Cuban Music Explosion in the SF Bay
The San Francisco Bay Area is enjoying a Cuban music explosion during the next few months. Popular Cubatoneros Los 4 packed Roccapulco this past Saturday. The John Santos Sextet performed a Sacred tribute to the drum featuring special guests Orestes Vilato and Bobi Cespedes on Sunday. Now the Bay Area is going to be visited by the likes of the new Havana Cuba All Stars, the new Chucho Valdes/Joe Lovano Quintet, Chucho’s son Chuchito Valdes, David Calzado & Charanga Habanera, Los Van Van, Alexander Abreu & Havana D’Primera during the new month and a half! San Francisco Bay Area’s own Tito Gonzalez Y Su Son De Cuba, Miguelito Martinez “Cuba Le Canta A Mexico Project”, Fito Reinoso’s Ritmo Y Armonia and Clasicos De Cuba bands, Rumbache and Orquesta La Moderna Tradicion have been performing the popular sounds from Son to Timba in the local festivals, clubs and venues. A lot of DJ’s have been incorporating Cuban music into their repertoire including long-time stalwarts DJ Walt Digz and DJ Dark Rum. Popular DJ Leydis has recently played the White House as an invited guest for National Hispanic month. And I have always incorporated the intoxicating sounds of Timba and Son into my DJ sets for los bailadores! I will keep you posted on future happenings in the SF...
Read MoreFernandito Junior-On His Way Up!
SF Bay Area based vocalist Fernando Wilkins a.k.a. Fernandito Junior has just put out his debut release “Un Nuevo Capitulo”on his own PE Entertainment label. Wilkins went to Puerto Rico to collaborate with Salsa star and composer Nino Segarra on his new recording that features 8 sparkling tracks full of heartfelt lyrics, swinging arrangements and catchy hooks. “Un Nuevo Capitulo” is the latest evolution of this artist who has several recordings under his belt as part of a duo with his former partner, Neftali Rosado of the band “Pa’l Bailador”. Wilkins left to pursue his artistic vision and desire to penetrate the Salsa market under his own persona. He has recently performed as part of percussionist Cafe August’s Orquesta De La Isla orquesta. Wilkins/Fernandito Jr. celebrated the release of his recording with a huge party at the new Sunday hot spot, Boogaloo Sundays at Gordon Biersch Brewery in San Jose. The party featured Wilkins, the powerful Orquesta De La Isla orchestra and special guest Nino Segarra flying in from Puerto Rico to play the show. There were plenty of explosive music moments throughout the show! I had the pleasure of emceeing the show and performing as DJ for this special evening! The cd is available at most digital platforms including Itunes, Amazon and CD...
Read MoreMill Valley Film Festival…Viva El Cine!
The Mill Valley Film Festival is offering an impressive slate of Latin films among their diverse offerings from big, potentially huge blockbusters to tribute nights to stars such as Nicole Kidman to Gael Garcia Bernal to a daily schedule of music events covering the gamut from Americana to Gospel now through October 16th. Alejandro Escovedo will be a featured artist during their musical schedule of events at the Sweetwater night club on Friday, October 14. Highlights include the acclaimed Sonia Braga starred vehicle “Aquarius”, the new Pedro Almodovar film “Julieta”, the new film “Neruda” featuring Gael Garcia Bernal, “Monday Nights at Seven” featuring Edward James Olmos (who also is executive producer of the film) and other great offerings. For more information, please visit...
Read MoreLatino Film Festival-Alma Y Mas
I made it to the opening night of the Cine + Mas 8th SF Latino Film Festival to see the Chilean comedy “Alma”. It had a light, airy touch considering that it’s about a serious subject: a heroine that’s a manic depressive with bi-polar disorder. Under less capable hands, this film could have been a depressing fiasco. However, it was a hilarious farce built around the 20 year marriage between Alma and her husband, Fernando. When Fernando lets his frustrations with her behavior come out at the worst possible time and declares that he is ashamed of her illness, he gets kicked out of the house and Alma meets Gaspar a new, younger suitor. It is Fernando’s quest to get her back that is the cornerstone of this engaging comedy. Other significant films that were featured during the festival included the powerful prison drama “Perros” which stars comedian John Leguziamo in a serious dramatic role, the Cuban family saga “Cafe Amargo” and the intriguing Mexican drama “Amir” about an aspiring musician who has to resolve conflicts on his way to adulthood. This is the eight annual Latino Film Festival which have shown films in venues as diverse as the Alamo Draftshouse, the Roxie Theater, The DeYoung Museum and the Mission Cultural...
Read MoreNotes from Late Summer 2016
Hi Everyone, I hope that your Summer was full of fun and excitement. I recently returned from visiting in-laws, family and friends in Spain! I got back to participate in the San Jose Jazz Summerfest on a Salsa DJ fueled stage with my radio colleague Jose Ruiz…it was a blast! I was sidelined for most of the month after the show recovering from an accident (I’m ok!!) However, I was able to bounce back and volunteer my help during Labor Day weekend at the annual Brazilian Day – Lavagem produced by my old friend Concecao Damasceno of Ginga Brasil/Bras Arte and the great people of Casa Del Cultura.(Shout out to Nick, Jose, Vanessa and the crew). Great live music provided by special guest Margareth Menezes sitting in with SambaDa(who were fabulous), Spok, Boca Do Rio, Dandara and Pandemonium and others!! I was also able to catch only a bit of the Festival De La Isla up in Vacaville. I caught a bit of the music of Avance, Hector Tricoche(who killed it with Orquesta De La Isla) and 90’s Salsa Romantica crooner Nino Segarra. I wasn’t able to catch Johnny Rivera or Ray Sepulveda but I heard they had great sets! Catch you...
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