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 the same 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 Trio debuting 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
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.
BOTH CDs ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT WWW.ROLANDOMORALES.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.
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