Music News 12/3/22

Bululu, the hot Venezuelan music group led by percussionist Lali Mejia and featuring percussionist Omar Ledesma Jr., vocalist/guitarist Jose Roberto Hernandez and the brother and sister team vocal team of Norma and Jose Gregorio Kansau have a new Salsa single out “El Token De Tu Suerte”. Pick it up for the holidays on your favorite streaming platform. Their annual Venezuelan “Gaitas Con Sabor” outdoor party on Saturday, December 10th, 2 pm at Alameda’s Rhythmix Cultural Works is already sold out! However, you can check www.rhythmix.org if any tickets will be available near the concert date.

If you missed the sensational John Santos Sextet concert at the Freight and Salvage last night at the Freight and Salvage…don’t cry! Santos will be playing percussion as part of Trio Colobri featuring singer/guitarist Jose Roberto Hernandez and singer/guitarist Manuel Constancio Jr. with special guest Afro-Peruvian vocalist Marina Lavalle. They will be performing at the El Cerrito Natural Grocery Company in El Cerrito on Wednesday, Dec. 7 from 5 to 7:30 pm at the last Neighborhood World Music Sessions for 2022. Percussionist Javier Navarrette has been curating the series in collaboration with KPOO-KPFA Radio/Club DJ Jose Ruiz of the Annex and the Sunjams Foundation. They are trying to raise $9,600 to keep the series going next year The shows have been featuring top-notch entertainment and are free to the public. #javiernavarrettemusic #sunjams #neighborhoodworldmusicsessions

The Puerto Rican powerhouse The Latin Rhythm Boys led by brothers Earl and Henry Miranda have been knocking out audiences with their swinging trombone heavy salsa sound . They will be having a Christmas celebration at the Ramp on Saturday, December 17th starting at 5 pm. Get ready to dance, sweat and party with this ferocious band! Resident DJ Mendy will also be in the house. The Latin Rhythm Boys will also be part of the 3rd Annual Valentine’s Day Concert on Saturday, February 11 at Oakland’s California Ballroom along with vocalist Jessy Diaz who was a sensation at last summer’s Bay Area Latin Jazz Festival’s tribute to Mario Bauza and the MP All Star Salsa Project led by Grammy winner Christian Pepin. I will also be there as MC/DJ to join the fun. For tickets and info, visit montunoproductions.com.

This Sunday, Dec. 4th, Pacific Mambo Orchestra percussionist and vocalist Braulio Barrera will be appearing with his band at former Koketos club promoters Grace and Eric Rivera’s latest Pisco Bar happening at 14486 Big Basin Way in Saratoga starting at 5 pm. Braulio has various projects including the Afro-Peruvian band Con Kimba and his long running band Somos El Son.

New Salsa Christmas releases: Orquesta Fuego from Florida who are enjoying a good year with their latest release Candela have put out their version of the Jose Feliciano classic “Feliz Navidad”. Vocalist Edwin Lebron joins Fuego to put a different swing on the timeless tune….Renowned Puerto Rican trumpeter/bandleader/producer Julito Alvarado has also put out some lively Christmas cheer on his tune “La Marquesina” for the holidays. Both tunes are available on your favorite digital platforms.

Recommended reading: “Promenade Of Desire: A Barcelona Memoir” by Isidra Mencos. A frank, revealing and sensual coming of age story set in the transitional era from Spanish dictator Franco’s death in the mid 1970’s to liberation and freedom in Spain. Mencos weaves the different threads of her youth: her family, repression under the Franco regime, relationships with men, sexuality and her love of Salsa music and dancing. In the interest of full disclosure, Isidra Mencos is my talented wife. To her credit, she is an excellent writer and this book is an engrossing page turner! The book is now available at www.amazon.com.

Don’t forget to check out my radio programs: Con Sabor every Saturday night 9 to 11 pm PST on KPFA 94.1 FM and Sabiduria Con Tumbao every Wednesday night 5 to 7 PM PST on WorldSalsaRadio.com. Thanks for listening and for your support! Ciao 4 now!