Category: Music

Music

  • “Sony Hall” with new and exciting technology to Open in New York City Spring 2018

    B.B. King Blues Club & Grill - GUITAR PASSIONS feat. Sharon Isbin, Stanley Jordan & Romero Lubambo - Nov 20, 2014
    B.B. King Blues Club & Grill – GUITAR PASSIONS feat. Sharon Isbin, Stanley Jordan & Romero Lubambo  – Nov 20, 2014
    New Multi-Genre Music Venue “Sony Hall” Open in New York City Spring 2018

    Midori Tomita  from Sony announced: “We are thrilled to be teaming up with Blue Note on this new music venue set to open this spring and honored to have it be known as ‘Sony Hall.’ It will serve as a staging ground for recording content, testing new and exciting technology, promoting emerging artists, and more. We look forward to engaging with young music fans and those of all ages and continuing to deliver unique and high quality music experiences through this newest venue.”

    It is rumored that Sony Hall will feature technology like for instance the “Interactive CUBE” which is an entertainment experience that invigorates the senses by incorporating projected images, sounds, lights, and vibrations on a giant cube. By forming two screens, one of which is transparent, into the shape of a cube and projecting images on them, guests inside the cube will feel as if the images are floating in midair. The settings are changed for the performances to allow the audiences enjoy a vast variety of interactive games and experiences while enjoying the music.

    Located in the heart of New York’s Theatre District (235 W. 46th St at the Paramount Hotel, in the space previously known as Diamond Horseshoe), Sony Hall is scheduled to open in Spring 2018.

    The venue is owned, operated and programmed by Blue Note. Sony Hall will present world renowned performing artists across all music genres at capacities of 1,000 standing and 500 seated, with a full-service restaurant and bar.  Sony Hall will be equipped with Sony’s technologies, integrated throughout the 12,000 square-foot venue to deliver enhanced entertainment experiences to fans. Grand opening plans, headliners, and additional venue details will be announced in the coming weeks.

    In addition to the opening of Sony Hall, Sony will sponsor the annual Blue Note Jazz Festival in New York City, scheduled for June 1-30, 2018. Established in 2011 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the iconic Blue Note Jazz Club New York, Blue Note Jazz Festival has annually grown into one of the largest music events in New York City, featuring over 100 events in 10 venues over the course of 30 days (June 1 through 30 annually). With nightly events at BNEG venues such as Blue Note Jazz Club, Highline Ballroom, BB King Blues Club, among other locations throughout the city, past festival headliners include Aretha Franklin, The Roots, Wyclef Jean, Natalie Cole, Brian Wilson, and Stanley Jordan.

    Sony innovations paired with Blue Notes’ experience operating entertainment properties around the world is a truly unique partnership that will be the ultimate experience for fans, young and older.  Just imagine Stanley Jordan in an AR environment.  Wow!

  • Nicolas Bearde performs special December Holiday Show at Piedmont Piano Company

    Nicolas Bearde & Friends
    Celebrating the Season

    Now celebrating his 11th anniversary, this special concert is a “must see” show for all fans of contemporary Jazz and Blues. With holiday classics and carols getting the signature Nicolas Bearde high-energy makeover, it’s a show you won’t want to miss. Joining him on stage are some of the Bay Area’s best: John R Burr (piano), Ron Belcher (bass), and Lorca Hart (drums).

    Give the gift of music this Holiday season to family and friends. Make your reservations early. This “one night only concert” always sells out.

    Saturday, December 9, 2017 at 8pm
    at Piedmont Piano Company
    1728 San Pablo Ave. (at 18th), Oakland, CA

    $25 in advance / $30 at the door. Meet & Greet and reception to follow.
    To reserve tickets with your credit card, please call (510) 547-8188.

    Recording artist, Nicolas Bearde, a seasoned and highly respected showman, has established himself as a powerful presence in the contemporary jazz vocal milieu over this past decade. His silky baritone sound invites comparisons to Johnny Hartman, Lou Rawls, and Joe Williams, and his wit and engaging rapport captures and draws the audience into his live performances. Nicolas has 5 CD’s out on his own label, Right Groove Records, and his most recent album release, Invitation in January 2016, rose quickly to the Top 20 on the Jazz Week Charts, garnering rave reviews at home and abroad. nicolasbearde.com

    John R Burr (keys)- John R. Burr is that rare pianist who combines jazz technique with a genuine love for folk music. The Philadelphia Weekly said, “Pianist extraordinaire John R. Burr has the most sparkling style since former Allman Brother-turned-Rolling Stone hired hand Chuck Leavell.” Discology wrote, “John R. Burr ranks with the best of the elegant jazzers.”

    Ron Belcher (bass)– Bassist Ron Belcher travels the world from France to Japan and throughout the US bringing his rhythmically buoyant, emotionally uplifting style to the stage for a wide diversity of jazz artists. Performing or recording with such international stars such as Branford Marsalis, Regina Carter, Rodney Franklin, as well as a literal “who’s who” of the San Francisco jazz scene, Ron has garnered a reputation as one of northern California’s first-call jazz bassists.

    Lorca Hart (drummer) – Drummer Lorca Hart grew up in Taos, New Mexico in a musical family. He was exposed to a variety of instruments and musical styles as a child but early on it became clear that the drumset was his passion. He has performed with many of the West Coast’s (and beyond) finest artists including : Carmen Lundy, Freddie Hubbard, Calvin Keys, Stanley Jordan, and others and can be heard on recordings by Hugh Masekela, John Heard, Justo Almario, Ronald Muldrow, Dave Pike, Phil Ranelin, and the Cross Hart Jazz Experience.

  • Bautista performs at the 2nd Annual Marin Music Festival in San Rafael this Saturday, 4:45 pm

    Hello Bautista Fans,

    To help bring cheer back BAUTISTA band members and I invite you to a wonderful event in my hometown of San Rafael his Saturday, October 14th on the Marin side of the   San Rafael / Richmond Bridge for the 2nd Annual Marin Music Festival at the Marin Rod and Gun Club 2675 East Francisco Blvd. San Rafael, CA 94901.

    Bautista, leader of Bautista Band
    Bautista, leader of Bautista Band

    You know my brother Frank is hurting right now after losing every valuable possession he has to the Santa Rosa fire last Monday night from his Mobile Home, 3 vehicles, and his beloved work shed that all burned down to the ground. My family is in the midst of developing a plan to help get him and his wonderful Lady Linda back on their feet. Like my brother, I hope those who have had any level of loss has a very close circle of family and friends to be there for mental and financial support.

    Hopefully by this coming weekend the dust, or more like the ashes and particles, will settle and life will begin to come back better and stronger than before for all of those who have suffered any degree of loss, sad or emptiness. Although fires are devastating, the charred remains somehow turn into a means of refresh.
    Join Bautista Band at 5pm this Saturday
    Join Bautista Band at 5pm this Saturday, cheer up families who lost everything in Fire.
    Come join us to bring cheer back BAUTISTA band members and I invite you to a wonderful event in my hometown of San Rafael his Saturday, October 14th on the Marin side of the SanRafael-Richmond Bridge for the 2nd Annual Marin Music Festival at the Marin Rod and Gun Club 2675 East Francisco Blvd. San Rafael, CA 94901. This is an all day event with BAUTISTA closing this water side festival starting at 4:45pm. Weather looks like a sunny 75 degrees so come be in the sun with BAUTISTA!
    See you soon!

  • Rolando Morales at Barone’s, The Vine at Bridges, Seahorse, and C’era Una Volta,

    October 10, 2017

    ¡Hola, Mi Gente!

    Is everyone gagging on the thick, toxic fumes?  Feeling a little sick?  And the fires are bad, too, huh?

    It’s been hard keeping up with the the daily barrage of events.  The floods, the hurricanes, the earthquakes, the saber rattling, more sexual oppression, insults launched from the White House and Congress…  And now the fires in our back yard.  Everyone’s on overload.

    My private gigs have slowed down a bit which affords a moment to breathe, even if it was smoky this morning…

    If you need an escape from the madness this weekend, join me at Barone’s Restaurant in Pleasanton this Friday Oct 13 and leave your superstitions at the door.  We don’t have time for that nonsense.  DO bring your appetite, as the menu here is amazing.  And I’ll be there in the intimate bar on solo guitar and voice.  Details below.

    Then on Saturday night October 14, I’ll host the long-awaited return of my dear, talented friend Janice Maxie-Reid to The Vine at Bridges in Danville.  She is the superb keyboardist-vocalist with the 4-octave range who has performed with none other than Stevie Wonder.  We always light it up when we play here together.  The last time was about 3 or 4 months ago, so don’t miss it!  Details below.

    And remember that next week Saturday October 21st, my band returns to The Sausalito Seahorse.  Not only will we have a stellar band including the great Carlos Reyes on violin and Paraguayan harp, Danilo Paíz on percussion and vocals, Dave Flores on drums, and Yours Truly on guitar and guitar synth and vocals; We’ll also feature a very, very special surprise guest on bass.  We can’t really advertise him due to contractual restrictions.  Let’s just say we’re all so excited to be able to play with him again and look forward to seeing him on stage again with Tower of Power.  So his picture in the poster is a big Question Marc.  I wonder if he’s arriving in a VW?  Make your reservations at the Seahorse at (415) 331-2899.

    Check out below what’s also happening with my return to Havana in Walnut Creek, Maria, Maria in Danville, and Alameda’s own C’era Una Volta.  Details and dates are below.

    Come out and say hi and let me know you’re okay.

    Ciao,

    Rolando

    PUBLIC PERFORMANCES FOR OCTOBER 2017 

    Friday Oct 13, Barone’s Restaurant, 475 St. John St., Pleasanton CA, approx 7:30-10:30pm.  After two months away, Rolando returns to one of Pleasanton’s premier dining establishments.  Enjoy exquisite meals and service, libations and Rolando’s vast repertoire in the Cocktail Lounge for a great night out.   See www.baronespleasanton.com, (925) 426-0987.

    Saturday Oct 14, 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 tapas while grooving to this powerful duet.  Tonight Rolando welcomes the enchanting keyboardist-vocalist Janice Maxie-Reid.  She has shared the stage with Stevie Wonder and Sting, so you know she’s doing something right!  And on guitar, voice and his pedal board of magic, the passionate Rolando Morales.  There’ll be lots of soul and classic R&B mixed into this Latin caldo, so don’t miss it!  www.thevineatbridges.com, (925) 820-7210.

    Friday Oct 20, Havana Cuban Cuisine, 1516 Bonanza St., Walnut Creek, approx 8:30-11pm. Rolando returns after his hit debut last month to this fine Cuban restaurant and live music venue.  Great Cuban cuisine, ceiling fans swirling lazily and Rolando’s vast Latin repertoire and beyond on solo guitar and voice.   www.havanarestaurant.net,   (925) 939-4555.

    Saturday Oct 21, “An Evening with Rolando Morales and Carlos Reyes,” Sausalito Seahorse, 305 Harbor Drive, Sausalito, approx 8:30-11:30pm.  After two months away, these two passionate musicians finally return to The Seahorse to put on their unique show at this fun waterfront restaurant and club.  The great Paraguayanviolinist/harpist Carlos Reyes and passionate guitarist / vocalist Rolando Morales will play a short set in duet to close out the dinner hour, followed by a concert and dancing to the World Class Rolando Morales Group featuring a very special surprise guest bassist from Tower of Power to be announced at the show;  from Lauryn Hill, the exciting drummer Dave Flores; from Dizzy Gillespie and Ruben Blades, the powerful Nicaraguan Latin percussionist/vocalist Danilo Paíz; from Paraguay, the thrilling violinist and harpist from Arturo Sandoval and Steve Miller, Carlos Reyes; and the powerful Rolando Morales leading the journey on guitar, guitar synthesizer and vocals.   Don’t miss it!   $15.  Make your  reservations at (415) 331-2899, www.sausalitoseahorse.com.

    Friday Oct 27, Maria, Maria Cantina, 710 Camino Ramon Road, Danville CA, approx 6-9pm.  After a month away, Rolando returns for a Friday night show at Carlos Santana’s Danville restaurant.  Enjoy Rolando on solo guitar and voice with his diverse repertoire performing out on the patio by the fire pits.  See if he has any special guests sitting in…  (925) 820-2366,  www.mariamariarestaurants.com.

    Saturday Oct 28, C’era Una Volta, 1332 Park Street, Alameda, CA 94501, 7-9:30 pm.  After a month away, Rolando returns to this fine Tuscan-style restaurant that welcomes you like family to embrace the spirit of Italy.  Rolando will take you on a musical tour of the Americas and beyond on solo guitar and voice in this intimate room. This is a great match and a rare opportunity to catch Rolando in Alameda!  www.ceraunavolta.us/ (510) 769-4828.

    And don’t miss this exciting November 2017 Quintet performance: 

    Thursday Nov 2,2017: YOSHI’S PRESENTS “CARLOS REYES and the ELECTRICK SYMPHONY” at Yoshi’s, 510 Embarcadero West in Oakland.  Featuring an All-Star band including Santana’s lead vocalist Tony Lindsay, Rolando Morales, Janice Maxie-Reid and more.  Reservations at (510) 238-9200, www.Yoshis.com.