People often say that Símon Bolívar, aka El Libertador, is to the people of Venezuela what George Washington is to the people of the United States. This is not entirely inaccurate, but this 19th century general and native son of Caracas retains a rock star / savior status that might equally be compared with Bob Marley’s place in the hearts of Jamaicans (and tender souled frat boys).

The talented Yasmil Maruffo has composed for, written for, and backed musicians ranging from Phil Collins to Ricky Martin. Yasmil wrote the music for Rumba en mi Corazón, and he co-wrote the lyrics with Servando Primera. Servando and his brother Florentin made it a hit. Here we catch a rare glimpse of Yasmil performing for a small group of friends.

If you are not yet a fan of Señor Doig, you don’t have a pulse! His jungle expeditions have led to the discovery of everything from the anatomically-blessed Pinchudos statues to the giant upright mummies found in a site known as Carajía. We’re ready for an expedition!

Federico Kauffman Doig has received the highest title the Peruvian government gives in honor of cultural achievment, Amauta. Sweden and Austria have also bestowed him with awards and titles. So is he ready to join the ranks of jubilados? No way! He still explores cliffs 4000 meters high and has far too many unfinished essays to even consider it for un momentito.

Born Juan Esteban Aristizabal in Medellin, Colombia, Juanes may become the first musician to “crossover” (winning fame in the English speaking world) without ever bothering to release an album, nay, even a song, in English! A Dios le pido, “I ask God,” has been on the top of the charts in 12 countries on three continents, and spent 47 weeks in Billboard’s Latin Tracks chart.

Oye, Vivanativa puts the effee in funky! This grupo boricua has been taking the island, and now the world, like a category five hurricane heading straight for San Juan.

In English “forever” is a really long time, it’s also, you’ll notice, written as a single word. In Spanish “for ever” is expressed as “for always,” also a long time, and is written as two distinct words, para siempre. Zurdok has been infecting Mexico, and the world, with its catchy tunes since 1994.

Ever find it nearly impossible to get home after a rough night out? Javier Garcia gives musical life to just such a scenario in A Casa. Cuídate, it’s a catchy tune!

If Javier doesn’t get you swinging, swaying and stumbling over your two left feet with this tune, you’re at the wrong site! The trumpet is courtesy of the incomparable Arturo Sandoval, who we had the pleasure of seeing at the Blue Note a while back. A drunken and noisy Tom Jones showed up mid-set with full entourage, causing the fiery Sandoval to call for ¡cállate!

Me Gustaria blends Cuban son, guajira and charanga, accented with a little hip-hop. Javier Garcia “would like” to please your musical palate, give it a listen!

As an artesan, Javier Marin works with a variety of materials, employing many techniques to create his pieces. He has been kind enough to take the time to explain some of these materials and processes. Javier’s father, in the days well before email, used to transmit telegraph messages via morse code in the building adjacent to where his son now works.

Ecological awareness is universal these days, especially among young people. Javier explains his own use of natural and biological materials, a use that does not involve the destruction of any living creatures, but rather the reuse of materials that have been jettisoned by their original animal owners.

Take it from the boys in Skampida, the best ways to learn a language are 1) to watch a lot of tv (yabla!) and 2) to find yourself a native girlfriend/boyfriend! Skampida is one of the best bands ever from Bogotá, and we caught up with them while they were spending some time hangeando in The Big Manzana.

Polbo used to play sixties cover songs in bars “de mala muerte” in Yabucoa by night, while studying physics at university by day. They began to write their own songs, which the crowds started to demand more than the covers. Keep an ear out for them!

Me siento parte del rock, aunque el disco sea más pop explains Coti Sorokin (known to his fans simply as “Coti”) in an interview with MTV España. His talent is widely respected, having composed songs for the likes of Alejandro Lerner and Diego Torres, and served as producer for Los Enanitos Verdes.