¡Hola, Mi Gente!
What a whirlwind of a week!
After doing my last gigs of June, I flew down to So Cal for a few days to see my mom and visiting brother and family from Michigan. There I closed some last-minute gig offers.
Last Thursday I flew back in time for The Vine. The following morning I said goodbye to my friend at her funeral who I wrote you about last week. It was a beautiful, heart-felt service.
From there, I went to the Mission in San Francisco to play with old and new friends at Cafe La Taza. It was a wild scene and our quartet blew the walls out of the packed house. They were watching from the sidewalk through the windows because they couldn’t get in.
Then on Saturday I learned of more life-threatening issues impacting more close family in Southern Cal. Then that night I kicked it strong with saxophonist Sonya Jason at Havana. By the end of that day, I was emotionally drained.
Sunday I slept. I could finally go to the store and then did a challenging, healing hike at Lake Chabot, where I confirmed yet another last-minute gig.
And that one is today, Monday. I’m off to play with Carlos Reyes and the band for a great private concert in Moraga.
And two more last-minute shows happen on Tuesday July 10 at Maria, Maria in Walnut Creek, and then my surprise return to Piacere in San Carlos on Thursday July 12. All the details are below in the Calendar.
And remember I’m finally reuniting with the amazing keyboardist-vocalist Janice Maxie-Reid who makes her debut on Saturday July 13 at Havana in Walnut Creek as I continue my new duet series at that venue. All details below.
Plenty more coming up in the month including a duet appearance featuring the great violinist Carlos Reyes at The Vine at Bridges on Saturday July 21 from 8-11pm in Danville. Details below.
Please join me as we continue to celebrate our journey together.
Ciao,
Rolando
PUBLIC PERFORMANCES FOR JULY 2018
Tuesday July 10, Maria, Maria Cantina, 1470 North Broadway, Walnut Creek, approx 6-9pm. After over a year, Rolando finally returns to Carlos Santana’s Walnut Creek restaurant for Taco Tuesday. $1 tacos, baby! Enjoy Rolando on solo guitar and voice with his huge repertoire and big sound out on the front patio. He may be joined by a special musical guest. www.mariamariarestaurants.com, (925) 946-1010.
Thursday July 12, Piacere, 727 Laurel Street, San Carlos, CA 94070, 8-11 pm. After more than 1½ years away, Rolando finally returns to this fine Peninsula restaurant that takes you on a culinary tour of Italy. Rolando will take you on a sensory tour of the Americas and beyond on solo guitar and voice in the fun, lively bar area. www.piacererestaurant.com, (650) 592-2040.
Friday July 13, Havana Cuban Cuisine, 1516 Bonanza St., Walnut Creek, approx 8:30-11pm. Rolando returns to this fine Cuban restaurant and live music venue. Tonight will feature the delightful keyboardist and chanteuse Janice Maxie-Reid, who has shared the stage with Sting and Stevie Wonder; and on guitar, voice and his pedal board of magic, Rolando Morales. Together they create irresistible blends of Latin, classic R&B and soulful jazz for the first time at this venue. Don’t miss it! www.havanarestaurant.net, (925) 939-4555.
Saturday July 21, Vine at Bridges, 480 Hartz Avenue, Danville, 8-11pm. The Rolando Morales Duet returns to this cool winery and nightspot. Enjoy a wonderful selection of wines, superb dinners and tapas while grooving to this powerful duet. This time Rolando welcomes the astounding Paraguayan violinist who plays with Arturo Sandoval and Steve Miller, Carlos Reyes; and on guitar, voice and his pedal board of magic, the passionate Rolando Morales. Together they’ll create an exciting and unique musical alchemy. Don’t miss it! www.thevineatbridges.com, (925) 820-7210.
Tuesday July 24, Maria, Maria Cantina, 1470 North Broadway, Walnut Creek, approx 6-9pm. Rolando returns to Carlos Santana’s Walnut Creek restaurant for Taco Tuesday. $1 tacos, baby! Enjoy Rolando on solo guitar and voice with his huge repertoire and big sound out on the front patio. He may be joined by a special musical guest. www.mariamariarestaurants.com, (925) 946-1010.
Friday July 27, Havana Cuban Cuisine, 1516 Bonanza St., Walnut Creek, approx 8:30-11pm. Rolando returns to this fine Cuban restaurant and live music venue. Tonight will feature the electric rock guitarist from Carlos Santana, the exciting Carlos Hernandez; and on guitar, vocals and his pedal board of magic, Rolando Morales. Together they’ll rock Havana through the night. www.havanarestaurant.net, (925) 939-4555.