Author: Rolando Morales

  • Rolando Morales thoughts this week and August 2016 Calendar

    Rolando Morales at private event
    Rolando Morales at private event
    A member of Parliament to Disraeli: "Sir, you will either die on the gallows or of some unspeakable disease.”
     "That depends, Sir, " said Disraeli, “whether I embrace your policies or your mistress."
     Aaahh… The good old days, when low-cutting political insults required wit and eloquence.

    August 1, 2016

    Hola, Mi Gente!

    July’s political theater has helped the month scurry by.  When coupled with the positive experiences of so many private events I played through last week, the month seemed but a blink of an eye.  (Which reminds me…  For those of you who have been asking, yes, my right eye is so much improved, but I still have an intermittent white veil that obstructs part of my vision, but that should go away within a few more weeks.)

    Through it all, my August Calendar suddenly reveals itself tomorrow, Tuesday August 2nd with my first appearance in almost 6 weeks at Maria, Maria in Danville from 6-9pm.  That will be my only public appearance of the week, as I will be doing only private events for the next  week.

    After I return, there will be plenty of public shows to chose from throughout August.  Some highlights include an exciting version of my Trio performing on Saturday August 13 at the brand new Pairings Cellars in Pleasanton.  The band will feature the great Paraguayan violinist Carlos Reyes, Grammy-winning Latin percussionist/vocalist Omar Ledezma and myself on guitar, guitar synth and voice.  Details below.  

    Then on August 17, I’ll be doing a very rare Wednesday duet performance for you South Bay fans at the San Jose Fairmont in the Lobby Lounge from 9-Midnight.  I’ll feature the delightful violinist Ms. Patricia Weiss.  She has shared the stage with the Gipsy Kings.  Details below.

    There’s much more to come.  I’ll  see you at the show!

    Ciao,

    Rolando 

    PUBLIC PERFORMANCES FOR AUGUST 2016

    Tuesday Aug 2, Maria, Maria Cantina, 710 Camino Ramon Road, Danville CA, approx 6-9pm.  After 5 weeks away, Rolando finally returns to Carlos Santana’s most elegant restaurant for Taco Tuesday.  $1 tacos, baby!  And Rolando on solo guitar and voice with his diverse repertoire performing out on the patio by the fire pits.  (925) 820-2366.  See www.mariamariarestaurants.com.

    Friday Aug 12, Don Pico’s Mexican Bistro, 461 El Camino Real, San Bruno, 6 to 9 pm.  Rolando returns to the place The Examiner and Independent have proclaimed has the “Best Seafood and Best Mexican Food” anywhere, on solo guitar and voice in the Restaurant Room.  Call (650) 589-1163www.donpicosbistro.com.

    Saturday Aug 13, Pairings Cellars, 310 Main Street, Suite B, Pleasanton CA 94566, 8-11pm.  Rolando returns to this brand new, exciting social hotspot in downtown Pleasanton.  This new wine bar features fine wines, tapas and the Rolando Morales Trio, featuring from Paraguay, the thrilling violinist with Steve Miller and Arturo Sandoval, the great Carlos Reyes; from Venezuela, the Grammy-winning Latin percussionist/vocalist Omar Ledezma; and Rolando Morales leading the way on guitar, guitar synth and voice. Free!x www.pairingscellars.com(925) 398-8846.

    Sunday Aug 14, Maria, Maria Cantina, 1470 North Broadway, Walnut Creek, approx 2-5pm.  Rolando returns for the Maria, Maria Tardeada series.  Enjoy a Mexican brunch outdoors and Rolando performing on the newly renovated front patio on solo guitar and voice by the creek.  He may be joined by flautist Bob Harrison.  www.mariamariarestaurants.com, or call (925) 946-1010.

    Wednesday Aug 17, The San Jose Fairmont, Lobby Lounge, 170 South Market St., San Jose CA, 9pm-Midnight.  Rolando returns for you South Bay fans to this elegant venue.  Celebrate the night with fine wines, unique martinis, appetizers and sushi along with the Rolando Morales Duet, this time featuring the delightful violinist who played with the Gipsy Kings, Ms. Patricia Weiss; and Rolando Morales leading the way on guitar and vocals and his magic pedal board.  Free!  See www.fairmont.com/sanjose/ for info, or call (408) 998-1900.

    Saturday Aug 20, Don Pico’s Mexican Bistro, 461 El Camino Real, San Bruno, 6 to 9 pm.   Rolando  returns on solo guitar and voice in the intimate Restaurant Room for a rare Saturday night performance.  Call (650) 589-1163 and see  www.donpicosbistro.com.

    Sunday Aug 21, Maria, Maria Cantina, 1470 North Broadway, Walnut Creek, approx 2-5pm.  Enjoy a Mexican brunch and Rolando performing on the newly renovated front patio on solo guitar and voice by the creek.  If it’s too hot, it will be indoors.   He may be joined by Bob Harrison on flute.   www.mariamariarestaurants.com,   (925) 946-1010.

    Friday Aug 26, Pairings Cellars, 310 Main Street, Suite B, Pleasanton CA 94566, 8-11pm.  Rolando returns to this brand new, exciting social hotspot in downtown Pleasanton.  This new wine bar features fine wines, tapas and this time, Rolando on solo guitar and voice.  Free! www.pairingscellars.com(925) 398-8846.

    Saturday Aug 27, Vine at Bridges, 480 Hartz Avenue, Danville, approx 8-11pm.  The Rolando Morales Duet returns to this cool winery and nightspot.  Enjoy a wonderful selection of wines, superb dinners and munchies while enjoying this powerful duet.  Tonight Rolando reunites with the charismatic Latin percussionist/vocalist from George Benson and Prince, the delightful Estaire Godinez; and on guitar, voice and his pedal board of magic, the passionate Rolando Morales.  They’ll cover the musical spectrum.  Don’t miss it!  www.thevineatbridges.com(925) 820-7210

    Sunday Aug 28, Maria, Maria Cantina, 1470 North Broadway, Walnut Creek, approx 2-5pm.  Enjoy a Mexican brunch at Carlos Santana’s lively cantina and Rolando performing on the newly renovated front patio on solo guitar and voice by the creek. He may be joined by Bob Harrison on flute. www.mariamariarestaurants.com,   (925) 946-1010.

    Tuesday Aug 30, Maria, Maria Cantina, 710 Camino Ramon Road, Danville CA, approx 6-9pm.  Rolando returns to Carlos Santana’s most elegant restaurant for Taco Tuesday.  $1 tacos, baby!  And Rolando on solo guitar and voice with his diverse repertoire performing out on the patio by the fire pits.  We’ll see if he has any special guests sitting in…  (925) 820-2366www.mariamariarestaurants.com

    All other shows are private.  Why not hire Rolando for your own private event?  He’s available for corporate shows, weddings, parties, concerts and festivals. The Rolando Morales group is available as sextet, quintet, quartet, trio and duo depending on your entertainment needs and budget.  

     

  • Rolando Morales adds “Love’s in Need of Love Today” by Stevie Wonder to his repertoire.

    Rolando Morales  will perform Saturday July 23, Pairings Cellars, 310 Main Street, Suite B, Pleasanton CA 94566, 8-11pm with Estaire Godinez and David Belove.
    Rolando Morales will perform Saturday July 23, Pairings Cellars, 310 Main Street, Suite B, Pleasanton CA 94566, 8-11pm with Estaire Godinez and David Belove.

    Hola, Mi Gente!

    If there has ever been a time for us to collectively channel our inner Martin Luther King, that time is now.  Too many times now, listening to the radio while driving to or from a gig, I’ve heard heart-rending, breaking news of the latest violence inflicted in another American city.

    One of the songs I’ve added to my repertoire of late, sadly, has been Stevie Wonder’s “Love’s In Need Of Love Today.”   One of the lines goes: “Hate’s goin’ round breaking many hearts.  Stop it please before it’s gone too far.”

    I’ve had some special moments performing these kinds of songs for receptive audiences at Wente Vineyard, The Vineand even Maria, Maria in Walnut Creek.  Some spoke to me with tears in their eyes on the breaks of how they were moved by the songs or appreciated what I wrote in these newsletters.  It seems we all want the madness to stop.  But the few with the demented will and the means to act perpetuate the violence. Better to remember Dr. King’s words:

    “We must learn to live together as brothers, or perish together as fools.” March on Washington-1964

    If you’re looking for healing energy and a fun escape from the news, remember that my Trio debuts  this Saturdaynight, July 23 at a brand new Wine Bar, Pairings Cellars on Main Street in downtown Pleasanton, as part of theirGrand Opening month.  We’ll have a ball playing in this intimate space with my great trio featuring the percussionist/vocalist from Prince, Estaire Godinez; the great bassist from Pete Escovedo, David Belove; and I’ll be there on guitar, guitar synth and voice.  Details below.  Don’t miss it!

    The beautiful Estaire Godinez and David Belove
    The beautiful Estaire Godinez and David Belove

    There’s still much more left in this second half of the calendar. Make your reservations and I’ll  see you at the show!

    Ciao,

    Rolando