Random Notes 5/4/15-Palmieri and more!!

10 time Grammy Award winner Eddie Palmieri and his Salsa Orchestra put on an incredible show on Sunday at the kick off of the 15th Annual Yerba Buena Gardens Festival in downtown San Francisco.  Palmieri played splendidly as his all-star band that included sonero Herman Olivera, trescero Nelson Gonzalez, bongocero Anthony Carrillo, conguero “Pequeno” Johnny Rivero, trombonist Doug Beavers, bassist Loques Curtis, trumpeter Jonathan Powell and timbalero Camilo Molina smoked throughout the almost 2 hour set.  John Santos and Karl Perrazo sat in and contributed their share of percussion fireworks to the fiery orchestra.  The packed sun-drenched crowd went berserk over Palmieri classics such as “Palo Pa Rumba”, “Azucar”, “Muneca” and “Pa Huele”.   What an afternoon to remember!  Palmieri will return to the Healdsburg Jazz Festival on Sunday, May 31st with his Latin Jazz Septet….Pacific Mambo Orchestra will be celebrating the release of their latest single with a cd release party at SF’s 550 Barneveld on Friday, May 15.  Look for PMO to headline a big free show at the Stern Grove Festival on Sunday, June 21st at 2 pm. ….Carnaval San Francisco will take place on May 23rd and 24th. The two day festival will be held on Harrison between 17th and 22nd Streets.  Latin Jazz legend Pete Escovedo will be celebrating his 80th Birthday and 60th year in show biz on Saturday performing with Ray Obiedo’s Mambo Caribe.  Pete’s daughter…the one and only Sheila E will be the grand marshall of the parade on Sunday, May 24th starting at 9:30 am at 24th and Bryant Streets.  Info: carnavalsanfrancisco.org….One of the best Salsa bands, The Spanish Harlem Orchestra will be at Yoshis, Jack London Square in Oakland during Carnaval weekend on May 23rd and 24th….Can’t keep a good club down…Max Jose Enrique’s “Sabroso” will now be open on Thursdays at Santa Clara’s Taste nightclub starting on May 14th!….The phenomenal Jane Bunnett and her new all-female Cuban band Maqueque will make a rare bay area appearance on that same date at Oakland’s Piedmont Piano Company….Ciao 4 now.