I completed an exhausting but satisfying week of public and private events, including an all day wedding in the Oakland Hills Saturday (with a lot of stairs!), the last part done with my talented friend Sonya Jason on sax. It’s been a great feeling making deep musical connections with new multi-ethnic audiences from around the world. Lots of love, happiness and new friends.
Speaking of friends, my lovely friend Chenda Chhi, who is a survivor of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia, has created a wonderful organization, The Coral Tree Foundation, which aims to help the Cambodian children, descendants of the Killing Fields, to overcome poverty and receive an education. Tomorrow, Wednesday August 22nd from 6-9pm in Menlo Park, they’re throwing a Cambodian Food & Fine Wine Tasting event. I encourage you to look into this. It’s a worthy cause and a heart-warming opportunity to do something good for the world while having a great time doing it.
I am unable to make it, but I arranged for my former partner of Passion & Grace,guitarist-vocalist-song writer Carlos Godinez, to perform a set for the event. You’ll meet wonderful people, enjoy expertly poured libations by a gorgeous, talented bar tender, enjoy Cambodian food, bid for exotic and wonderful goods and services and hear Carlos’ great music. I wish I could go!!! All the details are below. If you can’t make it, feel free to make a donation. http://www.coraltreeeducation.org/upcoming-events/.
I’ll mostly be doing private events this week except for this Saturday night, August 25th when I return for only the 2nd time in about 1½ years to Piacere in San Carlos on solo guitar and voice. Spread the word and lets have some fun in the bar! Details below
And remember, on Saturday September 1st, I’ll be returning to the Marriott Walnut Creek Lobby Lounge and Bar for the last time of this year! I told you before, scheduling this one has been a challenge. I greatly enjoyed my debut here a couple weeks ago. It was a great room with great people! The acoustics enhanced my rich, full tone to an attentive audience and together we transformed the room into a little concert hall with guests from all around the world. This will be the last one I’m doing this year,so please put it in your book and don’t miss it. Spread the word.
See you at the show!
Ciao,
Rolando
PUBLIC PERFORMANCES FOR AUGUST 2018
Carlos Godinez will play at the Cambodian Food & Wine Tasting Event in Menlo Park Wednesday August 22nd
Wednesday Aug 22, Cambodian Food & Fine Wine Tasting Event for the Coral Tree Education Foundation, event at BootUp World, 68 Willow Road, Menlo Park, 94025, event 6-9pm, music about 6:15-7:30. Rolando Morales lends a hand to this magnificent organization founded by his friend, a Khmer Rouge genocide survivor. They aim to educate a new generation of young Cambodians to fight poverty, help rebuild their country and contribute to the world to maintain peace and prosperity for all. 100% of proceeds raised go to support the work of Coral Tree Education Foundation. Rolando has arranged for his former musical partner from Passion & Grace, fine guitarist, vocalist and song writer Carlos Godinez to perform a set for the event. (Rolando will not be performing.) Fine wines, Cambodian food, auctions and great people! Don’t miss it! Info, tickets, donate at http://www.coraltreeeducation.org/upcoming-events/
Saturday August 25, Piacere, 727 Laurel Street, San Carlos, CA 94070, approx 8:30-11:30 pm. Rolando finally returns for only the 2nd time in 1½ years to this fine Peninsula restaurant that takes you on a culinary tour of Italy. Rolando will take you on a sensory tour of the Americas and beyond on solo guitar and voice in the fun, lively bar area. www.piacererestaurant.com, (650) 592-2040.
Friday Aug 31, Havana Cuban Cuisine, 1516 Bonanza St., Walnut Creek, approx 8:30-11pm. Rolando returns to this fine Cuban restaurant and live music venue. Tonight, making his debut 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.
And don’t forget to join Rolando for his last appearance of the year at the Walnut Creek Marriott, Lobby Lounge & Bar on Saturday September 1st, 6-9pm, solo guitar and voice, 2355 North Main Street in Walnut Creek
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
Former CIA Director John Brennan’s tweet after watching Trump’s Helsinki news conference where Trump chose not to condemn Russia for it’s cyber operation to meddle in our elections, and chose instead to condemn the FBI for investigating it.
¡Hola, Mi Gente!
Well, America voted for a man who would shake things up. Mission accomplished!
Now seasoned veterans on both sides of the aisle seem equally enraged by his actions and words. We’ve known for some time now that the democrats have been short of spine, voice and message. Concurrently, the republicans have been scrambling to “explain” his words and actions and remained in lock step support with his actions and increasingly questionable policies. Party first, country second.
Where are the real patriots? Isn’t it time we all say enough is enough? Isn’t it time we all acknowledge he doesn’t really care about putting America first? He really only values himself. Even when confronted with undeniable evidence of Russian interference, he perceives only that it threatens the legitimacy of his own election win, despite the report saying there was insufficient evidence that the meddling affected the election outcome. There’s a big, black hole in him that he just can’t fill.
The world was replete with memes and cartoons that touched on the events of the last couple days. Pretty good ones, too! The one I posted here is comparatively tame and artful against so many of the angrier, bawdier ones that are so prevalent.
Through it all, I’ll keep pushing forward with my music, bringing what I hope is an uplifting, personal experience we can share together. I won’t be doing as many public shows the rest of this month, but I do have a great one happening this Saturday July 21st from 8-11pm at The Vine in Danville, when I’ll be playing with the great violinist Carlos Reyes. We don’t do this often at this venue, so don’t miss it! Details below.
There are a few more things happening, including my rare duet with Latin rock guitarist from Carlos Santana, Carlos Hernandez, making his debut at Havana in Walnut Creek on Friday July 27. Details below.
See you at the show!
Ciao,
Rolando
Carlos Reyes joins Rolando Morales at the Vine at Bridges, July 21 2018
PUBLIC PERFORMANCES FOR JULY 2018
Saturday July 21, Vine at Bridges, 480 Hartz Avenue, Danville, 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. This time Rolando welcomes the astounding Paraguayan violinist who plays with Arturo Sandoval and Steve Miller,Carlos Reyes; and on guitar, voice and his pedal board of magic, the passionate Rolando Morales. Together they’ll create an exciting and unique musical alchemy. Don’t miss it! www.thevineatbridges.com, (925) 820-7210.
Tuesday July 24, Maria, Maria Cantina,1470 North Broadway, Walnut Creek, approx 6-9pm.Rolando returns to Carlos Santana’s Walnut Creek restaurant for Taco Tuesday. $1 tacos, baby! Enjoy Rolando on solo guitar and voice with his huge repertoire and big sound out on the front patio. He may be joined by a special musical guest. www.mariamariarestaurants.com, (925) 946-1010.
Rolando Morales- Carlos Hernandez joins Rolando Morales -July 2018
Friday July 27, Havana Cuban Cuisine,1516 Bonanza St., Walnut Creek, approx 8:30-11pm.Rolando returns to this fine Cuban restaurant and live music venue. Tonight will feature the electric 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 through the night. www.havanarestaurant.net, (925) 939-4555.
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 13and 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 isthe 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.TonightRolando 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, DanvilleCA, 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.
