Checking In 4/19/2020

I’m checking in with you to see that you are still safe at home, enjoying the weekend the best way we can and staying positive!! Life is an ever evolving adventure. We need to be patient in order for us to get through this crisis together.

I’ve been catching the following media treats on television, on-line and on other media during these past few days: the exciting Colombian reggaeton film “Somos Calentura” on HBO Latino set in the ghetto of Buenaventura focusing on BMA, a Reggaeton dance team competing in a dance contest with the backdrop of crime, poverty, cohesion, love and betrayal. Well worth checking out; the CoBeatParty’s on-line Salsa Congress featuring vinyl DJ’s, lectures on the history of Latin Music, percussion lessons by the likes of Tromboranga’s Joaquin Arteaga, dance lessons and parties from around the world and more; the on-line International Salsa Magaine channel on You Tube with dance performance videos, interviews, links, info on the new Salsa App application and more news; the Lady Gaga curated One World Special brought to us by Global Citizen featuring Elton John, Jennifer Lopez, Maluma, Paul McCartney, the Rolling Stones, John Legend, Lizzo, Camila Ceballo and Shawn Mendes and others giving thanks to our brave first responders and medical workers in the front lines of the Coronavirus pandemic battle. The on-line site DoTheBay.com is providing links to special daily on-line concerts from internationally renowned recording artists, indie artists, bands, dj’s, record producers and more.

Hot new SF Bay Area music from the Brian Andres Trio Latino featuring PMO pianist/co-leader Christian Tumulan and bassist Aaron Germain. You can check out their video of their catchy tune “Viento Solar” on Facebook….San Jose based salsa orchestra Latin Heat has just put out two singles “Echale Salsa” and “Salsero Forever” (more about that next time)….SF based Salsa, Timba and Latin Jazz artists are posting archival videos from past performances of concerts, festivals and club dates. Have checked out postings from popular bandleader/vocalist Julio Bravo, Timba sensation Mario Y Su Timbeko, trombonist Jaime Dubberly, trumpeter Bill Ortiz formerly of Santana and Batachanga and others. Ciao 4 now!!