Tag: Upcoming Performances

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Joyce Gordon Gallery presents Art by Chukes and music by Miguel Y Los Buenos Ensemble

    Join art and music lovers on Friday, September 29th 6-9pm for the Closing Reception of “Identity Theft” featuring live music by Miguel Y Los Buenos Ensemble.

    “IDENTITY THEFT” 
    featuring new works by Chukes
    August 4 – September 30, 2017
    Closing Reception: Friday, September 29th 
    6-9pm

    Joyce Gordon Gallery is a commercial fine art gallery located in the downtown district of Oakland, California. It exhibits art that reflects the social and cultural diversity of the Bay Area and international artists. The aim of the gallery is to respect the creative pursuits of the individual and seeks to make such work accessible to a broad audience.

     Gallery Hours:
    Wed – Fri: 11-6pm | Sat:  1-5pm Sun: by appointment

  • Rolando Morales Update for September 2017

    ¡Hola, Mi Gente!

    I’ve been working day and night putting tech and everything else together for some big private and public shows throughout the Bay Area and beyond.  Thursday we’re doing a big private show up in St. Helena.  Then a couple days up near Lake Tahoe for more private shows.  Then all the way down again to Woodside for yet another private event.  It’s good to be in demand!  I put on four new tires on my car to ensure a safer week.

    I broke up the intense prep work with a couple short but majestic hikes through the Oakland Hills near my house.  It’s nice to see Oakland continue to reveal her surprises.  Redwoods, eucalyptus, lakes…  Am I in the Sierras?  Naw, it’s just Oakland.

    The public shows won’t begin until next week when I do my first Friday night Danville show at Maria, Maria in almost half a year on September 8.

    But the noteworthy show is a great little festival happening on September 9, 2-6pm.  My friends at the Women Entrepreneurs of Los Altos invited my band to play for the WE Vibe Block Party on the 100 Block of First Street in Los Altos.  I’ll be there with my All-Star Quintet putting on two shows.  We’ll also have my favorite flamenco troop “Caminos Flamencos” putting on a passionate show.  Details.

    Other highlights this month include my duet on Mexican Independence Day, 16 de Septiembre with my Latin percussionist-vocalist and Sista-From-Anotha-Mista, Estaire Godinez at the Pairings Cellars in Pleasanton.  This will be the first time I do a duet at this venue and you know we’ll light it up.

    I’ll also be doing a special duet on Saturday September 23 at The Vine at Bridges with the great violinist Carlos Reyes.  This will be the first time we’re able to do this together here in 2 years, so don’t miss it!  Details below.

    Last, be informed that I’m debuting on Fridays September 22 AND 29 at Havana in Walnut Creek, a fine Cuban restaurant, bar and now, Live Music venue.  I’ve only done private off-site work for them in the past, and this will mark the first public in-house appearances in our history.  Swing by!  Details below.

    And speaking of Walnut Creek, Maria, Maria has abruptly ended their Sunday afternoon shows about 5 weeks earlier than usual.  This year’s strange weather, alternating between unusually cold and windy to intolerably hot has kept patrons off the patio, hurting their sales, so I’ll just do occasional weekends at both their restaurants depending on our schedules.  No more Sundays this season.  So now you know.

    See you at the show!

    Ciao,

    Rolando