Official name	La Paz
Native name	''Nuestra Señora de La Paz''''Chuquiago Marka or Chuqiyapu''''La Paz''
Motto	"Los discordes en concordia, en paz y amor se juntaron y pueblo de paz fundaron para perpetua memoria"
Image seal	Escudodearmaslapaz.gif
Map caption	Location of La Paz within La Paz Department
Pushpin map	Bolivia
Coordinates display	inline,title
Coordinates region	BO
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name
Subdivision type1	Departament
Subdivision name1	La Paz
Subdivision type2	Province
Subdivision name2	Pedro Domingo Murillo
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Luis Antonio Revilla Herrero
Established title1	Founded
Established date1	October 20, 1548 by Alonso de Mendoza
Established title2	Independence
Established date2	July 16, 1809
Established title3
Established title4	Incorporated (El Alto)
Established date4	20th century
Unit pref
Area total km2	472
Area urban km2	3240
Population as of	2008
Population total	877,363
Population density km2	6275.16
Population metro	2,364,235
Timezone	BOT
Utc offset	−4
Elevation m	3,640
Elevation ft	11,942
Blank name	HDI (2010)
Blank info	0.672 – high
Postal code type
Area code	2
Website	www.lapaz.bo
Footnotes	}}

Nuestra Señora de La Paz (; ; ) is the administrative capital of Bolivia, as well as the departmental capital of La Paz Department, and the second largest city (in population) only after Santa Cruz de la Sierra. It is located in the western part of the country in the department of the same name It is located at an elevation of above sea level, making it the world's highest "de facto" capital city, or administrative capital.

The official capital of Bolivia is Sucre and it is the seat of Justice, La Paz has more government departments, hence the "de facto" qualifier. The city sits in a "bowl" surrounded by the high mountains of the altiplano.

As it grows, La Paz climbs the hills, resulting in varying elevations from 3,000 meters to 4,100 meters (9,840 ft to 13,450 ft). Overlooking the city is towering triple-peaked Illimani, which is always snow-covered and can be seen from several spots of the city, including from the neighbor city, El Alto. As of the 2001 census, the city had a population of 877,363. La Paz Metropolitan area, formed by the cities of La Paz, El Alto and Viacha, make the most populous urban area of Bolivia, with a population of 2.3 million inhabitants and surpassing the metropolitan area of Santa Cruz de la Sierra.

History

Founded in 1548 by the Spanish conquistadors at the site of the Native American settlement, Laja, the full name of the city was originally ''Nuestra Señora de La Paz'' (meaning ''Our Lady of Peace''). The name commemorated the restoration of peace following the insurrection of Gonzalo Pizarro and fellow conquistadors four years earlier against Blasco Núñez Vela, the first viceroy of Peru. The city was later moved to its present location in the valley of Chuquiago Marka.

Control over the former Inca lands had been entrusted to Pedro de la Gasca by the Spanish king (and Holy Roman Emperor) Emperor Charles V. Gasca commanded Alonso de Mendoza to found a new city commemorating the end of the civil wars in Peru; the city of La Paz was founded on October 20, 1548.

In 1549, "Juan Gutierrez Paniagua" was commanded to design an urban plan that would designate sites for public areas, plazas, official buildings, and a cathedral. La Plaza de los Españoles, which is known today as the Plaza Murillo, was chosen as the location for government buildings as well as the Metropolitan Cathedral.

Spain controlled La Paz with a firm grip and the Spanish king had the last word in all matters political. In 1781, for a total of six months, a group of Aymara people laid siege to La Paz. Under the leadership of Tupac Katari, they destroyed churches and government property. Thirty years later Indians laid a two-month siege on La Paz – where and when the legend of the Ekeko is set. In 1809 the struggle for independence from the Spanish rule brought uprisings against the royalist forces. It was on July 16, 1809 that Pedro Domingo Murillo famously said that the Bolivian revolution was igniting a lamp that nobody would be able to turn-off. This formally marked the beginning of the Liberation of South America from Spain. Pedro Domingo Murillo was hanged at the Plaza de los Españoles that night, but his name would be eternally remembered in the name of the plaza, and he would be remembered as the voice of revolution across South America.

In 1825, after the decisive victory of the republicans at Ayacucho over the Spanish army in the course of the Spanish American wars of independence, the city's full name was changed to ''La Paz de Ayacucho'' (meaning ''The Peace of Ayacucho'').

In 1898, La Paz was made the ''de facto'' seat of the national government, with Sucre remaining the nominal historical as well as judiciary capital. This change reflected the shift of the Bolivian economy away from the largely exhausted silver mines of Potosí to the exploitation of tin near Oruro, and resulting shifts in the distribution of economic and political power among various national elites.

Geography

Located at (−16.5, −68.1333), La Paz is built in a canyon created by the Choqueyapu River (now mostly built over), which runs northwest to southeast. The city's main thoroughfare, which roughly follows the river, changes names over its length, but the central tree-lined section running through the downtown core is called the Prado.

The geography of La Paz (in particular the altitude) reflects society: the lower areas of the city are the more affluent areas. While many middle-class residents live in high-rise condos near the center, the houses of the truly affluent are located in the lower neighborhoods southwest of the Prado. And looking up from the center, the surrounding hills are plastered with makeshift brick houses of those less economically fortunate.

The satellite city of El Alto, in which the airport is located, is spread over a broad area to the west of the canyon, on the Altiplano. La Paz is renowned for its unique markets, very unusual topography, and traditional culture.

La Paz is located in the valleys of the Andes, and is closer to the Eastern split of the Altiplano region. Therefore, it is closer to the famous mountains such as the Illimani (guardian of La Paz), Huayna Potosi, Mururata, and Illampu. On the Western side of the Altiplano divide, about an hour to the West of the La Paz, is the site of the tallest mountain in Bolivia and 9th tallest mountain in the Andes, the Sajama Volcano. In July 1994, an earthquake rated at 8.2 struck just 200 miles north of La Paz, the largest earthquake since the Sumbawa earthquake of 1977. Part of the water supply is derived from glaciers, which are becoming a less reliable source of water.

Districts

The city is divided into seven main districts, called "Macro Distritos", which at the same time are divided into 21 small districts or zones. The city is commonly divided by the people into three main zones: South Zone, Central Zone and North Zone.

1st Main District: Cotahuma: San Jorge, Sopocachi, Alto Sopocachi (''Sopocachi Highlands''), Pasankeri, Tembladerani, Llojeta, Alpacoma, Belén, Tacagua, San Pedro, Alto San Pedro (''San Pedro Highlands'')

2nd Main District: Max Paredes: Gran Poder, Obispo Indaburu, Villa Victoria, El Tejar, Alto Tejar, Chamoco Chico, Munaypata, Pura Pura, Ciudadela Ferroviaria

3rd Main District: Periférica: Limanipata, Achachicala, Vino Tinto, 25 de Mayo, 5 Dedos, Santiago de Lacaya, Rosasani, La Merced, Chuquiaguillo

4th Main District: San Antonio: Villa de Copacabana, Villa Armonía, Villa San Antonio, Kupini, Callapa, Pampahasi, San Isidro

5th Main District: Distrito Sur (''South District''): Irpavi, Bolonia, Alto Irpavi, Koani, Achumani, Achumani-Meseta, Alto Achumani, Calacoto, Alto Calacoto, Cotacota, Chasquipampa, Ovejuyo, Obrajes, Alto Obrajes, Bajo LLojeta, Bella Vista, Alto Seguencoma, Bajo Seguencoma.

6th Main District: Mallasa: Amor de Dios, Aranjuez, Mallasilla, Isla Verde, Mallasa, Jupapina,

Comunidad Chiaraque.

7th Main District: Distrito Centro (''Central District''): El Rosario, San Sebastián, Santa Bárbara, Casco Urbano Central, Parque Urbano Central, Miraflores, Casco Viejo

Main neighborhoods and zones

San Jorge:, located on the 1st District (Cotahuma) and near Sopocachi, it is one of the main residential and diplomatic areas of the city. In contains several buildings, both residential and offices, and embassies, including the Spain Embassy, the United States Embassy, the United Kingdom Embassy and others. One of the main avenues of the city, Arce Avenue, starts on this zone.

Sopocachi:, located in the 1st District (Cotahuma), Sopocachi is probably one of the oldest residential neighborhoods, located 10 minutes away from the center of the city. Despite the expansion and development of the area, this quarter maintained its residential property. In the last years, there has been an important commercial expansion, mainly on the surroundings of Abaroa Square, one of the many squares and parks of the zone.

San Pedro:, located on the 1st District (Cotahuma), on the right bank of the Choqueyapu River and built around the "Plaza de San Pedro" (official name: Plaza Sucre, ''Sucre Square''), is home to numerous shops, businesses and small enterprises, especially printing, spare parts and auto maintenance and repair shops. San Pedro's "Rodriguez Market" remains as one of the most popular middle-class and oldest of the city. The San Pedro prison is located here.

Centro: (''Downtown'') is located on the 7th District and comprises the center of La Paz and principal avenues of the city, like Arce Avenue, July 16 Avenue (also known as "Prado Avenue"), Mariscal Santa Cruz Avenue and Camacho Avenue, this last one being the home of the headquarters of the principal banks and companies of the country.

Casco Viejo:, located on the 7th District, is the historic and ancient center of La Paz. It now houses museums, hotels, shops and buildings as the Mayor City of La Paz and the Central Bank of Bolivia. In the Old Quarter is the Plaza Murillo, which is home to the Government Palace and the National Congress.

Miraflores:, located on the 7th District, Miraflores district is separated from downtown by a long barrel (called Parque Urbano Central, ''Central Urban Park'') and connected by the Bridge of the Americas and two avenues. Originally a residential zone, its growth has led it to become a major recreational center. It houses universities (including the Universidad Mayor de San Andrés's faculty of medicine), hospitals and the Estadio Hernando Siles(capacity of 45,000 people).

Northern District:, located on the 2nd and 3rd districts, it has a significant industrial activity (mainly food), being the Cervecería Boliviana Nacional (Bolivian National Brewery) the most significant industry founded by Germans, and one of the city's biggest companies in the country. It connects La Paz with the city of El Alto by the "autopista"or Highway.

Southern District:, located on the 5th district has less height than the rest of La Paz (3,200 to 2,800 meters). This area houses the most affluent and exclusive neighborhoods of the city, like Calacoto, La Florida and Achumani, among others. It has been benefited from steady economic growth and is now the second commercial and financial center of the city, housing international firms like Moody's, Citibank, Aon Corporation, Huawei, Millicom International Cellular, Nissan Motor Corporation represented by '' Taiyo Motors'', Pan American Silver Corporation, a Sumitomo Corporation branch, Ernst & Young, and the "MegaCenter", Bolivia's biggest shopping mall (52.000 mts2 of construction).

Climate

Under the Köppen climate classification, La Paz has a subtropical highland climate. Owing to the altitude of the city, temperatures are consistently cool throughout the year, though the diurnal temperature variation is typically large. The city has a relatively dry climate, with rainfall occurring mainly in the slightly warmer months of November to March. The sun passes directly overhead in late October and mid February.

Economy

The economy of La Paz has improved greatly in recent years, mainly as a result of improved political leaders. Due to the long period of high inflation and economic struggle faced by Bolivians in the 1980s and early 1990s, a large Informal Economy developed. Evidence of this is provided by the markets found all around the city. While there are stable markets, almost every street in the downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods has at least one vendor on it. La Paz remains the principal center of manufacturing enterprises that produce finished-product goods for the country, with about two-thirds of Bolivia's manufacturing located nearby. Historically, industry in Bolivia has been dominated by mineral processing and the preparation of agricultural products. However, in the urban centre of La Paz, small plants carry out a large portion of the industry. Food, tobacco products, clothing, various consumer goods, building materials, and agricultural tools are produced. "The tin quotations from London are watched in La Paz with close interest as an index of the country's prosperity; a third of the national revenue and more than half of the total customs in 1925 were derived from tin; in short, that humble but indispensable metal is the hub around which Bolivia's economic life revolves. The tin deposits of Bolivia, second largest in the world, ... invite development."

Sports

La Paz is the home of some of the biggest football teams in Bolivia.

Club Bolivar. Founded in 1925, it was named in honor of the Libertador Simón Bolívar, the team has won most of the tournaments national and international championships in the last 20 years

The Strongest. Founded in 1908 and hosts some of its games and trains on its home stadium. Is the oldest team, and the one that has won more tournaments during the 20th century. It has its own stadium named Rafael Mendoza. Don Rafael Mendoza was one of the most important presidents. In 1968 an airplane accident took the life of almost all the players, but Rafael Mendoza made many efforts so that the team rises again as one of the most important of the country.

La Paz F.C.

However, these three teams play the majority of their games in the city stadium, ''Estadio Hernando Siles''. It is host to several other teams that play in the first and second divisions such as: Mariscal Braun (2nd), Always Ready (3rd), Municipal (3rd) and Chaco Petrolero (3rd).

La Paz hosts the national football team and international games.

Education

The city hosts some of the most important universities of the country:

Universidad Mayor de San Andrés. Opened in 1830, the second oldest university in Bolivia.

Universidad Católica Boliviana San Pablo

Escuela Militar de Ingeniería

Universidad Privada Boliviana

Universidad Nuestra Señora de La Paz

Universidad Privada Franz Tamayo

Universidad Privada San Francisco de Asis

Universidad Loyola

Universidad NUR

Universidad La Salle

Universidad Tecnológica Boliviana

Universidad Privada del Valle

Universidad Central de Bolivia

Universidad Salesiana de Bolivia

Universidad de Aquino Bolivia

Universidad Adventista de Bolivia

Universidad Saint Paul

Universidad Real

Universidad de Los Andes

Fundación Infocal La Paz

Escuela Normal Superior Simón Bolívar

Escuela Industrial Superior "Pedro Domingo Murillo"

Tourism

La Paz is an important cultural center of Bolivia. The city hosts several cathedrals belonging to the colonial times, such as the San Francisco Cathedral and the Metropolitan Cathedral, this last one located on Murillo Square, which is also home of the political and administrative power of the country. Hundreds of different museums can be found across the city, the most notable ones on Jaén Street, which street design has been preserved from the Spanish days and is home of 10 different museums.

The home of the Bolivian government is located on Murillo Square and is known as "Palacio Quemado" (''Burnt Palace'') as it has been on fire several times. The palace has been restored many times since, but the name has remained untouched.

Main sights

Museums and cultural centers

The former home of Pedro Domingo Murillo, martyr of the independence revolution of 1809, has been preserved and is now a museum. The house displays a collection of furniture, textiles, and art from colonial times.

Museo Costumbrista: Displays ceramic dolls wearing traditional customs that show how was life in the early 19th century. Also on display are photos of old La Paz.

Museo Nacional de Arqueología (''Nacional Museum of Archeology''): Depicts a collection of artifacts of the Tiawanaku culture.

Museo del Litoral (''Museum of the Coastal Region''): Displays objects from the 1879 war in which Bolivia lost its sea coast to Chile.

Museo del Oro (''Gold Museum''): Depicts pre-Conquest works made of gold, silver and copper.

Museo de Etnografía y Folklore (''Ethnography and Folkolore Museum''): Placed in a house built in the late 18th century, it exhibits customs and art of two ethnic groups: Chipayas and Ayoreos.

Museo del Charango (''Museum of Charango''): Located in Calle Linares, the museum displays an incredible variety of charangos. Other native instruments are displayed as well.

Museo de Historia Natural (''Natural History Museum''): Exhibits on Bolivia's paleontology, geology, paleontology, zoology, and botany.

Casa Museo Marina Nuñez del Prado (''Marina Nuñez del Prado House Museum''): Displays Quechua and Aymara-theme sculptures by Bolivian artist Marina Nuñez del Prado.

Museo Nacional de Arte (''National Art Museum''): Located in calle Comercio, on a former palace built in 1775, displays works by Melchor Perez de Holguín and Marina Nuñez del Prado, among others.

Mercado de Brujas (''Witches' Market''): Merchandise sold here includes herbs, remedies as well as other ingredients used in Aymara traditions.

Feria de Alasitas: This fair is celebrated each year on January 24 in honor of a little god of abundance known as Ekeko, which means dwarf in Aymara.

Churches and cathedrals

Metropolitan Cathedral, built in 1835 and located next to the Presidential Palace, on Murillo Square;

San Francisco Church, founded in 1548 and rebuilt 1784.

Others

Bolivian Presidential Palace, also known as "Burned Palace".

Parque Urbano Central ''(Central Urban Park)''

Local festivities

January 24: ''Alasitas'',in all neighborhoods

February 2: ''Virgen de Copacabana'', (Villa Copacabana)

May 1: ''San José Obrero'' (V. Nuevo Potosí)

May 3: ''Señor de la Santa Cruz'' (Calvario, Tacagua, Calacoto)

May 13: ''Virgen de Fátima'' (Villa Fátima)

May 14: ''San Isidro, Labrador'' (San Isidro)

May 17: ''Señor de la Sentencia'' (Villa Armonía)

May: Jesus, ''Señor del Gran Poder'' (movible, Gran Poder)

June 13: ''San Antonio de Padua'' (San Antonio)

June 24: ''San Juan Bautista'' (Valle Hermoso, San Juan)

June 29: ''San Pedro Apóstol'' (San Pedro)

July 16: ''Virgen del Carmen, Patroness of Bolivia and the Armed Forces of the Nation Efemerides of La Paz

July 25: ''Apóstol Santiago'' (Munaypata, Pampahasi, Pasankeri, Periférica, Alto Delicias)

August 15: ''Virgen de Urqupiña'' (Urkupiña)

August 15: ''Virgen de la Asunción'' (Villa Victoria)

September 8: ''Virgen de las Nieves'' (V. Copacabana, M. Paredes, La Portada, Achachicala, Alto Irpavi, Cotahuma, Las Nieves)

September 8: ''Virgen de los Remedios'' (Miraflores)

September 14: ''Señor de la Exaltación'' (Obrajes, G. de Lima, Bajo Tejar, Vino Tinto)

September 24: ''Virgen de la Merced'' (Cota Cota)

October 7: ''Virgen del Rosario'' (El Rosario)

November: ''Cristo Rey'' (Pura Pura)

December 4: ''Santa Barbara'' (Santa Bárbara, Llojeta)

December 8: ''Virgen de la Concepción'' (Kupini, Sopocachi, Achumani)

Transportation

Airport

La Paz is served by El Alto International Airport (IATA code: LPB), which is situated eight miles (14 km) south-west of La Paz. At an elevation of , it is one of the highest major airports in the world. Airport facilities include a bank, bars, car rentals, restaurants, free wi-fi internet and duty-free shops. The runway has a length of (or 2.5 miles). Additionally, it is the second airport in the Western Hemisphere, and the third airport in the world, to successfully pass the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Universal Security Audit Program (USAP).

Buses

La Paz Bus Station, previously bus and train station, was built by the French architect Gustave Eiffel. The main gateway for transporting intercities bus travel in La Paz with several daily departs to all the main Bolivian cities. Bus Terminal in La Paz is the main city bus station. The city is connected by road with the city of Oruro where you can access the cities of Sucre, Potosí and south of the country. There is an important road that connects the road to Oruro in the cities of Cochabamba and Santa Cruz. There are also access roads to paviementados Copacabana and Tiwanaku to the west, near the Lake Titicaca, which continues until the city of Cuzco via the border town of Desaguadero. There are also roads north to get to The Yungas crossing the Andes Mountains.

The bus terminal has daily departures to major cities. There are also trips to other cities in countries like Chile and Peru. For departures to smaller cities and towns within the department, using informal stations located in Villa Fatima (departures to Los Yungas, Beni and Pando, Upper San Pedro (outputs Apolo) and near the General Cemetery (outputs Copacabana and other nearby cities to Lake Titicaca, and also Tiwanacu, Desaguadero where you can go to Peru).

Communication

The postal service is run by ''ECOBOL'' (National Company) which has its headquarters in La Paz. There are other companies offering courier and transport logistics courier nationally and internationally.

The private telecommunications company'' 'Entel''' is located in the city. Provides services telephony, Internet, cell phone, data and voice. The telephone cooperative Cotel is responsible for managing much of their phones and now offers Internet services and cable television among others.

Area Code: 2

Country Code: 591

The main daily newspapers in circulation are:'' 'La Razon,'' 'El Diario,'' 'La Prensa,'' 'Jornada and'' 'El Alteño' .'' Other papers of local importance are: Extra and PEOPLE. There are also several other publications and weekly magazines.

There are 18 television channels with offices in La Paz. Channel 7 is state property. The main ones are: Unitel, ATB Bolivia, Red Uno, Bolivision, Red PAT. Channel 13 is managed by the Universidad Mayor de San Andres. Two local companies offer cable television service as Multivision and Cotel TV.

International relations

Twin towns – sister cities

La Paz is part of the Union of Capital Cities Latin America from October 12, 1982 establishing brotherly relations with the following cities:

* , Madrid

* , '''Asunción

* , '''Bogotá

* , '''Buenos Aires

* , Caracas

* , '''Guatemala City

* , La Habana

, Managua

* , Mexico City

* , Montevideo

* , Panama City

* , London

* , Quito

* , Lisboa

* , Rio de Janeiro

, San Jose (Costa Rica)>San Jose

San Juan (Puerto Rico)>San Juan

* , San Salvador

* , Santiago

* , Santo Domingo

* , Tegucigalpa

Additionally, agreement was reached by Twin Cities with:

, Mérida (Venezuela)>Mérida

* , Sao Paulo (1999)

* , Arica

, Calama, Chile>Calama

, Bonn

* , Moscow

* , Dalian

* , Bolzano

* , Ensenada

* , Denver

* , Cuzco (1984)

* , Santa Ana de Coro

* , Pachuca de Soto

In June 2008 it signed a twinning agreement with the City of Zaragoza, Spain.

La Paz belongs to Merco Ciudades, signed by 180 urbes of the member countries of Mercosur, since 1999.

Gallery

Curiosities

La Paz is the highest capital city in the world.

El Alto International Airport is the highest international airport in the world (13,325 feet above mean sea level).

The water boils there at a temperature of .

La Paz has the highest recognized olympic stadium. FIFA issued a rule forbidding the organisation of official matches in stadiums in more than 2,500 meters of altitude because players become more exhausted with less oxygen.

La Paz bus station was built by Gustav Eiffel who also built the Eiffel Tower.

See also

Paceña

San Pedro prison

Tarija

References

External links

Municipality of La Paz

La Paz Travel Guide

Weather in La Paz

Bolivia Weekly

La Paz Walking Tours

Category:Capitals in South America Category:La Paz Category:Populated places established in 1548

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name	K-Paz de la Sierra
background	group_or_band
origin	Chicago, Illinois U.S
genre	Duranguense, Regional Mexican
years active	2003–present
label	Univision Music Group (2003—2008)Disa/Universal (2008—present)
associated acts	AK-7Majestad de la Sierra
website	http://www.kpaz.com.mx/
current members	Juan GómezMiguel GalindoJair LoredoSergio CaballeroJorge MarroquinLuis Eduardo GuadarramaJorge (Jagsx)
past members	Sergio Gómez (deceased)Beto DuránLuis DiazLuis GarciaLuis VidalesRafael SolisGerardo RamirezMiguel Rocha Jr.Fernando del ValleCarmelo GamboaOscar LedezmaArmando Rodriguez
notable instruments	(Korg) TritonTriton ExtremeN264/N36401WM1X3(Roland)XP-80D-50V-SynthRS-5,Fantom X6(7) }}

K-Paz de la Sierra is a Duranguense band that was formed in Michoacan, Mexico by Mexican natives. The group was formed on Christmas Eve of 2002 by some departing members of Montez de Durango. The company Disa Records gave them the opportunity. K-paz de la Sierra was well known in the U.S. in only the first two months. Within the first three hours that the CD came out, 35,000 copies were sold in Chicago. They debuted in 2003 with the CD titled Arrasando Con Fuego and the lead single Jambalaya. Some of their biggest hits are "Como Un Tatuaje" "Mi Credo," "Volveré," "Con Olor A Hierba," "Pero Te Vas A Arrepentir," "Procuro Olvidarte" (Hernaldo Zúñiga's first international hit), and "Y Aquí Estoy."

Band members

Jose JSV Sanchez - Drummer

Miguel Galindo - Singer and leader

Jair Loredo - Drummer and Founder

Jorge Garduño - Electric Tuba

Sergio Caballero - Keyboard

Luis Eduardo Guadarrama - Second Singer

Jorge Marroquin - Keyboard and Saxophone

Disband

La Autoridad de la Sierra

In October 2004, following their second album, ''Pensando En Ti'', four original members: Jair Loredo, Oscar Cepeda, Simon Valtierrez, and Jose Luis Corral, left to form La Autoridad De La Sierra. Jair Loredo returned to the group in 2007.

AK-7

On May 28, 2007, following ongoing disputes with former lead singer Sergio Gómez, seven long-time members of the group left to form AK-7, which stands for "Antes K-Paz", and the seven members remaining in the band.

Majestad de la Sierra

Eight months after Sergio Gómez's death, second vocalist Beto Durán, Luis Diaz and 3 other members left the group to create ''Majestad de la Sierra''.

Death of Sergio Gómez

On December 2, 2007, lead singer Sergio Gómez and two businessmen were kidnapped as they were leaving a dance hall in Morelia, Michoacán. The two businessmen were released, but Gómez was found dead on December 3. He was found with signs of torture and was recognized by the tattoo that he had. He had many bruises and burns that could have been caused by a cigarette. Sergio Gomez was strangled to death. According to friend Jose Manuel Zamacona, Gómez had been warned not to perform in Michoacan. Sergio Gomez's father told the Chicago Tribune that the body would reach his hometown of Indiana. His last farewells were given there. Following Gómez's death, his brother Juan took over as the leader of the group. The killing of northern musicians of the genre has become very common in Mexico in the last few years. This is because many of them are actually sponsored by the heads of the drug cartels and they have to abide by certain rules throughout their careers.

On December 6, 2007 Gómez, as well as another murdered Mexican musician, Valentín Elizalde, were posthumously nominated for the Grammy Awards.

On January 29, 2008, K-Paz introduced a new lead vocalist, Miguel Galindo.

New Album

The new album "Para Toda La Vida" is to be released February 15, 2011. It features the already released single "Ni Se Te Ocurra" which is a duet with the deceased "Sergio Vega" who was murdered a few days after the song was recorded.

Discography

Albums

2003: ''Arrasando Con Fuego''

2004: ''Pensando En Ti''

2005: ''Mas Capaces que Nunca''

2006: ''Conquistando Corazones''

2007: ''Capaz de Todo Por Tí''

2009: ''Como Un Tatuaje''

2011: ''Para Toda La Vida''

2011: ''Duetos Con Grupos''

Compilations

2004: ''20 Éxitos Con La Fuerza Duranguense''

2008: ''Una Historia''

2009: ''Con Banda''

Live albums

2004: ''En Vivo''

2008: ''En Vivo: Desde el Auditorio Nacional''

See also

AK-7

References

External links

K-Paz de la Sierra's Official Website

Category:Duranguense

es:K-Paz de la Sierra no:K-Paz de la Sierra

name	Alacranes Musical
background	group_or_band
origin	Aurora, Illinois
genre	Duranguense, Ranchero, Norteño
years active	1996-Present
label	Univision Music
current members	Oscar Urbina Jr.Rudy AvitaRene UrbinaChris UrbinaErik UrbinaHector RosalesGabriel DiazSergio''Hershsys''Federico
past members	Alonzo "Andy" Andez }}

Alacranes Musical (English: "Musical Scorpions") is a Mexican-American band produced by Oscar Urbina that plays duranguense music. They are from the Aurora suburb of Chicago, Illinois.

Recordings

The band has released several albums since its formation in November 1996, and in 2007 was nominated for a Latin Grammy for their album, ''Ahora Y Siempre''. Their hits "Si Yo Fuera Tu Amor" and "Por Tu Amor" reached #2 and #4, respectively, on Billboard's Latin Regional Mexican Airplay chart. Recently, their new single "Por Amarte Así," a cover of Cristian Castro's song, has topped the Billboard Charts at number one for several weeks in a row. According to Billboard, "Por Amarte Así" has also been the number one downloaded ringtone. "Por Amarte Asi" was featured in an episode of a Mexican telenovela, "Al Diablo Con Los Guapos." Alacranes Musical were nominated for the 51st American Grammys in the category Best Banda Album for their song, "Tu Inspiracion".

Split

Recently there were two Alacranes Musical touring due to arguments between the members of the group, Memo Ibarra and Omar Sanchez, and the musicians of the group, the Urbina Family. They parted ways and the record company that claims to own rights to the name of the group sided with the singers. The Urbina Family hired former singer Sergio "Hersheys" Federico and former Banda Lamento Show singer Alonzo Andez to sing for their group. The singers hired all new musicians. Fans seemed to be 50-50 on the situation, many liking the originals—the Urbina Family—and many liking the singers. Both have recorded material under the name. In February 2011, the Urbinas posted a YouTube video declaring that the dispute was settled and that their group would be the official Alacranes Musical as of Easter weekend that year. A new album has also been announced for 2011.

Discography

! Year	! Album
2003	''Furia Alacranera''
2004	''A Cambio De Que''
2004	''Famoso Durango''
2005	''100% Originales''
2005	''Nuestra Historia Y Algo Mas''
2006	''Simplemente Lo Mejor''
2006	''A Paso Firme''
2006	''Puros Corridos Venenosos''
2006	''20 Alacranazos''
2007
2008	''Tu Inspiración''
2009	''Live - En Vivo Desde Mexico''
2010	''Por Siempre Alacranes''

alonzo andez is no longer with alacranes musical they have gotten a new singer named gabriel diaz.

References

http://www.chicagoiplitigation.com/tags/alacranes-musical/

Category:Duranguense Category:Mexican musical groups Category:Living people Category:People from Chicago, Illinois Category:Latin Grammy Award winners

es:Alacranes Musical

name	Silvio Rodríguez
background	solo_singer
birth name	Silvio Rodríguez Domínguez
born	November 29, 1946
origin	San Antonio de los Baños, Havana Province, Cuba
instrument	Guitar, vocals
genre	Nueva trova
occupation	Singer-songwriter
years active	1967–present
website	www.silviorodriguez.org
notable instruments	}}

Silvio Rodríguez Domínguez (born November 29, 1946 in San Antonio de los Baños) is a Cuban musician, and a leader of the nueva trova movement.

He is considered Cuba's best known folk singer and known for his highly eloquent and symbolic lyrics. Many of his songs have become classics in Latin American music, such as ''Ojalá'', ''Playa Girón'', ''Unicornio'' and ''La maza''. He has released nearly 20 albums.

Rodríguez, musically and politically, is a symbol of the Latin American left wing. His lyrics are notably introspective. His songs combine romanticism, love (even eroticism), revolutionary politics, and idealism.

Biography

Rodríguez was born on November 29, 1946 in San Antonio de los Baños, a fertile valley in Havana Province known for its tobacco crop. He was raised in a family of poor farmers. His father, Víctor Dagoberto Rodríguez Ortega, was a farmer and amateur poet who supported socialist causes. His mother, Argelia Domínguez León, was a house wife. On many occasions Rodríguez has spoken how his love of music was developed by his mother, who would pass time singing boleros and songs from Santiago. Although Rodríguez had an uncle who played the bass, his mother had a far greater influence. Later, she also collaborated with him on a few musical works.

When the Revolution led by Fidel Castro triumphed in January 1959, Rodríguez was only 13 years old, and, like most Cubans of his generation, became involved in the new Revolutionary enthusiasm. He participated in the Literacy Campaign held in 1961, and then started working as a comics designer in a magazine. During this period a friend of his, Lázaro Fundora, taught him how to play the guitar.

Guitar playing took a major role in his life while he was doing his military service in the army, during 1964, but it wasn't until 1967, with his first television experience, that he started to become well known and influential among Cuban revolutionary youth. With pro-revolution yet very independent lyrics (together with his very informal dress code), Rodríguez soon attracted the animosity of some members of the new Culture Ministry, which was devoted to the eradication of the United States' influence in Cuban culture. In this context, a very important role was played by the cultural institution Casa de las Américas and its then director Haydée Santamaría, the former a respected revolutionary who participated in the Moncada barracks assault of 1953 and sister of Abel Santamaría, who was tortured and killed after the failure of the assault. Haydée Santamaría became a protective mother-figure of the young composers and of several of his colleagues at the time. Casa de las Américas became the home not only for the new Cuban ''trovadores'' but also for many other Latin Americans on the left. It was in this institution that Rodríguez met Pablo Milanés, and Noel Nicola, who along with Rodriguez would become the most famous nueva trova singers and composers.

In 1969, for almost five months, he worked as part of the crew on the fishing boat Playa Girón, and during this fertile episode he wrote 62 songs, among which are the famous "Ojalá" and "Playa Girón." The lyrics and music of these songs became a book named ''Canciones del Mar''. In 1976, he decided to join Cuban troops in Angola, playing for the soldiers.

After more than 40 years of artistic work, Rodríguez has now written a vast number of songs and poems (said to be between 500 and more than one thousand), many of which have never been set to music and probably never will be. Although his musical knowledge has been continuously increasing (counting among his teachers the famous Cuban composer Leo Brouwer), he is more widely praised for the poetry in his songs than for the accompanying music. His lyrics are a staple of leftist culture throughout the whole Spanish-speaking world, and he has been banned from the media during several of the dictatorial regimes that ruled Latin America in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

His debut album was ''Dias y Flores'', launched in 1975. ''Al Final de Este Viaje'' and ''Cuando Digo Futuro'' feature songs he composed before ''Dias y Flores''. He reached international popularity in the early 1980s with ''Rabo de Nube'' and, in particular, ''Unicornio''. In the early part of his career his work displayed a fair amount of revolutionary optimism. ''Mujeres'', released in 1979, is in contrast a romantic and highly intimist album. In the middle of his career, Silvio Rodriguez experimented with sounds and rhythms departing from his trademark acoustic guitar, accompanied by the group Afrocuba (e.g. in ''Causas y Azares''). At maturity, Silvio Rodriguez thoroughly purified his sound through a return to acoustic guitar, great care and sophistication in the voice, and exclusive control of the production process from beginning to end. His lyrics became more introspective, at times even self-absorbed or self-justifying, expressing melancholic longings about the shortcomings of real-life socialism in Cuba while vindicating idealism and revolutionary hope amongst the youth. The trilogy, called ''Silvio'', ''Rodriguez'', and ''Dominguez'' (his first name, his father's last name, his mother's last name) displays sound artistic talent. The doubts, absent in the early part of his career, also correspond to the fall of communism worldwide and the so-called Special Period in Cuba. An unnoticed recurrent theme in the lyrics of the early part of his career is that of death, particularly although not only as associated with guerrilla warfare. In contrast to the explicitness of his early songs and political positions, there was a displacement of emphasis in his later years toward fantasy and dreams. Both, however, are about an alternative that is not present but is called for, or what Laclau would call a longing for a "missing fullness". This is true politically, romantically, and existentially. In a similar way, the unusual confessional tone of many of his songs allows for an unorthodox combination of transgression, eroticism, longing, and at times (probably accurate) self-deprecation in many of his lyrics.

The entire work of Silvio Rodriguez offers an intimate and introspective window into the life cycle of the artist. If the lyrics of the early part of his career are about revolutionary enthusiasm, love encounters and disappointments, as well as sensual desire, and if the middle-aged Silvio is more self-questioning, often looking backward; his most recent albums, such as ''Cita Con Angeles'', talk in part about his life as a grandfather and has a certain focus on children, while ''Erase Que Se Era'' is the release (with all the means that come with being an established artist) of songs written early in his youth but never previously recorded. ''Mariposas'' also featured two classics composed in his youth.

Silvio Rodriguez stands out in the Spanish-speaking world for the intimacy and subtlety of his lyrics, as well as for his acoustic melodies and "chord picking." He is particularly popular amongst intellectual circles of the left in Latin America and Spain. He has also often served as Cuban cultural emissary in events of solidarity, whether in Chile (''Silvio Rodriguez in Chile'', 1991) or Argentina (En Vivo en Argentina, recorded in 1984), both massive concerts given shortly after the fall of the right-wing dictatorships. Cuban flags are always conspicuous during his concerts in the crowd.

In 2007, he received a doctorate ''honoris causa'' from Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos in Peru. (Lima, Peru).

Rodriguez has been a major influence on many folk artists, including the Swedish artist José González.

U.S. Appearance

In 2010, Silvio Rodriguez obtained a U.S. visa and is performing at venues in Puerto Rico (May 30), New York (June 4 and 10), San Francisco (Oakland, June 12), Los Angeles (June 17), Washington (June 19), and Orlando (June 23). These are his first appearances in the U.S. in 30 years.

Discography

1975 - ''Días y Flores''

1978 - ''Al Final de Este Viaje...''

1979 - ''Mujeres''

1979 - ''Rabo de Nube''

1982 - ''Unicornio''

1984 - ''Tríptico: Volumes I, II & III''

1986 - ''Causas y Azares''

1988 - ''Oh, Melancolía ''

1991 - ''Silvio en Chile'' (Live Concert with Irakere)

1992 - ''Silvio''

1992 - ''Mano a mano (Silvio Rodríguez y Luis Eduardo Aute)''

1994 - ''Rodríguez''

1996 - ''Domínguez''

1998 - ''Descartes''

1999 - ''Mariposas''

2001 - ''En Vivo en Argentina'' (Live Concert with Pablo Milanés)

2002 - ''Expedición''

2003 - ''Cita con Ángeles''

2006 - ''Érase Que Se Era''

2010 - ''Segunda Cita''

References

External links

Official Silvio Rodriguez's website Songs, pictures, writings (in Spanish)

Official Silvio Rodriguez's blog - More than 5800 followers (in Spanish)

Analysis of Silvio Rodriguez Songs Meaning of lyrics (in Spanish)

Che, Guía y Ejemplo: - Songs of Silvio Rodriguez dedicated to Che Guevara

''Hasta Siempre Commandante'' - performed live by Silvio Rodriguez

TRANS Analysis of the harmonies of Silvio's songs, socio-cultural background

Brief reviews of Silvio's albums

Silvio's page in Patria Grande

Cuban Singer Complains that U.S. Didn’t Give Him Visa by the ''Latin American Herald Tribune''

Cuba's Silvio Rodriguez Dedicates Song to 'Che' ''AP'', July 23, 2009

Cuban Folk Singer Plays Rare US Show June 5, 2010

Silvio Rodriguez Concert in USA Photo Feature by Bill Hackwell, ''Havana Times'', June 17, 2010

Category:1946 births Category:Living people Category:Cuban male singers Category:Cuban musicians Category:Cuban communists Category:Cuban people of Spanish descent

ca:Silvio Rodríguez Domínguez da:Silvio Rodriguez de:Silvio Rodríguez es:Silvio Rodríguez eo:Silvio Rodríguez fa:سیلویو رودریگز fr:Silvio Rodríguez gl:Silvio Rodríguez ko:실비오 로드리게스 it:Silvio Rodríguez nl:Silvio Rodríguez pt:Silvio Rodríguez qu:Silvio Rodríguez ru:Родригес, Сильвио fi:Silvio Rodríguez sv:Silvio Rodríguez

name	Mercedes Sosa
background	solo_singer
birth name	Haydée Mercedes Sosa
born	July 09, 1935
died	October 04, 2009
origin	Argentina
relatives	Jeffy Lurie
genre	Folk, Nueva canción
occupation	Singer, Activist
years active	1950–2009 }}

Haydée Mercedes Sosa, known as La Negra, (9 July 1935 – 4 October 2009) was an Argentine singer who was popular throughout South America and some countries outside the continent. With her roots in Argentine folk music, Sosa became one of the preeminent exponents of nueva canción. She gave voice to songs written by both Brazilians and Cubans. She was best known as the "voice of the voiceless ones".

Sosa performed in venues such as the Lincoln Center in New York City, the Théâtre Mogador in Paris and the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, as well as sell-out shows in New York's Carnegie Hall and the Roman Coliseum during her final decade of life. Her career spanned four decades and she has been the recipient of several Grammy awards and nominations, including three nominations which will be decided posthumously. She served as an ambassador for UNICEF.

Life

Sosa was born on 9 July 1935, in San Miguel de Tucumán, in the northwestern Argentine province of Tucumán, of mestizo, French, and Quechua Amerindian ancestry. In 1950, at age fifteen, she won a singing competition organized by a local radio station and was given a contract to perform for two months. brought her to the attention of her native countrypeople. In 2002, she sold out both Carnegie Hall in New York and the Coliseum in Rome in the same year.

A supporter of Perón in her youth, she favored leftist causes throughout her life. She opposed President Carlos Menem, who was in office from 1989 to 1999, and supported the election of Néstor Kirchner, who became president in 2003. Sosa was a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Latin America and the Caribbean.

In a career consisting of four decades, she worked with performers across several genres and generations, folk, opera, pop, rock, including Lucio Dalla, Nana Mouskouri, Andrea Bocelli, Holly Near, Silvio Rodríguez, Pablo Milanés, Milton Nascimento, Caetano Veloso, Joan Manuel Serrat, Chico Buarque, Gal Costa, Gian Marco, Konstantin Wecker, Lourdes Pérez, Nilda Fernández, Pata Negra, David Broza, Franco Battiato, Luz Casal, Ismael Serrano, Charly Garcia, Joan Baez, Luciano Pavarotti, Shakira, Lila Downs, Julieta Venegas, Martha Argerich, and Sting.

Sosa participated in a 1999 production of Ariel Ramírez's ''Misa Criolla''. Her song ''Balderrama'' is featured in the 2008 movie ''Che'', starring Benicio del Toro as the Argentine Marxist revolutionary Che Guevara.

Awards

She won the Latin Grammy Award for Best Folk Album in 2000 ("Misa Criolla"), 2003 ("Acústico") and 2006 ("Corazón Libre"), as well as many international awards.

Her album ''Cantora 1'' won two awards at the Latin Grammy Awards of 2009. She won Best Folk Album and was nominated for Album of the Year. The album was also awarded Best Recording Package.

Death

Suffering from recurrent endocrine and respiratory problems in later years, the 74-year-old Sosa was hospitalized in Buenos Aires on September 18, 2009. She died from multiple organ failure on October 4, 2009, at 5:15 am. She is survived by one son, Fabian Matus, born during the first marriage. The hospital expressed its sympathies with her relations. Her website featured the following: "Her undisputed talent, her honesty and her profound convictions leave a great legacy to future generations".

Her body was placed on display at the National Congress building in Buenos Aires for the public to pay their respects, and President Fernández de Kirchner ordered three days of national mourning. Thousands had queued by the end of the day. She was cremated on October 5.

Sosa's obituary in ''The Daily Telegraph'' said she was "an unrivalled interpreter of works by her compatriot, the Argentinian Atahualpa Yupanqui, and Chile's Violeta Parra". Helen Popper of Reuters announced her death by saying she "fought South America's dictators with her voice and became a giant of contemporary Latin American music". Sosa received two Latin Grammy nominations for her album which is nominated for a total of three awards. She went on to win Best Folk Album about a month after her death.

Discography

She recorded forty albums.

''La voz de la zafra '' (1959)

''Canciones con fundamento '' (1965)

''Yo no canto por cantar '' (1966)

''Hermano '' (1966)

''Para cantarle a mi gente '' (1967)

''Con sabor a Mercedes Sosa '' (1968)

''Mujeres argentinas '' (1969)

''Navidad con Mercedes Sosa '' (1970)

''El grito de la tierra '' (1970)

''Homenaje a Violeta Parra '' (1971)

''Hasta la victoria '' (1972)

''Cantata sudamericana '' (1972)

''Traigo un pueblo en mi voz '' (1973)

''Si se calla el cantor '' (1973) (with Gloria Martín, life in Venezuela)

''Niño de mañana '' (1975)

''A que florezca mi pueblo '' (1975)

''En dirección del viento '' (1976)

''O cio da terra '' (1977)

''Mercedes Sosa interpreta a Atahualpa Yupanqui '' (1977)

''Si se calla el cantor '' (1977) - Recopilacion

''Serenata para la tierra de uno '' (1979)

''A quién doy '' (1980)

''Gravado ao vivo no Brasil '' (1980)

''Mercedes Sosa en Argentina '' (1982)

''Mercedes Sosa '' (1983)

''Como un pájaro libre '' (1983)

''Recital '' (1983)

''¿Será posible el sur? '' (1984)

''Vengo a ofrecer mi corazón '' (1985)

''Corazón americano '' (1985) (with Milton Nascimento and León Gieco)

''Mercedes Sosa ´86 '' (1986)

''Mercedes Sosa ´87 '' (1987)

''Amigos míos '' (1988)

''En vivo en Europa '' (1990)

''De mí '' (1991)

''30 años '' (1993)

''Sino '' (1993)

''Gestos de amor '' (1994)

''Live in Argentina '' (1994)

''Live in Europe '' (1994)

''Sera Posible El Sur '' (1994)

''Vivir '' (1994)

''Oro '' (1995)

''Escondido en mi país '' (1996)

''Gracias a la Vida '' (1996)

''Alta fidelidad '' (1997) '' (with Charly García)

''Coleccion Mi Historia '' (1997)

''Al despertar '' (1998)

''Misa criolla '' (1999)

''Serie Millennium 21 '' (1999)

''La Negra '' (2000)

''Acústico '' (2002)

''Grandes Exitos, Vols. 1 & 2 '' (2002)

''40 Obras Fundamentales '' (2003)

''Argentina quiere cantar '' (2003) (with Víctor Heredia and León Gieco)

''Voz Y Sentimiento '' (2003)

''Corazón libre '' (2005)

''Éxitos Eternos '' (2005)

''La Historia del Folklore '' (2007)

''Cantora 1'' (2009)

''Cantora 2 '' (2009)

Filmography

''Güemes, la tierra en armas'' (1971)

''Argentinísima'' (1972)

''Esta es mi Argentina'' (1974)

''Mercedes Sosa, como un pájaro libre'' (1983)

''Será posible el sur: Mercedes Sosa'' (1985)

''Historias de Argentina en vivo'' (2001)

References

External links

Mercedes Sosa's website (in Spanish)

Mercedes Sosa's News (in Spanish)

Category:1935 births Category:2009 deaths Category:Latin Grammy Award winners Category:Spanish-language singers Category:Argentine female singers Category:Argentine activists Category:Argentine people of French descent Category:Argentine people of Quechua descent Category:Contraltos Category:Deaths from renal failure Category:People from San Miguel de Tucumán Category:Nueva canción musicians Category:Bombo legüero players

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