mas reciente producción musical EL VAMPIRITO! A bailar!!!
Presentation Time: Day 1 — 9:30 pm
ESTESIS DANZA
CUMBIA Workshop by
Jineth and Fabian Franco are the directors of the dance company Estesis Danza. Dancers-performers-creators, choreographers, and art educators, they have dedicated themselves to himself to the training of dancers in various formative and non-formal education spaces.
Presentation Time: Day 2 — 2:55 pm
FANTASIA ORCHESTRA
Music
FANTASIA ORCHESTRA made its debut in January of 1978, at Toronto night club “COCONUT”. Since then it has been participating in many of the big events in the Latin American community; In 1989 FANTASIA ORCHESTRA crossed over to the Canadian market, making successful appearances at festivals and awards ceremonies.
Presentation Time: Day 3 — 7:40 pm
GIOVANNY RUIZ
Singer
From melancholy classics of the Andean region to the contagious rhythms of the Caribbean, Giovanni's Ruiz can cater to any ambiance. His repertoire includes The savory rhythms of Salsa, Cha-Cha, Merengue, Son, Mambo. His latest CD, Sabor A Cafe, provides a taste of this excellent blend of rhythms.
Presentation Time: Day 2 — 7:15 pm
HUAIRAPUNGO
Folklore exhibition
The HUAIRAPUNGO Ecuadorian Ethnocultural Group of Ontario was created in July 1991 to maintain and promote the Ecuadorian cultural and artistic roots. HUAIRAPUNGO is a Quechua word that signifies "Door of the Wind". Huairapungo has carried out an intense activity throughout all these years. Teaching folk dance in several elementary schools in the city of Toronto; dance performances in multicultural events.
Presentation Time: Day 3 — 3:40 pm
JJ GALENOS
COVIC Music Video
Presentation Time: Day 3— 12:35 pm
JOEL ZAMBRANO
Singer
Born in Ecuador, Joel Zambrano is a very well known artist in the Latin American community, with a beautiful and powerful voice.
Presentation Time: Day 2 — 4:35 pm
JULIETA TABARES
ZUMBA Workshop
Zumba has become very popular in recent years, and with good reason! There are many health benefits from a Zumba workout, you burn lots of calories while enjoying great music such as cumbia, vallenato, merengue, and much more.
Julieta Tabares, born in Colombia, has been a Zumba instructor for over 12 years, have fun and enjoy your work out!
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Presentation Time: Day 2— 2:00 pm
KANTUTA DE BOLIVIA
Folklore exhibition
Kantuta de Bolivia - this group has the name of the national flower of Bolivia, which has the colors of their national flag - red, yellow, and green. Kantuta has been performing since 2017, today you will enjoy beautiful dances from the Bolivian folklore.
Presentation Time: Day 2 — 5:35 pm
LA TIPICA HISPANA BAND
Music
The renowned orchestra LA TIPICA HISPANA, which has been part of the Mississauga Latin Festival for almost 10 years.
Presentation Time: Day 3 — 6:10 pm
LATIN ENERGY
Dancing Group
Latin Energy was founded by Vanesa Stay in 2002 teaching Latin Dancing and representing Canada in numerous Festivals and Dance Competitions. Latin Energy is located in Mississauga offering Salsa, Bachata, and Tango dance classes to all ages. It’s never too late to learn to dance! In 2015, Latin Energy competed at the World Latin Dance Cup in Miami winning 10 Gold, 2 Silver, and 3 Bronze medals.
Latin Energy is located in Mississauga offering Salsa, Bachata, and Tango dance classes to all ages. It’s never too late to learn to dance!
Presentation Time: Day 1 — 9:45 pm
LIZANDRO MEZA
International Singer
Lisandro Meza played an important role in the evolution of cumbia, the traditional big band dance music of Colombia. A master of "vallenato sabanero", an accordion-driven style of music, Meza forged a sound that has been described as "a cross between rural Dominican merengue, and Tex-Mex norteño." Lizandro Meza initially attracted attention as a founding member of Los Corraleros de Majagual. One of Colombia's most popular bands in the 1960s, the group served as the breeding ground for such influential artists as Fruko, the "Godfather of Salsa". Lisandro Meza has continued to influence the music of Colombia and Latin America.
Presentation Time: Day 2 — 9:30 pm
LLASAS DE BOLIVIA
Folklore exhibition
The Dance Group LLASAS was founded in December 2007 in Oruro – Bolivia. The group’s objective is to promote the beautiful Bolivian folklore. They have dances from different regions, and they are proud to represent Bolivia in different multicultural events in Canada.
Presentation Time: Day 1 — 8:50 pm
LUIS FELIPE GONZALEZ
International singer
Luis Felipe was born in Caracas, Venezuela, on December 31, 1949. At the age of four (4), he started in the world of music playing the cuatro. At nine (9) years old he already directed a group of Christmas bonuses, participated in cultural acts and amateur events, at thirteen (13) years old he received remuneration for his activity, and for his first dance group, which he named ORQUÍDEA. The group had percussion and Luis Felipe played the harp, an instrument that he mastered with great precision and which brought him much satisfaction. At fourteen (14) years old, he debuted professionally, forming the well-known group of NELSON AND HIS STARS, of which he was one of its creators. The first long-lasting album (LP) he recorded with this group was called “Cosa Buena” and with this, he began his career as a producer and composer. In the orchestra NELSON AND ITS STARS, he played bass, an instrument on which he has been a standard-bearer. He also became the lead singer of the orchestra.
Presentation Time: Day 3 — 7:45 pm
MARIACHI VIVA MEXICO
Music
Viva Mexico Mariachi is one of a kind Multicultural mariachi band ensemble based in Toronto. It blends talent, charisma, and experience in its professional, lively, energetic, outstanding, and even virtuoso performances. Viva Mexico Mariachi is a blend of classic and ethnic Mexican instruments: Trumpets, Violins, Vihuela, Guitarron, and Guitar
Presentation Time: Day 3 — 7:20 pm
THE MEXICANS FOLK BALLET
International Folklore Performer
The Mexicans Folk Ballet, a Mexican dance company established in Toronto since 2012 under the direction of Jorge Zarate Tristan, with the main purpose of share and promote Mexico’s culture, traditions and folklore through dance, based on the cultural heritage of Mexico, enriching and sharing it with the Canadian and International community.
Presentation Time: Day 1 — 10:20 pm
MI VIEJO SAN SIMON
Folklore exhibition
Born in November 2016 in the city of Toronto with the participation of 40 young Bolivians, some of them were born in Canada but have Bolivian roots, and others who immigrated at a young age. Our project started there, with the goal of instilling in our young people, the devotion to the Virgin of Urkupiña and Socavón and in their Bolivian roots and traditions. In 2018 they released their music video, which was produced by David Ovandoun and interpreted by the renowned Bolivian singer-songwriter Yuri Ortuño. The name of the song is Volver an Oruro - or RETURN TO ORURO and it talks about the day to day life here but inside the desire to return to Oruro where every year thousands of dancers gather to celebrate Carnaval. Mi Viejo San Simon Toronto, pleased to present our theme at the first virtual Mississauga Latin Festival.
Presentation Time: Day 3 — 5:45 pm
NATALIE CASTRO
Singer
Natalie Castro is a 21-year-old Canadian singer, her parents are from Ecuador and El Salvador. She is currently studying in one of the most prestigious music schools, Berklee College of Music in Boston, United States. She hopes that one day her music can be recognized worldwide and be a great role model for today’s generation.
Presentation Time: Day 3 — 3:05 pm
NUEVA SIEMBRA
Folklore exhibition
Ecuadorian dance group assembled in 1997. their main objective is to create a new vision of dance, featuring Ecuadorian culture, which covers the people from the tropic (montubio), exploring the African roots from our black people, and keeping the ancestral Andean culture. They have performed in major festivals and cultural events in Ontario.
Presentation Time: Day 3 — 4:45 pm
PASTOR LOPEZ
International Singer Tribute
José Pastor López Pineda, better known simply as Pastor López, was a Colombian-Venezuelan singer-songwriter who was born in Barquisimeto, Lara State, Venezuela, on 15 June 1944 and died on April 5, 2019, at 7:45 pm (at the age of 74) in Cúcuta, Colombia, after suffering a cerebral aneurysm. Pastor López's musical career, over 30 years of success, not only in Venezuela and Colombia but internationally is considerably extensive, his style is Colombian tropical music in genres such as Cumbia, Paseo Vallenato, el Paseaito, and El Porro among others. We had the honor of having him as an international guest at our festival, let's remember and enjoy the performance of this unforgettable artist.
Presentation Time: Day 1 — 10:45 pm
PERUVIAN ROOTS
Folklore exhibition
PERUVIAN ROOTS is a group of people who are proud and passionate about their Peruvian culture and their main purpose is to share a little bit of the Peruvian culture through their dances.
Presentation Time: Day 1 — 8:00 pm
PURO MEXICO
Folklore exhibition
Ballet Folklorico Puro México has been active in Canada for over 15 years under the Direction of Jezreel Vazquez, with a solid repertoire of colourful traditional Mexican dances. Dedicated to promoting and teaching Mexican traditional dances in Ontario. We work with professionals and highly recognized instructors who come from different regions of Mexico to instruct us on techniques and dance styles.
Presentation Time: Day 3 — 4:55 pm
RAÍCES PANAMENAS
Folklore exhibition
Panama is a Central American country, inhabited mostly by mestizos (persons of mixed African, European and indigenous ancestry). The music of Panama is heavily based on the folk music of Spain, With this heritage, Panama has a rich and diverse music history, and important contributions to cumbia, saloma, pasillo, punto, tamborito, mejorana, bolero, jazz, salsa, reggae, calypso, rock, and other musical genres.
Presentation Time: Day 1 — 9:00 pm
RICE AND MANGO
Music’s Band
Rice & Mango was created in 2012 as a musical project based in the fusion of Latin and Pop/Rock/Funk styles. Since its creation, Rice & Mango has become one of the hottest Latin acts in Toronto. The high energy performance of classic and modern Latin hits is the band’s signature.
“Rice & Mango” (Arroz con Mango) is a Latino expression that means mixing things that don’t match well naturally. However, the “rice and mango” this band is creating leave audiences exited, with a happy heart and at the same time, hungry for more.
Presentation Time: Day 1 — 10:05 pm
RITMO & CAFE
Folklore exhibition
RITMO Y CAFE is one of the most important folklore groups in the city of London Ontario. Its founder and choreographer, Alba Cielo Velasquez from Cali, Colombia, studied dance at the Conservatory of Arts and the Colombian Institute of Culture. Bringing 35 years of experience, she created and organized this group with a vision of promoting and maintaining the traditional culture among Latin communities.
Presentation Time: Day 2 — 3:45 pm
ROSARIO ARCE
Singer
Rosario Arce has a unique style in the interpretation of Bolivian folklore and Latin-American music. She sings in English, French, Quechua, Aymara, and Spanish. For more than a decade, Rosario has remained as one of the most requested singers in the multicultural world in Canada. Rosario has been recognized by the Bolivian Government as “Ambassador of the Bolivian & Latin American Culture in Canada”
Presentation Time: Day 1 — 7:40 pm
RUMBA MOVIL - SALSA BALLET DE COLOMBIA
SALSA Workshop
The salsa lesson will be presented by members of the dance troupe Salsa Ballet Colombia which is under the direction of Gladys Lopez who is also a great artistic promoter. SALSA BALLET DE COLOMBIA, has approximately 50 artists on stage among young dancers and musicians.
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Presentation Time: Day 2— 2:20 pm
SALSOTIKA BAND
Music
Salsotika was formed in 2007 under the musical direction of Johan Aguirre The band Originally started by playing 80's Salsa Cover Song Because of years of experience Salsotika Has Backed up many notable Salsa Singers such as Tony Vega, Roberto Roena Y Su Apollo Sound, David Pabon, Luisito Carrion, Edgar Joel, Roberto Blades Willy Gonzalez and more Presently Salsotika is Working on an album which will feature different singers from the Toronto Salsa music scene.
Presentation Time: Day 3 — 6:30 pm
SAUL TORRES
Singer
Saúl Torres, one of the most unique rock talents in Canada, capable of perfectly combining Latin Rock with various musical genres.
Not only has he released groundbreaking albums with Toronto bands Dirty Maria and Mezcal Effect, but Saúl has also shown remarkable stylistic growth and musical diversity, constantly experimenting with different sounds, textures, and genres. Her voice is an art and pure passion.
Presentation Time: Day 2 — 8:05 pm
SENTIR VENEZUELA
Folklore exhibition
Sentir Venezuela Cultural Group is a non-profit organization that wants to express, promote, and encourage interest in the Venezuelan culture through their traditional music and dance. Their performances are joyful, energetic, colourful, vibrant, always smiling and bringing Venezuela in their hearts.
Presentation Time: Day 1 — 7:50 pm
SOMBRERO AZUL
Folklore exhibition
THE GROUP SOMBRERO AZUL, Danzas y Culturas was created in July 2010 with the goal to show to the new generation of our culture, Folklore, and the traditions in El Salvador.
Presentation Time: Day 2 — 6:20 pm
SON D’AQUI
Orchestra
Son D'aqui was formed in 2018 by Vince Alvarado and musical director Johan Aguirre. They pay tribute to all our legendary salsa stars, by performing all their greatest hits. They have also been honored with the task of backing up many international artists. Last summer, at the Mississauga Latin Festival, they performed a tribute to Colombian salsa which was excellent and now we will be able to watch again!
Presentation Time: Day 2 — 9:00 pm
Folklore exhibition
TANGO DE ORO
Born in Buenos Aires Argentina, Roxana and Fabian are pioneers in teaching tango in Canada since the 1980s. With more than “33 years” of stage life, they have consolidated a solid artistic career. Roxana and Fabian were chosen as one of Argentina’s tango ambassadors to the world and invited to judge international tango competitions in Argentina, Japan & the USA. Fabián, a multifaceted artist, also stands out as a bandoneon player and singer. Together they produce the annual event “Toronto Tango Summit” and they are also de directors of the dance academy “Tango de Oro”.
Tango Workshop: Day 2 — 2:40 pm
Presentation Time: Day 3 — 4:15 pm
TONATIUH
Folklore exhibition
Tonatiuh Dance Group is under the direction of Luz Adriana Castillo. Graduated from the National School of Mexican Folk Dance of Mexico City. Dedicated to the promotion and diffusion of Mexican folklore for more than 20 years. The Group members are dancers of all ages from 4 to 50+, all levels in dance beginners, intermedium, and advanced, with the goal to spread the Mexican Culture and traditions through dance, especially to influence the kids that were born in Canada
Presentation Time: Day 2 — 4:00 pm
TUNA LAZOS DE AMISTAD
Singers Group
Tuna Lazos de Amistad, stems from the fact that they started off as a group of friends just wanting to have a good time singing traditional songs. Currently, the group has 20 members and they truly enjoy sharing this tradition by performing in cultural, corporate, and family events.
Presentation Time: Day 3 — 12:40 pm
XTRAVAGANZA SHOW
Dancing Group
Xtravaganza is the only Latin Cabaret Dinner show in Canada & the US, Xtravaganza truly captures the essence and elegance of the traditional Latin Cabaret clubs such as the legendary “Tropicana Show” in Havana Cuba. This production made out of 26 artists, 14 professional male and female dancers, 8 musicians, 1mc host, and a great behind the scenes cast that works hard to deliver a great show. This production with spectacular costumes, great dancers, live music, and dinner will transport you to the tropics where you will feel away on holidays for a night without having to get on a plane.
Presentation Time: Day 2 — 7:35 pm
YAMBEQUE
Folklore exhibition
Yambeque is a dance school focused on salsa, bachata, cumbia, they also have an excellent dance group of Colombian folk dances in a variety of rhythms. Today we will enjoy the performance of adults and kids from the school.