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Europe – May 2022
NOTICIAS CON SABOR MARCH 2022 by Luis Medina
Live music and other news in the SF Bay Area
I recently interviewed percussion phenom and timbalero for Santana, Karl Perazzo on my KPFA Radio program Con Sabor. He is quite a busy man…I caught up to him while he is in Las Vegas for rehearsals for Santana’s upcoming slew of shows at the House Of Blues. In addition to his busy schedule with Santana, Karl has other projects during his spare time that include the SF based all-star Salsa band Karabali as well as guest appearances with Salsa Caliente that kept him busy during the COVID. He also appears on occasion with fellow bongocero Jake Jacobs band VibraSON. On top of all of that, Perazzo also creates and manages his own line of jewelry.
Perazzo, a self taught musician who was drawn to the drum and Afro-Cuban music as a young child and started his musical studies at the age of 8. Karl is a phenomenal percussionist who plays masterful Timbales, Bongo, Congas, cowbell and an impressive array of percussion instruments. He has been a mainstay in the Santana band for the past 31 years inheriting the Timbales spot from the legendary Orestes Vilato. Perazzo is still going strong keeping the percussive fire burning on Santana’s latest recording Blessings and Miracles. The band will be launching a major tour with Pop legends Earth Wind and Fire later this year. He has his own signature line of Latin Percussion congas and bongos that he designed himself with a distinctive Dia De Los Muertos sugar skull theme to honor the ancestors.
Perazzo has previously performed with the greats such as Tito Puente who mentored him when he was a young kid along with another fellow kid phenom Gibby Ross. I saw Karl and Gibby playing with Tito on stage-what a sight to see! Karl also played with Sheila E. (as a member of her band in her emergence as a huge star in the 1980’s), Prince, Pete Escovedo, Dizzy Gillespie, Malo, Pacific Mambo Orchestra, Ray Obiedo, Andy Narell, Jorge Santana, Raul Rekow and many others. Perazzo also formed the popular SF based salsa band Avance which had a long run starting in the early 1990’s. The group disbanded in 2020. Karl has kept himself connected to his roots which is Salsa and Afro-Cuban music but has always kept his hear open to all types of music since his childhood. He credits his father who always encouraged Perazzo to push himself to be a complete percussionist, to learn how to sing and be a versatile performer.
Perazzo is now launching his own YouTube show “The Backstage Show” on the TBS Music Channel in the next couple of months which will focus on fellow creatives such as musicians, artists, chefs, writers and other notable individuals involved in arts and culture. Perazzo who is the host of “The Backstage Show‘ told me that the program’s mission is “to turn music into inspiration“. I asked Karl Perazzo what keeps him going. He told me “you have to have passion in whatever you do in life…whether it’s sweeping the floor or playing the drum”. You can feel that burning passion, inspiration and enthusiasm along with those great playing chops whenever you see him play live! You can catch up with Karl Perazzo by following him on Instagram under karlpperc.
Music Notes
Music Notes: Salsa superstar Luis Enrique and Peruvian salsero Josimar Y Su Yambu are the new headliners replacing Victor Manuelle on Saturday, April 9th at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Burlingame. Promoters JC Coral and Bosco Vega are presenting the show which originally was scheduled for early February but was postponed due to COVID restrictions. The new lineup was announced earlier in February. For tickets, visit eventbrite.com, tickeri.com, ticketsparati.com or call 415-424-8809 or 650-218-0861.
Former El Gran Combo vocalist Charlie Aponte will be singing his original solo material as well as a slew of his great Gran Combo hits on Friday, April 6 at Roccapulco in San Francisco. Pepe Y Su Orquesta will be opening up the show brought to you by Jaffe Events. Roccapulco will also be presenting the red hot Combinacion De La Habana with a high energy six man vocal front line for their SF debut on Saturday, March 5th. CDLH is under the direction of Gerson Valdes, the nephew of iconic pianist Chucho Valdes and performs Timba mixed in with Reggaeton and Salsa Dura. This popular group is embraced by Cuba’s youthful fans and making fans everywhere.
Jaffe Events in association with MGD Productions will be presenting a dream Cuban music double bill featuring Los Van Van and Havana d’Primera with Alexander Abreu on Friday, May 6th at Berkeley’s UC Theatre, 2036 University Avenue. DJ Antonio will also play in-between sets. I have the honor of serving as the Master of Ceremonies of this special event. For Info and tickets visit www.jaffeevents.com.
Former Los Van Van vocalist Yeny Valdes and her band will be visiting the popular Fresquecito monthly party at La Furia Chalaca, 310 Broadway in Oakland on Saturday, March 12 at 10 pm. Yeny will be joined by resident DJ’s Walt Digz and Pepe Timba. For tickets, visit www.eventbrite.com
La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Avenue in Berkeley is featuring a special “Baila” community dance party on Friday, March 18th from 7 pm to 1 am with a multi-room environment featuring the explosive salsa of BrauLio Barrera’s Somos El Son with KPOO/KPFA DJ Jose Ruiz in the main auditorium. DJ Ron will be spinning Bachata in the lounge. Salsa and Bachata dance lessons by In Lak’ech Dance before the show begins at 7:30 pm. Tickets are already going fast. For tickets and information, visit lapena.org.
World Salsa Radio is presenting their second in a series of dance socials on Friday, March 25th at The Beat, 2560 Ninth Street in Berkeley. There will be dance performances by renowned Salsa dance troupes as well as Salsa lessons starting at 9 pm. The DJ music will be provided by WSR CEO Felipe “El De La Clave SF” Martinez and WSR co-founder Orlando DJ Boricua” Felix. Special guest DJ will be yours truly, Luis Medina of “Sabiduria Con Tumbao” starting my set at 10 pm.
Be sure to tune in on your laptop, phone or devices by visiting www.worldsalsaradio.com. It’s on 24 hours a day!
The Seahorse in Sausalito continues to showcase a variety of fine bands on Saturday and Sunday evenings starting at 5 pm. This month, the Seahorse features Julio Bravo’s 50+ Birthday Party with Julio and Salsabor 3/6, Rumbache 3/12, Edgardo Cambon and Candela 3/13, Anthony Blea & Friends and DJ Jose Ruiz’ Birthday Party 3/19, Louie Romero & Mazacote 3/20, La Clave Del Blanco 3/26 and Orquesta Taino on 3/27. The featured DJ is KPOO/KPFA’s Jose Ruiz. Great food, Beer and Wine are offered at this popular venue located across the Golden Gate Bridge at 305 Harbor Drive.
The Ramp, 855 Terry Francois Blvd near the water in San Francisco continues their popular Salsa Saturdays with N’Rumba 3/5, Orquesta Borinquen 3/12, Karabali 3/19 and Manny Martinez y Orquesta La Rebeldia 3/26. The shows start at 5 pm and feature DJ Mendy in-between the sets.
San Francisco’s The Cigar Bar on 850 Montgomery Street is continuing their hot Friday and Saturday night live Latin music schedule in March. This month, they are presenting Manteca, 3/4, Pepe Y Su Orquesta 3/5, The Latin Rhythm Boys 3/11, Josh Jones Latin Jazz Ensemble 3/12, Julio Bravo y Salsabor 3/18, La Clave Del Blanco 3/19, Somos El Son 3/25 and Edgardo Cambon y Candela 3/26. Enjoy the classic surroundings, the patio, the fine food, cigars, drinks and the swinging music at the Cigar Bar.
Promoter/DJ Bosco Vega is also opening a new local night spot Gustoso at the Atlas Lounge, 637 San Mateo Avenue, San Bruno on Sat. March 12th featuring Salsa, Bachata and Timba by DJ’s Franklin, Antonio and Bosco himself!!
Remember you can catch my radio programs Con Sabor (in its 25 anniversary year) on KPFA 94.1 FM and kpfa.org Saturday nights 9 to 11 PM PST & Sabiduria Con Tumbao on Wednesday nights 5 to 7 PM PST on WorldSalsaRadio.com.
That’s it for this time! Ciao 4 now!!
BY LUIS MEDINA, PRODUCER AND HOST OF CON SABOR ON KPFA 94.1 FM AND SABIDURIA CON TUMBAO ON WORLD SALSA RADIO.COM
ISM March 2022
Memo Arroyave, entre las voces más importantes e impecables del Caribe
Considered as one of the faithful representatives of Venezuelan salsa, the young vocalist Guillermo José “Memo” Arroyave, born on July 22nd in the city of Caracas, arrives to “Salsa Escrita” for an exclusive interview.
Memo Arroyave, continues to project himself with more and more quality and professionalism, characteristics that define him in the Caribbean music genre at the national and international levels.
In a pleasant and enjoyable conversation with Memo, he told us about his career and his current and future projects.
Memo Arroyave, welcome to Barquisimeto’s salsa column “Salsa Escrita”; it is a great pleasure for us to have you as our special guest and we would like you to tell us about your beginnings in your artistic career.
-Thank you Carlos for the opportunity you are giving me to reach your readers in a direct and fraternal way.
Memo Arroyave, among the most important and impeccable voices of the Caribbean
My beginnings in the world of music and show business date back approximately to 1996, when I was a student of the successful Venezuelan Rafa Galindo (R.I.P.D.), the musical legend of our country.
Then I ventured into the stages forming part of different groups in Caracas, such as Partitura Latina, Orquesta Gente Novel, Orquesta Ensueños, Galaxy Latin Band, El Código Salsero, among others.
-Memo, which artists have you shared the stage with, what can you tell us about them? Professor Carlos, I have had the opportunity to share the stage and accompany, on occasions, as a soloist and others as a backing vocalist, national and international artists of the stature of: Andy Montañez, Ismael Miranda, Viti Ruiz, Christian Fernandez, Adalberto Santiago, Pupy Santiago, Paquito Guzman, Roberto Blades, Jose Mangual Jr, Max Torres, Wichy Camacho, Willman Cano, Nino Segarra, Nelson Arrieta, Marcial Istúriz, Mandinga Star Band, Wílmer Lozano, Wiwi Buznego, Wílmer Cobos, Cheo Valenzuela, Miguel Araujo, Erick Franchesky, Irving Manuel, Ángel Flores, Samir Bazzi, Manuel Guerra y su Orquesta, and in December 2019, I shared the stage with Hermán Olivera, Luisito Carrión and Frankie Vásquez.
-Regarding current projects, what can you tell us about them? I am part of several projects simultaneously my friend Carlos, among which stand out: Orquesta Puma Band, Victor Cardona y la Máquina de la Salsa, La Rumba Sonora de New York, Afro Códigos and recently I was invited to participate in the 10th Anniversary album of “Los Rumberos del Callejón”.
Well Memo, for all that you have given us to know about your talent and dedication, you are an obligatory reference of the salsa show and we would like to know about your most recent and future projects.
-In fact, I recently recorded and released the song “Si falta el Aire”, a composition by the Spaniard David Santisteban, with arrangements by Enmanuel “Cerebro” Romero and under my production.
It was recorded in Caracas, Mexico, Miami, and New York, mixed and mastered in the Venezuelan capital, as part of my first musical production. Other of my hits are: “Y lloré”, “No Puedo estar sin ti”, which I did a duet with Rafael “El Pollo” Brito. And as a scoop for your salsa column “Salsa Escrita”, I already have the next promo ready and it is a duet with NG2 from Puerto Rico and last week was the release of the song with José Madera Niño “3º Mundo”, titled: “Me gustas pero…”, which is sounding strong and last year I recorded for a Colombian pianist, but he is based in Washington, United States, which made an album called “10” and among other singers participate: Rodrigo Mendoza, Mariana “La Sonora de Venezuela”, Marcial Istúriz, Gonzalo Díaz, Mike Barrios, which is a talentazo of Zulia state, who is currently in Mexico, my person and other people from other countries.
Soon I will be in the production that is in the process of mixing and where Argenis Carruyo, Oscar Arriaga, Wichi Camacho, and others also participate.
-Excellent Memo, I understand that in addition to your facet as a singer, you also dabble in the media?
That’s right professor, let me tell you that I am the nephew of Fernando Sosa Leal, I have done radio and television since 2002; I started with a radio program in the state of La Guaira, I was the director of the musicalization of Azul 95. 9 FM, then we did “Mundo Latino”, there I was as an animator with Fernando Sosa Leal and Luis Arturo in CMT, then in TVES, but I leave the project to devote myself more to my singing career and also went several times to Puerto Rico to the editions of the National Salsa Day, World Salsa Congress, to give coverage from there for all Venezuela and the Caribbean and recently as the producer of Strike 13 with Fernando Sosa Leal in his Bowling program for Meridiano TV.
Carlos, I wanted to thank you for the focus you give to the singer through your salsa column, if I may say individually and not so much as choristers, which of course is important, but in your work and interviews we have read the support and contribution you give to our musical productions and recordings with orchestras, since this way we make ourselves known to music lovers as well as to the public.
Finally, I want to thank you for your time and congratulate you for this work that you do with a lot of enthusiasm, with desire and that should be appreciated not only by me but by all musicians, artists who are giving it their all and that, if it were not for people like you, it would be even more difficult.
-Your social networks? Through @memomedicen, they are my accounts in R.R.S.S. Thanks, Memo for this connection we had and thank you for accepting the invitation to Salsa Escrita “La Columna Salsera de Barquisimeto”, through International Salsa Magazine, www.salsaGoogle.com, we would also like to have you performing in our twilight city and musical capital of Venezuela and remind all artists that we are to serve them in an unconditional way in favor of our Latin music and obviously the Venezuelan talent that is unquestionably superior every day.
See you next time and let’s keep salseando!
Article of Interest: Henry Valladares, a brilliant, versatile, and disciplined percussionist