Tag: Latin Jazz

  • Mother’s Day in Half Moon Bay and more

    Rolando Morales Newsletter

    Rolando visiting his mom in So Cal a couple years back
    Rolando visiting his mom in So Cal a couple years back

    May 2, 2023


    “Mothers are like glue. Even when you can’t see them, they’re still holding the family together.” 

    ~Susan Gale

    ¡Hola, mi Gente!

    Time and milestones keep flying by.  Valentine’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, Celebrations of Life, Trump found liable for sexual abuse…  Hard to keep up with it all!

    And now Mother’s Day is already upon us.  If you’re like me, you have family spread out across who knows where.  Over the years, I haven’t been able to see my familia for quite a while now.  But most of us feel our mom’s presence still managing to keep us intact.  I know we’ll all finally be able to reunite in June, and I’m very much looking forward to that.

    In the meantime, if you’re lucky, you can spend sweet moments with your mom this Sunday, May 14, at La Costanera in Half Moon Bay.  Treat her to a Peruvian brunch on the harbor.  I’ll be there from 12-3 pm providing the soundtrack with music tailored to the day.  It sounds like they’re almost booked up, so you’d best hurry and make your reservations now.  It’s a big place, over 10,000 square feet, with two floors and a patio, so there may be room and a time slot for you!  www.lacostanerarestaurant.com  

    Here’s what else is happening through the weekend and the rest of your May Calendar.  Gather your friends, family and join me!

    Ciao,

    Rolando

    PUBLIC PERFORMANCES FOR MAY 2023

    Rolando Morales performs at Parada, Friday May 12th and 26, 2023.

    Friday, May 12, Parada, New Peru, 7001 Sunne Ln, Walnut Creek, 6-9 pm.  After weeks away, Rolando is back at this welcoming restaurant providing authentic Peruvian cuisine in Walnut Creek.  Rolando will provide his unique take on the world and popular music outside on their covered patio.  Reserve a table by the music at (925) 448-8118, paradakitchen.com.

    Saturday, May 13, Barranco Cocina Peruana, 3596 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette, 6-9 pm.  After a couple weeks away, Rolando returns to this jumping gathering place.  Enjoy the award-winning chef’s Peruvian cuisine, signature drinks, and Rolando’s diverse Latin and World artistry on the front patio.  www.barrancokitchen.com, (925) 298-5668.

    Rolando Morales performs at La Constanero on May 7, 14, 21, and 28, 2023.

    Sunday, May 14, La Costanera, 260 Capistrano Rd, Half Moon Bay, 12-3 pm.  Rolando returns for a Mother’s Day Easter Brunch appearance at this Michelin Star contemporary, authentic Peruvian restaurant overlooking the harbor.  Treat mom to a Peruvian culinary experience, libations, and Rolando’s unique takes on world and popular music.  Reserve a table by the music at (650) 728-1600, lacostanerarestaurant.com.

    Rolando Morales performs at Pairings Wine Bar and Restaurant in Pleasanton, May 19, 2023.

    Friday, May 19, Pairings Wine Bar and Restaurant, 310 Main Street, Pleasanton, 6-9 pm.   Swing by to this jumping social gathering place in downtown Pleasanton.100 different wines, wine flights, endless tapas, large plates, and more.  Rolando will match the festive energy playing outdoors with his diverse repertoire on solo guitar and voice.  Reserve and join us!  www.pairingscellars.com, (925) 398-8846.

    Saturday, May 20, Barranco Cocina Peruana, 3596 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette, 6-9 pm.  Rolando returns to this jumping hot spot.  Enjoy the award-winning chef’s Peruvian cuisine, signature drinks, and Rolando’s diverse Latin and World artistry.  Be sure to reserve your table by the music at www.barrancokitchen.com, (925) 298-5668.

    Sunday, May 21, La Costanera, 260 Capistrano Rd, Half Moon Bay, 12-3 pm.  Rolando returns for another brunch appearance at this Michelin Star contemporary, authentic Peruvian restaurant overlooking the harbor and Pacific Ocean.  Enjoy a Peruvian culinary experience, libations, and Rolando’s unique takes on world and popular music.  Reserve a table by the music at (650) 728-1600, lacostanerarestaurant.com.

    Friday, May 26, Parada New Peru, 7001 Sunne Ln, Walnut Creek, 6-9 pm.  Rolando returns to this welcoming restaurant providing authentic Peruvian cuisine in Walnut Creek.  Rolando will provide his unique take on world and popular music on their patio.  Reserve a table by the music at (925) 448-8118, paradakitchen.com.

    Saturday, May 27, Barranco Cocina Peruana, 3596 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette, 6-9 pm.  Rolando returns to this jumping gathering place out on the front patio.  Enjoy the award-winning chef’s Peruvian cuisine, signature drinks, and Rolando’s diverse Latin and World artistry.    Be sure to reserve your table by the music at www.barrancokitchen.com, (925) 298-5668.

    Sunday, May 28, La Costanera, 260 Capistrano Rd, Half Moon Bay, 12-3 pm.  Rolando returns for another brunch appearance at this Michelin Star-winning contemporary, authentic Peruvian restaurant overlooking the harbor and Pacific Ocean.  Enjoy a Peruvian culinary experience, libations, and Rolando’s unique takes on world and popular music.  Reserve a table by the music at (650) 728-1600, lacostanerarestaurant.com.

    Rolando is available for YOUR private events, corporate events, weddings, parties, concerts, and festivals, VIRTUAL or otherwise.

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  • Artist Highlight – Estaire Godinez

    When I first met Estaire Godinez I was completely in awe of her grace. She is a genuinely graceful and stunningly beautiful women. It seemed that every time she spoke she reintroduced the concept of “Lady” to the world.

    Estaire Godinez is also an international sensation. As a vocalist she seduces the audiences with her smokey voice that is clear and comes with a full range. A rare pleasure. She is reminiscent of each Blossom Dearie, Montserrat Caballé, and Billy Holiday. In short, her voice is unique and amazing. Her intonation and range of voice is perfect for ballads that make you sad, happy, or glad, for pop songs, for classical music, and especially for the bossa nova. This Maestra is clearly influenced by the many Boston’s Berkelee School of Music classes she internalized. She also trained privately with the celebrated Congero Giovanni Hidalgo.

    Estaire Godinez, Besame Mucho from her latest Album “Estaire Godinez, This Time…”

    Estaire Godinez “Live at the Dakota”

    Her debut release “Live at the Dakota” published by Under the Radar Music Group, established Estaire Godinez as a singer and bandleader. This productive woman worked on her first album while traveling on tour world wide with the legendary George Benson. Peter Schimke (piano/keyboards), Eric Leeds (sax) Mike Scott (guitar), Stokely Williams (drums) and Serge Akou (bass). Mutually appreciative of her talents, their instruments weave effortlessly in and around her conga beats, creating a hypnotic fusion of jazz, pop and Brazilian/Afro- Cuban. They all plan with seductive ease, exchanging musical flirtations with airtight execution.

    Estaire Godinez, “Live at the Dakota” at The Dakota Jazz Club in Minnesota.

    Estaire Godinez, recording artists and live performer

    She contributed her experiences as a performer in over sixty album recordings working with Prince, Coke Escovedo, Brothers Johnson, George Benson, Larry Graham and Norman Brown, the legendary composer Leon Ware, Rolando Morales, and many others. Estaire Godinez has a huge stage present. She is a sought to appear in live performances and performed with the Manakato Symphony as their featured vocalist, singing an aria and her original; the orchestral arrangements were done by her dear friend Pepper Williams. She appeared on stage alongside Peter Tosh, Actor/musician, Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, Bow-Wow-wow, Duncan Du, Javier Ruibal, and pop star Joaquin Sabina. In Europe, as the lead in the popular Madrid-based all-original pop-rock mainstays, Estaire Godinez and the Face Band.

    Estaire Godinez has appeared in, sang for many films and advertisements. She also is a published author of The Yelva which was turned into a feature film. She was chosen to adapt the book for the screen. Estaire Godinez is a standing member at the commercials and film, including a movie produced by and starring Benjamin Bratt. She starred in the film and sang on the movie score.

    Early on in her entertainment career, Estaire Godinez was dancer and one of the Bay Area’s co-founders of the unique dance troupe called Bachanal, an Afro Cuban/Haitian dance troupe comprised of some of the best dancers in the City, led by their fearless leader Gloria Toolsie from New York. Bachanal was one of the first of its kind in the Bay Area to perform with such a large ensemble and costumes.

    Estaire Godinez, singer, composer, lyricist, congera, published author and film maker.

    Estaire grew up around music with her 8 siblings. Her mother, a housewife, has a beautiful soprano voice and her father sang in a Baritone voice. Her parents immigrated to the US and settled in Oakland, where Estaire was born. Oakland is the most ethnically mixed city in the US and as a result Estaire grew up enjoying every type of musical style. Mexican Trios, Smooth Jazz, Pop, Rock, Big Band Jazz, Bossa Nova, Native American Music, Soul Music, Brazilian and African sounds. from Mexico well she grew up listening to Trios, and All styles of music coming from the influences of her older siblings. She plays frequently with brothers Salvador and Carlos both prominent musicians and song writers.

    When asking Estaire Godinez for a quote about recent project she explains: “Estaire is also a published author, a book she published in 2015 titled THE YELVA (to which she has also wrote the screenplay adaptation for a feature film. Along with her published book she also has a short story and two books finished which she intends to publish. She stays true to her first love which is music. She is working on the music for her third album with Peter Schimke; this one will be released in 2019. This one will be dedicated to the musical stylings of Latin Jazz. “

    Rolando Morales is joined by Estaire Godinez at Havana's in Walnut Creek on May 31st, 2019
    Rolando Morales is joined by Estaire Godinez at Havana’s in Walnut Creek on May 31st, 2019

    Estaire Godinez is currently working on a new film project. However, you can catch her on May 31, 2019 at Havana’s in Walnut Creek where she joins her good friend, vocalist and Guitarist Rolando Morales.

    Estaire Godinez, this accomplished all around artist, dancer, singer, congera, performer, recording artist, actress, author and film maker brings grace and overall quality to everything she creates. Her bio reads: “Whether swing or Samba, backbeats or Bossa Nova, Godinez has always been fascinated by the push and pull of different rhythmic styles, mirroring her musical diversity, she is multilingual (Spanish, Portuguese, English) and has lived and performed throughout the world.

    Stay tuned. This year Estaire Godinez plans to finish her third collaboration together with Peter Schimke. She is publishing her book, and adapting it to a movie script. In Maui, Hawai, she owns a company with her sister, where they will sell their art work and Jewelry, and offer Estaire Godinez’ music and books. Visit her own website to learn more.

  • Rolando Morales May 2019 Calendar

    Rolando Morales May 2019 Calendar

    Mother's Day Sunday, May 12th, with Rolando Morales in Danville
    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 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

    Rolando Morales on Saturday, May 11, at the Marriott in Walnut Creek
    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.

    Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Maria Maria in Danville with Rolando Morales

    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 Maria Maria in Danville with Rolando Morales

    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/.

    David Belove will join up with Rolando Morales and Danilo Paiz, May 17 2019

    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

    David Belove will join up with Rolando Morales and Danilo Paiz, May 17 2019

    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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  • Rolando Morales and Carlos Reyes perform at The Vine at Bridges on Saturday, September 23, 2017

    Rolando Morales and Carlos Reyes perform at The Vine at Bridges, September 23, 2017
    Rolando Morales and Carlos Reyes perform at The Vine at Bridges, September 23, 2017