Music News 12/2/2021

I started writing a column last month on the San Francisco/Northern California Latin scene for the on-line International Salsa Magazine. The column is called Noticias Con Sabor with news on what’s happening with musicians, DJ’s, bands, venues, concerts, radio and media that impact the local scene. You can access the magazine and my column by visiting salsagoogle.com. This month also features my review on the great Ruben Blades concert that took place at Oakland’s Paramount Theater on Saturday, Nov. 20th. Check it out!!

VibraSON has moved their Latin Vibe Tuesday nights to Thursdays at Bar Fluxus, 18 Harlan Place in SF. Their debut also featured a slightly scaled down version of the band now playing the venue in a conjunto format due to management’s concern regarding noise generating complaints from neighbors. The band still was swinging with vocalist Manny Martinez now has taken over the lead vocalist position vacated by Luis Guidos-Morales who has moved out of the country. The new Latin Vibe Thursdays still features the same format of Salsa Congress type of DJ’s along with the band. The hours have also changed to an earlier time from 8 til Midnight.

World Salsa Radio CEO/founder and DJ Felipe Martinez a.k.a. El De La Clave SF and WSR co-founder Orlando Felix a.k.a. DJ Boricua are featured DJ’S at the monthly Salsa social at The Beat Dance Studio, 2560 Ninth Street #119 in Berkeley on Friday, December 10th starting at 9 pm. This dynamic duo will also be featured at the New Year’s Eve Descarga 2021 at the Dance Boulevard, 1824 Hillsdale Avenue in San Jose on Friday, Dec. 31st. Featured performers include a tribute to the legendary timbalero for Willie Colon, Louie Romero leader of SF’s Mazacote who will be performing with Salson, Dancers John and Liz of the Salsamania Dance Company and a Bachata room.

Venezuelan music ensemble Bululu led by Composer/percussionist Lali Mejia and featuring some of the best players in the SF/Bay Area Venezuelan music scene will having an afternoon Christmas dance party “Venezuelan Gaitas and More” on Saturday, December 11 starting at 2:30 pm at the Rhythmix Cultural Works, 2513 Blanding Avenue in Alameda. The event will open their doors at 1:30 pm with food and drinks available for purchase before the show. Bululu is a fun and exciting band to check out live! Their recent recordings have featured the likes of Christelle Durandy and fellow Venezolano Omar Ledesma Jr. of Pacific Mambo Orchestra. There are a few tickets left for the show. Go to www.bululusf.com for more information on the band and the show

That’s all until next time. Ciao 4 now!