Arts in Motion

On August 12th, on Arts in Motion radio show, host Gabriela Esquivel and co-host Catherine Shapiro engaged with Grammy-winning Costa Rican musician, composer, and producer Walter Flores. The conversation delved into Flores' illustrious career, focusing on his collaborations with legendary Latin American artists, including his long-standing work with Rubén Blades. Flores shared his approach to blending traditional Costa Rican music with contemporary sounds, emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural heritage while innovating within the music industry. He also discussed his work as a music producer, the challenges and rewards of working with diverse artists, and the evolving Latin music scene. The interview provided listeners with a deeper understanding of Flores' creative process, his contributions to Latin music, and his vision for the future of the genre.

Twenty years have passed since Gabriela Esquivel left Costa Rica to live abroad and only two years ago she became a United States citizen. For many years she has been searching for her true identity and through this research project she aims to “construct her new identity through music.”

Establishing a self-identity has been a common subject in many fields of study, and music is not an exemption. Several articles, books, and doctoral research projects study the relationship between music and identity.

What would be the best way to create a musical fusion between Costa Rican and North American music that can represent the identity of a Costa Rican-American artist? What contribution to the music community of both countries can this project bring to the table? To answer these questions, Gabriela began her research project by first reading about the musical history of both lands. She learned about specific musical genres, styles, rhythms, and dances from each culture. Some of these are parrandera, tambito, calypso limonense, cumbia, swing criollo, blues, honky-tonk, swing, doo-wop, and more.

On July 29th, during Arts in Motion radio show, Costa Rican pianist and singer-songwriter María Pretiz was interviewed by host Gabriela Esquivel and co-host Catherine Shapiro, providing an intimate look into her career and creative process. Pretiz shared insights into her musical influences, blending jazz, pop, and Latin American folk elements to create a sound that is uniquely her own. She spoke about her experiences as a female artist, her dedication to composing emotionally rich songs, and the importance of authentic storytelling in her music. Throughout the interview, Pretiz discussed how her personal experiences and cultural heritage shape her songwriting, offering listeners a deeper understanding of her passion for music as both a form of expression and a tool for social reflection.

In this episode of Arts in Motion, host Gabriela Esquivel and co-host Catherine Shapiro interviewed North American popular music pianist Greg Palmer. The discussion centered around Palmer’s experiences in American popular music and Americana piano performance. Palmer shared insights into his musical influences, his approach to interpreting a diverse of musical styles, and the nuances of performing around Fort Lauderdale venues. The conversation also delved into his creative process.

On July 15th, on Arts in Motion radio show, Costa Rican musician Jaime Gamboa was interviewed by host Gabriela Esquivel and co-host Catherine Shapiro. He offered a deep dive into his artistic journey and the cultural richness of Costa Rican music. As a founding member of the renowned band Malpaís, Gamboa shared his experiences blending folk traditions with contemporary sounds, reflecting on how his music aims to capture the essence of Costa Rican identity. During the conversation, he also discussed his songwriting process, the role of music in preserving national heritage, and the importance of storytelling in his work. The interview provided listeners with a heartfelt look into Gamboa’s dedication to his craft.

In an insightful interview on Arts in Motion, host Gabriela Esquivel and co-host Catherine Shapiro talked with renowned Costa Rican musician and composer Manuel Obregón. The conversation explored Obregón's expansive career in Latin American music, his passion for environmental preservation, and his unique blend of traditional and contemporary musical influences. Highlighting his journey as the former Minister of Culture of Costa Rica, Obregón shared personal anecdotes about his creative process, the significance of Latin American rhythms in his compositions, and his vision for music as a tool for cultural and ecological awareness.

Host Gabriela Esquivel and co-host Catherine Shapiro recently hosted an engaging interview with Heriberto Apú, a Costa Rican musician, band leader, arranger, and composer, on her radio show "Arts in Motion." During the conversation, which aired on July 1st, 2024, Esquivel and Shapiro explored Apú's musical journey, his influences, and his contributions to several musical genres. The discussion highlighted Apú's unique blend of traditional cumbia, showcasing his interest in forming a band that composes and performs mostly original popular music. Listeners were treated to insights into Apú's creative process and his views on the evolution of the cumbia and other musical genres and dances in Costa Rica.

In a recent episode of Arts in Motion, host Gabriela Esquivel and co-host Catherine Shapiro interviewed renowned Costa Rican dancer and choreographer Ligia Torijano. The conversation highlighted Torijano's artistic journey and her contributions to the dance scene in Costa Rica. Esquivel and Shapiro explored Torijano's creative process, influences, and the challenges she faced in a predominantly traditional landscape. Torijano shared insights into her innovative research about the swing criollo dance, emphasizing the importance of cultural expression and community engagement of this Costa Rican dance. The interview not only celebrated Torijano's achievements but also aimed to inspire young artists in Costa Rica to pursue their passions and embrace their interest in dance and choreography.

Arts in Motion is a dynamic radio show dedicated to connecting and collaborating with musicians from across the globe. Currently broadcast live from Omega Radio Studios in Coral Springs, Florida, the show airs on 101.9 FM. Omega Radio's extensive reach spans the Florida Keys, Caribbean Islands, parts of the Southeast U.S. (from Florida to New York), England, and beyond.

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Host Gabriela Esquivel and co-host Catherine Shapiro recently hosted an engaging interview with Manuel Monestel, a renowned Costa Rican musician and researcher, on Gabriela's radio show "Arts in Motion." During the conversation, which aired on June 10th, 2024, Esquivel and Shapiro explored Monestel's musical journey, his influences, and his contributions to the Costa Rican cultural landscape. The discussion highlighted Monestel's unique blend of traditional and contemporary styles, showcasing his commitment to preserving Costa Rican folklore while also innovating within the genre. Listeners were treated to insights into Monestel's creative process and his views on the evolution of music in Costa Rica. This episode not only celebrated Monestel's artistry but also aimed to inspire a deeper appreciation for local music among the audience.