KPFA needs your support!
Lot’s of things have been happening that have taken my time away from my blog. I have been working hard the past month with the KPFA fund drive. It is no secret that this 61 year old listener sponsored radio station is in financial trouble going thru job cuts, reducing budgets, shrinking resources and enduring a heated local station board election and on-going internal political struggles. In addition to my duties and obligations as Music Director, I have been extremely busy producing fund drive programs, assisting my fellow on-air hosts in pitching for much needed money and securing premiums for this current drive. It has been a struggle this time which is reflective of our sagging economic situation and it appears that the station is going to fall short of its goal this time. You can contribute to KPFA by going to the web site at www.kpfa.org. If you listen to my program “Con Sabor”, please consider supporting the cause, visiting the web site and becoming a...
Read MoreCachao On TV
I was fortunate enough to be a part of the film documentary “Cachao Uno Mas” focusing on the late great music legend Israel Lopez “Cachao”. The film is being aired nationally tonight on PBS. In the film, I was caught in the act of interviewing Cachao for my KPFA program “Con Sabor” at the Cigar Bar in San Francisco. A film crew was present to capture Cachao during the course of a weekend as he was being honored at San Francisco State University and later culminating with a fantastic concert at Bimbos 365 Club with Cachao, actor/musician Andy Garcia and the Cineson All Stars with local greats John Santos and Wayne Wallace. The original version of the film premiered at the San Francisco International Film Festival in 2008 and has been screened at various international film festivals. The TV version is a new version of the film with added interviews with Gloria and Emilio Estefan and Arturo Sandoval. This film is a testament to the greatness of this master musician and the gentle, humble human being that was...
Read MoreCan’t leave out Musica Cubana – Sept 2010
I’ve been also enjoying some new tracks from the master Cesar “Pupy” Pedroso y Los Que Son Son from his upcoming new release: “Un Loco Con Una Moto”, his remakes of “Parece Mentira” and “Ni Bombones Ni Caramelos” and La Batea featuring Omara Portuondo. Maikel (now Maykel) Blanco y Su Salsa Mayor’s new “Soy Lo Que Te Hala” for all the timba heads. Septeto Nacional De Ignacio Pineiro for those who love classic son. And who can forget the gorgeous tribute to the latin side of Nat “King” Cole, “L O V E” by mister smooth Issac Delgado joined by legendary jazz vocalist (and Nat’s brother) Freddy...
Read MoreHappy Brithday Benny Velarde!
Legendary Salsa and Latin Jazz timbalero Benny Velarde celebrated his 81st birthday in style at the Glas Kat on Tuesday evening, Sept 7th. The esteemed veteran percussionist who was part of Cal Tjader’s seminal Latin Jazz ensemble and who has graced Bay Area stages for over six decades performed with an all star version of his Super Combo. Among the all-stars joining Velarde on stage were John Santos, Orestes Vilato, John Calloway, Monchy Esteves and Jorge Pomar. Velarde was in great spirits as he performed in front of an adoring audience that included his family, long time friends, admirers and dancers both young and older. Diana Bowen, producer of the Mr. Maracas Tuesday salsa nights at the Glas Kat came up with the idea of honoring Velarde. It was a party the entire evening with great music from Velarde and noted Bay Area dj/producer Fab Fred. Benny told me that he has revived the band and will be actively playing again. Good news for salseros...
Read MoreLive Appearances
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