Random Notes 11/11/15

Salsa mainstay Julio Bravo will be celebrating the 21st Anniversary of performing with his band Salsabor on Saturday, November 28 at Roccapulco.  There will be special guests that include Alexis Guillen and more.   I will be there as guest MC/DJ for the evening.  It should be one explosive party…..For those who want to pay their respects, there will be a celebration of life honoring the late, great Raul Rekow, the long time percussionist for Santana as well as former conguero with Malo and Sapo who died on November 2nd.  The event will take place on Sunday, November 15th, 4 pm at SF’s Great American Music Hall…Quite a Halloween weekend at SF Jazz Center featuring powerful appearances by Chucho Valdes and his updated version of Irakere.  This phenomenal band of young lions more than helped Valdes pay tribute on their 40th Anniversary.  John Santos also celebrated his 60th Birthday with a great bash featuring his sextet, timbales legend Orestes Vilato, violinist Anthony Blea, renowned Cuban conguero Raul “Lali” Gonzalez, powerhouse vocalist Destini Wolf, hip hop artist Rico Pabon and singer/guitarist Jose Roberto Hernandez.  Both were incredible shows!…And if that wasn’t enough, the SF International Salsa Congress goes from Thursday, Nov. 19 through Sunday, Nov.22 at the Oakland Marriott Hotel.  Appearing will be Charlie Aponte, lead vocalist formerly of El Gran Combo,  the Columbian legend Fruko Y Sus Tesos, Bachata sensations Invasion Latina and Orquesta Bembe,  the hot local band led by renowned percussionist Christian Pepin.  There will also be a Bachata and Kizomba Room, Dance Performances and Workshops, DJ’s and more.  Check out sfsalsacongress.com