Tribute to Cesar “Pupy” Pedroso w/Los Que Son Son: the Late, Late show

It was 12:55 am late last Saturday evening that the scheduled live Tribute to the late Cesar “Pupy” Pedroso featuring the appearance of his band known as Pupy Y Los Que Son Son finally began. The night was plagued by snafus which resulted with the DJ’s starting around 10:30 pm playing Bachata for half an hour to the adoring, waiting masses at Oakland’s hidden gem, the Continental Club. Following DJ Antonio’s bachata mix, DJ Pepe Timba played a mix of Salsa hits along with Timba for close to two hours. After a series of delays, the band arrived at the venue around 12:35 am.

Los Que Son Son played a powerful set of timba getting a tremendous response from the die hard crowd who waited for three hours to hear live music. The two enthusiastic, powerful vocalists including Dayan Cabrera got the crowd on their feet dancing to the high energy music and singing along with their call and response routines. El Noro,(Photo left-photo by Luis Medina) a huge star in Cuba who got his start with Pupy years ago, jumped on stage, with his high flat top of hair with blond tips, and greeted the loud cheers of the audience with his energy, fine singing and charisma. The band had a tight 4 piece horn section, a powerful percussion section that included drum set, timbales and local hero Jesus Diaz on congas, two keyboardists and bass. Quite a memorable tribute to Pupy from his fine orquesta which was a treat for this listener and the folks who stuck it out.