Random Notes 6/11/18

Fresh from emceeing at the KPFA Benefit featuring Arturo O’ Farrill and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra on May 12th and presenting the Carnaval Salsa Legends at the 40th Anniversary of Carnaval San Francisco on Memorial Day Weekend, I had the pleasure of DJ’ing at the Oakland Museum Friday Nights on June 8th.  Although the emphasis was on Cuban dance music, I also spun Latin Jazz, Salsa Brava, Merengue for the dancers that packed the outside concrete floor at the museum’s amphitheater.  It was great to open for Fito Reinoso y Ritmo Y Armonia who tore it up with their combination of originals, Timba, Son and Salsa!   The crowd was also pumped up with the news of the Golden State Warriors clinching their championship title so there was a joyus, electric vibe in the air as well.  I highly recommend coming out to the Oakland Museum where Friday nights are celebrated with a dj, great band, food trucks, reduced museum admission…and happy people!

I visited the annual Temescal Street Fair in Oakland and discovered a fresh, new hot band…Mario Y Su Timbeko.  Don’t sleep on this band!  Led by timbalero Mario Solomon, this band was on fire!  They have tremendous potential and a great sound.  They will be headlining the new Cubalia Sundays at the Nica Lounge in Concord starting June 24th at 4 pm…..Let’s give credit where credit is due department to percussionist extraordinare Christian Pepin who got the band together that back up India at her show stopping performance at Carnaval SF’s 40th Anniversary.  He collaborated with Pepe Gonzalez who helped with the background vocal team that backed up India.  Great set!!…..And we say goodbye to Felipe Martinez otherwise known as DJ El De La Clave, one of the all star Salsa Congress DJ’s who plays the Salsa Congress dance circuit.  He will be moving to greener pastures in Germany to concentrate on a Music business career.  Ciao Felipe…and the best of luck to you!!