Iconic Cuban vocalist Issac Delgado (pictured left – photo: Luis Medina), who ushered in the timba era with NG La Banda back in 1989, debuted his Afro-Cuban Super group “Con Tumbao” at the 39th San Francisco Jazz Festival at the SF Jazz Center on Saturday night. There was a lot of anticipation and charged energy in the atmosphere inside the SF Jazz Center from the audience at both shows. The charismatic Delgado in fine voice all evening was joined by vocalist-bassist Alain Perez, already a major star in Cuba and the renowned vocalist/percussionist Pedrito Martinez. They were the lead vocalists who alternated songs and led an awesome band of musical giants and bandleaders. The star-studded lineup included timbalero Tony Succar, drummer Robby Ameen, pianist Issac Delgado Jr. (taking the place of Oscar Hernandez), trombonist Conrad Herwig, saxophonist Bob Franceschini, trumpeter Juan Munguía and trumpeter Mike Rodriguez.
The material was Son, Timba, Cuban Salsa and Afro-Cuban jazz fusion done with a great deal of sophistication and improvisation by this mighty band. Everyone soloed with intensity and incredible chops as the band was performing for the first time together on Saturday night. These two sets had their highlights including Pedrito Martinez singing’ “Los Caracoles” and Issac Delgado’s inspired pregones on “Loco”, one of his biggest hits. Alain Perez was a dynamic presence on lead vocals and bass, leading the audience in a call and response routine to the adoring audience. The atmosphere was charged with the electricity of a special event taking place. The audience was highly vocal, dancing and interacting with the band. The dance floor in front of the band was packed. It was a sensational debut and triumph for Delgado and company who has plans to record this Con Tumbao project by early next year.
La Peña Cultural Center in Berkeley celebrated it’s 47th Anniversary in style during their June edition of their monthly “Baila” community dance party this past Friday, June 17th. Timbalero extraordinare Eric Rangel and his Orquesta America provided the live musical fireworks on stage. KPOO – KPFA DJ Jose Ruiz played music from the 47 years of La Peña’s history while a slide show displayed important cultural milestones that took place at the center. DJ Ron Palma provided Bachata music in the lounge and renowned dancer Kathy Reyes taught the masses how to dance Bachata and Salsa . Manny Martinez y La Rebeldia will headline the next Baila party set for Friday, July 15th. For more info, visit www.lapena.org.
Charley’s LG located at 15 N Santa Cruz Avenue in Downtown Los Gatos continues to be the new Salsa hot spot on Thursdays in the South Bay. Coming up this Thursday, June 23 will be the hot sounds of Orquesta Taino. Julio Bravo and Salsabor will return on June 30th. Yours truly, Luis Medina from KPFA/WorldSalsaRadio.com will be your DJ/MC for the evening. Dance lessons by Juan Carlos Camarena start at 8 pm. For advance tickets and information, please visit charleyslosgatos.com.
Look out for the return of Mario Y Su Timbeko at the Freight and Salvage in Berkeley on Saturday, July 2nd starting at 8 pm. This tight, slammin band led by charismatic vocalist/timbalero Mario “Mayito” Solomon played to a packed house at La Peña in February. Mario y Su Timbeko have a new 4 song ep which features the timba drenched singles “Solo Tu Quedaste”, “Lo Mas Grande” (dedicated to the birth of his son), “Llego Lo Que Tu Esperabas” and “Nadie Sabe Nada”. The Timbeko are a band to be reckon with featuring the talents of bassist Ayla Davila, guitarist David Lechuga, vocalist-keyboardist-guitarist Jordan Wilson, conguero Carlos Medrano and keyboardist Jason Moen. Their shows create a great deal of excitement and fire. Don’t miss them! For tickets and info, go to the freight.org.
That’s it for this time! Congratulations to the Golden State Warriors on their NBA Championship! Ciao 4 now!
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