Salsa Na Ma In San Francisco

It was an exciting weekend in San Francisco with el Caballero de La Salsa, Gilberto Santa Rosa and the dynamic major star in the making Michael Stuart in town last weekend on Feb. 20th.

Santa Rosa is at the height of his popularity.  Roccapulco was a packed sold out house of delighted fans who were treated to a 2 hour set of his big commercial hits and crowd favorites.  Backed by a stellar 14 piece orchestra, Santa Rosa was in fine voice and delivered a slick, tight performance.  He was very charismatic as well as confident as the veteran salsero whose done very well and has found his place in the commercial marketplace.

Across the other end of the Mission at the trendy Verdi Club, Michael Stuart headlined a potent bill which also featured two vocalists who were based here and made good in Puerto Rico, Paquito Acosta and Mel Martinez.  Stuart is a youthful, charismatic, energetic and commanding vocalist who poured his heart on stage while Avance led by Santana timbalero Karl Perazo provided the instrumental firepower.  The result was an explosive set that was impressive to the listener and a delight to the dancer.  Stuart performed his fine repertoire to a smaller enthusiastic crowd who were happy to cheer on these great performers.   Acosta and Martinez were both powerhouse vocalists who got the crowd pumped up.  Orquesta Taino did the honors of backing these two fine talents.  It’s a shame that more people didn’t have the opportunity to check these guys out.