I’m baaaaacccckk!
I know it’s been a while since I have talked to all of you. I spent some quality time with my family..recharged my batteries. What a Mothers Day weekend! Caught Manolito Y Su Trabuco at Cocomo. Although it took them a while to resolve their equipment issues, they rocked the crowd with a powerful show…la gente con las manos arriba..smiles abound..great music mostly on the timba side. The crowd on the light side appreciated every minute. Jumped over to the massive Luis Enrique salsa dance/concert at the Hilton on time to catch the tail end of the spectacle. Luis Enrique sounding good to an adoring packed crowd…the show started at 6 pm with 9 scheduled deejays, 3 local acts including crowd favorites Avance and the emerging Montuno Swing..and Proyecto A from the old Adolecentes from Venezuela. Yes, I missed all of that but caught “el principe de la salsa” en su gloria in jeans and t-shirt….ah..those stars can get away with it when they go...
Read MoreCinema Cinema and more Cinema
I have been immersing myself into the world of film by going to the 53rd San Francisco International Film Festival. I have been a film buff since I was a kid (I have to thank my mom for my exposure to movies!). So I’m thrilled to have checked out the opening night screening of the delightfully wacky French film “Micmacs”, attended a discussion with this year’s Oscar winner for best song, T-Bone Burnett sharing his experience about making music for film and going to see new Latin cinema such as the poetic Columbian film “The Wind Journeys” and the revealing documentary about the tragic fall of iconic Brazilian entertainer Wilson Simonal. I’m looking forward to going to a tribute to the great filmmaker/director Walter Salles who directed the oscar winning “Central Station” and the sensational “The Motorcycle...
Read MoreCh..ch…changes!
Well, musical chairs are being played in the concert scene. I was looking forward to seeing Manolito at Yoshis. Now those shows have been canceled. David Calzado’s Charanga Habanera has also been canceled at Cocomo. Now, Manolito is scheduled to take their place on May 8th at Cafe Cocomo. However, the big Luis Enrique salsa dance with Adolecentes, Avance, Montuno Swing and others is still taking place on the 8th at the SF Hilton. Now if you’re a big tropical Latin music freak like me, there is a dilemma if you want to see both gigs that evening. I also have my radio show that evening so I will attempt to be at 3 different places at the same time that evening…I been practicing my...
Read MoreGraciela RIP
Graciela Perez-Grillo was one of those legendary figures in our music who made an undeniable impact. Blessed with a great voice, impeccable timing, clear phrasing and a sense of humor, she sang with passion and style. Those classic Machito tunes that she recorded with her brother and husband Mario Bauza still stand the test of time. She enjoyed a renaissance in the late 80’s and 90’s when she and Mario Bauza collaborated on his last big band recordings. Now her music will be passed on to a new generation with open ears that appreciates classic dance music and loves to dance to it as well as the fans who loved her. Celia Cruz, La India, Albita, Elena Burke and many other divas owe a big debt to Graciela who was the first one to open the door. Blessed are the...
Read MoreLive Appearances
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