My Conversation With Mayito Rivera “El Poeta De La Rumba” by Luis Medina
I caught up with the amazing vocalist Mayito Rivera “El Poeta De La Rumba” on the afternoon before his explosive performance at Roccapulco in San Francisco in early November. Mayito Rivera, former lead vocalist of Juan Formell Y Los Van Van was with the group for over 20 years. He is currently preparing new music to be recorded in the first part of 2023 which includes a song featuring his new rhythm Mayombe that he introduced in an earlier recording.
read moreCon Sabor Special Fund Drive Edition Tonite 12/10/22 9pm on KPFA 94.1 FM & kpfa.org!
Hi Everyone, I will be celebrating my KPFA radio program Con Sabor’s 25th Anniversary as the year comes to a close. I have prepared a special program for tonight. I will be celebrating with excerpts of live performances that I have hosted and produced throughout the years. Tonight I will be featuring violinist extraordinare Anthony Blea y Su Charanga (formerly Charanson) with special guest John Santos from a New Year’s Eve broadcast going back to 2005!
read moreJohn Santos Sextet Triumphs at the Freight 12/2/22
The John Santos Sextet EP release party for their new recording “A Puerto Rico Del Alma-Filosofia Caribeña Vol. 3” was a triumph for Santos and his stellar sextet: long time collaborator and flautist Dr. John Calloway, pianist Marco Diaz, bassist Saul Sierra, drummer David Flores, saxophonist Charlie Gurke and Santos on congas, misc. percussion and vocals.
read moreMusic News 12/3/22
Bululu, the hot Venezuelan music group led by percussionist Lali Mejia and featuring percussionist Omar Ledesma Jr., vocalist/guitarist Jose Roberto Hernandez and the brother and sister team vocal team of Norma and Jose Gregorio Kansau have a new Salsa single out “El Token De Tu Suerte”.
read moreMusic News: RIP Pablo Milanés & Johnny Almendra; Music Notes 11/21/2022
The legendary Cuban Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist Pablo Milanés died of cancer in Madrid on Monday, November 21st at the age of 79. Milanés was a monumental figure in music who recorded more than 40 albums in his career.
read moreMusic News 11/12/2022
Sheila E has sold out all of her dates at Yoshi’s in Oakland this weekend. The only hope I can give last minute folks is to advise you to check the Yoshi’s web site at www.yoshi’s.com in case any last minute tickets are put on sale. Sheila is releasing a new recording which is a tribute to the Fania All Stars and Salsa Dura.
read moreMayito 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” 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.
read moreGracias John Santos: “Santos Skin To Skin” & Birthday Celebration at SF JAZZ
The John Santos 67th Birthday celebration at SF JAZZ Center last Sunday night, October 30th was a special affair which included a showing of the new documentary by filmmakers Kathryn Golden and Ashley James on this esteemed musician “Santos: Skin To Skin”.
read moreMayito Rivera This Friday Nov. 4th at Roccapulco
El Poeta De La Rumba…Mayito Rivera, formerly lead vocalist for the iconic Cuban band Los Van Van will be appearing on this Friday night, Nov. 4th, 9 pm at Roccapulco, 3140 Mission Street, SF. Mayito is a superstar whose charismatic presence compliments his powerful distinctive voice.
read moreEddie Palmieri Wows Yoshi’s Crowd
The iconic Maestro Eddie Palmieri played 2 nights at Yoshi’s Jazz Club in Oakland. Palmieri (pictured left with Luis Medina-Photo by Luis Medina) blew the crowd away on opening night with his masterful playing and brilliant performances from his powerhouse Latin Jazz sextet.
read moreLive Appearances
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