Manny Martinez, the charismatic vocalist of Azabache fame who provides lead vocals for Louie Romero’s Mazacote, VibraSON and Josh Jones Latin Jazz Ensemble has plans to come out with a collection of new recordings close to Summer time this year. His latest single Tu Y Yo is a fine example of catchy, sophisticated Salsa En English! You can catch Manny and his Orchestra at the Seahorse in Sausalito on Sunday, January 29 starting at 5 PM.
Former Los Van Van trombonist Edmundo Pina Machin “Mundele” will be featured in a lecture and rumba this coming Sunday, January 22nd from 4 to 6:30 pm at La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Avenue in Berkeley. Machin will be presenting his talk on the history and evolution of Cuban popular music as well as the influence of the Rumba and Abakua music in it’s various genres. Machin was a member of Los Van Van for 40 years. His presentation will be followed by a rumba featuring members of the Bay Area Rumba community. The event is free to the public. For more information, go visit lapena.org.
There will be a special benefit for the Mission Cultural Center featuring a screening of the new John Santos documentary “Santos: Skin To Skin” followed by a performance by the John Santos Sextet on Saturday, January 28 starting at 4 pm. The benefit will take place at the Mission Cultural Center, 2868 Mission Street near 25th Street in San Francisco. There will be also be Coquito Contest and reception in the MCC’s Gallery and a Concert After Party as part of the festivities. Tickets are $75 and all proceeds will go to the Center. For more information, go to www.missionculturalcenter.org. For tickets, go to eventbrite.com.
Dancing spots this weekend: A hot new band Aiana Son will be appearing tonight at the Cigar Bar, 850 Montgomery Street in San Francisco. Aiana Son will be playing Salsa, Timba and more for your listening and dancing pleasure. The Cigar Bar features live salsa with dance lessons every Friday and Saturday evening as well as Bachata nights on Thursdays…Percussionist Rene Escovedo’s Son Sabroso salsa band appears this Sunday, January 22, 5 pm at the Seahorse in Sausalito.…Down South in San Jose: Carlos Xavier and his Salsa Band also on Sunday, 5 pm at Mama Kin at 374 South 1st St. If that wasn’t enough….Orquesta Taino will be at Stone Stew, 4233 Moorpark Avenue in San Jose starting at 4 pm this Sunday. No cover to get in!
February is going to be a hot month! 3rd Annual Montuno Productions Pre St. Valentine’s Concert, Saturday, Feb. 11, 8 pm at the California Ballroom, 1736 Franklin Street, Oakland. will feature vocal sensation Jessy Diaz from Miami, The MP All-Stars Salsa Project directed by Grammy Award winner Christian Pepin and the Latin Rhythm Boys for your listening and dancing pleasure. I’ll be your MC and DJ for the evening. Cuban Food will be available. For tickets and information, go to montunoproducions.com.
Legendary Latin Jazz icon Pete Escovedo and his Orchestra with his sons Peter Michael and Juan Escovedo will be performing at Yoshi’s Jack London Square on his Retirement Tour Friday, February 10th through Sunday, February 12th. Get your tickets fast as this weekend of dates will be sold out! You never know who will sit in with Pops and the band! For more information, go to www.yoshis.com.
Pianist/Composer/Bandleader Oscar Ly will be featured in a solo piano concert on Saturday, Feb. 18th from 7 to 10:30 pm at Brani Piano Art Atelier, 1050 Larkin Street in San Francisco. Ly is the leader of his band Rumbalu and is also an in-demand sideman.
The Annual Salsa Rueda Festival will continue in the scaled down”Festi” mode this year featuring Ex Van Vanera Yeni Valdes performing with Team Bahia. DJ Walt Digz will also be on hand Saturday, Feb 18th, 9 pm at La Furia Chalaca, 310 Broadway in Oakland. There will be tickets available at the door for $30. There are full passes available to the “Festi” which includes two days of dance classes and all the parties from Fri. Feb 17th through Sunday, Feb. 19th. Go to salsaruedafesti2.eventbrite.com for more information.
Live Appearances
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