Music Notes 6/7/2022-Carlos Xavier, Cuba-Caribe & More!

SF Bay based vocalist Carlos Xavier continues to forge his own path with his latest single No Pretendo Ser produced by Salsa producer/keyboardist Efrain “Junito” Davila. Xavier wrote, sang and played guitar on this catchy song that has a fierce attack provided by the talents of all star percussionist Marc Qui˜ñones, trumpeter Gerardito Rodriguez, trombonist Jorge Dobal and coros by former RMM recording artist Guianko Gomez. No Pretendo Ser is now available on all the digital platforms. Carlos Xavier and his band will be appearing this Thursday, June 9th, 9 pm at the new hot spot for Salsa…Charley’s LG, 15 N Santa Cruz Avenue in Los Gatos. For more information, visit charleyslosgatos.com. Charley’s LG calendar for June includes Edgardo Cambon and Candela 6/16, Hollywood’s own Son Y Clave 6/23 for one night only and Julio Bravo y Salsabor on 6/30. Yours truly, Luis Medina of KPFA and WorldSalsaRadio.com will be your MC/DJ for the evening. Dance lessons by WorldSalsaRadio’s Felipe Martinez start at 8 PM.

The 16th Annual Cuba Caribe Festival of Dance and Music is back with events starting Wednesday, June 8, 6 to 8 pm at the Museum Of African Diaspora in San Francisco featuring Voz Feminina featuring former Los Van Van vocalist Yeni Valdez and Cuban sonera Sulkary Valverde. These powerhouse vocalists are backed by the talented group Team Bahia led by internationally renowned percussionist/vocalist Erick Barbiera. The Festival will also be presenting an exciting new piece She Who Is Queen (Ada Ara) by Susanna Arenas Pedroso and the Arenas Dance Company at the Z Space Steindler Stage, 450 Florida St, San Francisco from June 10 through the 12th. For more information, visit cubacaribe.org

Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Loca will be bringing his intoxicating blend of Salsa, Soukous, Semba, Son and Kizomba this coming weekend, Sat. June 11 and Sunday June 12 at the Seahorse in Sausalito. I caught Lemvo a while back at the Seahorse and the show was joyful and swinging combining driving Salsa and Son with the seductive sound of the African rhythms that packed the dance floor with happy dancers. Lemvo received a lot of critical acclaim with his 2020 recording NDoña Ponte.

Coming up: One of Cuba’s great bands Pupy Y Los Que Son Son with guest star vocalist El Noro are scheduled to visit the SF Bay Area as part of their US tour on Saturday, July 9th at the Continental Club, 1658 12th Street in Oakland. Cesar Pupy Pedroso, the great pianist and bandleader has had recent heart issues in the last few months. Hopefully, he is in better health. When I last saw the band in 2018 during the Havana Jazz Festival, the show was explosive. One of the best bands I’ve seen. For info: www.jaffeevents.com

Cafe Con Leche presents a star studded bill of live Salsa, Merengue and Cumbia featuring Grupo Niche, Jerry Rivera, La India, Los Hermanos Rosario, Oro Solido and Sonora Dinamita will arrive on Saturday, July 16, 4:30 pm at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View. DJ’s Tony O, Pablo and Mr. Lucky play in-between sets. Tickets and information, visit livenation.com