Music News 11/12/2022

Sheila E has sold out all of her dates at Yoshi’s in Oakland this weekend. The only hope I can give last minute folks is to advise you to check the Yoshi’s web site at www.yoshi’s.com in case any last minute tickets are put on sale. Sheila is releasing a new recording which is a tribute to the Fania All Stars and Salsa Dura. The iconic percussionist and vocalist will feature her big hits and range of styles including Rn’B, Funk and Latin. The remaining Sheila E and the E Train shows are at 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm this evening and Sunday at 7 p.m.

Grammy Award winners for Best Latin Tropical recording this year, Grupo Niche from Colombia visit the UC Theatre in Berkeley this evening. Doors open at 8 pm, the live show starts around 9:30 pm this evening. Expect Niche to perform their repertoire of huge hits as well as selections from “40“, their Grammy Award winning recording that is celebrating their 40 years in show biz. Composer/producer/bandleader/vocalist Jairo Varela who formed the band back in 1982 and composed their biggest hits passed away in 2012. The current band is now led by trumpeter Jose Aguirre who produced “40”. Niche is well known for their explosive live shows. For tickets and info, go to www.jaffeevents.com and www.theuctheatre.org.

The Freight and Salvage in Berkeley will present the EP release party for the latest John Santos Sextet opus “Filosofia Caribeña Vol. 3″ on Friday, December 2nd. An all star tribute to the late pianist/trombonist/educator Mark Levine will play the venue on Monday, November 21st at 7 pm. Levine played with everyone from Woody Shaw to Mongo Santamaria in his five decades of music as well as leading his own band “Mark Levine and the Latin Tinge“. Poncho Sanchez and his Latin Jazz band will be appearing New Years Eve at the Freight and Salvage in Berkeley. Timba/Salsa DJ Walt Digz will also be featured on the show.

The popular romantic Salsa vocalist Maelo Ruiz will be stopping at Roccapulco next Saturday, November 19th. Tickets available at tickeri.com and ticketon.com. This show is being presented by Bosco Vega Presents who is also co-producing a New Years Eve party with JC Coral featuring Julio Bravo Y Salsabor and N’Rumba at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Burlingame.

The Latin Jazz Trio with incredible all-star talent: percussionist Javier Navarette, pianist Marco Diaz and violinist Anthony Blea will be appearing this coming Wednesday, Nov. 16th, 5 pm at the El Cerrito Natural Grocery Company, Prepared Food Annex 10387 San Pablo Avenue in El Cerrito. This will be the last live World Music session of the year presented by Javier Navarette Music, Amer Burdyer Sunjams Productions with Dj Jose Ruiz.

More Trio action: The Pan Latin Trio featuring great musicians such as Puerto Rican cuatrista Pedro Jose Pastrana, Spanish guitarist Javi Jimenez and Colombian vocalist Ivan Rondon will perform on Friday, Nov. 18, 7:30 pm at the Red Poppy Art House, 2698 Folsom Street in San Francisco. Pastrana also has a fine new recording out entitled “Cronicas De La Pierna Inquieta” that showcases his virtuosic Cuatro playing in different genres. Jimenez and Rondon are part of the popular locally based World music ensemble Barrio Manouche.

I will be airing an interview with Mayito Rivera “El Poeta De La Rumba” (former lead vocalist with Los Van Van) next Saturday, November 19th on Con Sabor 9 to 11 PM PST on KPFA 94.1 FM and don’t forget that Sabiduria Con Tumbao airs Wednesdays 5 to 7 PM PST on WorldSalsaRadio.com.

That’s all for this time! Ciao 4 now!