TODAY!: Interview with Tony Vega - 1:30pm PST OzcatRadio.com

Late breaking update:
Just got contacted by James Barrera, he and Fiesta de la Isla organizer Linda August have confirmed arranging to have me interview Tony Vega this afternoon regarding his career, projects and his upcoming performance in Vacaville this Saturday. Despite the fast development, the folks at Ozcat are making it happen. (dare I call this an 'exclusive'-?!) As a second-generation listener/fan of Willie Rosario and Tommy Olivencia, this is pretty exciting for me; as my compay Arturo Gomez of KUVO would say, "I got a 'Kool-Aid smile'..."

I will interview Tony Vega at 1:30pm PST - hear it live on the web at www.OzcatRadio.com


Tony Vega


Festival de la Isla - Vacaville, CA 10am-7pm -
http://sabordelaisla.com

Conjunto Alegre - live on Ozcat Radio this week - Weds 13 Aug 2008 - 7pm PST / 10pm EST

Conjunto Alegre

In scheduling an interview for this Wednesday with organizers of the upcoming 19th Annual Fiesta de la Isla in Vacaville, we also hoped there might be an opportunity to connect some of the Borinquen musicos with the audiences here in Solano County. Tony Vega is not yet in town, most musicians are rehearsing, while the volunteers and staff are dealing with details for the Big Day.

As it's turning out, we've worked it out to also have Vallejo-based bandleader LeRoy Rodrigues in the studio, discussing his group, Conjunto Alegre, who will also be performing at the Festival along with Bay Area-based salseros Rumba Café, Luis Acosta, and dance troupe Afinkao. If all goes well, members of Conjunto Alegre will offer a live performance. Stay tuned!

The Latin/Jazz Mecca - www.OzcatRadio.com
Vallejo/SF Bay/California - Wednesday 7pm PST
New York/Miami/San Juan/Havana! 10pm EST

Conjunto Alegre on the web:
myspace.com/conjuntoalegreproductions

More about the
19th Annual Fiesta de la Isla
Vacaville, CA - Saturday August 16 - 10am - 7pm

CTone to Emcee at 2008 San Jose Jazz Festival - August 8-10 2008

Well it's confirmed: KKUP jazz host Afrikahn Jahmal Dayvs has tapped yours truly to serve as an Emcee at a couple stages at the 19th Annual San Jose Jazz Festival.

I usually attempt to go every year anyway, but as this puts me 'on duty' means I'm going to be like a kid working at the candy store... If this happens more frequently I might have to get an agent-? ;-)

My schedule so far (plus fill-ins as needed):

Saturday Aug. 9 4:00pm -
Rhythm & Blues Stage - Blane Lyon
Up-and-coming funky conscious freeform group from Fairfax/Marin County

Sunday Aug. 10 - 4:00pm -
Silicon Valley Stage - Bob Enos and Soundwave
A Bay Area legend and institution, keeping the big-band sound alive for nearly 50 years!


Plenty of "Latin Jazz" and 'Roots of..' can be found every year;
this year some of the notables include Chembo Corniel and Chaworo, Yosvanni Terry, Bobby Matos, (relatively)new Bay Area supergroup Karabali, Anthony Blea y su Charanga (aka Charanson), Jesus Diaz y su QBA, Alexis Morales, John Santos, Avance, Rumbache, and many others.

San Jose Jazz Festival - more information:
www.SanJoseJazz.org