Carnaval Time!

Of course, it’s Carnaval and Mardi Gras time. I remember when I was totally involved with organizing the acts as entertainment director for Carnaval SF back in 1983 and from 1986 to 1998. What a flood of great memories! I was also involved with Carnaval as radio sponsor through KPFA for a great many years during this past decade. I was fortunate enough to work with artists such as Willie Colon, Santana, the Mighty Sparrow, Luis Enrique, Eddie Palmieri, Arrow, Shaggy, Calypso Rose, Michael Franti, Merle Saunders, Flora Purim and Airto, Libre, Los Hombres Calientes and countless others. I have seen my share of sequined dancing beauties, drum troupes, great bands, massive crowds as well as backstage drama, disorganization and ego trips. Ah..the yin and the yang! But all the good people that I have worked with bring to me the rich memories that are the best. I’ve lost some good people along the way such as one of my favorite stage managers Ethan Fox and great artists such as Carlos Acietuno who passed away at too young an age. I’ll raise a glass and drink a Hurricane to your memory, my brothers. Representing KPFA as an active radio sponsor of live music, I have been fortunate to have emceed shows with Daniella Mercury, Milton Nacimento, Marisa Monte, Bebel Gilberto and the beat literally goes on!