Voices of Latin Rock I
November 18, 2004
Bimbo’s 365 Club, San Francisco The inaugural Voices of Latin Rock show was both a benefit for Alex Speaks and a book release party for author Jim McCarthy’s Voices of Latin Rock: The People and Events that Created This Sound. The evening featured musical performances by Samba de Coracao, Los Mocosos, Richard Bean, a group of six congueros lead by the legendary Carol Steele and John Santos and finale of former Santana members Gregg Rollie, Michael Shrieve, Chepito Areas and Mike Carabello with guest guitarist Neal Schon. Brothers Herbert and Johnnie Herbert honored Jackie Villanueva, a Santana road crew veteran, who passed away shortly after the night.
Voices of Latin Rock II
November 17, 2005
Bimbo’s 365 Club, San Francisco During the second annual Voices of Latin Rock benefit concert, a packed house at Bimbo’s enjoyed the musical performances of Salvador Santana with special guest (and father) Carlos Santana, the Vernon Black All-Star band that featured mini-sets by Malo and El Chicano, Booker T. and a rousing closing set by Malo. The evening also featured an inspired speech by Dolores Huerta, who stood side-by- side with Cesar Chavez during the early days of the United Farmworkers Union movement.
Voices of Latin Rock III
January 11, 2007
Bimbo’s 365 Club, San Francisco And then, on the third year, history was made. After receiving a special honor, original Santana singer/ organist Gregg Rollie was joined on stage by the surviving original members of the band — Carlos, Michael Shrieve, Jose “Chepito” Areas and Mike Carabello. The group dropped fiery performances of “Black Magic Woman,” “Oye Como Va” and “Soul Sacrifice.” Before the show’s closers, fans were entertained by La Ventana, the Vernon Black Band, Lenny Williams with Mic Gillette, and the house band featuring Jackie Greene, Booker T., Kathy Richardson, Malo and Chris Webster. The late Jose Simon, comedian and creator of Comedy in the Park, was honored.
Voices of Latin Rock IV
January 24, 2008
Bimbo’s 365 Club, San Francisco Topping last year’s show was on everyone’s mind when it came time to plan VOLR IV, yet it shouldn’t have been a worry after inviting Los Lobos, George Clinton and Sly Stone to play. Indeed, the evening’s stunning performance of “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)” with the group was a heart-stopper. Some of the world’s most prominent percussionists were in attendance this year, including Karl Perasso, Raul Rekow, Leo Rosales, John Santos, Orestes Vilato, Gregg Errico and a number of others. They all were entranced by stirring rendition of “Ave Maria” sung by 15- year-old Holly Stell and the Voena children’s choir, and accompanied by harpist Carlos Reyes.
Voices of Latin Rock V
January 24, 2009
The Warfield, San Francisco This year’s Voices of Latin Rock Awareness for Autism event took place at the historic (and newly refurbished) Warfield theater. The evening featured performances by the legendary WAR, Azteca featuring Pete Escovedo, Shelia E, Wendy Haas, Errol Knowles and Victor Pantoja, Los Cenzontles and Cold Blood. A number of Latin rock’s “first ladies” were honored throughout the evening, including Rita Gentry, Wendy Haas, Lydia Pense and Shelia E.
Voices of Latin Rock VI
January 21, 2010
Bimbo’s 365 Club, San Francisco Boasting a line up that included Taj Mahal, Lenny Williams, Lester Chambers and Tommy Johnston and Marc Russo of The Doobie Brothers, the sixth Voices of Latin Rock benefit concert took the sold-out crowd to another level. This year’s honoree, Bruce Cohn of BR Cohn Wineries, is both a connoisseur of fine wines and the long-time manager of The Doobie Brothers. Along with show opener Holly Stell, the evening included performances by The Voices of Latin Rock Experience that is led by legendary percussionist Karl Perazzo with members of Santana, Malo, El Chicano, the Etta James Band and Avancé, and Carlos Reyes & his Electrick Symphony.
