Latino Culture Lives At Sofrito For Your Soul

Latin Music Lovers: Rediscover And Listen To The Classics For F.R.E.E on Spotify

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Love Music? Latin Music? All Kinds Of Music?

Ever wish that you can build an incredible library of the music you listened to "back in the day". So this was the case with me about 2 years ago as I went into an all out campaign to download every single Salsa, Merengue, Bachata and Old School Hip Hop Song I can remember.

In the process of downloading the entire Fania catalog I started getting threats from my Internet Service Provider and started seeing more and more stories of people getting sued for downloading music. So I then started to borrow friends CDs and rip them which was very time consuming and that was very short lived. I eventually ended up with a terabyte of very disorganized music. I became frustrated trying to clean it all up and eventually ended up on Pandora.

Now I had a great time on Pandora... picking artists and haver her pick related songs in the genre was pretty cool. Besides not being able to replay or pick the songs... it was one of the best musical experiences I have ever had, that is until Spotify hit the United States.

Spotify is a Swedish-founded, UK-headquartered DRM-based music streaming service offering streaming of selected music from a range of major and independent record labels, including Sony, EMI, Warner Music Group, and Universal. Launched in October 2008 by Swedish startup Spotify AB, the service had approximately ten million users as of 15 September 2011.

I got a free account as a perk on Klout, a website that measures influence on Twitter and other social media. I instantly fell in love. I can know search for music from almost any artist and add to a playlist. In addition to that I can also opt to do the "radio" feature that works very similar to Pandora. The feature that really made me a hardcore fan is the ability to stream and sync everything to my desktop, laptop, tablet, android and blackberry devices. Now that feature does cost $10 bucks a month but now I never have to buy another CD in my life...EVER!

Last but not least, I have deepened my connection with some of my readers, listeners and others in my network by sharing some of my playlists on Facebook and Twitter. There people can subscribe to your list and listen right thru Facebook if they have an account. 

My Screename on Spotify is TheUrbanJibaro and I am currently listening to my Fania All Star Playlist!

 

 

JOIN TODAY FOR FREE!

 

 

As I am, 

George Torres
The Urban Jibaro

What is happening in your Community? 

We want to know... share your "Sofrito" with us.

Email your submissions at SofritoSubmissions@gmail.com 

or Connect with us @:  Facebook  Twitter  LinkedIn  YouTube  Google Plus

 

 

 

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I Want To Keep Building Bridges... For You!

Mi Gente... Happy 2012!

This time last year, I was in a hospital bed, fighting for my life with my family by my side and in many of your thoughts / prayers. It was a scary time for me so much so that when I got out of intensive care, reading your emails and tweets is what made my day. I have said many times that I have the most amazing network of people who know the meaning of true community. 

For almost 15 years, I have personally financed this website and have refused to give in to advertisers that do not really believe in the website or it's mission... they simply wanted to use the trust you have in me to promote their products / services to you and make their sales numbers.

I did not think that was right... so I kept it grassroots and now the current state of the economy threatens the legacy we have been building. It is getting harder for me to fund these programs.

Since my return in March... it has been a struggle physically, financially and mentally. Due to almost 4 months of income loss...there were many days that I thought that this blog would cease to exist after almost 15 years in existence. The thought of that happening breaks my heart because this blog is so much more than a website. This blog gave birth to projects that serve thousands of Latinos like

• Capicu Poetry & Cultural Showcase - a grassroots multicultural producer of  performing arts based in Brooklyn NYC that provides paid opportunities for poets, authors and artists to showcase their talents.

 

• Radio Capicu - A live radio show that features 2 way discussions about issues important to the Latino community in the United States. This show was the first live show on the internet dedicated to the Latino community. 

• Latino Community Info, a job board that posts jobs for bilingual and multicultural candidates.

 

• Pa'l Pueblo Christmas Charity - Toys for headstart program that currently serves 500 children annually in 5 different schools.

 

• Promoting Healthy Community - Our company donates Social Media support for major health initiatives like Por Tu Familia, the Latino campaign for the American Diabetes Assoiciation for the last 4 years. We have also developed smaller health fairs and screening days with local medical practices.

 

• Over the years we created an extensive community accross several social media platforms of community minded and action driven Latinos ready to respond to community concerns and celebrate our cultural heritage.

 

 In addition to these established projects, Sofrito Media Group and it's sister company Capicu Cultural Showcase have been leaders in the NYC cultural community in developing / participating in events ranging from grassroots, academia and even in the diversity corporate circle.

That said... I have 60 days to figure out how I can continue the work we started in 1997, can you help?

I will say that if you are able to help keep this site alive... click here, or use the PayPal link below.

Your support will help us provide a variety of of education and outreach services that will take our commitment beyond the website and directly address needs in the community. We still need to reach those who may not have access to the internet.

 

Please consider making a contribution today!

Thank you for empowering us to continue to enrich the lives of all those looking to feed their souls with the best of Latino culture on the web!

All donors will be recognized on our website for contributing to the mission.

For more information on how you can help, contact us at SofritoMediaGroup@gmail.com

GRACIAS!!!!

 

As I am, 

George Torres
The Urban Jibaro

What is happening in your Community? 

We want to know... share your "Sofrito" with us.

Email your submissions at SofritoSubmissions@gmail.com 

or Connect with us @:  Facebook  Twitter  LinkedIn  YouTube  Google Plus

 

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On The Topic Of Latinos And Mentorship...

“Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. when you become a Leader, success is all about growing others.” – Jack Welch.

In April, I shared a story about someone who cared enough to tell me when I was not living up to my brand promise. It was thru that conversation that I was able to build a relationship with Mariela Dabbah from Latinos In College. Indirectly... she took the role of mentoring me in that situation in which I needed guidance. Since then... we have had some invigorating conversations about impacting the educational landscape for Latinos in America.

Earlier today, we announced on twitter that we will be collaborating on a webinar to help students and young professionals tap into the power of mentorship. This webinar is free and sponsored by Latinos In College in association with Sofrito Media Group. Now this is a hot topic and space is limited... so do yourself a favor... register today and help us spread the word to some young people that can benefit from this webinar.

Here are all the details...

Topic: Mentors and Sponsors: Key Distinctions for Career Growth  Speaker: Mariela Dabbah  Date: Tuesday, December 06, 2011  Time: 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Eastern Time)

 

Cost - $0 - Gratis - Nada... yes... we said F.R.E.E but you do have to register to attend. 

We will be discussing the following topics:
 
•Differences between mentors and sponsors
 
•Identifying mentors who are a good match for your needs
 
•Best ways to find and approach mentors and sponsors
 
•Managing these valuable relationships and much more. 

 

REGISTER NOW!

About Latinos In College

www.latinosincollege.com is the only all-encompassing resource for assisting Latino students and their families in choosing schools, finding funding, and succeeding in college.

Created by Mariela Dabbah, award-winning author, spokesperson and expert on education and career issues, in February 2009, the website was re-designed and re-launched in October of 2010. 

About Sofrito Media Group

Founded in 1997, Sofrito Media Group is  a multi-media company currently located in Freeport, NY that manages and produces branded projects that appeal to the Latino / Hispanic segment. These projects include web properties, live events, social media campaigns, internet radio production, content development and consulting services.

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I Love More Than Just My Sofrito...

That is right... if you read my blog post about why other bloggers think I am crazy... you would know that.

Not sure if I want to classify myself as a foodie, but judging by my "gordito" status... I know a thing or two about good food. People who come to NYC always email to ask me what my favoritre places are to eat Latino food out here. Today I share some of those places with you.

I have decided to share some of these places with you...

Today's place we will talk about is our namesake... Sofrito NY.

"Sofrito is initially defined as an aromatic mix of herbs and spices, used as a base flavoring and seasoning to the Puerto Rican cuisine.

At Sofrito, located at 400 E 57th Street, the aromatic mix includes the authentic Puerto Rican Cuisine, the magnificent sounds of music from around the world, the Caribbean atmosphere, the delightful living room dining room decor, and fantastic service which takes you back to La Isla Del Encanto."

Convienantly located at 400 E. 57th St. (bet. 1st Ave. & Sutton Pl.) in Manhattan. This place has lot's of atmosphere and attracts people of all kinds that all have one thing in common... their love for our culinary culture. From the moment you walk in... the aroma will guide you to your seat... and you will enjoy great Latino music as you wait to be captivated by some of their great staple dishes. The Arroz Con Pollo, the Seafood Stuffed Red Snapper and Mofongo being some of my favorites.

Make reservations today! www.sofritony.com

Buen Provecho,

George Torres

Urban Jibaro

Follow me for more insight on everything Latino @urbanjibaro

 

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