Hahahaha!
Hahahaha! We need to laugh as we near the close of another year. We have made it. We survived another long year. A worldwide financial crisis and a bad economy has cost millions of people jobs, security and in some cases, their homes. There is a monetary and class divide that has deepened the gulf between the halves and have nots. The middle class has shrunk over the course of the last three years. This situation drove people to the streets to voice their anger and frustration with the target being the one percent who have the majority of the money and power. Activists have been butting heads with police on the streets to call attention to these issues. It is dawning on all of us that the 99 percent is a wide range of people that are different and diverse. It’s difficult for people to agree on what to do next. The landscape of this rapidly changing world has now forced creative people to turn into unlikely entrepreneurs and businessmen in order to survive and thrive. We need to educate ourselves, read and learn new skills that can keep opening new doors to us while we learn to navigate the political system to our advantage. We need to vote and advocate for better opportunities and perhaps, a responsive government. Welcome to the new year....
Read MoreEddie Palmieri celebrates 75th!
The irresistible rhythms of salsa dura were driving people to the dance floor at the San Francisco Yoshi’s club. The sound was coming from 9 time Grammy award winning maestro Eddie Palmieri who was in town to celebrate his 75th birthday. One of the true geniuses and innovators of Latin music who has been making an impact since the 1960’s, Palmieri continues his life work by putting out dynamic recordings such as his new 50th Anniversary dvd. Powerful live performances has always been Palmieri’s speciality. This was evident as he brought La Perfecta II featuring an all-star group consisting of the great sonero Herman Olivera, trescero extraordinare Nelson Gonzalez, young bass phenom Loques Curtis, the tight percussion section of Little Johnny Rivero, Jose Clausell and Orlando Vega, the tremendous horn section featuring the trombones of Jimmy Bosch and Doug Beavers and the flute of Karen Joseph. Palmieri’s repertoire consisted of his classic dance tunes such as “Sujetate La Lengua”, “La Malanga”and “Lo Que Traigo Es Sabroso” to name a few. La Perfecta II is simply one of the finest live dance orchestras that exist…period. The interplay and communication between musicians, the sheer virtuosity of the players and the fiercest dance music to be heard on any bandstand. Eddie Palmieri was in fine form whether he was playing jaw dropping solos, leading his top-notch ensemble or cracking jokes to the audience. I wasn’t alone in thinking that I was lucky to be there to catch the master at...
Read MoreLatin Grammylicious
I’m checked out the Latin Grammys on TV on Thursday night. I watched as the current crop of hot recording stars who are enjoying massive success such as Shakira, Romeo Santos singing a duet with Usher, Pitbull with Marc Anthony, Christian Castro, Pepe Aguilar and Disney rehab comeback princess Demi Lovato entertained with gusto. This 3 hour awards ceremony/spectacular is your traditional long drawn out affair with “highlights” that were either dope, corny or awful. Calle 13 accepted the award for record of the year with Residente and their crew as they seized the moment to make a political statement supporting the current student protest movements in Chile and Puerto Rico. I had to endure Alejandra Guzman and Franco De Vita as they sang an insipid ballad that was nominated for song of the year. Co-host singer/actress Lucero and the Muppets own Kermit The Frog introduced the hot Mexican norteno band Intocable. Pitbull and guest Marc Anthony performed their hit duet surrounded by an over abundance of scantily clad women..some wearing bikinis and some were being showered by water! So much for a “top notch” awards show. Oh well, there’s always next...
Read MoreBe ready to bring your dance shoes 2 my shows
I will be the guest DJ at the new Sabor Salsa monthly happening next week in Marin County at Georges Nightclub, 842 Fourth Street in San Rafael on Thursday, November 17 starting at 9 pm. I will be putting it in the mix with my blend of Salsa Dura, Mambo, Musica Cubana, Merengue, a taste of Bachata y mucho mas for all the salseros and salseras. Georges has been featuring live salsa each month since August featuring bands such as Orquesta Borinquen, Avance and Julio Bravo y Salsabor. I’ll be bringing the Con Sabor wall of sound as featured during my nights at Cafe Cocomo. Speaking of Cafe Cocomo, I will be the dj this Saturday, November 12 as the 19 piece Pacific Mambo Orchestra celebrates their one year anniversary. This great big band is led by pianist Christian Tumulan (Montuno Swing) and trumpeter Stefen Kuehn (Mazacote). Be ready to bring your dance...
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