Con Sabor – Sat. 4/1/17 9 pm – KPFA 94.1 FM/El Dia De La Salsa, etc.
“Con Sabor with Luis Medina” is presenting a special report from this past weekend’s star-studded El Dia De La Salsa in Puerto Rico that starred the iconic El Gran Combo, salsa goddess India and other huge stars. Our guest corespondent, Julio Bravo was there in San Juan covering the concert and all the happenings prior to the concert. Plus information on the upcoming 60th SF International Film Festival. Also featuring the hottest new Salsa, Latin Jazz, Musica Cubana and more! Tune in this Saturday April 1st, starting at 9 pm on KPFA 94.1 FM and streaming on-line at www.kpfa.org where music programs are archived for 2 weeks after...
read moreBenefit for Jose Ruiz-Casa De Cultura 3/5/17
There was a packed gathering of folks at the benefit for esteemed DJ/radio host/community stalwart Jose Ruiz at Berkeley’s Casa De Cultura this past Sunday. Jose is undergoing treatment for throat cancer and the benefit was organized to help him with living expenses during the next few months. Los Cenzontles, John Santos Sextet with special guests Orestes Vilato and Bobi Cespedes, Orquesta La Moderna Tradicion, DJ’s Carlitos Way and Reyes from L.A. provided the musical fireworks. KCSM’s Chuy Varela and I had the opportunity to say a few words about Jose and introduce La Moderna and John Santos Sextet respectively. But the real story was the love and concern of the audience for Jose who has helped many in his community work for such places as La Pena, Los Cenzontles Cultural Center, Casa De Cultura, the Cheeseboard and his late business Casa Latina in Berkeley. Jose showed up to the benefit, hugged old friends, family and colleagues and danced with a few lady friends and his mother. Jose was looking thinner due to the chemotherapy but was in great spirits. He got up in front of the audience to declare that he was going to come back to host his programs on KPFA and KPOO and resume all the wonderful work to thunderous applause. I wish you a speedy and lasting recovery, my brother Jose...
read moreHola 2017!!
As we start the new year 2017, I’ll recap what came down during the past holiday season. Los Van Van put on a spectacular show at Roccapulco (although I thought their Herbst Theater show was a better show). Both Charanga Habanera and Alexander Abreu/Havana D’Primera cancelled their SF Bay shows due to inept national producers and visa problems. We missed seeing International and National Salsa acts visiting the area during the month of December and especially NYE. The annual SF International Salsa Congress was sorely missed this year. They would always feature international Salsa greats as headliners. As we enter this new year, a new promising venue Calle 11 is opening South of Market on January 5th at the old Paradise Lounge site at 11th & Folsom St. in SF in the same neighborhood as Slims. The club features 3 floors with a ground floor Salsa club and an upstairs Puerto Rican restaurant. Latin Jazz icon Pete Escovedo has been added to Yoshi’s January lineup on January 21st and 22nd. And…my radio program “Con Sabor” on KPFA 94.1 FM and worldwide on www.kpfa.org on Saturday evenings from 9 to 11 pm is celebrating 20 years on the air! Thanks to all the listeners for your support…2017 will be full of bright moments during this anniversary...
read moreEnrique Romero “El Molestoso” RIP
My esteemed colleague and friend, Enrique Romero died last week at the age of 58 of Cancer. Enrique was a great catalyst in the European Salsa scene. He was established as an important journalist, record producer, radio producer, host, publicist, dj’, graphic artist and event producer. He was known as “El Molestoso” (named after the Eddie Palmieri tune) for his notoriously wicked sense of humor and critical opinions that left no holds barred. He would give you the brutal truth which endeared him to some and offended others but that was part of his unique personality. His brilliant but short lived 90’s magazine “El Manicero” was beautifully done with great graphics, insightful interviews with Cachao and Eddie Palmieri among others and was considered essential reading for Salsa aficionados. He produced a series of compilations for Musica Del Sol which celebrated the work of great artists such as Joe Cuba, Benny More and brought attention to unsung heroes such as Rene Grand. He was a PR wunderkind for such media outlets as the progressive Radio Gladys Palmera in Spain and the Antilla News for many years. He also worked as an artistic advisor and featured dj with Tempo Latino, the largest outdoor music festival in Europe devoted to Salsa, Musica Cubana and Latin alternative music. Enrique was also host of his radio program “Picadillo” which featured his eclectic taste from Salsa to the new fusions in Latin music. His DJ sessions at Tempo Latino and a whole host of venues in Barcelona were instrumental in keeping Salsa and related music alive in Europe. I last saw him this past August. He was recovering from surgery. My wife Isidra and I spent the afternoon with him. We had some great laughs over lunch. I said what would be my last goodbye to him. The European music and literary community are in morning and so am I. He will sorely be missed. Enrique has gone to join the big descarga in the next dimension. Adios, dear...
read moreCuban 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...
read moreRandom Notes 7/29/16
Is it me or is this Summer just blowing by? It’s been hot in the SF Bay Area. Roberton from Los Van Van visited the SF Bay and joined locally based Cuban vocal legend Fito Reinoso on stage at the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival’s monthly Thursday Salsa happenings at Jessie Square last week. Our good friend, Luisito Cuba was instrumental in hooking up a visit from Roberton who not only hooked up with Fito but visited SF’s Bissap Baobab after the show for a rumba featuring Roberton on congas and vocals joined by renowned congueros Sandy Perez and Jesus Diaz. Reinoso joined Roberton on vocals. Other visits included the Cigar Bar and Cana Oakland!…Salsa heartthrob Jerry Rivera also visited the SF Bay and headlined the Peruvian festival at Swiss Park….Speaking of Pop/Salsa heartthrobs…El Sonero De La Juventud Victor Manuelle is paying SF a visit on Saturday, July 30 at the Regency Ballroom. N’Rumba is opening up the show which is also featuring DJ Pablo. Coming up: John Santos Sextet at Yoshis Aug. 12. SF Jazz is featuring a Cuban piano summit with Gonzalo Rubalcaba 8/11, Fabian Almazan/Aruan Ortiz 8/12, Alfredo Rodriguez/Ivan “Melon” Lewis 8/13, Harold Nussa-Lopez/Aldo Lopez-Gavilian 8/14 and featuring percussion phenom Pedrito Martinez joining each of the headliners on these string of dates….San Jose Jazz Summerfest heats up the same weekend 8/12-8/14 with a kick-off Salsa block party featuring yours truly from 9 to 11 pm and my radio/dj colleague Jose Ruiz starting at 7 pm at the San Pedro Street Stage. We’ll be throwing down hot music for dancing in the streets so come on by!! Festival performers that weekend will feature the hot Puerto Rican band “Pirulu Y La Tribu” as well as La Maquina Insular, the Bay Area Salsa All Stars, Lizz Wright, Sergio Mendes, Miguel Zenon, Kermit Ruffins, Bobby Caldwell, Jose James and others. Info:...
read moreLive Appearances
Follow Luis on
Follow Luis on