Cinema Cinema and more Cinema

I have been immersing myself into the world of film by going to the 53rd San Francisco International Film Festival. I have been a film buff since I was a kid (I have to thank my mom for my exposure to movies!). So I'm thrilled to have checked out the opening night screening of the delightfully wacky French film "Micmacs", attended a discussion with this year's Oscar winner for best song, T-Bone Burnett sharing his experience about making music for film and going to see new Latin cinema such as the poetic Columbian film "The Wind Journeys" and the revealing documentary about the tragic fall of iconic Brazilian entertainer Wilson Simonal. I'm looking forward to going to a tribute to the great filmmaker/director Walter Salles who directed the oscar winning "Central Station" and the sensational "The Motorcycle Diaries".

Ch..ch...changes!

Well, musical chairs are being played in the concert scene. I was looking forward to seeing Manolito at Yoshis. Now those shows have been canceled. David Calzado's Charanga Habanera has also been canceled at Cocomo. Now, Manolito is scheduled to take their place on May 8th at Cafe Cocomo. However, the big Luis Enrique salsa dance with Adolecentes, Avance, Montuno Swing and others is still taking place on the 8th at the SF Hilton. Now if you're a big tropical Latin music freak like me, there is a dilemma if you want to see both gigs that evening. I also have my radio show that evening so I will attempt to be at 3 different places at the same time that evening...I been practicing my magic.

The Cuban Invasion SF/Bay Area Style

One of my favorite modern Cuban bands is Manolito Y Su Trabuco led by pianist Manolito Simonet. Their repertoire includes some of the finest interpretations of timba, charanga, son and salsa today. Their ability to deliver anthemic songs with an irresistible swing such as "Marcando La Distancia", "Caballo Grande" and "Communicate" have made them into one of the top draws in Cuba and a top touring act. They continue to put out great recordings and their live shows are incendiary. I never saw them live but on the dvd "Break Out" which came out a few years ago showcases the Trabuco in their timba drenched glory. This dvd which features a mano a mano between the popular Bamboleo and the Trabuco is well worth checking out. Now I will be able to finally check out Manolito and company absolutely live since they are visiting the Bay Area for the first time on Wed, May 5 (Cinco De Mayo) and Thursday, May 6, 8 and 10 pm at Yoshis, 1330 Fillmore, SF.

Graciela RIP

Graciela Perez-Grillo was one of those legendary figures in our music who made an undeniable impact. Blessed with a great voice, impeccable timing, clear phrasing and a sense of humor, she sang with passion and style. Those classic Machito tunes that she recorded with her brother and husband Mario Bauza still stand the test of time. She enjoyed a renaissance in the late 80's and 90's when she and Mario Bauza collaborated on his last big band recordings. Now her music will be passed on to a new generation with open ears that appreciates classic dance music and loves to dance to it as well as the fans who loved her. Celia Cruz, La India, Albita, Elena Burke and many other divas owe a big debt to Graciela who was the first one to open the door. Blessed are the pioneers.

Sin Salsa No Hay Paraiso!

"Sin Salsa No Hay Paraiso" is the title of the new El Gran Combo cd on Sony which is definitely worth picking up! They are sounding solid as ever. I dare you to put this cd on and NOT dance. It is a fine example of music that is written, produced and performed well by one of the finest salsa orchestras in the world. Period. That is no small feat for a band that pushing 50 years in show business. It's available on I Tunes for all of you who can't wait for your local record store (do they still exist?) or mail order house to ship it to you! Pa' bailar y sudar!

The Yin and the Yang - Noticias/Live Music

I just found out that the scheduled Elio Reve Jr. Y Su Charangon show on the 23rd of this month has been cancelled. What a bummer since I missed Reve in Barcelona last summer. Hopefully, he will be rescheduled soon. The David Calzado/Charanga Habanera show has also been cancelled for the beginning of next month. That leaves Juan Formell and Los Van Van as THE big Cuban show to look forward to in the future. They will be appearing at Yoshis in June with 2 nights in San Francisco and 2 nights in Oakland. In the meantime, the revamped Seis Del Solar featuring original members pianist/musical director Oscar Hernandez and timbalero Ralphy Irrizary will be performing this coming Wednesday and Thursday at Yoshis in SF. Now this isn't the reunited original band that has been working with Ruben Blades on dates outside the country this past year. However, they have some dynamic firepower with the dynamic talents of bassist Ruben Rodriguez, saxophonist Bobby Franceschini, drummer Dafnis Preito and conguero Bobby Allende. Should be one hot show. If that wasn't enough, Omar Sosa and his acclaimed Afreecanos group visit Yoshis, Oakland on Friday, April 16 through Sunday, April 18. Check him out on Art Sato's "In Your Ear" program Saturday, April 17 from 4 to 6 pm on KPFA.