Random Notes 11/5/18
Today is the 2 year anniversary of the passing of my good friend Enrique Romero “El Molestoso”, one of the most important advocates of Latin Music in Spain and in Europe. He was known as an influential writer, publisher, broadcaster, record producer, graphics artist, avid record collector, catalyst and so much more. In his honor…
Read MoreRuben Blades 10/18
Ruben Blades has been in the public eye lately. A new great documentary on his life “Ruben Blades Is Not My Name” was featured at the 10th Annual SF Latino Film Festival this past September. The documentary gives us an up close and personal view of….
Read MoreSalsa 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!!...
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