Salsa Salsa Salsa
Veteran Salseros Ricky Rangel and Luis Acosta are facing major medical challenges: Parkinson’s disease and ALS respectively. Gil and Oli Medina (no relation to this author) of El Vacilon took the task of organizing a tribute and benefit for both of these vocalists at El Valenciano on Labor Day weekend. It was a heartfelt tribute that featured Tito Garcia y Su Orchestra International and Eric Rangel y Su Orquesta America (taking the place of Salsa Caliente). The cozy venue was full of old school salseros, musicians and scene makers. I joined DJ Carlitos Way in the DJ crew that spun music in-between sets that evening. The emotional high points of the evening came when Rangel joined both Tito Garcia and his brother Eric Rangel on stage. The effects of the disease such as shaking arms were obvious but were minimized when Rangel began tearing through pregones and coros on a few tunes. The crowd loved every minute of it and I don’t think there was a dry eye in the...
Read MoreActs to look out for this Summer-SF Bay 2018
After a June which saw the likes of Charlie Aponte, Tony Vega, Tito Puente Jr. and Arturo Sandoval visit the SF Bay Area, look out for a Summer which promises visits from Guayacan, Victor Manuelle, Chucho Valdes, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Luisito Carrion, Frankie Negron, Ife, Doug Beavers’ Titanes Del Trombon, Dayramir Gonzalez and Changui Majadero.
Read MoreRandom Notes 6/11/18
Fresh from emceeing at the KPFA Benefit featuring Arturo O’ Farrill and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra on May 12th and presenting the Carnaval Salsa Legends at the 40th Anniversary of Carnaval San Francisco on Memorial Day Weekend, I had the pleasure of DJ’ing at the Oakland Museum Friday Nights on June 8th. Although the emphasis was on Cuban dance music, I also spun Latin Jazz, Salsa Brava, Merengue for the dancers that packed the outside concrete floor at the museum’s amphitheater. It was great to open for Fito Reinoso y Ritmo Y Armonia who tore it up with their combination of originals, Timba, Son and Salsa! The crowd was also pumped up with the news of the Golden State Warriors clinching their championship title so there was a joyus, electric vibe in the air as well. I highly recommend coming out to the Oakland Museum where Friday nights are celebrated with a dj, great band, food trucks, reduced museum admission…and happy people! I visited the annual Temescal Street Fair in Oakland and discovered a fresh, new hot band…Mario Y Su Timbeko. Don’t sleep on this band! Led by timbalero Mario Solomon, this band was on fire! They have tremendous potential and a great sound. They will be headlining the new Cubalia Sundays at the Nica Lounge in Concord starting June 24th at 4 pm…..Let’s give credit where credit is due department to percussionist extraordinare Christian Pepin who got the band together that back up India at her show stopping performance at Carnaval SF’s 40th Anniversary. He collaborated with Pepe Gonzalez who helped with the background vocal team that backed up India. Great set!!…..And we say goodbye to Felipe Martinez otherwise known as DJ El De La Clave, one of the all star Salsa Congress DJ’s who plays the Salsa Congress dance circuit. He will be moving to greener pastures in Germany to concentrate on a Music business career. Ciao Felipe…and the best of luck to you!!...
Read MoreRandom Notes 5/16/18
What a spectacular show to benefit KPFA at Berkeley’s UC Theater on Saturday, May 12th. Arturo O’Farrill and his mighty 20 piece Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, Bobi Cespedes and her all star band with special guest John Santos, the Son Jarocho All Stars led by Camilo Landau and the Bras Arte dancers led by SF Carnaval legend Concesao Damasceno provided a great, entertaining show that was full of special highlights. After playing a dynamic set that wowed the crowd, Bobi Cespedes and John Santos were invited to perform a touching version of “Lagrimas Negras” that featured an original arrangement by O’Farrill. Renowned actor Danny Glover made a guest appearance to praise KPFA and it’s importance as a prominent voice in alternative media. I had the pleasure of serving as MC of this fine event. It was one of those great shows that you had to be there! If you missed it…you missed it!! Carnaval San Francisco celebrates its 40th Anniversary on Saturday, May 26 and Sunday, May 27 on Harrison Street between 17th and 22nd Streets. The free two day festival will feature the salsa diva India backed by Pepe, Christian Pepin and a hand picked all star band, Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Loca and others on the 17th Street Stage. The 22nd Street stage will feature an all day tribute to Latin Rock featuring Malo, El Chicano and Tierra on Saturday afternoon. The Sunday show on the 22nd Street Stage will feature the Carnaval Salsa Legends Band comprised of renowned veteran musicians who have performed with great salsa bands throughout Carnaval San Francisco’s history at 2:15 pm. Other featured acts on Sunday will be LoCura, Jesus Diaz and QBA, Aquarella and more!! For more information, visit...
Read MoreSF International Film Festival
The 2018 San Francisco International Film Festival has gotten off to a flying start with multiple screenings in various venues throughout the SF Bay Area. Established venues such as the Castro Theatre, the Roxie Cinema and the Victoria Theatre are now joined by newer venues Children’s Creativity Museum, SF MOMA, Dolby Cinema and the Walt Disney Family Museum and across the bay at BAMPFA and Oakland’s Grand Lake Theatre. Film screenings range from a tribute to Oscar nominated actress Charlize Theron to live music/film happenings featuring the Kronos Quartet, Blonde Redhead and Marc Capelle’s Red Room Orchestra. A slew of domestic and international films ranging from mainstream to independent releases are featured with a range of subject matter from the banal to profound changes in our ever changing world. Boots Riley’s outrageous and controversial film “Sorry To Bother You” makes it debut at both the Castro and across the bay at the Grand Lake Theatre. Be sure to visit www.sffilm.org to review your schedule and get your tickets quick! Some films only have one screening so you have to jump on it. As always, the SF International Film Festival has something for everyone so check it...
Read MoreLive Appearances
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