I attended the lecture by former Los Van Van trombonist for 40 years, Edmundo Piña Machin “Mundele” at Cafe Alma in San Francisco’s Hunters Point district last Saturday. This was one of two dates where Edmundo was going to present his multi-media presentation on the history and evolution of Cuban music from the 1800s to the present day. The other date was a combination of the presentation with a community rumba at La Peña in Berkeley the following day.
The slides, short films and photographs that Edmundo utilized during his presentation were illuminating, insightful and fun. It was great to hear the music and see the images of such music trailblazers such as Septeto Bolonia, Septeto Habanero, Arsenio Rodriguez, Arcaño, Abelardo Barroso, Beny Moré (pictured left), Pablo Milanes, Los Van Van and NG La Banda to videos of the current generation of Cuban youth dancing to Cubatón and modern Cuban music. Edmundo’s narrative took us on a journey from the birth of the Danzón to the present day genre of Reparto that encompasses Hip Hop, Cubatón (Cuba’s variation on Reggaeton), Timba, RnB, Jazz and Pop. Admittedly, Cafe Alma wasn’t the ideal place for the presentation since it was too bright inside the venue and the images were hard to see in the first half of the presentation but the info was on point. I got reports that one was able to appreciate the visual presentation better the next day at La Peña.
Assisting Edmundo with the English translation of the presentation was vocalist/producer Jose Luis Gomez “Seluma”. In attendance were percussionist/bandleader/producer/educator Michael Spiro, lawyer/Cuban music advocate Bill Martinez, percussionist/bandleader Ricky Aguilar and dance instructors Ryan Mead and Sydney Waverling of the dance troupe Rueda Con Ritmo. They were joined by a varied crowd of Cuban music enthusiasts who enjoyed the presentation and wanted to meet Edmundo as well. I wish Edmundo luck on the new phase of his career
Music News: Salsa star India “La Princesa De La Salsa” will be visiting the SF Bay on Saturday, March 11th, 9 PM at the Hyatt Regency in Burlingame. India’s appearance will be presented by JC and Bosco Vega Productions….The 13th Annual San Francisco Salsa Festival presented by John and Liz of Salsamania Dance Troupe will take place March 23 though 25th. The action on Friday and Saturday will take place at the SF Airport Marriott Waterfront, 1800 Old Bayshore Highway in Burlingame. The opening party on Thursday, March 23rd will take place at a venue to be announced. The festival will feature guest Live bands each night, competition and performance showcases, social dancing to live bands and dj’s, three rooms with Salsa, Bachata and Kizomba and dance workshops taught by top instructors from around the world all day on Saturday. For more information, visit www.sfsalsafestival.com…..Look out for the return of all-star percussionist/vocalist Jesus Diaz y Su QBA to the Freight and Salvage in Berkeley on Friday, March 24th. Diaz always has a top notch band playing his irresistible brand of timba and salsa Cubana. For more information,, go to www.thefreight.org.
That’s it for this now Ciao 4 now!
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