Tango Stories - As heard on USALA Media

Meredith Klein sits down with Phi Lee Lam to discuss the upcoming Long Table Weekend, how they got into tango, & much more. Join them October 16th & 17th. Women, non-binary individuals and LGBTQIA+ are invited to join us for a weekend of discussions, movement experiences and social dancing aimed at re-imagining tango's past, present and future to better represent the diversity of the people who dance it. Find more information about the Long Table Weekend & Philadelphia's other tango adventures at https://www.philadelphiatangoschool.com/    

Episode 71 features Cucuza Castiello, one of the greatest living tango singers.  Meredith Klein was joined by co-host Juan Villarreal for this episode.  Cucuza will be the featured performer, along with his son Mateo on guitar, in the May 21 episode of “Tango en la Terraza.”  Information & tickets at www.tangoenlaterraza.com

Be transported back in time with our Tango Stories Redux: republished episodes every other week opposite our new episodes. Originally recorded in Buenos Aires & aired in April 2019. If you enjoy this podcast, you can support us at https://www.patreon.com/tangostories

In this week's episode of Tango Stories, Meredith Klein talks with singer Karina Beorlegui. This interview is in Spanish. A portion of the interview will be transcribed and published in English later this week.   If you enjoy the podcast, like, rate & review, tell your tango friends, & consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/tangostories   Check out the upcoming Tango en La terraza virtual concert series at https://www.tangoenlaterraza.com/

Be transported back in time with our Tango Stories Redux: republished episodes every other week opposite our new episodes. Originally aired as episode 30 of Tango Stories If you enjoy this podcast, you can support us at https://www.patreon.com/tangostories

In today's episode of Tango Stories, Meredith Klein talks to Leandro Ragusa & Omar Garcia Brunelli about their music careers, the evolution of tango music, Astor Piazzolla, & more.    If you enjoy Tango Stories, you can support us by going to https://www.patreon.com/tangostories

The Tango Stories Patreon will be up next week when our first new conversation comes out! Be sure to check the description of next week's episode for a link. Our guests next week will be Leandro Ragusa & Omar Garcia Brunelli. Thank you for listening. 

Tango Stories Episode 25 -- Aired January 30, 2019Guest: Nastasja Vojnovic & Bruno GiuntiniEpisode 25 of Tango Stories aired on January 30, 2019 and featured young violinist Nastasja Vojnovic talking about her upcoming concert as part of the Fishtown Salon Concert Series. We were joined by WhatsApp from Buenos Aires by Composer/Violinist Bruno Giuntini, two of whose pieces Nastasja would premiere at the concert.Links to the Musical Examples in this episode:"El Calandrio" - Bruno Giuntini, Derrotas Cadenas"Corrientes y Montevideo" - Bruno Giuntini, Derrotas Cadenas"Cronocléptico and Cara y Seca" - Bruno Giuntini, Performed by Nastasja Vojinovic and Zhanara Makhmutova at the Philadelphia Argentine Tango School Fishtown Concert Series on February 9, 2019

Tango Stories Episode 24 -- Aired January 16, 2019Guest: Mariano CastroEpisode 24 aired on January 16, 2019 and featured pianist Mariano Castro. I originally knew him as the pianist of Narcotango. Now, Mariano arranges tango and other genres for symphony orchestras and performs around the world as a soloist.For more information about Mariano Castro: https://www.marianocastro.roLinks to the Musical Examples in this episode:"Invierno Porteño" - A. Piazzolla arranged by Mariano Castro, Filarmonica de Stat Targu Mures"Vi Luz y Subí" - Narcotango

Tango Stories Episode 23 -- Aired January 9, 2019Guest: Hembra Episode 23 broadcast on January 9, 2019 and featured Hembra, a singer-songwriter duo from La Plata, Argentina. They came into the studio for an interview and to record gorgeous live music at USALA. To learn more about Hembra and their music, you can find them on YouTube, Facebook and Spotify. Note: This episode is in Spanish. Links to the Musical Examples in this episode:"Canción" - Hembra"Hembra" - Hembra"Salvapantallas" - Original by Jorge Drexel

Tango Stories Episode 22 -- Aired December 19, 2018Guest: Manuk ColakyanIn Episode 22, which aired on December 19, 2018, DJ Manuk Colakyan came on Tango Stories and brought a number of great (and strange!) stories about how various tangos got their names. He also chose absolutely gorgeous versions of these tangos for us to listen to!Links to the Musical Examples in this episode:"El Entrerriano" - Anibal Troilo"Cuidado Con Los Cincuenta" - Carlos Di Sarli"Tinta Verde" - Anibal Troilo"El Once" - Osvaldo Fresedo"El Yacaré" - Ángel D’Agostino & Ángel Vargas

Tango Stories Episode 21 -- Aired December 12, 2018Guest: Pedro GiraudoEpisode 21 aired on December 12, 2018 and featured an interview with bassist, composer and arranger, Pedro Giraudo. Giraudo’s album “Vigor Tanguero” won “Best Tango Album” at the 2018 Latin Grammys! In addition to a great interview, we hear a lot of beautiful music, mostly from the award-winning album.To learn more about Pedro and his music: https://www.pedrogiraudo.comLinks to the Musical Examples in this episode:"Vorágine" - Pedro Giraudo Tango Quartet"Chicharrita" - Pedro Giraudo Tango Quartet"A Octavio Brunetti" - Pedro Giraudo Tango Quartet"La Rabiosa" - Pedro Giraudo Tango Quartet

Tango Stories Episode 20 -- Aired December 5, 2018Guest: Olga AvigailIn Episode 20, to celebrate Hanukah, I interviewed an extraordinary singer of Yiddish music, Olga Avigail. She also has a special focus on reviving and performing Yiddish tangos, which she performs with the great Polish tango band Tango Attack. I talked with her from her home in Jerusalem via whatsapp. You can learn more about Olga on her website: http://www.olgamieleszczuk.com.plLinks to the Musical Examples in this episode:"Yosl un Sore Dvoshe" - K. Broydo/F. Gordon"Ostatnia niedziela / Letstikn Shabes" - J. Petersburski/Z. Friedwald/A. Fisz"Rivkele - Rebeka" - Z. Białostocki

Tango Stories Episode 19 -- Aired November 28, 2018Guest: Kathleen Greene, Barnes Foundation & Emiliano MessiezEpisode 19 featured interviews with Kathleen Greene, Curator of Public Programs at The Barnes Foundation, and pianist Emiliano Messiez, director of the Emiliano Messiez Tango Quartet. We spoke about an upcoming live tango music event at The Barnes Foundation and about the founding of a new tango orchestra, the Típica Messiez, which premiered at the 9th Philly Tango Fest (May 24-27, 2019).For additional information about these Guests:https://www.barnesfoundation.orghttps://www.emilianomessiez.comLink to the Musical Example in this episode:"Danzarín" - Aníbal Troilo

Tango Stories Episode 18 -- Aired September 22, 2018Guest: Argentinos en PhiladelphiaEpisode 18 aired on November 21, 2018 and featured an interview with Daniel Loza and Liliana Friesel Elkouss, two of the organizers of the group “Argentinos en Philadelphia",  about their yearly Argentine gala and the history of their organization.Links to the Musical Examples in this episode:"El Día Que Me Quieras" - Carlos Gardel"Nada" - Mariela Marco"Naranjo En Flor" - Mariela Marco

Episode 17 featured pianist, arranger, composer and educator Pablo Estigarribia, who is working tirelessly to increase the accessibility of tango music. Please tune in for a fascinating interview and absolutely gorgeous tango music by Pablo Estigarribia, the Lavellén/Estigarribia/Carbarcos trio, and singer Maria Graña with Pablo Estigarribia.You can learn more about Pablo Estigarribia and find his music at www.pabloestigarribia.com

Tango Stories Episode 16 -- Aired November 7, 2018Guest: Elly Fernandez & Kristin BalmerEpisode 16 featured Elly Fernandez & Kristin Balmer, two tangueras and tango teachers in the Philadelphia area. In this episode they talk about a Youth Tango Retreat, an intensive two-day tango workshop for teens age 13-17, and the benefits of teaching tango to young people. It also featured beautiful music, including "Sueño de Juventud", sung by Theresia Thylin with the Ariel Iud Tango Quartet.Links to the Musical Examples in this episode:"Tengo Mil Novias" - Enrique Rodriguez"Cafetin de Buenos Aires" - Astor Piazzolla y su Orquesta Tipica"Sueño de Juventud" - Theresia Thylin & the Ariel Iud Quartet

Tango Stories Episode 61 -- Aired May 6, 2020Guest: Carol Horowitz Episode 61 aired on May 6, 2020 and featured Carol Horowitz, co-founder and director of Studio Tango Montréal, one of the biggest schools of its kind in North America. Tango is taught there by 12 teachers, 7 days a week, all year long! Carol has organized countless workshops and special events, including the Montreal Summer Tango Fling, a non-profit community event held each summer, and the Bailongo Montreal Tango Festival held annually in May. When schedule permits she travels to teach, perform and dj at other studios, festivals and marathons in Canada and the U.S. Refer to her website for more information: studiotango.caLinks to the Musical Examples in this episode:"Bien Milonga" - Osvaldo Pugliese"Esta Noche al Pasar" - Pedro Laurenz & Jorge Linares

Tango Stories Episode 60 -- Aired April 29, 2020Guest: Dr. Wendy Magee, Part 2 of 2 Episode 60 aired on April 29, 2020 and was the second of two interviews with Dr. Wendy Magee, a celebrated music therapist, researcher and educator. In the first interview, she talked about the impact of music on the brain, the role of rhythm in coordinating daily movement (like even when not dancing), and the clinical uses of music for healing.In this episode she addresses the growing body of research on how studying and dancing tango may improve health outcomes for patients dealing with a wide variety of conditions. It is heartening and important that there is starting to be hard data supporting the benefits of tango, which previously we just knew intuitively.Links to the Musical Examples in this episode:"Siga El Baile" - Orquesta Romantica Milonguero"Jamas Ni Nunca" - La Juan D’Arienzo

Tango Stories Episode 59 -- Aired April 22, 2020Guest: Dr. Wendy Magee, Part 1 of 2 Episode 59 aired on April 22, 2020 and featured Dr. Wendy Magee, a celebrated music therapist, researcher and educator. She talked about how music and rhythm have been demonstrated to have quantifiable, positive effects on the brain, for EVERYONE, from those with severe brain injuries, to those with age-related challenges, to all of us living with reduced stimuli during the Covid-19 quarantine and needing support to keep our brains and bodies functioning well.In the next episode, she returns to talk about the specific and growing body of research on how studying and dancing tango benefits various populations. All of this is so exciting and important. And it's nice to hear Wendy's voice and remember being together in classes and at milongas!Links to the Musical Examples in this episode:"Derecho Viejo" - Osvaldo Pugliese"Queremos Paz" - Gotan Project 

Tango Stories Episode 15 -- Aired October 24, 2018Tango and the Parkway Dances of the 1920’sGuest: Association for Public ArtEpisode 15 aired on October 24, 2018 and featured an interview with Penny Balkin Bach, Executive Director of the Association for Public Art in Philadelphia and Caitlin Martin, Media and Communications Director for the same organization. As part of the Parkway 100 celebration of the 100th birthday of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, we talked about the huge parkway dances that took place throughout the 1920s, including a tango dance with about 10,000 attendees on July 24, 1924. After the interview, we listened to a selection of music featuring pianists Pablo Estigarribia & Emiliano Messiez.Websites mentioned in this episode:https://www.museumwithoutwallsaudio.orghttps://www.associationforpublicart.orgLinks to the Musical Examples in this episode:"La Vuelta de Rocha" - Francisco Canaro"Amor y Celos" - Orquesta Típica Victor 

Tango Stories Episode 14 -- Aired September 22, 2018Guest: Agustin Venturino & Natalia AgueroEpisode 14 featured Agustin Venturino & Natalia Aguero, my co-organizers for Tango Experience 2019, a guided trip to Buenos Aires & La Plata, Argentina in April 2019. For more information about their upcoming workshops, refer to their website nataliayagustin.com (www.nyatango.com).Links to the Musical Examples in this episode:"Una Noche De Garufa" - Orquesta Típica Tanturi"Loca" - Los Reyes Del Tango"Buscándote" - Orquesta Romantica Milonguera 

Tango Stories Episode 13 -- Aired October 10, 2018Guest: Mario Ferraro & Marcela TrapéEpisode 13 of Tango Stories aired on October 10, 2018 and featured tango dancers, choreographers and teachers from Buenos Aires, Mario Ferraro & Marcela Trapé. They were in Philadelphia leading workshops and performing for the Philly Philly mini tango festival September 21-23, 2018. In addition to traditional workshops, Marcela specializes in teaching a "Body Awareness Method". Mario currently teaches and lives in New Orleans, LA. This episode is in Spanish. Links to the Musical Examples in this episode:"Bahia Blanca" - Carlos Di Sarli"Una Emocion" - RicardoTanturi & Enrique Campos"Cada Vez Que Me Recuerdes" - Roberto Goyeneche

Tango Stories Episode 12 -- Aired September 22, 2018Guest: El CachivacheEpisode 12 of Tango Stories was recorded live at the Lithuanian Music Hall on Saturday, September 22, 2018, shortly before El Cachivache gave an absolutely amazing live concert / milonga at the Philly Philly Tango Mini-Fest. Music, videos, concert tours and additional information about the band can be found on their website: elcachivache.infoLinks to the Musical Examples in this episode:"Montan" - El Cachivache"Que Falta Que Me Haces" - El Cachivache/Miguel Caló & Armando Pontier"Te Aconsejo Que Me Olvides" - El Cachivache/Pedro Maffia"Tango Del Infinito" - El Cachivache

Tango Stories Episode 11 -- Aired September 19, 2018Guest: Andrés Amarilla on Julio De CaroAndrés Amarilla returned to Tango Stories for Episode 11 on September 19, 2018 for a show about the importance of Julio De Caro as a musician, composer, orchestra leader, and theorist about how to write and arrange tangos. De Caro’s dedication is hard to match. You call yourself a tango lover, but have you been kicked out of your parents’ house over it?Links to the Musical Examples in this episode:"El Monito" - Julio De Caro"Boedo" - Julio De Caro"Guardia Vieja" - Julio De Caro "Mala Junta" - Julio De Caro "Mala Junta" - Osvaldo Pugliese

Tango Stories Episode 10 -- Aired September 12, 2018Guest: Andrés AmarillaEpisode 10 of Tango Stories aired on September 12, 2018 and featured an interview with Andrés Amarilla. Andrés started dancing tango in 1987, when he was 11 years old, and had the amazing good fortune to study with and perform in the dance companies of Juan Carlos Copes, Gustavo Naveira and Rodolfo Dinzel; all before his 18th birthday. He has personally witnessed most of the modern history of tango and the remarkable resurgence that has taken place in tango as a social dance and living art form over the past 30+ years.Links to the Musical Examples in this episode:"A La Gran Muñeca" - Carlos Di Sarli"Milonga del 900" - Los Muchachos De Antes"El Cencerro" - Juan D’Arienzo

Episode 9 aired on September 5, 2018 and featured Tango Superwoman, Veronika Kruta, who dances, teaches, DJs, and organizes tango events. I interviewed Veronika by phone from her home in San Francisco (which led to some internet connection lapses - ah well!). We talked about the upcoming tour that she is organizing for El Cachivache Tango Quintet, and her Buena Onda Tango Immersion.Links to the Musical Examples in this episode:"Pocas Palabras" - Ricardo Tanturi y su Orquesta Típica with Alberto Castillo"Se Hizo de Noche" - El Cachivache"Mi Vida En Tus Manos" - Rodolfo Biagi 

Tango Stories Episode 8 -- Aired August 29, 2018Guest: Amy YangEpisode 8 aired on August 29, 2018 and featured Amy Yang; a dancer, teacher and family therapist who has been involved with the Philadelphia Argentine Tango School nearly since its inception. A beautiful tango follower and leader, Amy has taught group & private lessons, helped run innumerable small and large events and makes gorgeous tango clothes as well. In this episode, she talks about “active listening” as both a tool in family therapy and a communication method that everyone can use. We look at how similar “active listening” is to lead-and-follow communication in tango improvisation.Links to the Musical Examples in this episode:"Tres Esquinas" - Angel D’Agostino & Angel Vargas"Buscándote" - Osvaldo Fresedo & Ricardo Ruiz"Invierno" - Francisco CanaroJavier Antar & Kara Wenham performing to Buscándote at the 2013 Philadelphia Tango Festival 

Tango Stories Episode 7 -- Aired August 22, 2018Guest: Octavio Fernandez & Carla Marano Episode 7 aired on August 22, 2018 and featured Octavio Fernandez & Carla Marano, who stopped by USALA during their month-long residency at the Philadelphia Argentine Tango School. They talk about growing up around their tango-loving grandparents in Buenos Aires; how they started to dance, and then teach, tango and their joint teaching project, La Propuesta. They also provide an introduction to lunfardo (the slang in which tangos are written).Note: This episode is in both English and Spanish.Links to the Musical Examples in this episode:"Nocturna a mi Barrio" - Anibal Troilo"Seguí mon Consejo" - Juan Carlos Godoy"Recuerdo" - Osvaldo Pugliese performed by Horacio Salgán

Tango Stories Episode 55 -- Aired February 12, 2020Guest: Bassem YoussefEpisode 55 aired on February 12, 2020 and featured Bassem Youssef, an Egyptian comedian, writer, producer, media critic, actor, surgeon, physician and tango dancer. He was television host of the show El-Bernameg, a satirical news program, from 2011 to 2014. He is author of the book Revolution for Dummies: Laughing Through the Arab Spring and subject of the documentary Tickling Giants. In 2013, he was named “one of the 100 most influential people in the world” by Time Magazine. Bassem will be appearing in a stand up comedy one man show in Philadelphia on February 28th and 29th, 2020 at the Punch Line Philly. For other performance tour dates subscribe to @bassem on Instagram. For more about his educational work regarding a plant based diet: https://www.plantb.tvLinks to the Musical Examples in this episode:1."Sur o No Sur" - Kevin Johansen2."No Está" - Carlos Di Sarli & Alberto Podesta 

Tango Stories Episode 6 -- Aired August 15, 2018Guest: Kristen BalmerEpisode 6 aired on August 15, 2018 and featured Kristin Balmer, a visual artist, tango dancer and tango teacher. During the course of our animated conversation, Kristin makes a great case for trying tango and sticking with it, even though there may be some frustrations along the way. Among other things, we learn how Kristin’s puppies came to recognize the music of Enrique Rodriguez. (Pretty impressive!)Links to the Musical Examples in this episode:"Son Cosas del Bandoneon" - Enrique Rodriguez"No Te Quiero Mas" - Enrique Rodriguez"Adios Para Siempre" - Enrique Rodriguez 

Tango Stories Episode 5 -- Aired August 8, 2018Guest: Batt JohnsonEpisode 5 aired on August 8, 2018. My guest was Batt Johnson, an author, actor, DJ, professor and tanguero. He is the author of the book Tango Intoxication. Batt and I talk about the unending inspiration that tango music provides the dancer and how it keeps us motivated to go back out on the dance floor again and again.Links to the Musical Examples in this episode:"La Vida Es Corta" - Ricardo Tanturi & Alberto Castillo"La Vida Es Una Milonga" - Pedro Laurenz"Violetas" - Alberto Castillo"Ahora Tengo Un Amor" - Alberto Castillo"Idilio Trunco" - Alberto Castillo"E.G.B." - Orquesta Tipica Fervor de Buenos Aires"Quién Sos" - Orquesta Tipica Fervor de Buenos Aires"Meditación" - Orquesta Tipica Fervor de Buenos Aires"Romance Del Diablo" - Héctor del Curto

Tango Stories Episode 4 -- Aired July 25, 2018Guest: Tangueras from Tango Studio, NicosiaMy guests for Episode 4 were Marianna, Lucie and Anna; tangueras who study and dance at Tango Studio, Nicosia in Cyprus. Among other topics, they speak eloquently about tango as a bridge to understanding and connecting with people and places that would otherwise remain foreign.Note: This episode was recorded outside the studio and the audio has some minor distortion. Links to the Musical Examples in this episode:1."Hotel Victoria" - Francisco Canaro2."Historia De Un Amor" - Héctor Varela3."Poema" - Francisco Canaro

Tango Stories Episode 3 -- Aired July 18, 2018Guest: Jerry KleinMy guest for Episode 3 is Jerry Klein (a good friend, but no relation). Jerry is a social dancer and sculptor in Philadelphia who started dancing tango at age 58. In this interview, he talks about learning to understand and “speak” tango movement like a language. He also brings some of his favorite tangos for us to listen to. Links to the Musical Examples in this episode:1."Nada" - Carlos Di Sarli & Alberto Podesta2."Buenos Aires Yo Te Canto" - Carlos Di Sarli & Oscar Serpa3."Fruta Amarga" - Aníbal Troilo & Alberto Marino4."Buscándote" - Osvaldo Fresedo & Ricardo Ruiz 

Tango Stories Episode 2 -- Aired July 11, 2018Guest: Gustavo RemberA lifelong porteño, Gustavo Rember is a college professor and high school teacher as well as a gifted tango dancer and teacher. He’s also an accomplished tango performer, DJ and event organizer.Episode 2 aired on July 11, 2018, a few days before the World Cup Final. Gustavo Rember and I seized the moment to talk about connections between tango and soccer (futbol) and to listen to some tangos written about soccer teams and soccer personalities. Links to the Musical Examples in this episode:"Mano a Mano" - Edmundo Rivero"El Mortero del Globito" - Orquesta Tipica Victor"Independiente Club" - Orquesta Alfredo Gobbi"Racing Club" - Orquesta Alfredo Gobbi

Tango Stories Episode 1 -- Aired July 4, 2018Guest: Emiliano MessiezBorn in Argentina, and located in New York City since 2016, Emiliano Messiez is one of the most sought-after tango pianists in the United States.  He is the director of the Típica Messiez, the only professional tango orquesta típica in the country, and composer for the upcoming musical, Bordello.Learn more about Emiliano at: https://www.emilianomessiez.com/ Links to Musical Examples in this episode:"Uno" - Anibal Troilo and Alberto Marino. "9 de Julio" - Juan D'Arienzo"La Yumba" - Osvaldo Pugliese"La Payanca" - Juan D'Arienzo"La Ultima Curda" - Roberto Goyeneche & Astor Piazzolla