Michael Spiro on Facebook: “I am usually very hesitant to post things on Facebook about my accomplishments. It always seems a little self-serving. But in this case, I can’t help it. Jose Luis Seluma and I are very honored and proud to have been nominated for a Cubadisco award (the Cuban “Grammies”) in the “Tradicion Afro-Cubana” category for our CD, “Mabagwe—a Tribute to Los Mayores” .
It is hard for us to imagine that we could even be considered in the same group of artists as “Los Munequitos de Matanzas” and “Ochareo”. It is almost embarrassing for us, since Los Munequitos have always been, and will always be our idols. And so for once the cliché is true—just to be nominated in the same category is the honor of a lifetime.
We must of course thank our multi-talented producer, Jesus Diaz, and all the great artists who recorded with us—Lali, El Gato Gatell, Fito Reinoso, Colin Douglas, Genesies Reinoso, Beatriz Godinez, Jesus Gonzalez, Ivan Camblor, and El Rubio, Jason McGuire.
Obviously Seluma and I couldn’t be at the nominating ceremony in La Habana, so we don’t yet have our plaque—As soon as we can get a photo, we’ll share it with you!”
Michael Spiro knows how to surround himself and inspire the world’s best musicians.
Michael Spiro writes, performs, and produces critically acclaimed instructional books and DVDs on percussion, and he launched two ground-breaking educational websites which offer complete instruction on Cuban and Brazilian percussion over the internet: CongaMasterClass.com and SambaMasterClass.com. Michael Spiro continues to be in demand as a guest artist at universities worldwide, and is a frequent presenter at national and statewide conventions of the Percussive Arts Society.
He regularly performs with the reknowned percussionist Karl Perazzo, Wayne Wallace,
“BÁKINI En el Nuevo Mundo” (produced with Joe Galvin) had an official release date of September 21st, 2017. Previously he participated in these Grammy Nominated projects:
2017 – Michael Spiro and Wayne Wallace, Patois Records
2015 – The Wayne Wallace Latin Jazz Quintet, Patois Records
2014 – The Wayne Wallace Latin Jazz Quintet, Patois Records
2012 – John Santos and Grupo Folklorico Kindembo, Machete Records
2010 – The Wayne Wallace Jazz Quintet, Patois Records
Mother’s Day Sunday, May 12th, with Rolando Morales in Danville
April 30, 2019
¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo, mi Gente!
On Sunday, Mexico and much of the U.S. celebrates Cinco de Mayo, when in 1862 some 4,000 Mexican soldiers obliterated a highly experienced French Army and traitorous Mexican forces of 8,000 in Puebla, just 100 miles east of Mexico City.
Napoleon Bonaparte’s nephew, Emperor Napoleon III, had embarked upon a very aggressive foreign policy claiming territories in Algeria, Indochina, Lebanon and more with an army that had not been defeated in 50 years, including the Crimean War. He detested the United States and had designs on ruling over a new empire in neighboring Mexico. The French feared no one, including the U.S. which was embroiled in its own Civil War. (The French were also positioning themselves to provide arms to the Confederate Rebels.) And so with the finest modern equipment and up to date fashion (they were French after all), they invaded Mexico.
They got more than they bargained for in Puebla. Instead of being showered with flowers by the conservative clerical town, they were out-maneuvered by General Porfirio Diaz’ men. The French shot off half their ammunition in less than two hours. The battles ended with much of the French cavalry killed or wounded, chased on horseback through rain and mud, and with many dodging stampeding cattle and Indians armed only with machetes.
The French tried again over a year later. This time, the Union forces were rushed to the border after their victory over the Confederates to assist the Mexicanos in expelling the French. Perhaps this is one reason why thousands of Mexicanos crossed the border after Pearl Harbor to join the U.S. armed forces. And why so many again flooded American consulates with phone calls during the Persian Gulf War trying to enlist to fight for America.
This little history lesson is something to think about when we witness the thousands of Latin American families risking their lives today to seek help in our country, only to confront oppressive executive orders that separate their family members and penalize them at their most dire time of need. The ideals of freedom, liberty and upholding the fundamental values of human dignity should be celebrated in this country and shared by us all. Ajua!
Something tells me not many people will be thinking about this during my big Cinco de Mayo weekend of double-header gigs. And that’s fine! We’re out to have fun!
I haven’t played at Maria, Maria in over 4 months, but I’ll be there at Maria, Maria in Danville on Saturday May 4 from 12-3pm, where I’ll be kicking off the festivities out on the patio for revelers enjoying tequila, margaritas, comida Mexicana and my tailored repertoire. And I follow that thesame night with an appearance at the Walnut Creek Marriott from 6-9pm. Details below.
Then on Cinco de Mayo, Sunday May 5th, I continue at Maria, Maria in Danville on the patio again from Noon to 3pm. Lot’s of fun to be had there! And the same night, I shoot across the pond to the Tavern on 4th in San Rafael, the newly renovated and shiny new watering hole and live music venue for some Latin sounds, drinks and dancing. I played there last year for this event and they invited me back, so all you North Bay fans, come out and join me! Details below.
There’s much more below, including my classic Triodebuting on Friday May 17 at Havana’s in Walnut Creek! This will be special. Danilo Paíz on Latin percussion and voice; David Belove on bass; and Yours Truly on guitar, guitar synth and vocals. This will be the first time we’re playing publicly in the East Bay in many years, so don’t miss it!
There’s plenty more in your new calendar, including a Mother’s Day appearance, so check it out and make your reservations.
Ciao and see you at the show!
Rolando
PUBLIC PERFORMANCES FOR MAY 2019
Rolando Morales on Saturday, May 11, at the Marriott in Walnut Creek
Friday May 3, Barone’s Restaurant, 475 St. John St., Pleasanton CA, approx 7:30-10:30pm. Rolando returns to one of Pleasanton’s premiere dining establishments. Enjoy exquisite meals and service, libations and Rolando’s vast repertoire in the lively Cocktail Lounge. See www.baronespleasanton.com, (925) 426-0987.
Saturday May 4, Maria, Maria Cantina Cinco de Mayo Event, 710 Camino Ramon Road, Danville CA, 12-3pm. Santana’s Danville restaurant kicks off their big Cinco de Mayo Weekend Party featuring live music through the weekend. After 4 months away, Rolando kicks it off on the Patio on solo guitar and voice from 12-3pm, while you enjoy your cervezas, margaritas and comida Mexicana. Then dance through the night to a fun party band indoors while the food and libations flow. (925) 820-2366, www.mariamariarestaurants.com.
Saturday May 4, Walnut Creek Marriott, Lobby Lounge & Bar, 2355 North Main Street, Walnut Creek, 6-9pm. Rolando returns to this redesigned East Bay hotel and gathering spot in the newly renovated lounge in the shadow of Mount Diablo, where you can enjoy your favorite cocktail, fine wines and a lovely full menu. Enjoy a sophisticated environment with an international clientele and great acoustics, perfect for Rolando’s vast repertoire on solo guitar and voice and your wonderful night out. Reservations: (925) 934-2000, https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/oakwc-walnut-creek-marriott/.
Sunday May 5, Maria, Maria Cantina Cinco de Mayo Event, 710 Camino Ramon Road, Danville CA, 12-3pm. Santana’s Danville restaurant wraps up their big Cinco de Mayo Weekend Party featuring live music through the weekend. Rolando kicks it off on the Patio on solo guitar and voice from 12-3pm, while you enjoy your cervezas, margaritas and comida Mexicana. (925) 820-2366, www.mariamariarestaurants.com.
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at The Tavern on Fourth with Rolando Morales
Sunday May 5, The Tavern on Fourth, 711 4th Street, San Rafael, 7-9:30pm. After last year’s hit Cinco de Mayo debut at this newly renovated North Bay bar, Rolando was invited back to to bring some Latin sabor to the strip in San Rafael. Craft and classic cocktails, 18 Nor Cal draught beers and more. This is a special invite to you North Bay friends: Let’s pack the place! (415) 454-4044, www.thetavernonfourth.com.
Saturday May 11, Walnut Creek Marriott, Lobby Lounge & Bar, 2355 North Main Street, Walnut Creek, 6-9pm. Rolando returns to this newly renovated lounge in the shadow of Mount Diablo, where you can enjoy your favorite cocktail, fine wines and a lovely full menu. Enjoy a sophisticated environment with an international clientele and great acoustics, perfect for Rolando’s vast repertoire on solo guitar and voice and your great night out. Reservations: (925) 934-2000, https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/oakwc-walnut-creek-marriott/.
Sunday May 12, Maria, Maria Cantina Mother’s Day Brunch, 710 Camino Ramon Road, Danville CA, 12-3pm. Give your mom a special treat and bring her to Santana’s Danville restaurant. Brunch, mimosas and Rolando’s broad repertoire out on the Patio on solo guitar and voice. Speaking of roses, bring her here and you’ll be smelling like one. Be sure to make reservations! (925) 820-2366, www.mariamariarestaurants.com.
Friday May 17, Havana Cuban Cuisine, 1516 Bonanza St., Walnut Creek, approx 9-11:30pm. The Rolando Morales Trio finally comes to the East Bay! The classic version of this exciting trio makes its debut at this fine Cuban restaurant and live music venue. Tonight will feature for the first time in years, the powerful Latin percussionist-vocalist from Nicaragua who played with Ruben Blades and Dizzy Gillespie, Danilo Paíz; the rock-solid bassist who played with Pete Escovedo and Tito Puente, the great David Belove; and on guitar, guitar synth and voice, Rolando Morales. This is a rare treat, first time publicly in the East Bay. You won’t believe what just three guys can create! Reserve early. It’ll fill up. www.havanarestaurant.net, (925) 939-4555.
Friday May 31, Havana Cuban Cuisine, 1516 Bonanza St., Walnut Creek, approx 9-11:30pm. Rolando returns for this special series of duet engagements at this fine Cuban restaurant and live music venue. Tonight will feature the charismatic Latin percussionist-vocalist who played with George Benson and Prince, the entertaining Estaire Godinez; and on guitar, vocals and his pedal board of magic, Rolando Morales. Together they create a unique musical alchemy, so don’t miss it! www.havanarestaurant.net, (925) 939-4555.
CD SALES
If you would like to order a CD, read on. If you’d like to order our CD “Rolando Y Qué?!”, you can pick it up at my website, the gigs or by mail. They’re $15.00 at the gigs, or $17.00 by mail to cover postage and handling. TO ORDER THE NEWEST CD “ROLANDO, Y QUÉ?!” by mail: Send a check or money order payable to Rolando Morales for $17.00 for the CD and postage to Rolando Morales, 9028 Burr Street, Oakland, CA 94605. and I’ll send it to you. Let me know if you’d like .it signed.
TO ORDER THE ORIGINAL “PASSPORT: 10th ANNIVERSARY EDITION” CD by mail, send $17.00 to the same address as above. Be sure to include your return address.
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.
This email was sent to you for Rolando Morales: RMG, 9028 Burr Street, Oakland, CA 94605
Friday Feb 8, Havana Cuban Cuisine, 1516 Bonanza St., Walnut Creek, approx 8:30-11pm. Rolando returns for this special series of duet engagements at this fine Cuban restaurant and live music venue. Tonight will feature the 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 all night long. Don’t miss it! www.havanarestaurant.net, (925) 939-4555.
Saturday Feb 9, Walnut Creek Marriott, Lobby Lounge & Bar, 2355 North Main Street, Walnut Creek, 6-9pm. Rolando returns to this redesigned East Bay hotel and gathering spot in the newly renovated lounge in the shadow of Mount Diablo, where you can enjoy your favorite cocktail, fine wines and a lovely full menu. Enjoy a sophisticated environment with an international clientele and great acoustics, perfect for Rolando’s vast repertoire on solo guitar and voice and your wonderful night out. Reservations: (925) 934-2000, https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/oakwc-walnut-creek-marriott/.
Friday Feb 15, Barone’s Restaurant, 475 St. John St., Pleasanton CA, approx 7:30-10:30pm. After almost 5 months away,Rolando finally returns to one of Pleasanton’s premiere dining establishments. Just in time to extend your Valentine’s Day weekend! Enjoy exquisite meals and service, libations and Rolando’s vast repertoire in the lively Cocktail Lounge. See www.baronespleasanton.com, (925) 426-0987.
Saturday Feb 16, Barone’s Restaurant, 475 St. John St., Pleasanton CA, approx 7:30-10:30pm. Two days in a row! Continue your Valentine’s Day Weekend at one of Pleasanton’s premiere dining establishments. Enjoy exquisite meals and service, libations and Rolando’s vast repertoire in the Cocktail Lounge. See www.baronespleasanton.com, (925) 426-0987.
Friday Feb 22, Havana Cuban Cuisine, 1516 Bonanza St., Walnut Creek, approx 8:30-11pm. Rolando returns to this fine Cuban restaurant and live music venue. Tonight, for only the 2nd time at this venue will be the remarkable Grammy-winning Latin percussionist-vocalist from Venezuela, Omar Ledezma, from the Pacific Mambo Orchestra; and on guitar, voice and his pedal board of magic, Rolando Morales. Together they create fire. Don’t miss it! www.havanarestaurant.net, (925) 939-4555.
Saturday Feb 23, Walnut Creek Marriott, Lobby Lounge & Bar, 2355 North Main Street, Walnut Creek, 6-9pm. Rolando returns to this redesigned East Bay hotel and gathering spot in the newly renovated lounge in the shadow of Mount Diablo. Enjoy your favorite cocktail, fine wines and full, delicious menu in a sophisticated environment with an international clientele and great acoustics, perfect for Rolando’s vast repertoire on solo guitar and voice and your wonderful night out. Reservations: (925) 934-2000, https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/oakwc-walnut-creek-marriott/.
CD SALES
If you would like to order a CD, read on. If you’d like to order our CD “Rolando Y Qué?!”, you can pick it up at my website, the gigs or by mail. They’re $15.00 at the gigs, or $17.00 by mail to cover postage and handling. TO ORDER THE NEWEST CD “ROLANDO, Y QUÉ?!” by mail: Send a check or money order payable to Rolando Morales for $17.00 for the CD and postage to Rolando Morales, 9028 Burr Street, Oakland, CA 94605. and I’ll send it to you. Let me know if you’d like .it signed.
TO ORDER THE ORIGINAL “PASSPORT: 10th ANNIVERSARY EDITION” CD by mail, send $17.00 to the same address as above. Be sure to include your return address.
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.
The Lot Restaurant, located just steps from its luxury movie theater in the brand new City Center Bishop Ranch complex, the high end shopping and meeting place in the Tri-Valley San Ramon Hills.
Rolando Morales with Danilo Paiz at Bishop Ranch January 29, 2019
Tuesday Jan 29, The Lot Restaurant, City Center Bishop Ranch, 6000 Bollinger Canyon Road, Suite 2300, San Ramon, 6-9pm. Rolando returns for only the 2nd time to this sprawling center offering a very stylish dining, socializing and cinema experience. THE LOT features a ten-auditorium cinema as well as a dynamic upscale restaurant, café and cocktail bar, all conveniently situated under the same roof. Classy. Elegant. Premium craft beers, wines and cocktails. Delectable menu. And a special Taco Tuesday event with the Rolando Morales Duet, featuring the Latin percussionist-vocalist-guitarist from Ruben Blades, the powerful Danilo Paíz; and on guitar and voice, Rolando Morales. Together they’ll sound like a band! Bring your friends and let’s make this a semi-regular happening! TheLotEnt.com/city-center, www.citycenterbishopranch.com, (925) 664-0069.
The Lot Restaurant, located just steps from its luxury movie theater in the brand new City Center Bishop Ranch complex, the high end shopping and meeting place in the Tri-Valley San Ramon Hills. Enjoy it while it is brand new!
I finished that challenging 3-week run of 1 to 2 gigs per day. And lived to tell. I even threw in that public gig last Saturday with my rock guitarist buddy from Santana, Carlos Hernandez. We hit it hard at Havana and threw in a bunch of rocking tunes we’d never done before for a packed house. What a blast.
In the midst of playing and commuting day and night in the urban jungle, I had one rare late afternoon off. A brief reprieve. I unloaded my gear, got into my house, changed into some sweats and drove to Chabot about 4:30 and forced my tired body to hit a trail. It was hard to get going, but after coming into my first view of the water and hills, I felt so much better! It was like another world. Peaceful and grounding. And cold and dark! I did the last half of my hike in the night under the slivered moon and beneath the sound of owls hooting in the trees. Magic.
Now my schedule slows to a manageable level. The only public show I’m doing this week happens thisFriday December 21 when I return to Maria, Maria in Danville for the last time this year, indoors from 6-9pm.
And remember I’m also at Havana after Christmas on Saturday December 29 with the Paraguayan violinist Carlos Reyes, who has played with Arturo Sandoval and Steve Miller. This is your last chance this year to catch us in public (though we’ve been everywhere in private). Details for both shows below. Hard to believe that these are the last public shows of the year! See you there!
Ciao,
Rolando
PUBLIC PERFORMANCES FOR DECEMBER 2018
Rolando plays at Maria, Maria in Danville this Friday Dec 21
Friday Dec 21, Maria, Maria Cantina, 710 Camino Ramon Road, Danville CA, approx 6-9pm. Rolando returns to Carlos Santana’s Danville restaurant. Enjoy Rolando on solo guitar and voice with his diverse repertoire performing either in the restaurant or out on the patio by the fire pits, depending on the weather. www.mariamariarestaurants.com, (925) 820-2366.
Saturday Dec 29, Havana Cuban Cuisine, 1516 Bonanza St., Walnut Creek, approx 8:30-11pm. Rolando returns for his last public appearance of the year at this fine Cuban restaurant and live music venue. Tonight Rolando welcomes for a rare Havana appearance, the thrilling violinist-bassist from Paraguay, the great Carlos Reyes. Hehas played with Grammy winner Arturo Sandoval, Steve Miller and the Doobie Brothers, among others.And on guitar, voice and his pedal board of magic, Rolando Morales. Together, they create fire, a huge sound and unique energy you do not want to miss! www.havanarestaurant.net, (925) 939-4555.
CD SALES
If you would like to order a CD, read on. If you’d like to order our CD “Rolando Y Qué?!”, you can pick it up at my website, the gigs or by mail. They’re $15.00 at the gigs, or $17.00 by mail to cover postage and handling. TO ORDER THE NEWEST CD “ROLANDO, Y QUÉ?!” by mail: Send a check or money order payable to Rolando Morales for $17.00 for the CD and postage to Rolando Morales, 9028 Burr Street, Oakland, CA 94605. and I’ll send it to you. Let me know if you’d like .it signed.
TO ORDER THE ORIGINAL “PASSPORT: 10th ANNIVERSARY EDITION” CD by mail, send $17.00 to the same address as above. Be sure to include your return address.
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.
This email was sent to you for Rolando Morales: RMG, 9028 Burr Street, Oakland, CA 94605
Dance is a reflection of culture. In the 1930s American were wild and free, the brought this dance to the Europe at the end of World War II.
In 2018 dance moves have a lot of corners, stiffness and are very prescribed. Here is a dance lesson of the contra dance that will come up in Pasadena this month.
We seem to be moving forward and back ward in time, both. Interesting.
