Pianist, composer, arranger and co-founder of Los Van Van, Cesar “Pupy” Pedroso (pictured left-Photo by Tom Ehrlich) passed away this past Sunday, July 17th at the age of 75. Pupy was one of the most important figures in the history of Cuban music due to his innovative songwriting, flawless arrangements, virtuosity on the piano and always having his finger on the pulse of the Cuban public which greatly contributed to Los Van Van’s longevity and the popularity of his post Van Van band “Pupy Y Los Que Son Son“. Pupy was one of the creators of the Songo along with Juan Formell and Jose Luis Quintana “Changuito”. My program Con Sabor will give tribute to Pupy as part of this Saturday night’s, July 23rd fund drive program on KPFA 94.1 FM (online at kpfa.org). Check out my take on the contributions of this musical giant. Tune in!
El Maestro Eddie Palmieri will not be appearing with Arturo Sandoval at the scheduled outdoor concert for this Saturday, July 23rd at the Frost Amphitheater at Stanford University in the Palo Alto area. Eddie had to drop out of the show due to health issues that have popped up in the last few months. I’m sending out good wishes to Eddie for a speedy and complete recovery. Renowned Vocalist-Percussionist Pedrito Martinez and his group have been added to the show which is co-produced by Stanford Live and SFJAZZ.
Juan De Marcos and the Afro-Cuban All Stars will be starting their four night stand at the SF Jazz Center, 201 Franklin St. at Fell in San Francisco starting tomorrow, Thursday, July 21 through Sunday, July 24th. Juan De Marcos’ Afro Cuban All Stars features an illustrious crew of Cuba’s talented musicians and vocalists. The Latin big band not only features a multi-generational cast, the group draws on both classic Cuban styles like son and danzón and contemporary dance rhythms like timba. For tickets and information on both the Arturo Sandoval-Pedrito Martinez and Juan De Marcos Afro-Cuban All Stars, go to sfjazz.org.
The swinging Latin Vibes band VibraSON who ended their long-time residency a few weeks ago at San Francisco’s Bar Fluxus will be playing tonight-Thursday, July 21st at Charley’s LG, 15 N Santa Cruz Avenue in Los Gatos. This all-star band led by bongocero Jake Jacobs features vibraphonist Charlie Barreda and special guest, Santana percussionist Karl Perazo on congas. Dance lessons with JC Camarena starting at 8 pm. This new scene is taking off in the South Bay or Thursday nights! For tickets and info, visit www.charleyslosgatos.com.
The new Sunday place to go in the poppin’ South Bay Latin scene will open in Saratoga when Koketos Sundays reopens this Sunday, July 24 from 4 to 9 pm at the site of Sipan Restaurant a.k.a. Pisco Bar, 14486 Big Basin Way. Featured will be The Koketos All Stars featuring the vocal firepower of Monchy Esteves, Leedia Urteaga and Carlos Ortega and DJ Len Johns in the mix. The band also boasts a powerful instrumental lineup of all-star Bay Area players. The new Koketos venue promoted by the husband and wife team of Grace and Eric Rivera features a Peruvian restaurant with a mouth watering menu, and offers Pisco sours to go along with the hot music for the dancers.
Short Bits: Look out for the return of The John Santos Sextet this Saturday, July 23 at 2:45 at the annual Jazz On The Hill Festival at the College of San Mateo. This will be their first appearance since COVID. And stick around for the amazing Marcus Shelby Orchestra featuring the great vocalist Tiffany Austin after the Santos set at 4:30 pm. The best part is the admission is free!…….The Latin Rhythm Boys fronted by Earl and Henry Miranda will be playing a special club date on Saturday, July 30th, 7:30 pm at Yoshi’s, Jack London Square in Oakland. This mighty band will feature special guests Mio Timbalero Flores and vocalist Eduardo Herrera. The dance floor will be open for this date. For more info, visit www.yoshis.com.
That’s it for this time. Ciao 4 now!!
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