Mayito Rivera, the dynamic El Poeta De La Rumba wows Roccapulco; Music News

Former Los Van Van lead vocalist Mayito Rivera “El Poeta De La Rumba” (pictured left) put on a phenomenal show at Roccapulco this past Friday evening. Mayito was in great spirits and in fine voice as he delivered a two hour set full of his great solo material such as his mega hit “Negrito Bailador“, some Van Van hits and a wide range of songs that ranged from timba to son. Mayito, a striking figure with his trademark braided dreadlocks and dark sunglasses is an incredible showman whose dynamic vocals and soneos soared over his orchestra. Rivera was backed up by a tight orchestra made up of predominately of L.A. based musicians and SF Bay Area corista/background vocalist Sukary Valverde of Pellejo Seco.

The dance group CaliDance led by the vivacious dancer Yismari Ramos proceeded Mayito with a striking dance number. Ramos joined Rivera on stage giving sensuous choreography to one of Rivera’s showstopping tunes. DJ’s Leydis, DJ Antonio and DJ Pepe Timba kept the crowd entertained before Mayito’s set. Thanks to the Production team of Ray Garcia aka DJ Cubita, Mary and Jimmy Rumba for bringing the show to SF. I had the great pleasure of introducing Mayito Rivera to the adoring, enthusiastic crowd. I was surprised that the venue was only half full but that didn’t deter folks from dancing and enjoying this first class show by this explosive headliner!

I interviewed Mayito earlier in the day for my radio programs. He is preparing to record a batch of new songs for a full length recording in Cuba early next year to be released later in 2023.

Other news: legendary Percussion dynamo and vocalist Sheila E. and the E Train will be visiting the Bay Area at Yoshi’s, Jack London Square this coming weekend from Friday Nov. 11 through Sunday, Nov. 13th. Sheila is an exciting performer that will be playing her big hits along with the Funk, RnB and Latin sounds in her repertoire. She is the daughter of renowned Grammy Award winner and Latin Jazz icon Pete Escovedo and sister of noted percussionists Peter Michael and Juan Escovedo.…

Also coming to the Bay Area will be the Columbian Grammy Winners, Grupo Niche to Berkeley’s UC Theatre on Saturday night, Nov. 12th brought to you by Jaffe Events. Niche has a storied career from it’s rise to prominence due to mega hits written by its legendary founder, composer, producer and vocalist Jairo Varela who passed away in 2012. Niche has maintained their worldwide popularity due to its current musical director and trumpeter Jose Aguirre who has produced the group’s current recordings including the Grammy Award winning “40” which celebrated the group’s 40th anniversary. For tickets and info: visit jaffeevents.com and theuctheatre.org.