Thanks for posting the program. It took longer than usual this year to have it finalized it seems. The program is quite interesting. I was wondering who would be the performers this year since it requires a lot of time and effort to get artists to play for the weekend of the festival (I imagine). Plenty of negotiating back and forth before getting all the details finalized.
My opinion on the program:
Salsa performer
Tito Nieves- I was never a great fan of his music although he has a few nice hits. He is renowned in NYC and
PR mostly for his salsa but never a "show stopper" artist by any means. It's incredible that he has even sustained his career considering his style salsa which is classic and mellow. I know nothing of his newer music but I am familiar with his music from the late nineties and the beginning of the decade. In a festival like this he should play music to please the crowd in other words 'salsa para bailar' and nothing else. Nothing too mellow.
Bachata performer
El Chaval is a good bachatero. IMO, he has to be one of the most underrated and probably one of the best of the genre and not to mention very versatile with other guitar rhythms. I liked El Chaval once I sampled the first album I purchased of his and have been a follower of his music ever since. He's a talented guitar player with great sound of the supporting instruments and his bachata is not comparable to bachata you hear from competitor artists. He's unique and deserves recognition. My favorite album by El Chaval is
Ayer y hoy. I bought it five years ago in Miami and I have never seen the album anywhere else. Not even online. It's full of wonderful bachatas especially songs #1
Aquellos días and # 2
Isabel. I am sure he will put on a good show.
Krisspy and Reggaeton- I don't know anything about this artist because it's not my preferred style of merengue. As for reggaeton in past festival performances the reggaeton artists were loud and noisy. I am sure there will be nothing different. Well, there has to be something for everyone.
As a general comment this annual event is the biggest Latino festival in Montreal and Canada hosted by the Dominican community. Much effort is required to make it a success and participation by the Dominican, Latin and local communities is what guarantees its survival. I participated over the last two years and had an enjoyable time. Of course there's always room for improvement but overall the event draws a large crowd in a vibrant culturally diverse city in mid-summer. It's an event to consider.
See previous threads.
Montreal Merengue Festival - make your plans now!,
antony santos at this year's montreal merengue fest
-LDG.
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El Chaval in Montreal
