Tag: The Vine at Bridges

  • Rolando Morales December 2016 Newsletter

    Rolando Morales will appear at Barone's December 2, 2016
    Rolando Morales will appear at Barone’s December 2, 2016

    Hola, Mi Gente!

    I hope you all had a wonderful holiday!  I enjoyed mine.  I drove down to So Cal in time to be with my Mom on her birthday last week.  It was really important to me that I spend that precious time with her and make her smile.  I stayed through Thanksgiving and drove back up the following day in time to get into a small car accident on Black Friday night in Dublin on the way home, work all night wrestling with a failing “Mail” program with AT&T tech until 2am, and hit a private gig.  I think everything is finally up and running in time for a heavy December schedule.

    This week in addition to my private shows, I’m happy to be returning to Barone’s Restaurant in Pleasanton this Friday night for a solo show at a first rate establishment.  I always enjoy the patrons and staff at this warm, welcoming venue.  Details below.

    And on Saturday December 3, I return to The Vine at Bridges in Danville for a nice Latin Holiday version of my sound.  I’ll have my buddy Edgardo Cambon along to add his fire on Latin Percussion and vocals.  This might be my last appearance at The Vine for several months, so don’t miss it!  Details below.

    Rolando Morales Duo at The Vine at Bridges featuring Edgardo Cambon
    Rolando Morales Duo at The Vine at Bridges featuring Edgardo Cambon

    Know, too, that I’m returning for our annual  Christmas “La Posada” Celebration for the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on Thursday December 8 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in San Rafael.  It’s a great opportunity for dining, networking, dancing and grooving to my music.  All the details are below.

    The last public highlight happens on Saturday December 17 when I perform a special dinner show at RaeSet in Napa.  They’ll provide a special 3-course Asian fusion meal with paired beers, and I’ll do a show for each of two seatings.  All the details are below in the calendar.  Definitely make your reservations soon as seating is limited.  See www.raeset.com and order on line.  Details below in the Calendar. 

    So check out your new December Calendar, come out and say Hey.  See you at the show!

    Ciao,

    Rolando 

    PUBLIC PERFORMANCES DECEMBER 2016

    Friday Dec 2, Barone’s Restaurant, 475 St. John St., Pleasanton CA, approx 7:30-10:30pm.   Rolando returns to one of Pleasanton’s premier dining establishments.  Enjoy exquisite meals, libations and Rolando’s vast repertoire in the Cocktail Lounge for a great night out.  See www.baronespleasanton.com(925) 426-0987.

    Saturday Dec 3, 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 munchies while grooving to this powerful duet.  Tonight Rolando reunites with the wonderful Latin percussionist/vocalist from Uruguay who leads Candela, the great Edgardo Cambón; and on guitar, voice and his pedal board of magic, the passionate Rolando Morales.  This is only the second time they’re playing at this venue this year, so don’t miss it!  www.thevineatbridges.com(925) 820-7210.

    Thursday Dec 8, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Marin Annual Christmas “La Posada” Celebration, Embassy Suites Hotel, 101 McInnis Parkway, San Rafael CA, 5:30 to 9:30pm.  Cecilia Zamora, President of this fine organization, has invited Rolando to play for this fun celebration with members and non-members interested in this influential body of community leaders.  Enjoy Rolando performing on solo guitar and voice as you unwind to cocktails and hors d’ouvres, your included dinner and then the presentation of three annual prestigious awards.   Then Rolando will play a spirited set for dancing to close the evening.  You will emerge having made meaningful connections and sharing new insights.  $50 members/$65 non-members.   RSVP and purchase online: http://www.tinyurl.com/XMASLaPosada2016.  For info call (415) 721-9686 or email hccmarin@um.att.com.

    Thursday Dec 15, Piacere, 727 Laurel Street, San Carlos, CA 9070, 8-11 pm.  After 2 years away, Rolando finally returns 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.  Come along for the ride.  www.piacererestaurant.com(650) 592-2040.

    Saturday Dec 17, RaeSet, 3150B Jefferson Street, Napa CA 94558, Two Dinner Seatings: 5 to 6pm and 7:15 to 8:15pm.  Two Shows: approx 6 to 7:15 and 8 to 9:15pm.  Rolando debuts at this local Napa Asian Fusion casual dining room which pairs great food, great beer and great music.  Tonight they offer two seatings for a special 3-course Asian-inspired dinner.  Rolando will serve up his own unique blend of international flavors on solo guitar and voice, tailoring his sound to the moment.  $50 includes show, 3-course dinner and a tasting of Almanac beers.  Limited seating!  Reserve now at (707) 666-2475www.raeset.com.

    Thursday Dec 29, Piacere, 727 Laurel Street, San Carlos, CA 94070, 8-11 pm.  Rolando returns 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 Dec 30, Don Pico’s Mexican Bistro, 461 El Camino Real, San Bruno, 6 to 9 pm.   Rolando  returns to this popular dining spot for the last time this year on solo guitar and voice in the intimate Restaurant Room.  (650) 589-1163 and see  www.donpicosbistro.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.

  • Rolando Morales October Public Performances Calendar

    Rolando Morales Group performs at Seahorse in Sausalito October 8
    Rolando Morales Group performs at Seahorse in Sausalito October 8

    PUBLIC PERFORMANCES FOR OCTOBER 2016 

    Sunday Oct 2Maria, Maria Cantina, 1470 North Broadway, Walnut Creek, approx. 2-5pm.  Rolando returns for the Maria, Maria Tardeada series.  Enjoy a Mexican brunch outdoors and Rolando performing on the newly renovated front patio on solo guitar and voice by the creek.  He may be joined by flautist Bob Harrison.  www.mariamariarestaurants.com, (925) 946-1010.

    Friday Oct 7, Don Pico’s Mexican Bistro, 461 El Camino Real, San Bruno, 6 to 9 pmRolando returns to the place The Examiner and Independent have proclaimed has the “Best Seafood and Best Mexican Food” anywhere, on solo guitar and voice in the Restaurant Room.  Call (650) 589-1163, www.donpicosbistro.com.

    Saturday Oct 8, “An Evening with the Rolando Morales Group,” Sausalito Seahorse, 305 Harbor Drive, Sausalito, approx 8:30-11:30pm.  After many months away, the Rolando Morales Group returns to put on their unique show at this fun waterfront restaurant and club.  Rolando will play a short set to close out the dinner hour, followed by a concert and dancing to an exciting version of the World Class Rolando Morales Group featuring the exciting Latin percussionist/vocalist from George Benson and Prince, Estaire Godinez; the funky bassist from Tower of Power, Marc van Wageningen; from Brazil, the exciting drummer from Airto and Steve Winwood, Celso Alberti; from Michael Franti and Spearhead, the return of the killer keyboardist Bob Crawford; 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

    Tuesday Oct 11, Maria, Maria Cantina, 1470 North Broadway, Walnut Creek, approx 6-9pmRolando 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.  See www.mariamariarestaurants.com, or call (925) 946-1010.

    Friday Oct 21, Don Pico’s Mexican Bistro, 461 El Camino Real, San Bruno, 6 to 9 pm.   Rolando  returns to this popular dining spot on solo guitar and voice in the intimate Restaurant Room.  (650) 589-1163 and see  www.donpicosbistro.com.

    Saturday Oct 22, Pairings Cellars, 310 Main Street, Pleasanton CA 94566, 8-11pmRolando returns to this new, exciting social hotspot in downtown Pleasanton.  This new wine bar features fine wines, tapas and Rolando Morales performing his broad repertoire on solo guitar and voice.  Free! www.pairingscellars.com, (925) 398-8846.

    Sunday Oct 23, Maria, Maria Cantina, 1470 North Broadway, Walnut Creek, approx 2-5pm.  Enjoy a Mexican brunch at Carlos Santana’s lively cantina and Rolando performing on thenewly renovated front patio on solo guitar and voice by the creek. He may be joined by Bob Harrison on flute.   www.mariamariarestaurants.com,   (925) 946-1010.

    Tuesday Oct 25, Maria, Maria Cantina, 1470 North Broadway, Walnut Creek, approx 6-9pmRolando 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.  See www.mariamariarestaurants.com, or call (925) 946-1010.

    Saturday Oct 29, Vine at Bridges, 480 Hartz Avenue, Danville, approx 8-11pmThe Rolando Morales Duet returns to this cool winery and nightspot.  Enjoy a wonderful selection of wines, superb dinners and munchies while enjoying this powerful duet.  Tonight Rolando reunites with the enchanting keyboardist/vocalist who shared the stage with Stevie Wonder and Sting, the great Janice Maxie-Reid; and on guitar, voice and his pedal board of magic, the passionate Rolando Morales.  They’ll cover the musical spectrum.  Don’t miss it!  www.thevineatbridges.com,(925) 820-7210.

    Sunday Oct 30, Maria, Maria Cantina, 1470 North Broadway, Walnut Creek, approx 2-5pmRolando returns for what may be the last Sunday tardeada performance of the season. Enjoy a Mexican brunch at Carlos Santana’s lively cantina and Rolando performing on the newly renovated front patio on solo guitar and voice by the creek. He may be joined by Bob Harrison on flute.   www.mariamariarestaurants.com,   (925) 946-1010.

  • We miss you Toots Thieleman

    We miss Toots  Thieleman, by Rolando Morales
    We miss Toots Thieleman, by Rolando Morales

    Hola, Mi Gente!

    Today we lost yet another musical icon, this time in the world of jazz.  The diminutive Belgian Toots Thielemans, a jazz harmonica player, guitarist and whistler, was indeed a musical giant.  He lived to the age of 94 and played almost as long.  “Why would I retire?” he once said.  “I do what I love.” 

    His sweet, unique sound came from a  place he described as somewhere “between a smile and a tear.”  What an amazing life lead by an amazing gentleman!  We’re most fortunate that he shared his unique gift with the world for so many decades. I spoke with him and saw him perform several times over the years . He was kind, humble, honest and funny. He was Quincey Jones’ favorite musician and one of the world’s musical treasures. We’ll continue to enjoy his passionate legacy. We love you, Toots.

    I just completed six days in a row of private and public gigs all over La Bahia, from San Jose to Walnut Creek.  They included some beautiful locales, sensuous Russian girls who wouldn’t stop dancing and even a good amount of tears from appreciative listeners.  It was a really good week that left me totally spent by the time late Sunday night rolled around.  

    I’m wrapping up my active August with some more lovely private events and four public shows.  This Friday Aug 26 from 8-11pm, I do my very first solo performance at the Pairings Cellars, the brand new Pleasanton night spot.  I’m looking forward to unveiling my diverse repertoire to that new audience.  

    Rolando Morales Performs Pairings Cellars Solo
    Rolando Morales Performs Pairings Cellars Solo

    I also have another fun duet show coming up this Saturday August 27 at The Vine at Bridges from 8-11pm with the charismatic Estaire Godinez, the Latin percussionist-vocalist who played with George Benson and Prince.  She lights it up!  

    The beautiful Estaire Godinez joins Rolando Morales at The Vine at Bridges
    The beautiful Estaire Godinez joins Rolando Morales at The Vine at Bridges, August 27, 2016 from 8-11pm.

    I’ll also have Maria, Maria in Walnut Creek on Sunday Aug 28 from 2-5pm on the patio, and also next Tuesday Aug 30 at Maria, Maria, this time in Danville, 6-9pm.  A great way to wrap up the month.  See you at the show!

    Ciao,

    Rolando 

  • Rolando Morales Public Performances for August 2016

    Rolando Morales with fans at Maria Maria
    Rolando Morales with fans at Maria Mari

    Tuesday Aug 2, Maria, Maria Cantina, 710 Camino Ramon Road, Danville CA, approx. 6-9pm.  After 5 weeks away, Rolando finally returns to Carlos Santana’s most elegant restaurant for Taco Tuesday.  $1 tacos, baby!  And Rolando on solo guitar and voice with his diverse repertoire performing out on the patio by the fire pits.  (925) 820-2366.  See www.mariamariarestaurants.com.

    Friday Aug 12, Don Pico’s Mexican Bistro, 461 El Camino Real, San Bruno, 6 to 9 pm.  Rolando returns to the place The Examiner and Independent have proclaimed has the “Best Seafood and Best Mexican Food” anywhere, on solo guitar and voice in the Restaurant Room.  Call (650) 589-1163www.donpicosbistro.com.

    Saturday Aug 13, Pairings Cellars, 310 Main Street, Suite B, Pleasanton CA 94566, 8-11pm.  Rolando returns to this brand new, exciting social hotspot in downtown Pleasanton.  This new wine bar features fine wines, tapas and the Rolando Morales Trio, featuring from Paraguay, the thrilling violinist with Steve Miller and Arturo Sandoval, the great Carlos Reyes; from Venezuela, the Grammy-winning Latin percussionist/vocalist Omar Ledezma; and Rolando Morales leading the way on guitar, guitar synth and voice. Free!x www.pairingscellars.com(925) 398-8846.

    Sunday Aug 14, Maria, Maria Cantina, 1470 North Broadway, Walnut Creek, approx 2-5pm.  Rolando returns for the Maria, Maria Tardeada series.  Enjoy a Mexican brunch outdoors and Rolando performing on the newly renovated front patio on solo guitar and voice by the creek.  He may be joined by flautist Bob Harrison.  www.mariamariarestaurants.com, or call (925) 946-1010.

    Wednesday Aug 17, The San Jose Fairmont, Lobby Lounge, 170 South Market St., San Jose CA, 9pm-Midnight.  Rolando returns for you South Bay fans to this elegant venue.  Celebrate the night with fine wines, unique martinis, appetizers and sushi along with the Rolando Morales Duet, this time featuring the delightful violinist who played with the Gipsy Kings, Ms. Patricia Weiss; and Rolando Morales leading the way on guitar and vocals and his magic pedal board.  Free!  See www.fairmont.com/sanjose/ for info, or call (408) 998-1900.

    Saturday Aug 20, Don Pico’s Mexican Bistro, 461 El Camino Real, San Bruno, 6 to 9 pm.   Rolando  returns on solo guitar and voice in the intimate Restaurant Room for a rare Saturday night performance.  Call (650) 589-1163 and see  www.donpicosbistro.com.

    Sunday Aug 21, Maria, Maria Cantina, 1470 North Broadway, Walnut Creek, approx 2-5pm.  Enjoy a Mexican brunch and Rolando performing on the newly renovated front patio on solo guitar and voice by the creek.  If it’s too hot, it will be indoors.   He may be joined by Bob Harrison on flute.   www.mariamariarestaurants.com,   (925) 946-1010.

    Friday Aug 26, Pairings Cellars, 310 Main Street, Suite B, Pleasanton CA 94566, 8-11pm.  Rolando returns to this brand new, exciting social hotspot in downtown Pleasanton.  This new wine bar features fine wines, tapas and this time, Rolando on solo guitar and voice.  Free! www.pairingscellars.com(925) 398-8846.

    Saturday Aug 27, 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 munchies while enjoying this powerful duet.  Tonight Rolando reunites with the charismatic Latin percussionist/vocalist from George Benson and Prince, the delightful Estaire Godinez; and on guitar, voice and his pedal board of magic, the passionate Rolando Morales.  They’ll cover the musical spectrum.  Don’t miss it!  www.thevineatbridges.com(925) 820-7210

    Sunday Aug 28, Maria, Maria Cantina, 1470 North Broadway, Walnut Creek, approx 2-5pm.  Enjoy a Mexican brunch at Carlos Santana’s lively cantina and Rolando performing on the newly renovated front patio on solo guitar and voice by the creek. He may be joined by Bob Harrison on flute. www.mariamariarestaurants.com,   (925) 946-1010.

    Tuesday Aug 30, Maria, Maria Cantina, 710 Camino Ramon Road, Danville CA, approx 6-9pm.  Rolando returns to Carlos Santana’s most elegant restaurant for Taco Tuesday.  $1 tacos, baby!  And Rolando on solo guitar and voice with his diverse repertoire performing out on the patio by the fire pits.  We’ll see if he has any special guests sitting in…  (925) 820-2366www.mariamariarestaurants.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.