We’ve all heard of the bolero, which has its modern roots in nineteenth century Santiago de Cuba (even though we might not be able to hum one on cue). But what about the cuartetazo? Born in Córdoba, Argentina, and derived from Spanish and Italian dances, the name is derived from the fact that the earliest players were invariably four-piece bands. The rhythm is similar to merengue.

¿Quién es Javier García? With his producer (and two-time Academy Award winner) Gustavo Santaolalla, Javier Garcia talks about his roots and influences. Also, we learn about some noted musicians who contributed to the album 13, including the great trumpet player, Arturo Sandoval.

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.

"Si Me Dejan" (If They Leave Me) is a collaboration between Colombian Vallenato sensation, Jorge Celedón, and Vicentico, the former frontman of the Argentinean ska band, Los Fabulosos Cadillacs (The Fabulous Cadillacs).

José Rodriguez, the caretaker of a beautiful finca, or farm, is kind enough to show us around and tell us a bit about the area and himself. You will probably realize that pues, as José employs it, is a common muletilla (“filler” word), used to add a bit of emphasis or just as a matter of speech style, and doesn’t really always have to be translated (though it can often be thought of as akin to “well”).

Juan Luis Guerra, undoubtedly the most well-known musician from the Dominican Republic, performs his song "La Travesía" [The Journey] live.

Accompanied by current Latin rhythms and influenced by vallenato (one of Colombia's most representative musical genres), "La Plata" [Money] is an upbeat tune in Colombian artist Juanes' signature style, with a special guest appearance by Colombian reggaeton artist, Lalo Ebratt.

The game of brisca uses 40 cards known as the “Spanish deck.” One aspect of play involves using body language to reveal your hand to your partner. This is why the gentleman says “we blink an eye and we do like this…” He is making a joke about this body language/cards relationship when he says “your head aches when you have the ace of oros.”

Ecuadorian filmmaker, Julia Silva, shares with us a bit about her second short film, "Crisálida" (Chyrsalis), as well as what she loves about shorts as opposed to feature films.

What in the world is Yabla? Julieta explains it to you, and all in in under two and a half minutes! Don’t worry if you don’t speak Spanish, it’s all subtitled and captioned, with plenty of features to help you soak up any new language muy pronto! What are you waiting for? Fire up the video!

"Limón y Sal" [Lemon and Salt] is the title track from Mexican artist, Juliet Venegas' fourth studio album, which focuses on the ups and downs of relationships.

Goy plays guitar and sings for Karamelo Santa, one of the best ska bands in Latin America. Argentina is the band’s homeland (they are practically from the Pampas). But the 7 boys with wild hair and wild songs do not sing around a Gaucho campfire; their sound reverberates in the world’s largest cities.

Here’s the second part of the interview with Goy of Karamelo Santo. They are among the leaders of their home country’s independent music scene (Argentina). All their records were self produced—the major labels just weren’t interested in a band which plays free shows for the unemployed and pokes fun at the international monetary fund.

The guys from Karamelo Santo are not only great musicians enjoying success far away from their hometown—they’re also really humble and contribute to new bands' careers in Mendoza. They know how hard the path is, and they’re happy to share their experiences with the very people who recognized them first.