Events

While the weather gets colder, RAZA''s sizzling Latin after-work party keeps bringing the heat, this time in celebration of one the party’s founders and simply an invaluable contributor to the entire NYC club scene. Party favorite Joann Jimenez is set to have a birthday to remember with an arsenal of some of the baddest sisters around.

Considered a maven of the New York City’s underground house circuit, Joann has been one of this city’s key event promoters, breathing new life into a dance scene in much need of it. Her unique style of multimedia club performances has inspired an entire generation of parties and was instrumental in founding “The Melting Pot NYC” which is still ongoing by its co-founder veteran DJ Kervyn Mark.

These events have truly preserved the traditional values of the cultures they represent while engaging the audience in an educational experience that’s simply fun and inviting to be a part of. The authenticity of these events such as ALMA and Raza have brought together some of the most revered political and artistic leaders together in a provocative celebration of its shared African ancestry.

The headliner for this Latin groove gala will be Ananés exciting new band, which is simply nuts. Consisting of a lot of the guys that helped Louie Vega bring that Grammy home, musicians like Luisito Quintero (percussion), Mike Ciro (guitar)Gerard Snell (drums) and Gene Perez (bass) will be backing the gorgeous Cape Verdianns sultry vocals. Ananns a multi-talented singer-songwriter whose gifts have been evident since childhood and is now taking Global Dance Music to a new level. Last February Anana sang with Louie Vega''s Elements Of Life Orchestra in front of 140 million tv viewers at the Superbowl opening ceremony. Watching her performing in front of a packed stadium one could not help noticing the ephysique du rolel and talent of a future pop star. Her debut album mSelectionsn on Tommy Boy Records includes artists such as Masters at Work, Mr. V, Blaze, Dimitri From Paris, Louie eLouo Gorbea, Bob Sinclar, Dennis Ferrer, Duane Harden and Da Groove Doctors and introduced the radio friendly single eShake Dat Bootyt. It is considered to be her passport to global success.

One of the two DJs holding down the serious selections will be DJ Charo. Charo was born in Havana, Cuba and grew up in Washington Heights. She grew up during the 808s and always trailed her brother to the FUNHOUSE, PARADISE GARAGE, LOFT, UNDERGROUND and her love for Latin music came from ROSELAND, CASABLANCA and IPANEMA as well as her rich upbringing. In August of 2006, Hudson Heels was born and two months later her new partner in business and life chimed in to create one of the most successful monthly womenes parties in NYC. Charo is an absolute house head but her true roots have led her back to a style that experiments with Santeria rhythms, Latin and Afro-Cuban music, always leaving the crowd wanting more.

As will Curlyls flavor (aka DatGurl), best known for affiliation with The Dat Party hence her clever DJ name. Curly uses her many years of being an outstanding club dancer to provide just as much energy behind the turntables as she has on the dancefloor. Within only a yearas time, she has played alongside the likes of Ruben Toro, Kevin Hedge, Mr V, Frankie Feliciano, J. Hunter, Ras, Sammy Rock, Cameron, Ian Friday, Unified Spirits, Ray Vasquez, Ace House Nation, Markus Rice, Kamala, Roze Royce, and many others. Dat Gurl also has had the pleasure of playing on www.cyberjamz.com, www.facethebass.com, www.mixthegroove.com, www.handzonradio.com and continues to host her own radio show wSounds of a Dancere live on 2 internet radio stations: Wednesdays 8am -11:30am on www.prepartyradio.com and on Fridays 10pm m 1am on www.rawcast.com.

Come to Raza this month for that unique ladiese touch and celebrate the birthday of a woman who continues to lend it to so many of our cityts most beloved events.

For more information, please visit:
www.myspace.com/joann_jimenez
www.myspace.com/hudsonheels
www.myspace.com/curlyddp
www.myspace.com/razanyc
www.ananeselections.com