Conguero Ahkeel Mestayer (pictured left) is one of the young lions in the SF Bay music scene making a name for himself. Mestayer is one of the original band members of Soltron which has spawned renowned talents such as guitarist – tresero Kai Lyons and flautist/EWI player Daniel Riera. Mestayer is currently a member of the Malo all-star spinoff group Momotombo SF and also a part of producer/pianist Israel “Izzy” Tannenbaum led Montuno Productions All Stars Project. Mestayer is also the leader of a Thursday night jam session under the moniker “Ahkeel Mestayer and Friends” at Blondies Bar, 540 Valencia Street in the SF Mission District. Joining Mestayer are the formidable talents of timbalero Julio Areas, keyboardist Erick Peralta, vocalist/bassist Carlos Ramirez, guitarist David Lechuga and special guests. This is turning into a hot scene on Thursdays in SF.
Latin Vibe Thursdays featuring VibraSON continues going strong since it moved from their original Tuesday night scene to Thursdays at Bar Fluxus around the corner from the Hotel Des Arts in downtown San Francisco on 18 Harlan Place. Jake Jacobs, leader and bongocero for VibraSON has been leading a crack band of great players such as vibraphonist Charlie Barrera, bassist Saul Sierra, pianist Marco Diaz, vocalist Manny Martinez, rotating all-star percussionists and special guests such as Karl Perazo, Oscar Ly, Edgardo Cambon and others. Rotating guest DJ’s who spin for the dancers are also featured at this hidden cool night spot.
Also coming up this week: The SF Salsa Festival will be taking place from Thursday, March 31st through Saturday, April 2nd. Thursday’s kick off party will be featuring the danceable Latin Jazz and Salsa of the Cabanijazz Project plus DJ’s at El Valenciano, 1153 Valencia Street, SF. On Friday April 1st, the action moves to the Hyatt Regency Downtown SOMA, 50 Third Street, SF where the Bay Area Salsa All Stars band give tribute to Hector Lavoe in the main ballroom with Bay Area DJ’s and Dance Performances starting at 9 p.m. On Saturday April 2nd, Herman Olivera, all star vocalist with the Eddie Palmieri Orchestra will be performing with Orquesta Taino with Bay Area DJ’s and featured dance performances starting again at 9 p.m. There will also be dancing in two other rooms featuring Bachata and Kizomba going until 4 a.m. For more information and tickets, go to www.sfsalsafestival.com.
Other News: The great Charlie Aponte former lead vocalist with El Gran Combo who is enjoying a successful solo career visits Roccapulco, 3140 Mission Street in San Francisco this coming Friday, April 1st. Charlie Aponte will be singing his hits as well as his new single “El Ultimo Romantico”. This Jaffe Events production will also feature Pepe Y Su Orquesta and legendary SF based resident DJ Tony O. For more information, visit Jaffeevents.com For ticket information, visit eventbrite.com
More Tips for the weekend….Bobi Cespedes and her band will be returning to the Freight and Salvage, 2020 Addison in Berkeley this Saturday. Bobi Cespedes is blessed with a great voice and a smokin’ band led by pianist/trumpeter/musical director Marco Diaz. Expect a set of fine music from Cespedes latest recording Mujer Y Cantante and other choice selections from her repertoire. Get tickets fast at www.thefreight.org.
Orquesta La Moderna Tradicion will be performing at Pacifica Performances, 1220 Linda Mar Blvd. in Pacifica this Friday, April 2nd at 7 PM sharp! La Moderna Tradicion is a great charanga band (featuring flute and strings) that have been a SF mainstay with their irresistible blend of Danzon, Son, Cha Cha Cha and Timba. They have been selling out their performances lately. For more information, go to www.bandsintown.com or www.danzon.com
That’s all for this time! Ciao 4 Now!!
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