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Search Results for: Jazz Festival

Oscar D’ León Will Celebrate his 50th Anniversary In Europe

50th Anniversary Europa Tour 2022 will start on July 10th in Bulgaria

In 1997, the album Sonero del Mundo, in collaboration with Willy Chirino, was nominated for a Grammy.

Salsa legend Oscar D’ León “El Sonero del Mundo” will celebrate his half-century of a uninterrupted artistic career with a tour of six European countries, and tickets don’t exceed € 70, so hurry up because there are few left.

The 50th Anniversary Europe Tour 2022 will start on July 10th in Bulgaria (Latin Beach Boom Festival), and he will continue in Germany (Frankfurt – July 12th, Munich – July 13th, and Berlin – July 16th). After, he will visit the city of Milan in Italy on July 14th, then land in Spain for a concert in Barcelona on June 15th, Tenerife (June 23rd), and Madrid (June 27th – The last live of the tour). Oscar D’ León will continue his Tour through Paris (France) on July 17th and Amsterdam (Netherlands) on July 22nd at Kwaku Festival.

“Who will share this tour of Europe loaded with hits and #Saborrr?” The Sonero de la Salsa wrote on his Facebook page on June 7th.

The king of Salsa, Oscar D’ León http://oscardleon.net/ was born on July 11th, 1943. His youth grew up in the popular area of ​​western Caracas (Antímano). This singer and self-taught bassist, since his debut in Latin music, has become one of the most representative artists of the Afro-Caribbean genre. He has been praised for his participation in orchestras such as La Dimensión Latina and his work as a soloist.

His first jobs were as a driver of a school bus and a taxi during the day, along with his apprenticeship in the execution of the string instrument, double bass, and his numerous night performances in different clubs in the Venezuelan capital. His success came in 1972 with the orchestra La Dimensión Latina and since then, D’ León has remained at the top of popularity as one of the most respected and admired Salsa artists of his time, with more than four decades of experience in unsurpassed live performances and more than 50 albums of their own and collaborations.

Oscar D’ León sang “Mundo Perfecto”. Song in Spanish from the animated movie The Emperor’s New Groove (Disney – 2003)

He paved the way for musicians of his genre by being one of the pioneers to tour the Asian continent (Japan) and the first Latino to sign a record deal with the British Broadcasting Corporation in the United Kingdom.

Between the 1980s and 1990s, Oscar recorded the hit “Ariel” with the Billo’s Caracas Boys orchestra as a tribute to Billo Frometa and Benny Moré. He launched the version “Qué bueno baila usted” with the Venezuelan orchestra Los Blanco. He was a special and permanent guest at important Salsa and Latin Jazz festivals, in addition to sharing the stage and recordings with famous artists such as Celia Cruz, Eddie Palmieri, and Tito Puente. Starting in 1998, every March 15th is celebrated in New York City as “Oscar D’ León Day”, and for seven years (May 14th, 2015) it has been “Oscar D’ León Day” but this once in the California state (USA).

In 2013 he received the Award for Musical Excellence awarded by the Latin Recording Academy and two years later he dazzled with his presentation in Viña del Mar (Chile) taking the Gold and Silver Gaviotas (Seagulls).

This year the master Oscar D’ León celebrates 50 years of trajectory and will celebrate it with you in Europe. So don’t miss this opportunity to sing his greatest hits such as El Frutero (1976), Llorarás (1986), Detalles (1986), Mi bajo y yo (1990), Frenesí (2001), and La Mazucamba (2002).

NOTICIAS CON SABOR on June 2022

The latest of salsa in the Bay Area of San Francisco

Someone to look out for is percussionist/bandleader/catalyst Javier Navarette who has been creating a serious buzz with his new group Javier Navarette and His Socially Distant Friends which features a “who’s who” of stellar Bay Area talent including esteemed violinist Anthony Blea, vocalist/percussionist Hector Lugo, rising star on the guitar, Kai Lyons, bassist Ayla Davila, percussionist Jesse Weber and charter members such as tresero/guitarist Camilo Landau, NY based trombonist and Javier’s brother Raul Navarette and PMO vocalist Chriselle Durandy.  Navarette and friends play an intoxicating brew of danceable Salsa, Cuban descarga, Rumba, Afro-Cuban folklore, Bomba, Timba and Latin Jazz played superbly by this all-star ensemble that have impressed large audiences at Carnaval San Francisco, the UC Theatre, Rocky’s Market and other festivals and hot spots.

Navarette is also currently a member of the hot Bobi Cespedes Band and was formerly a member of renowned bands such as Charanson, La Mixta Criolla, Linda Tillery and the Cultural Heritage Choir among others.  He has established himself as one of the SF Bay’s rising stars….a rumbero with excellent chops, taste and well versed both in the Cuban and Puerto Rican culture and heritage.  Navarette also has taught in the classroom spreading the knowledge to younger grade school children in the Bay Area.  Navarette is also booking the popular Modupue Sundays series at Rocky’s Market in Oakland.  Go Javier!! 

Javier Navarrette from Javier Navarrette and His Socially Distant Friends

The Western Region Puerto Rican Council will once again present their “El Dia De San Juan” Salsa Festival on Saturday, June 18, 11 am to 7 pm at Swiss Park, 5811 Mowry Avenue in Newark.  Headlining the show will be Frankie Vasquez “El Sonero Del Barrio”.  Vasquez is considered one of the finest soneros in the business today.  With a star studded career that includes working with Manny Oquendo and Libre, Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Los Soneros Del Barrio, Pedro Bermudez, Doug Beavers and many others, Vasquez displays his art of the soneo, his distinctive vocal tone always backed up by a swinging band on record and live.  Also appearing for the first time will be Izis La Enfermera De La Salsa from Puerto Rico, Gambizi & Dos Four hot from Carnaval SF, Hip Hop Jibarito, Orquesta Saboricua and Rinkinkaya playing Bomba, Plena and Jibaro music and DJ Santos Lopez.  For more information, go to wrprc.org!

SF JAZZ and the San Francisco Jazz Festival are featuring an impressive array of Salsa, Cuban and Latin Jazz starting Wednesday June 8 with Pacific Mambo Orchestra.  Followed by Gonzalo Rubalcaba and Grammy nominee Aymee Nuviola 6/9; Chucho Valdes with Dianne Reeves and Joe Lovano 6/12; Changui Majadero 6/13, Danilo Perez Global Messengers 6/14; Issac Delgado’s Con Tumbao Project w/Miguel Zenon, Oscar Hernandez, Pedrito Martinez, Alain Perez, Tony Succar and more 6/18.  SF JAZZ and Stanford University also co-presents two legends: Piano master Eddie Palmieri and trumpet phenom Arturo Sandoval at Stanford’s Frost Amphiteater on July 23.  Info: www.sfjazz.org.

The new hot spot for live music on Thursday’s is Charley’s LG, 15 N Santa Cruz Avenue in Los Gatos featuring the following for June: Orquesta La Moderna Tradición on 6/2; Carlos Xavier and his band 6/9; Edgardo Cambon and Candela 6/16; Son Y Clave from Los Angeles on 6/23 and Julio Bravo and Salsabor on 6/30.  Presented by your friends at International Salsa Magazine and World Salsa Radio.  Yours truly, Luis Medina from KPFA/WorldSalsaRadio.com will be your MC and DJ for the evening.  WSR’s El De La Clave SF-Felipe Martinez will give dance lessons starting at 8 PM.  Get a discount on your advance tickets by visiting charleyslosgatos.com.

Tregar Otton from Orquesta La Moderna Tradición

More clubs and events

La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Avenue in Berkeley has been gaining a lot of notoriety with their monthly Baila events.  The June edition will also celebrate the cultural center’s 47th Anniversary on Friday, June 17th starting at 7 pm.  Corey Raynor, the venue’s production manager who organizes the event will also be celebrating his birthday.  The show will feature the explosive sounds of veteran timbalero Eric Rangel and his Orquesta America as well as KPOO/KPFA DJ Jose Ruiz in the main theater and DJ Ron Palma in the Bachata lounge. Salsa and Bachata dance lessons start at 7:30 pm.  For tickets and information, please visit lapena.org.

It’s Summertime and outdoor venues have opened back up for Salsa, Timba and Latin Jazz!  Modupue Sundays at Rocky’s Market at Oakland’s Brooklyn Basin is featuring the exciting band La Mixta Criolla on Sunday, June 5 under the direction of percussionist/vocalist Hector Lugo and a special Bomba dance performance by Shefali Shah. The festivities start at 5:30 pm.  Another great band Orquesta La Moderna Tradición will be at Rocky’s on Friday night, June 10th from 6 to 9 pm.   Rocky’s Market events are all outdoors and located at 288 Ninth Avenue in Oakland.  For more information, visit rockysmarket.com.

The Office on 1796 Willow Pass Road in downtown Concord is now offering Rumba Sundays every Sunday from 5 to 10 pm in a large, covered outdoor patio with a huge dance floor featuring Salsa bands such as Orquesta Taino on Sunday, June 5th.  The Office features live salsa monthly with SF Salsa Congress staple DJ Super Chino spinning Salsa, Bachata and more in-between the breaks!  Check out their Facebook page for more info!

Orquesta Taino posing for the camera

The Cigar Bar continues with their mission to bring you exciting danceable bands in their unique venue that combines great food, fine drinks, a parlor for cigar enthusiasts and a hot dance spot for weekend patrons.  The June Latin music offerings are the following: Pacho y Orchesta Evolution 6/3; Orquesta La Original w/Alexis 6/4; Orquesta Borinquen 6/10; Josh Jones Latin Jazz Ensemble 6/11; N’Rumba 6/17 ; Manteca 6/18; Orquesta Taino 6/24 and La Clave Del Blanco on 6/25.

The Ramp is heating things up for the Summer at their fine outdoor venue with their huge dance floor at 855 Terry Francois Blvd in San Francisco.  Their calendar includes great acts on Saturday afternoons starting at 4 pm with DJ Mendy with live music starting at 5 pm featuring N’Rumba on 6/4; Julio Bravo y Salsabor on 6/11; Somos El Son with Braulio Barrera 6/18 and Orquesta Borinquen on 6/25.

The Seahorse in Sausalito features fine Italian cuisine, beer and wine and a fine space for dancing on Saturday and Sundays starting at 6 pm with KPOO/KPFA DJ Jose Ruiz.  Featured acts for the month of June include La Clave Del Blanco on 6/4; Julio Bravo y Salsabor 6/5; Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Loca from Los Angeles on 6/11 and 6/12; Edgardo Cambon y Candela 6/18; Louie Romero and Mazacote 6/19; The Latin Rhythm Boys 6/20 and Eric Rangel and Orquesta America on 6/26.

Be sure to check out my radio programs Con Sabor on Saturday evenings from 9 to 11 PM PST on KPFA 94.1 FM and www.kpfa.org and Sabiduria Con Tumbao every Wednesday evening from 5 to 7 PM PST on worldsalsaradio.com. Enjoy your Summer!  Ciao 4 now!!

Louie Romero from Louie Romero Y Su Orquesta Mazacote

By Luis Medina, ISM Correspondents, San Francisco, California

 

By Luis Medina, ISM Correspondents, San Francisco, California

 

 

 

NOTICIAS CON SABOR on June 2022

The latest of salsa in the Bay Area of San Francisco

Someone to look out for is percussionist/bandleader/catalyst Javier Navarette who has been creating a serious buzz with his new group Javier Navarette and His Socially Distant Friends which features a “who’s who” of stellar Bay Area talent including esteemed violinist Anthony Blea, vocalist/percussionist Hector Lugo, rising star on the guitar, Kai Lyons, bassist Ayla Davila, percussionist Jesse Weber and charter members such as tresero/guitarist Camilo Landau, NY based trombonist and Javier’s brother Raul Navarette and PMO vocalist Chriselle Durandy.  Navarette and friends play an intoxicating brew of danceable Salsa, Cuban descarga, Rumba, Afro-Cuban folklore, Bomba, Timba and Latin Jazz played superbly by this all-star ensemble that have impressed large audiences at Carnaval San Francisco, the UC Theatre, Rocky’s Market and other festivals and hot spots.

Navarette is also currently a member of the hot Bobi Cespedes Band and was formerly a member of renowned bands such as Charanson, La Mixta Criolla, Linda Tillery and the Cultural Heritage Choir among others.  He has established himself as one of the SF Bay’s rising stars….a rumbero with excellent chops, taste and well versed both in the Cuban and Puerto Rican culture and heritage.  Navarette also has taught in the classroom spreading the knowledge to younger grade school children in the Bay Area.  Navarette is also booking the popular Modupue Sundays series at Rocky’s Market in Oakland.  Go Javier!! 

Javier Navarrette from Javier Navarrette and His Socially Distant Friends

The Western Region Puerto Rican Council will once again present their “El Dia De San Juan” Salsa Festival on Saturday, June 18, 11 am to 7 pm at Swiss Park, 5811 Mowry Avenue in Newark.  Headlining the show will be Frankie Vasquez “El Sonero Del Barrio”.  Vasquez is considered one of the finest soneros in the business today.  With a star studded career that includes working with Manny Oquendo and Libre, Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Los Soneros Del Barrio, Pedro Bermudez, Doug Beavers and many others, Vasquez displays his art of the soneo, his distinctive vocal tone always backed up by a swinging band on record and live.  Also appearing for the first time will be Izis La Enfermera De La Salsa from Puerto Rico, Gambizi & Dos Four hot from Carnaval SF, Hip Hop Jibarito, Orquesta Saboricua and Rinkinkaya playing Bomba, Plena and Jibaro music and DJ Santos Lopez.  For more information, go to wrprc.org!

SF JAZZ and the San Francisco Jazz Festival are featuring an impressive array of Salsa, Cuban and Latin Jazz starting Wednesday June 8 with Pacific Mambo Orchestra.  Followed by Gonzalo Rubalcaba and Grammy nominee Aymee Nuviola 6/9; Chucho Valdes with Dianne Reeves and Joe Lovano 6/12; Changui Majadero 6/13, Danilo Perez Global Messengers 6/14; Issac Delgado’s Con Tumbao Project w/Miguel Zenon, Oscar Hernandez, Pedrito Martinez, Alain Perez, Tony Succar and more 6/18.  SF JAZZ and Stanford University also co-presents two legends: Piano master Eddie Palmieri and trumpet phenom Arturo Sandoval at Stanford’s Frost Amphiteater on July 23.  Info: www.sfjazz.org.

The new hot spot for live music on Thursday’s is Charley’s LG, 15 N Santa Cruz Avenue in Los Gatos featuring the following for June: Orquesta La Moderna Tradición on 6/2; Carlos Xavier and his band 6/9; Edgardo Cambon and Candela 6/16; Son Y Clave from Los Angeles on 6/23 and Julio Bravo and Salsabor on 6/30.  Presented by your friends at International Salsa Magazine and World Salsa Radio.  Yours truly, Luis Medina from KPFA/WorldSalsaRadio.com will be your MC and DJ for the evening.  WSR’s El De La Clave SF-Felipe Martinez will give dance lessons starting at 8 PM.  Get a discount on your advance tickets by visiting charleyslosgatos.com.

Tregar Otton from Orquesta La Moderna Tradición

More clubs and events (título 3)

La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Avenue in Berkeley has been gaining a lot of notoriety with their monthly Baila events.  The June edition will also celebrate the cultural center’s 47th Anniversary on Friday, June 17th starting at 7 pm.  Corey Raynor, the venue’s production manager who organizes the event will also be celebrating his birthday.  The show will feature the explosive sounds of veteran timbalero Eric Rangel and his Orquesta America as well as KPOO/KPFA DJ Jose Ruiz in the main theater and DJ Ron Palma in the Bachata lounge. Salsa and Bachata dance lessons start at 7:30 pm.  For tickets and information, please visit lapena.org.

It’s Summertime and outdoor venues have opened back up for Salsa, Timba and Latin Jazz!  Modupue Sundays at Rocky’s Market at Oakland’s Brooklyn Basin is featuring the exciting band La Mixta Criolla on Sunday, June 5 under the direction of percussionist/vocalist Hector Lugo and a special Bomba dance performance by Shefali Shah. The festivities start at 5:30 pm.  Another great band Orquesta La Moderna Tradición will be at Rocky’s on Friday night, June 10th from 6 to 9 pm.   Rocky’s Market events are all outdoors and located at 288 Ninth Avenue in Oakland.  For more information, visit rockysmarket.com.

The Office on 1796 Willow Pass Road in downtown Concord is now offering Rumba Sundays every Sunday from 5 to 10 pm in a large, covered outdoor patio with a huge dance floor featuring Salsa bands such as Orquesta Taino on Sunday, June 5th.  The Office features live salsa monthly with SF Salsa Congress staple DJ Super Chino spinning Salsa, Bachata and more in-between the breaks!  Check out their Facebook page for more info!

Orquesta Taino posing for the camera

The Cigar Bar continues with their mission to bring you exciting danceable bands in their unique venue that combines great food, fine drinks, a parlor for cigar enthusiasts and a hot dance spot for weekend patrons.  The June Latin music offerings are the following: Pacho y Orchesta Evolution 6/3; Orquesta La Original w/Alexis 6/4; Orquesta Borinquen 6/10; Josh Jones Latin Jazz Ensemble 6/11; N’Rumba 6/17 ; Manteca 6/18; Orquesta Taino 6/24 and La Clave Del Blanco on 6/25.

The Ramp is heating things up for the Summer at their fine outdoor venue with their huge dance floor at 855 Terry Francois Blvd in San Francisco.  Their calendar includes great acts on Saturday afternoons starting at 4 pm with DJ Mendy with live music starting at 5 pm featuring N’Rumba on 6/4; Julio Bravo y Salsabor on 6/11; Somos El Son with Braulio Barrera 6/18 and Orquesta Borinquen on 6/25.

The Seahorse in Sausalito features fine Italian cuisine, beer and wine and a fine space for dancing on Saturday and Sundays starting at 6 pm with KPOO/KPFA DJ Jose Ruiz.  Featured acts for the month of June include La Clave Del Blanco on 6/4; Julio Bravo y Salsabor 6/5; Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Loca from Los Angeles on 6/11 and 6/12; Edgardo Cambon y Candela 6/18; Louie Romero and Mazacote 6/19; The Latin Rhythm Boys 6/20 and Eric Rangel and Orquesta America on 6/26.

Be sure to check out my radio programs Con Sabor on Saturday evenings from 9 to 11 PM PST on KPFA 94.1 FM and www.kpfa.org and Sabiduria Con Tumbao every Wednesday evening from 5 to 7 PM PST on worldsalsaradio.com. Enjoy your Summer!  Ciao 4 now!!

Louie Romero from Louie Romero Y Su Orquesta Mazacote

 

By Luis Medina, ISM Correspondents, San Francisco, California By Luis Medina, ISM Correspondents, San Francisco, California

Chucho Valdes and Paquito D’ Rivera Will Tour for Europe

Jazz virtuous will offer a series of concerts from June to November 

Paquito D’ Rivera and Chucho Valdés

The pianist, composer, and conductor Jesús “Chucho” Valdes and the saxophonist, clarinetist, and composer Paquito D’ Rivera come together again to offer a tour called Reunión Sextet.

This tour of 2022 begins at the Mastercard Jazz Festival (Puerto Rico) and will pass through Poland (Bielsko-Biala), Spain (Pamplona, Marbella, Madrid, and Girona), and Germany (Essen) in June and July, and will end on November 30th in Zurich, Switzerland. Tickets range from €25 – €65 and you can get them in advance on Chucho Valdés’s website. www.chucho-valdes.com

The history of this long friendship dates back to the 1960s when they began their musical partnership as partners in the Havana Musical Theater Orchestra and the Cuban Modern Music Orchestra. With the founding of the Irakere orchestra by Maestro Valdés in 1973, Chucho and Paquito worked together again promoting the fusion of elements of Jazz, Classical music, Rock, and Afro-Cuban music that meant a transcendental development in Latin Jazz, and where Paquito and Chucho were the key figures. “Paquito was the heart of Irakere,” Chucho said.

Eight years later, Paquito went into exile in Madrid and later moved to New York. He developed a successful career as a leader & composer and won recognition as a Jazz Master from the National Endowment for the Arts of the United States in 2005. At the same time, Paquito also maintained his passion for classical music, receiving a Guggenheim Scholarship and commissions for quartets of strings, chamber groups, and symphony orchestras.

Meanwhile, Chuco remained in Irakere until 2005. He led trios and quartets, and established himself as a solo pianist. He produced his most recent production La Creación, a three-movement suite for small ensemble, voices, and Big Band. The masterpiece had its world premiere on November 5th, 2021, at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami and after was presented in Lyon, Paris, and Barcelona.

Now, after four decades, they come together to present Reunión Sextet accompanied by an extraordinary ensemble that includes Diego Urcola (Trumpet), Dafnis Prieto (Drums), Armando Gola (Bass), and Roberto Vizcaino Jr. (Conga). The repertoire will include old Latin Jazz hits, Latin American classics, and new compositions from the I Missed You Too album.

The two Cuban virtuosos have accumulated more than 25 Grammys and Latin Grammys. “I’ve always had the hope of being close to Paquito again and playing with him again,” he said. “I’ve always had that hope. Well, this is our moment.” The Maestro Chucho expressed.

His first tour in Spain was in 1981

Chucho Valdés, an icon of modern Afro-Cuban Jazz, told for a digital medium that practices the piano from six to eight hours a day. During the confinement, he was in Florida and composed La Creación (a tribute to Olodumare, the god of the Yoruba religion). This instrumental musical gem is sung, composed, directed, and performed by Valdés, and tells the story of the meeting of Afro-Cuban music in the Caribbean and the United States and how this has influenced globally. He also composed minor works and dedicated part of his time to teaching and virtual concerts.

Likewise, he added that the country that he would contemplate for a possible retirement would be Malaga (Spain) because his great pleasures come together: the Mediterranean, the diet, and many friends in the city.

Current news in the San Francisco Bay Area

What is happening now?

Tito Garcia-The Doctor of Salsa, the renowned colorful bandleader and timbalero of Tito Garcia y Orquesta Internacional passed away on Saturday, April 23rd after a long battle with cancer.  Tito has performed Salsa and Charanga in the 1970’s with the seminal SF based bands Ritmo 74 and later Charanga Rene Del Mar. He later spearheaded the band “Orquesta Salsa Dulce” in the late 1980’s which morphed into the first edition of his band La International featuring a young Julio Bravo on coro in the early 1990’s.  La Internacional were remembered for their explosive performances by dancers and aficionados.

Tito was a staple at the late, famed salsa palace Cafe Cocomo with his monthly “Mambo Saturdays” during the early 2000’s. I often was the DJ during those hot nights. His band featured fine musicians and vocalists such as former Batachanga vocalist Ricky Rangel, congueros Eddie Borrero and Sandy Perez of Los Muñequitos De Matanzas and keyboardist Coto Pincheira who relocated to New York.

Tito García had been fitghing against, cancer, which took his life at the end

Tito resurfaced after his bout with Cancer in 2020 to relaunch La Internacional but the comeback was short lived due to his health issues. He later hosted some outdoor rumba sessions near his new home of Vallejo but those dates were limited due to COVID restrictions. He relapsed during his recent trip to Costa Rica and died due to complications with his recovery.  He will be sorely missed.

Don’t forget coming up on Friday, May 6th at 8 pm with be the tremendous Cuban music double bill of “El Tren De Cuba”…Los Van Van and Alexander Abreu y Havana d’Primera at the UC Theatre, 2036 University Avenue in Berkeley. Two of the powerhouses of Cuban Popular music are appearing together for the first time in the US and on only certain dates of the tour…SF Bay Area residents are blessed to have this double bill play here!  DJ Antonio will spin in-between sets.  I will be your MC for the evening. Run to get your tickets because they’re going fast!  For more information, go to jaffeevents.com

Salsa superstar Oscar D’Leon and his orchestra will visit the SF Bay on Saturday, May 21 at Roccapulco, 3140 Mission St. in San Francisco. Oscar is still one of the dynamos to watch perform live…a tremendous show!  Guayacan Orquesta from Colombia will also play on Friday, May 13 at the Mission Street hot spot.  Also coming to Roccapulco Sat. June 11th…the Homenaje A La Musica Cubana featuring Mayito Rivera, Alain Perez, Yeny Valdes, Lily Hernandez “La Amaona” and Julio Cesar “JC Five” plus DJ Walt Digz (SF) and DJ Jimmy Rumba (LA) and on Thursday, July 7th…the explosive sounds of Pupy Y Los Que Son Son direct from Cuba.

Oscar D’ León will be in the San Frrancisco Bay Area on 21 May

SF JAZZ and the San Francisco Jazz Festival are featuring an impressive array of Salsa, Cuban and Latin Jazz starting Wednesday June 8 with Pacific Mambo Orchestra.  Followed by Gonzalo Rubalcaba and Grammy nominee Aymee Nuviola 6/9; Chucho Valdes with Dianne Reeves and Joe Lovano 6/12; Changui Majadero 6/13, Danilo Perez Global Messengers 6/14; Issac Delgado’s Con Tumbao Project w/Miguel Zenon, Oscar Hernandez, Pedrito Martinez, Alain Perez, Tony Succar and more 6/18.  SF JAZZ and Stanford University co-presents Eddie Palmieri and Arturo Sandoval at Stanford’s Frost Amphiteater on July 23.  Info: www.sfjazz.org.

The Yerba Buena Gardens Festival will begin Saturday, May 7th from 1 to 2:30 pm with a free concert featuring local treasure Jesus Diaz y Su Habana Afro-Cuban Ensemble featuring a lineup of heavyweights from Cuba and the SF Bay including Ariacne Trujillo Duran, Leider Chappotin, Raul Pineda, Roberto Junior Vizcaino, Karl Perazzo, Jeff Cressman, Melecio Magdaluyo and Julio De La Cruz.  The Yerba Buena Gardens is located on Mission Street between 3rd and 4th Streets in San Francisco.  Visit ybgfestival.org for more information.  There will also be an after party featuring Jesus Diaz and the Habana Afro-Cuban Ensemble and DJ Carlitos Way at the Elbo Room, 311 Broadway in Oakland.

The San Francisco Carnaval and much more

The annual Carnaval San Francisco is back on the streets of San Francisco on Sat, May 28 and Sun. May 29th with the theme Colores De Amor.  The two day festival will take place on Harrison between 17th and 22nd Streets from 11 am to 6 pm.  The grand parade will take place on Sunday, May 29th starting at 9:30 am on 24th and Byrant Streets.  Scheduled to perform will be Jesus Diaz y Su QBA, Momotombo, Sambada, Javier Navarette & His Socially Distant Friends, Dos Four, Puro Bandido, Namorados da Lua, Annette Aguilar & West Coast Stringbeans, Susanna y Orquesta Adelante, Magna Fresq, Los Allegres Callejeros, Aqua Pura, Mariachi Juvenil, Azul Latino and more.  Headliners TBA.  Food, Beer, Crafts, DJ areas and Cannabis gardens on the grounds.  Free!   For more information: carnavalsanfrancisco.org.

There is a new Salsa scene happening on Thursdays starting May 12th at Charley’s LG, 15 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos presented by your friends at International Salsa Magazine.  Opening night at this state of the art club will feature the swinging sounds of the multi-talented vocalist/conguero Edgardo Cambon and Candela.  I, Luis Medina from KPFA/WSR and International Salsa Magazine will be your DJ.  World Salsa Radio DJ El De La Clave will also be in the house. Dance lessons by Migi & Angel starts at 8:00 pm.  Music starts at 9 pm.  The upcoming schedule is the following: Julio Bravo and Salsabor 5/19, Manny Martinez and La Rebeldia 5/26 and the Charanga sounds of Orquesta La Moderna Tradición 6/2.  Thursday nights just got hotter in the South Bay…be there!!

Edgardo Cambón at The Seahorse Restaurant, Sausalito

The Ramp at 855 Terry Francois Blvd in San Francisco continues to present Salsa orchestras on Saturday afternoons starting at 5 pm.  The night is closed on June 7th for a private event, The Ramp’s first Salsa festival featuring 2 bands: Gary Flores y su orquesta Salsa Caliente and Eric Rangel and Orquesta America 5/14, The Latin Rhythm Boys 5/21 and Louie Romero and Mazacote on May 28th.  DJ Mendy spins in-between sets and after the live music from 9 to 11 pm.   The Ramp has a great patio overlooking the SF Bay and serves food and drinks.

The Seahorse located at 305 Harbor Drive in Sausalito features live music plus KPOO-KPFA DJ Jose Ruiz on Saturday and Sundays.   Sat, April 30th features La Clave Del Blanco, Rene Escovedo Salsa Band with Ric Feliciano Sun 5/1; Edgardo Cambon & Candela Sun, 5/8; Orquesta Timbalero Sat, 5/14; Louie Romero & Mazacote Sun, 5/15; Susanna y Adelante Sat, 5/21; Orquesta La Original w/Alexis Guillen 5/22; Pepe Y Su Orquesta Sat. 5/28; and Orquesta Taino Sun. 5/29.  Enjoy the fine Italian cuisine, beer, wine and ambiance both indoors and the outdoor patio at this scenic spot just crossing the bridge to Marin County.

The Cigar Bar, 850 Montgomery St. in San Francisco is a favorite spot to dine, have drinks, enjoy a cigar in the courtyard and dance to hot Salsa music.  The calendar for May includes Manteca 5/6, Orquesta Timbalero 5/7, Somos El Son 5/13, Josh Jones Latin Jazz Ensemble 5/14, N’Rumba 5/20, Edgardo y Candela 5/21, Orquesta Taino 5/27 and La Clave Del Blanco 5/28.

René Escovedo will perform at the Seahorse Restaurant, Sausalito, on May 1

DJ Walt Digz has a hot Wednesday night Cuban scene “El Timbon” happening at the Slate Bar, 2925-16th Street in San Francisco.  Digz also hosts his own livestream called “El Timbon” featuring the latest Timba, Cuban Salsa and Cubaton videos every Tuesday night from 7 to 9 pm on Twitch.  He also keeps busy by hosting the monthly Fresquecito Saturday nights at La Furia Chalaca in Oakland and the outdoor El Timbon En El Callejon Sundays from 3 to 8 pm at Vida Cantina, 56 Belden Place in San Francisco.  Digz also continues his original Friday La Tropi-Cal monthly at Il’ Pirata in SF with Añejo Productions now going on their 21st year!

Berkeley’s Ecology Center will present the Berkeley Farmer’s Market Salsa Festival on Saturday, May 21 from 10 am-5 pm.  This free event will feature Christian Pepin and Orquesta Bembe, Afro-Cuban and Afro-Peruvian keyboardist Erick Peralta and Band, Berkeley High School Youth Ensemble and the Latin Jazz Youth Ensemble.  Dance performance and Dance lessons by Rebecca Galindo.  Food, crafts and more. For more information, visit www.ecologycenter.org. 

Don’t forget to check out my radio programs: Con Sabor now in it’s 25th Anniversary Year on KPFA 94.1 FM every Saturday night from 9 to 11 PM PST and Sabiduria Con Tumbao every Wednesday night 5 to 7 pm PST on WorldSalsaRadio.com.

That’s it for this month!  Ciao 4 now!

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International Salsa Magazine (ISM) is a monthly publication about Salsa activities around the world, that has been publishing since 2007. It is a world network of volunteers coordinated by ISM Magazine. We are working to strengthen all the events by working together.