“We must learn to live together as brothers, or perish together as fools.”
Martin Luther King, March on Washington-1964
Hola, mi Gente!
Well, it’s that time, isn’t it! The moment of truth is but a day, or a week, or a month away… It’s been a hell of a ride, but it ain’t over yet. In spite of record-setting voting, the voice of the people has gradually been rendered less effective by voter legislation applied by those in power and supported by conservative appellate and supreme courts. It’s a disturbing trend. Regardless of the outcome, please, let us heed the words and experience of the great Martin Luther King Jr. I pray to God it isn’t too late for national healing and unity.
I’ll continue to do my little bit of healing through music. I have but one public show this week (the rest are private), and it happens this Thursday night November 5, about 7-9:30pm at Massimo’s in Fremont. It’s my only appearance there this month, so if you’re in the area, you’ve got to check it out. Really nice meals and people, great night out. Make your reservations for outdoor or limited indoor seating. All the details are below.
I also have three appearances this month at Barranco Cocina Peruana in Lafayette. This has been a fun gig from the start! There is limited outdoor and indoor socially distanced seating and limited tables near me, so be sure to reserve early. Details below.
I’ve got another public show next week at Casa Orozco Livermore, details below. I’m fortunate to also have a good handful of private events this month. Be sure to contact me if you’re up for music for your own private event. (510) 282-7778. Let’s do this! See you at the show!
Ciao,
Rolando
PUBLIC PERFORMANCES FOR NOVEMBER 2020
Thursday Nov 5, Massimo’s Restaurant, 5200 Mowry Ave. Suite M, Fremont, 7-9:30 pm. Rolando’s first appearance at this Fremont gem turned into an intimate concert. He returns for only the third time to this family business, home to generations of authentic Sicilian recipes. They’ve now opened their spacious patio for socially-distanced dining, with Rolando providing your musical ambience. They’ll also have some limited indoor dining available if you prefer. Reserve for limited seating at (510) 792-2000, info@massimos.com. See www.massimos.com.
Friday Nov 13, Barranco Cocina Peruana, 3596 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette, 5:30-8:30pm. Rolando returns to this wonderful fine dining Peruvian restaurant moved outdoors on extended patios and socially-distanced tables, with some limited indoor seating. Enjoy the award-winning chef’s Peruvian cuisine and signature drinks, and Rolando’s diverse Latin and World artistry. Rolando’s only Lafayette venue! www.barrancokitchen.com, (925) 298-5668.
Saturday Nov 14, Casa Orozco, 325 South L St., Livermore, 6-9pm. Rolando returns to this lively family-owned, award-winning restaurant. The Orozco family will have service outdoors on two large patios under over-sized colorful umbrellas and socially-distanced tables, as well as limited indoor seating. A premium assortment of tequilas awaits you, along with Rolando’s diverse Latin and World artistry. Join us for a fun, satisfying night out! www.casaorozcolivermore.com., (925) 449-3045.
Friday Nov 20, Barranco Cocina Peruana, 3596 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette, 5:30-8:30pm. Rolando returns to this wonderful fine dining Peruvian restaurant moved outdoors on extended patios and socially-distanced tables and limited indoor seating. Enjoy the award-winning chef’s Peruvian cuisine and signature Peruvian drinks, and Rolando’s diverse Latin and World artistry. Reserve early for limited seating. www.barrancokitchen.com, (925) 298-5668.
Saturday Nov 21, Barranco Cocina Peruana, 3596 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette, 5:30-8:30pm. Rolando returns to this wonderful fine dining Peruvian restaurant moved outdoors on extended patios and socially-distanced tables. There will be some limited indoor seating as well with reservations. Enjoy the award-winning chef’s Peruvian cuisine and signature Peruvian drinks, and Rolando’s diverse Latin and World artistry. Reserve early for limited seating. www.barrancokitchen.com, (925) 298-5668.
NOTICE:
Local venues are working closely with their local and State governments and following strict spacing and sanitizing requirements and guidelines on how to safely open and serve the public in newly created outdoor spaces. After vetting some of these venues for safety personally, Rolando has accepted offers to perform at a choice few venues detailed below. (He wouldn’t take the job if it wasn’t done safely.) If you are healthy, please feel free to come out to our public shows and enjoy life with us while supporting our local economy!
All other shows are private.
Rolando is available for YOUR private events, corporate events, weddings, parties, concerts and festivals, virtual or otherwise. Be the Hero of your Block and get Rolando to play for your own outdoor House Party! Give him a call and he’ll walk you through it. (510) 282-7778
Rolando and Carlos Reyes playing at Barone’s last Friday
“Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go.” -Oscar Wilde
¡Hola, mi Gente!
And some don’t seem to have a clue when everyone wants them to go. Well, we’ll see about how many before long…
Speaking of causing happiness, I had a nice surprise last Friday when violinist Carlos Reyes sat in with me at Barone’s in Pleasanton. He was impressed with the place and will probably be back again in some capacity.
In the meantime, this Friday October 9 I make my debut at Barranco Cocina Peruana in Lafayette from 5:30-8:30pm. They have an award-winning chef who created a lovely Peruvian menu sure to delight. You’ll have THREE chances to catch me there in October. I haven’t played publicly in Lafayette in a lot of years, so don’t miss it. All the details are below, so be sure to make your reservations early, as seating is limited to ensure social distancing. www.barrancokitchen.com, (925) 298-5668.
Then on Saturday I’m back at Casa Orozco in Livermore. This has always been a blast to play and a fun hang. They may put me in the front patio this time where more of you can see me. All details are below.
Last, there’s still time to be the hero of your block by bringing me to play your outdoor block or house part! Call me and I’ll walk you through how we can do this safely and create joyful memories for your neighbors, friends and family. (510) 282-7778. See you at the show!
Ciao,
Rolando
PUBLIC PERFORMANCES FOR OCTOBER 2020
Friday Oct 2, Barone’s Restaurant, 475 St. John Street, Pleasanton CA, 7-10pm. Rolando returns to one of Pleasanton’s premiere dining establishments. He’ll be playing outdoors in the expansive Gardens at Barone’s. Rolando offers you his seal of approval on how safely they run this operation.
Their charming garden area is so big that in the time Before Covid, they used to pack in a couple thousand people there to party to dance bands. Now, they’re limiting attendance to around 35 well-spaced dinner tables and cabana areas, all well-distanced from the stage. All servers and hosts wear masks and/or face shields. And they’ll all be providing their usual fine-dining service, menu and libations. All under the trees and stars. It’s an enchanting and safe way to get out of lock down! Reserve for limited seating at 925.426.0987, info@baronespleasanton.com. www.baronespleasanton.com
Saturday Oct 3, Barone’s Restaurant, 475 St. John Street, Pleasanton CA, 7-10pm. Rolando completes his back-to-back at one of Pleasanton’s premiere dining establishments. He’ll be playing outdoors in the expansive Gardens at Barone’s under the trees and stars. It’s a huge open space with tables and cabanas all safely distanced from one another. All service, menu and libations are first-rate. And Rolando’s music adds to the magic. Reserve for limited seating at (925) 426-0987, info@baronespleasanton.com. See www.baronespleasanton.com.
Friday Oct 9, Barranco Cocina Peruana, 3596 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette, 5:30-8:30pm. Rolando debuts at this wonderful fine dining Peruvian restaurant moved outdoors on extended patios and socially-distanced tables. Enjoy the award-winning chef’s Peruvian cuisine and signature drinks, and Rolando’s diverse Latin and World artistry. Rolando’s first public Lafayette appearance! www.barrancokitchen.com, (925) 298-5668.
Saturday Oct 10, Casa Orozco, 325 South L St., Livermore, 6-9pm. Rolando returns to this lively family-owned, award-winning restaurant. For these unique times, the Orozco family has moved their service outdoors on two large patios under over-sized colorful umbrellas and socially-distanced tables. Two generations of Orozco familia have expanded their authentic Mexican dishes all from Mama’s recipes. A premium assortment of tequilas awaits you, along with Rolando’s diverse Latin and World artistry. Join us for a fun, satisfying night out! www.casaorozcolivermore.com., (925) 449-3045.
Thursday Oct 15, Massimo’s Restaurant, 5200 Mowry Ave. Suite M, Fremont, 6-9 pm. Rolando’s first appearance at this Fremont gem turned into an intimate concert. He returns for only the second time to this family business, home to generations of authentic Sicilian recipes. They’ve now opened their spacious patio for socially-distanced dining, with Rolando providing your musical ambience. Reserve for limited seating at (510) 792-2000, info@massimos.com. See www.massimos.com.
Saturday Oct 17, Elevation LVK, 682 Terminal Circle, Livermore CA 94551, 6:30-9:30pm.- Rolando returns for only the second time to this unique, upscale full service restaurant located at the Livermore Airport in the terminal building overlooking the jet runway. (Wait, what??!!) In this unexpected setting, they provide a unique dining experience with seasonal recipes prepared with love and care, a full wine list, social distanced seating and more. It will all happen outdoors with views of the rolling hills of Livermore Valley, with small planes and helicopters in the foreground. Rolando Morales will provide the soundtrack on guitar, vocals and his pedal board of magic, weaving a spell of Latin, World and popular song that will enhance your evening all the more. Limited seating, so make your reservations early! (925) 800-3839 or info@elevationlvk.com. See www.elevationlvk.com.
Friday Oct 23, Barranco Cocina Peruana, 3596 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette, 5:30-8:30pm. Rolando returns to this wonderful fine dining Peruvian restaurant moved outdoors on extended patios and socially-distanced tables. Enjoy the award-winning chef’s Peruvian cuisine and signature Peruvian drinks, and Rolando’s diverse Latin and World artistry. Reserve early for limited seating. www.barrancokitchen.com, (925) 298-5668.
Saturday Oct 24, Casa Orozco, 325 South L St., Livermore, 6-9pm. Rolando returns to this lively family-owned, award-winning restaurant. The Orozco family has moved their service outdoors on two large patios under over-sized colorful umbrellas and socially-distanced tables. Two generations of Orozco familia have expanded their authentic Mexican dishes all from Mama’s recipes. A premium assortment of tequilas awaits you, along with Rolando’s diverse Latin and World artistry. Join us for a fun, satisfying night out! www.casaorozcolivermore.com., (925) 449-3045.
Saturday Oct 31, Barranco Cocina Peruana, 3596 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette, 5:30-8:30pm. Celebrate Halloween with Rolando as he returns to this wonderful fine dining Peruvian restaurant moved outdoors on extended patios and socially-distanced tables. Enjoy the award-winning chef’s Peruvian cuisine and signature Peruvian drinks, and Rolando’s diverse Latin and World artistry. Reserve early for limited seating. www.barrancokitchen.com, (925) 298-5668.
All other shows are private.
Rolando is available for YOUR private events, corporate events, weddings, parties, concerts and festivals, virtual or otherwise. Be the Hero of your Block and get Rolando to play for your own outdoor House Party! Give him a call and he’ll walk you through it. (510) 282-7778
Arriving at the private event yesterday. I couldn’t even get the whole house in the frame!
“Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.”
~ Mike Tyson
September 4, 2020
¡Hola, mi Gente!
These last couple weeks had me down on the canvass. For those of you who don’t know or didn’t see my Facebook posts, back on August 19, I got hit with a relentless case of vertigo. It hit me about three times in the last 12 or so years. Those episodes were severe, but short-lived. It would usually be over in minutes or a few hours.
But this one was different. This one’s been with me for a few weeks now. For two straight days and nights, it had me stumbling, falling, crawling and retching like a drunk. I was completely incapacitated. Couldn’t eat, couldn’t shower, couldn’t move.
After two days, I was finally able to focus my eyes enough to see my phone screen. I called my doctor and they had me go to ER. My dear buddy Alfredo drove me. They ran a bunch of tests and a CAT scan to rule out stroke and other serious possibilities. They determined it was just a really bad case of vertigo. My ER physician told me he once had it for two straight months! That couldn’t be me!
There is no cure for vertigo. I had to just continue doing the maneuvers I already knew (Epley and others) designed to move an errant crystal out of one of the vestibular canals in the inner ear and back into the canal in which it belongs. In the meantime, the crystal would keep sending false signals to my brain that my environment was moving.
The damned thing wouldn’t leave me. I had to cancel out of two gigs (Barone’s and my debut at Elevation). That was when I posted on Facebook that I couldn’t make the gigs. I turned down some other offers as I was just too messed up.
I kept doing the maneuvers until last Thursday when one of them finally seemed to work. My symptoms began to diminish and I felt like I was getting my life back. I learned from talking to friends that my memory had holes in it from the last few days. I had no recollection of things I had said or done, or were said to me, or even where the conversations had happened. I’m still in a bit of a fog.
I recovered enough to do my first big day out of the house at Barone’s last Saturday. I was a little shaky, but I did the drive, equipment set up and performance. It felt good to accomplish all that, especially in light of the fact that just days before, I could hardly walk.
I’m feeling about 80% now. I just did another private show last night which went great. Now, I’m officially ready for my re-do debut at Elevation LVK in Livermore, happening this Saturday night, September 5, 6:30-9:30pm. I’ll be there on solo guitar and voice and you’re all invited. Details below.
Here’s the rest of the new September Calendar. Swing by!
Ciao,
Rolando
NOTICE:
Local venues are working closely with their City and State governments and following strict spacing and sanitizing requirements and guidelines on how to safely open and serve the public in newly created outdoor spaces. After examining some of these venues for safety personally, Rolando has accepted offers to perform at a choice few venues detailed below. (He wouldn’t take the job if it wasn’t done safely.) If you are healthy, please feel free to come out to our public shows and enjoy life with us while supporting our local economy!
PUBLIC PERFORMANCES FOR SEPTEMBER 2020
Saturday Sept 5, Elevation LVK, 682 Terminal Circle, Livermore CA 94551, 6:30-9:30pm. Rolando makes his debut at this unique, upscale full service restaurant located at the Livermore Airport in the terminal building overlooking the jet runway. (Wait, what??!!) It’s true! In this unexpected setting, they provide a true fine dining experience with seasonal recipes prepared with love and care, a full wine list, social distanced seating and more. It will all happen outdoors with views of the rolling hills of Livermore Valley, with small planes and helicopters in the foreground. Rolando Morales will provide the soundtrack on guitar, vocals and his pedal board of magic, weaving a spell of Latin, World and popular song that will enhance your evening all the more. Limited seating, so make your reservations early! (925) 800-3839 or info@elevationlvk.com. See www.elevationlvk.com.
Friday Sept 11, Barone’s Restaurant, 475 St. John Street, Pleasanton CA, 7-10pm. Rolando returns to one of Pleasanton’s premiere dining establishments. He’ll be playing outdoors in the expansive Gardens at Barone’s. Rolando offers you his seal of approval on how safely they run this operation.
Their charming garden area is so big that in the time Before Covid, they used to pack in a couple thousand people there to party to dance bands. Now, they’re limiting attendance to around 35 well-spaced dinner tables and cabana areas, all well-distanced from the stage. All servers and hosts wear masks and/or face shields. And they’ll all be providing their usual fine-dining service, menu and libations. All under the trees and stars. It’s an enchanting and safe way to get out of quarantine! Swing by and say hello to life.
Saturday Sept 12, Barone’s Restaurant, 475 St. John Street, Pleasanton CA, 7-10pm. Rolando completes his back-to-back at one of Pleasanton’s premiere dining establishments. He’ll be playing outdoors in the expansive Gardens at Barone’s under the trees and stars. It’s a huge open space with tables and cabanas all safely distanced from one another. All service, menu and libations are first-rate. And Rolando’s music adds to the magic. Swing by and say hello to life. Reserve for limited seating at (925) 426-0987, info@baronespleasanton.com. See www.baronespleasanton.com.
Saturday Sept 19, Casa Orozco, 325 South L St., Livermore, 6-9pm. Rolando returns for only the 2nd time to this lively family-owned, award-winning restaurant. For these unique times, the Orozco family has moved their service outdoors on two large patios under over-sized colorful umbrellas and socially-distanced tables. Two generations of Orozco familia have expanded their authentic Mexican dishes all from Mama’s recipes. A premium assortment of tequilas awaits you, along with Rolando’s diverse Latin and World artistry. Join us for a fun, satisfying night out! www.casaorozcolivermore.com., (925) 449-3045.
Saturday Sept 26, Pairings Wine Bar and Restaurant, 310 Main Street, Pleasanton CA 94566, 6-9pm. Rolando finally returns to this newly re-opened social gathering place in downtown Pleasanton.And you’re all invited. Each weekend, Main Street will be closed to car traffic to enable businesses to safely serve their customers outdoors. Pairings expanded their front patio seating with additional limited street seating under tents, with all tables and stage appropriately socially distanced. 100 different wines, wine flights, endless tapas, large plates and more. Rolando will match the festive energy with his diverse repertoire on solo guitar and voice. Join us! www.pairingscellars.com, (925) 398-8846.
All other shows are private.
Rolando is available for YOUR private events, corporate events, weddings, parties, concerts and festivals, virtual or otherwise. Be the Hero of your Block and get Rolando to play for your own outdoor House Party! Give him a call and he’ll walk you through it. (510) 282-7778
Just a slice of Sunday’s Garden Party in an expansive yard lined with redwoods, exotic flowers, deer and a creek
September 3, 2019
¡Hola, mi Gente!
For the last 10 days now, I’ve been doing my performances with a miserable lung virus. It’s been challenging, to say the least. My doctor says it’s the second wave of a nasty virus that’s been around since the beginning of this year and they’re getting inundated with calls and visits from patients. The funny thing is that most audiences couldn’t tell! I’ve learned to hide it and avoid the trouble notes and use great mic technique and extend those driving instrumental sections. At Sunday night’s private event, I even had them dancing into an overtime hour. I really don’t know how I do this…
But I’m so glad I can! I continue tomorrow, Tuesday Sept 3 at a venue I haven’t played in a year. I return to Casa Bella in Sunol from 5-8pm. This private event center will be doing one of these with live music — MAYBE two, depending on next month’s weather, so swing by for the sure date this Tuesday! A rare opportunity for the public to enjoy the property. Details below.
Your new September Calendar also includes my return to the Walnut Creek Marriott this Saturday September 7. See you at the show!
Ciao,
Rolando
PUBLIC PERFORMANCES FOR SEPTEMBER 2019
Tuesday Sept 3, Casa Bella, 11984 Main Street, Sunol, 5-8pm. Rolando’s debut last year at this unique venue sparks his return to Casa Bella, normally a private event center. Now they will open once a week on Tuesday nights to you, the public. The property blends elegance in a rustic setting in the quaint historical section of Sunol. For this night, Rolando performs on solo guitar, vocals and his pedal board of magic on the brick patio by the pergola surrounded by beautiful landscaping. The perfect setting for Taco and Tequila Night! Kid and dog friendly, so gather your friends and family and bring on the night together. Free! sunolscasabella.com, (925) 939-4555.
Saturday Sept 7, Walnut Creek Marriott, Lobby Lounge & Bar, 2355 North Main Street, Walnut Creek, 6-9pm. Rolando finally returns to this popular East Bay hotel and gathering spot in the newly renovated lounge in the shadow of Mount Diablo, where you can enjoy your favorite cocktail, fine wines and a lovely full menu. Enjoy a sophisticated environment with an international clientele and great acoustics, perfect for Rolando’s vast repertoire on solo guitar and voice and your wonderful night out. Reservations: (925) 934-2000, https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/oakwc-walnut-creek-marriott/.
Saturday Sept 21, Walnut Creek Marriott, Lobby Lounge & Bar, 2355 North Main Street, Walnut Creek, 6-9pm. Rolando returns to this popular East Bay hotel and gathering spot in the newly renovated lounge in the shadow of Mount Diablo, where you can enjoy your favorite cocktail, fine wines and a lovely full menu. Enjoy a sophisticated environment with an international clientele and great acoustics, perfect for Rolando’s vast repertoire on solo guitar and voice and your wonderful night out. Reservations: (925) 934-2000, https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/oakwc-walnut-creek-marriott/.
Friday Sept 27, Havana Cuban Cuisine, 1516 Bonanza St., Walnut Creek, approx 9-11:30pm. Rolando returns for this special series of duet engagements at this fine Cuban restaurant and live music venue. Tonight will feature the fiery Latin-rock electric guitarist who has played with Carlos Santana, Mr. Carlos Hernandez; and on guitar, vocals and his pedal board of magic, Rolando Morales. Together they create a unique alchemy of musical excitement you won’t want to miss. Reserve early! www.havanarestaurant.net, (925) 939-4555.
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.
Muhammad Ali engaging in some of his famous trash poetry talks
Cassius Marcellus Clay was born in the West End district of Louisville on January 17, 1942. His father Cassius, was a sign-writer with artistic ambitions and his mother, Odessa, a domestic servant. His father, who was told to be a womanizer and heavy drinker, was named after his great-grandfather’s slave owner. His father owned a home and Cassius Clay had only one sibling, his brother Rudy Clay. As a result Cassius Clay grew up in a middle class home, which was unusual in those days.
His mother’s grandfather was an Irish man, Abe Grady, who had married her African American grandmother. When Cassius was only 12 years of age he saw someone steal his Schwinn bicycle and he reported it to the police. He told the officer he was going to “whup” the thief. The kind officer told him he better learn how to box first. The police man, Joe Martin, took a liking of the talkative young boy and persuaded him to join his boxing club. Six weeks later, Clay won his first bout in a split decision. Cassius Clay trained with him for six years after which Joe Martin turned professional.
Cassius Clay, just like his father, was named after Cassius Marcellus Clay, a 19th-century farmer who did not believe in slavery. He became an anti-slavery crusader. Although he inherited 40 slaves from his father he emancipated them once he had a chance to do so. This abolitionist edited an anti-slavery newspaper, he commanded troops in the Mexican-American War and served as minister to Russia under President Abraham Lincoln. Even though he was a second cousin to the Kentucky Senator Henry Clay, he put himself in considerable danger with his abolitionist attitudes. Clay faced death threats, beatings, and was stabbed and shot by political opponents. Despite the ordeal he lived to the ripe old age of 92.
The young boxer, Cassius Clay was academically challenged as he spent most of his time in school day dreaming instead of focusing on his academics. Atwood Wilson, the school’s principal, had a soft spot for the entertaining young Cassius and introduced him to the school assembly: ‘Here he is, ladies and gentleman, Cassius Clay! The next heavyweight champion of the world. This guy is going to make a million dollars.” Their shared dream came true with a glorious beginning of Mohamed Ali’s illustrious boxing career. For the last four years of Clay’s amateur career he was trained by boxing cut man, Chuck Bodak. Clay went on to win six Kentucky Golden Gloves titles, two national Golden Gloves titles, an Amateur Athletic Union National Title, and the Light Heavyweight gold medal. Clay’s amateur record was 100 wins with five losses. At the young age of 18 Clay won gold as a light-heavyweight amateur at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome.
After he took gold in Rome’s Olympic games, Cassius Clay immediately took the opportunity to go professional since he was offered to financially backed by a local Kentucky Millionaire. This relationships was short lived since Cassius Clay did not enjoy being treated with contempt as a slave by that man and his ill mannered family. He left and chose the backing of a small consortium of eleven business man in Louisville, KY. He tried to be trained by Sugar Ray Robinson but was rebuffed due to his boisterous personality and refusal to participate in the training duties such as cleaning dishes and washing the floors. More
Cassius Clay successfully recruited Angelo Dundee who ran the legendary Fifth Street Gym in Miami Beach. Dundee encouraged Cassius Clay to freely express himself as did the assistant trainer, Drew ‘Bundini’ Brown. Bundini came up with the phrase ‘Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee’, and started Clay’s habit of forecasting the round in which he would fell his opponent.
While he had a string of successes in beating many of his opponents he annoyed many boxing fans with his belligerent psychological war fare and insults of the opponents before entering the ring. He won his first professional fight against Tunney Hunsaker in October 1963. Thereafter Clay amassed a record of 19–0 with 15 wins by knockout. He defeated boxers including Tony Esperti, Jim Robinson, Donnie Fleeman, Alonzo Johnson, George Logan, Willi Besmanoff, Lamar Clark, Doug Jones and Henry Cooper. Clay also beat his former trainer and veteran boxer Archie Moore in a 1962 match.
Cassius Clay had been greatly moved by his father’s enraged account of the lynching of a 14-year-old black boy, Emmett Till, in Mississippi in 1955. And it was his father who was encouraged by the political leader Marcus Garvey to be proud of and retrace their ancestral roots. Growing up he was upset by segregation in Louisville, especially when his mother was refused a drink of water in a whites-only café. He started going to the rallies of religious leader Elijah Muhammad from 1959 and befriended Malcolm X in 1962. He secretly converted to Islam at age 18.
During that time he was attended by Ferdie Pacheco, his doctor, who said of Clay: ‘In 1961, 1962, 1963, he was the most perfect physical specimen I had ever seen … perfectly proportioned, handsome, lightning reflexes and a great mind for sports.’
Cassius Clay was a devout Muslim and dedicated member of the Nation of Islam, having fallen under the tutelage of Malcolm X in 1962.
Columbia Records released a 1963 spoken word album called “I Am the Greatest” in which the 21-year-old rising star performed his poetry, backed my musical accompaniment, before an audience. The album also included two songs by the boxer, including a cover of the Ben E. King hit “Stand by Me.”
By late 1963 he was qualified to challenge Sonny Liston for the title. Cassius Clay wanted to announce that he had converted to Islam but what asked to wait after the fight with Sonny Liston to prevent a back lash that was sure to happened before the fight. The fight was set for February 25, 1964, in Miami. Liston was an intimidating personality, a dominating fighter with a criminal past and ties to the mob. Cassius Clay was blinded during the fight by ointment that Liston put on his gloves. Liston had been accused previously by two other fighters of “burning” eyes. But, Cassius Clay won the fight and was declared champion. Liston claimed he had an injured shoulder and others rumored that Liston had bet against himself to pay of his own debts. By winning this fight, Clay became at age 22 the youngest boxer to take the title from a reigning heavyweight champion.
By 1964 Clay had won 19 straight fights, all but four of them by knockouts, and was ready to challenge for the world title.
In March 1964 Cassius Clay was bestowed the name Mohammad Ali by his religious teachers. He was initially inspired by Malcolm X, choosing to change his last name to X for a while during his religious Muslim training. He stayed with the Nation of Islam, despite the rift between the founder and Malcolm X following the Kennedy assassination. Malcolm X was expelled and started his own competing Islamic organization. When rumors began circulating that year that Cassius Clay had joined the Nation of Islam, one of his bouts was nearly canceled, and when he officially joined in 1964, he had his boxing titles stripped from two organizations, including the WBA.
When Cassius Clay announced that he had changed his name for religious reasons the press reacted strongly. The Saturday Evening Post wrote: “For a time, when he was confining himself to bad poetry, Cassius was a loudmouth but a likable character who seemed to be harmless in or out of the ring. Then he won the championship and became, in his own estimation, “The Greatest.” After the fight, he acknowledged that he was a Black Muslim, converted by the arch-extremist, Malcolm X, the man who crowed that President Kennedy’s assassination was “a case of the chickens coming home to roost.” Malcolm X was separated from the Black Muslim movement after that remark and is now attempting to organize his own black nation. He wants to arm all the Negroes in the U.S. and ultimately take them back to Africa.” It went on to say: “Clay’s history of calculated deceptions now prompts the suspicion, of course, that his present case of galloping religion is but another decoy to serve who knows what end. Clay himself strengthened the suspicion when he declared, “Just by my being a Muslim, that should draw a bigger gate…” In actuality his commitment to Islam has cost him roughly two million dollars in commercial endorsements.
In July 1964 he met a cocktail waitress named Sonji Roi and they married after a one month courtship. But the pair separated when she refused to conform to the strict edicts by which the group thought women should live. They were divorced by January 1966.
April 28, 1967 Mohammad Ali reported to the Military Entrance Processing Station in Houston. As officials called his name for induction to the Army to fight in the Vietnam War he wouldn’t step forward. He was eventually arrested, but that wasn’t even close to the end of his legal woes. A week before appearing in Houston, he told reporters in his home town of Louisville, Kentucky, that he planned to not accept induction in military service. He stated to the press: “Why should they ask me to put on a uniform and go ten thousand miles from home and drop bombs and bullets on brown people in Vietnam while so-called Negro people in Louisville are treated like dogs and denied simple human rights?”
Two months later, a jury took just 20 minutes to convict Ali of draft evasion. He was given a five-year prison sentence and a $10,000 fine; he was stripped of his passport and his heavyweight title, and was banned from fighting in the United States. It took four years to eventually settle the case after he had taking it all the way to the Supreme Court. Ali would remain out of jail on posted bail while his case was being appealed, he would not fight again until October 1970. The following year, the US Supreme Court overturned his conviction in a unanimous 8-0 ruling. Full Transcript
Between February 25, 1964 and September 19, 1964 Muhammad Ali reigned as the undisputed heavyweight boxing champion. Nicknamed “The Greatest”, Ali was involved in several historic boxing matches. Notable among these were the first Liston fight, three with rival Joe Frazier, and one with George Foreman, in which he regained titles he had been stripped of seven years earlier. After the Superior Court reversed the ruling of the lower courts and agreed that he refused military service legally as a conscientious objector he finally was able to fight again. At last he was able to fight again. After being prevented from fighting for four years he lost the first fight against Joe Frazier. After Joe Frazier lost the title to George Foreman Mohammad Ali urged George Foreman to a fight which organized by Don King in Africa.
Mohammad Ali fights George Foreman to regain ‘his’ world champion title.
His doctor, Freddie Pacheco, resigned when Mohammad Ali was in his 30s and starting to show the effects of taking too many punches, yet refusing his advice to retire before he suffered permanent injury.
He was then married to Belinda Boyd from 1967 until 1975. During his relationship with Belinda, Muhammad started seeing Veronica Porsche in 1975. He converted to Sunni Islam in 1975. The affair ruined his second marriage with Belinda Boyd by 1977. In 1977 he married Veronica that summer who was already pregnant with their daughter, Hana. Their second daughter, Laila, was born in Dec. 1977, and the couple split up in 1986. Muhammad then married Yolonda Williams in Nov. 1986, and they adopted a son, Assad Amin. He was married to Yolonda, who he’d been friends with since 1964, at the time of his death on June 3. Yolonda took care of him throughout his very difficult 40 years while he suffered from Parkinson Disease.
In 1986 he began adhering to Sufism a rather peaceful and mature religion. It helped him live his life out gracefully despite the fact he suffered from Parkinson Disease. He was a true blessing to many people and raised the awareness about the beauty of grace, personal commitment to truth and ones’ own convictions. Mohammad Ali was a great man and he will be truly missed.
Muhammad Ali died after a 32-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease with his family by his side
The recording of “I Remember You.” by Nicolas Bearde narrated by producer and arranger Josh Nelson
Nicolas Bearde re-imagines Nat King Cole’s classic songs strongly influenced by the beautiful phrasing of Nat King Cole’s daughter, Natalie Cole. Make sure you catch him live at the Vibrato Grill, LA for his Ella and Joe tribute September 20; House Concert in Highland Park, Los Angeles, September 21; KCSM-FM San Mateo – LIVE w/Alisa Clancey, San Mateo, CA, October 3rd; Yoshi’s Oakland – CD Release Celebration, October 8th; Kuumbwa Jazz Center, Santa Cruz, October 24; Sequoia Room, Nicolas Bearde’s own Quintet, Fort Bragg, CA, October 26; For details more dates and tickets visit: Nicolas Bearde Calendar
I Remember You, CD Release by Nicolas Bearde
If I had to choose just one day To last my whole life through It would surely be that Sunday
The day that I met you Newborn whippoorwills were calling from the hills Summer was a-coming in but fast Lots of daffodils were showing off their skills Nodding all together, I could almost hear them whisper Go on, kiss her, go on and kiss her
And if I had to choose one moment To live within my heart It would be that tender moment Recalling how we started Darling, it would be when you smiled at me That way, that Sunday, that summer
Newborn whippoorwills were calling from the hills Summer was a-comin’ in but fast Lots of daffodils were showin’ off their skills Nodding all together, I could almost hear them whisper Go on, kiss her, go on and kiss her
If I had to choose one moment To live within my heart It would be that tender moment Recalling how we started Darling, it would be when you smiled at me That way, that Sunday, that summer
Nicolas Bearde’s 6th solo CD, is produced and arranged by Josh Nelson. Nicolas Bearde recreates the timeless songs of one of his earliest influences, Nat “King” Cole in his very own style like classic jazz with a pleasant old Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald style pop influence. His passionate performance brings back youthful memories as though they were new and in the presents. The fresh arrangements by the amazing Josh Nelson the long-time pianist for the late and beloved Natalie Cole bring her Jazz influence on her dad’s song alive. The sultry saxophone created by special guest Eric Alexander, Tenor Saxophonist adds a lot of texture to the album.
Nicolas Bearde’s new album “I Remember You” is played on most Jazz Music Platforms and will be performed around the world. Today ranks at 21st on the Jazz Week Chart.
In case you don’t know Nicolas Bearde you will enjoy the summary by Kumbwaa Jazz who describe his new album and performances as: Jazz vocalist Nicolas Bearde has won accolades from critics and jazz audiences worldwide for his velvet tone and engaging performances. His music has been critically acclaimed by Jazziz, JazzTimes, Jazz Week, and All About Jazz and Beard’s fifth solo album, Invitation, rose quickly to the Top 20 on the Jazz Week charts. Bearde first made his mark in jazz as part of Bobby McFerrins’ revolutionary a cappella group Voicestra, all while carving out his own solo career. His silky baritone invites comparisons to Jon Lucien, Lou Rawls, and Joe Williams, and his new album re-imagines the timeless songs of one of his earliest influences, Nat King Cole. With supple phrasing, passionate delivery, and fresh arrangements by Josh Nelson (long-time pianist for the late Natalie Cole), Bearde breathes new life into Cole’s trove of enduring classics which include “Sweet Lorraine”, “L-O-V-E”, “Straighten up and Fly Right”, and “Tenderly”.
Bearde breathes new life into Nat’s trove of enduring classics which include “Tenderly”, “Straighten up and Fly Right”, “Sweet Lorraine” and “Funny.” Join Nicolas Bearde international fan club by following him via.
President Theodore Roosevelt, one of the most conservative Republilcan Presidents created the U.S. Forest Service and established 150 national forests, 5 national parks, 18 national monuments, 4 national game preserves and 51 national bird reserves.
Russian sponsored Trump instead is selling off the land, licenses it to polluters and seems to intent to ruin the parks. Conservation does not seem part of his vocabulary.
Instead of maintaining the parks and allowing the public to enjoy the beauty of this country, he uses park fees as his personal lunch money. He cut the budget set aside for much needed repairs of bathrooms, trail maintenance, and traditionally used for running campgrounds. And on top of that he uses the funds to hold fancy parties to which only donors and cow-towing Republicans are invited. For instance his “Dictator Phantasy” themed Fourth of July extravaganza was paid for by trail maintenance money from across the lands. Outside online states: ” The $2.5 million price tag of the July 4th celebration is compounded by the loss of an estimated $6 million in National Park entry fees during the government shutdown earlier this year.” They explain that the July 4th budget diversion could have funded the training of hundreds of rangers and much much more.
Roosevelt cherished this country
It is also vandalism wantonly to destroy or to permit the destruction of what is beautiful in nature, whether it be a cliff, a forest, or a species of mammal or bird. Here in the United States we turn our rivers and streams into sewers and dumping-grounds, we pollute the air, we destroy forests, and exterminate fishes, birds and mammals — not to speak of vulgarizing charming landscapes with hideous advertisements. But at last it looks as if our people were awakening.
Horse-drawn carriage rides right along side our stage at the Dunsmuir Hellman Historic Estate in Oakland last Saturday night
Aug 6, 2019
¡Hola, mi Gente!
Thanks to those of you who came out last Saturday to our show, “An Intimate Evening 2019” at the Dunsmuir Hellman Historic Estate in Oakland.Estaire Godinez lead our great band, Bob Crawford, David Belove, Celso Alberti, Beatrice Godinez and Yours Truly in 2 blazing sets of Latin and Brazilian jazz. We all wished we could do more of this…
For those of you who missed it, I have a public show coming up this Saturday Aug 10 at Havana in Walnut Creek from 9-11:30pm. I’ll be leading Estaire Godinez on Latin percussion and vocals and myself on guitar and vocals through a huge variety of music. Plus, I just learned today that we may have a very special guest sitting in: none other than the great Carlos Reyes on violin. Anyone who has seen him knows he always gives the night a huge lift! Details below. Don’t miss it!
Remember, too, that we have a cool version of my Trio which hasn’t played together publicly in many years making it’s debut at Havana in Walnut Creek on August 17.David Belove on bass and the great David Flores on drums. I’m really looking forward to playing with these two again! Details below.
See you at the show!
Ciao,
Rolando
PUBLIC PERFORMANCES AUGUST 2019
Violinist Carlos Reyes may be dropping in on this Havana gig to kick up the excitement level even more
Saturday Aug 10, Havana Cuban Cuisine, 1516 Bonanza St., Walnut Creek, approx 9-11:30pm. Rolando returns for this special series of duet engagements at this fine Cuban restaurant and live music venue. Tonight will feature the Latin percussionist-vocalist from George Benson, Ms. Estaire Godinez; and on guitar, vocals and his pedal board of magic, Rolando Morales. Together they create a unique alchemy of excitement and fun. And just added to the mix, the great Paraguayan violinist Carlos Reyes may be sitting in to add his magic to the night. Don’t miss it! www.havanarestaurant.net, (925) 939-4555.
Saturday Aug 17, Walnut Creek Marriott, Lobby Lounge & Bar, 2355 North Main Street, Walnut Creek, 6-9pm. Rolandofinally returns to this popular East Bay hotel and gathering spot in the newly renovated lounge in the shadow of Mount Diablo, where you can enjoy your favorite cocktail, fine wines and a lovely full menu. Enjoy a sophisticated environment with an international clientele and great acoustics, perfect for Rolando’s vast repertoire on solo guitar and voice and your wonderful night out. Reservations: (925) 934-2000, https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/oakwc-walnut-creek-marriott/.
Sunday Aug 25, Pairings Wine Bar and Restaurant, 310 Main Street, Pleasanton CA 94566, 1:30-4:30pm. After almost a year away, Rolando finally returns to this exciting social hotspot in downtown Pleasanton. They’re introducing a new “Social Sunday”, which will be a wine sipping, live music “chill” event. Rolando will perform a mellower side of his repertoire on solo guitar and voice to help ease you into your Sunday. Free! www.pairingscellars.com, (925) 398-8846.
Friday Aug 30, Havana Cuban Cuisine, 1516 Bonanza St., Walnut Creek, approx 9-11:30pm. The Rolando Morales Trioreturns to the East Bay! This version of the exciting trio makes its debut at this fine Cuban restaurant and live music venue, featuring for the first time at this venue, the exciting drummer from John Santos and Lauryn Hill, the powerful David Flores;the rock-solid bassist from Pete Escovedo and Tito Puente, David Belove; and on guitar, guitar synth and voice, Rolando Morales. This is a rare treat, first time publicly in the East Bay in many years. Make your reservations early. It’ll fill up! www.havanarestaurant.net, (925) 939-4555.
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.
I learned some new challenging material for a big show coming up this Saturday night, much in the Brazilian Latin-jazz mode. On Monday we had our one rehearsal and played it for the first time. We’re about ready. With this crew, you can’t go wrong. And you’re invited.
ThisSaturday August 3, I’ll be joining forces with the charismatic Latin percussionist-vocalist Estaire Godinez for “An Intimate Evening 2019” at the Dunsmuir Hellman Historic Estate in Oakland. They’ll have about 4 music stages, great catering, wine and beer tasting, tours of the mansion and so much more. It’s the ultimate all white attire summer party! And we’ll be playing with a slamming 6-piece band: Estaire Godinez who will be leading the band, Bob Crawford, David Belove, Celso Alberti, Beatrice Godinez and Yours Truly. Check out all the details below. It should be a really fun Oakland evening under the stars.
And that’s a great way to kick off our new August Calendar. We’ve got a few public shows in store for you, including a cool version of my Trio which hasn’t played together publicly in many years, making it’s debut at Havana in Walnut Creek on August 17.David Belove on bass and the great David Flores on drums. I’m really looking forward to playing with these two again! Details below.
See you at the show!
Ciao,
Rolando
PUBLIC PERFORMANCES AUGUST 2019
Saturday Aug 3, “An Intimate Evening 2019,”Dunsmuir Hellman Historic Estate, 2960 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, Event 6-11pm, our show about 6-9pm. Join us for the ultimate, all white attire summer party! Rolando Morales joins forces with Estaire Godinez who will be leading the band in this special performance at this historic Oakland venue. Take a ride in a charming horse-driven carriage and experience an unforgettable evening. Sample the finest cuisine provided by some of Oakland’s best caterers. Dance under the stars at the South Pond. Play in the game lounge. Tour the 117 year old Mansion. Enjoy the Gatsby Car. Relax in the Intimate Martini Bar and enjoy wine tasting. Live entertainment on 4 different stages and even more! Fun, right?
Leading the band will be the Latin percussionist-vocalist from George Benson and Prince, the charismatic Estaire Godinez; on guitar, guitar synth and voice, the passionate Rolando Morales; the drummer from Brazil who played with Airto and Steve Winwood, the exciting Celso Alberti; keyboardist who toured the world with Spearhead, Robert Crawford; the rock-solid bassist who played with Pete Escovedo and Tito Puente, the great David Belove; and Estaire’s sister Beatrice Godinez lending her talents on vocals. See the website for all the headliner performances. General Admission $35. See the Events Page at www.anintimateevening.com to buy tix, for more info, including table options. Or call (510) 615-5555. Don’t miss it!
Saturday Aug 10, Havana Cuban Cuisine, 1516 Bonanza St., Walnut Creek, approx 9-11:30pm. Rolando returns for this special series of duet engagements at this fine Cuban restaurant and live music venue. Tonight will feature the Latin percussionist-vocalist from George Benson, Ms. Estaire Godinez; and on guitar, vocals and his pedal board of magic, Rolando Morales. Together they create a unique alchemy of excitement and fun. www.havanarestaurant.net, (925) 939-4555
Saturday Aug 17, Walnut Creek Marriott, Lobby Lounge & Bar, 2355 North Main Street, Walnut Creek, 6-9pm. Rolandofinally returns to this popular East Bay hotel and gathering spot in the newly renovated lounge in the shadow of Mount Diablo, where you can enjoy your favorite cocktail, fine wines and a lovely full menu. Enjoy a sophisticated environment with an international clientele and great acoustics, perfect for Rolando’s vast repertoire on solo guitar and voice and your wonderful night out. Reservations: (925) 934-2000, https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/oakwc-walnut-creek-marriott/.
Friday Aug 30, Havana Cuban Cuisine, 1516 Bonanza St., Walnut Creek, approx 9-11:30pm. The Rolando Morales Trio returns to the East Bay! This version of the exciting trio makes its debut at this fine Cuban restaurant and live music venue, featuring for the first time at this venue, the exciting drummer from John Santos and Lauryn Hill, the powerful David Flores; the rock-solid bassist from Pete Escovedo and Tito Puente, David Belove; and on guitar, guitar synth and voice, Rolando Morales. This is a rare treat, first time publicly in the East Bay in many years. Make your reservations early. It’ll fill up! www.havanarestaurant.net, (925) 939-4555.
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.
Patrick Pizzella, anti-labor rights lobbyist now in charge of labor. Inhumane attitudes celebrated in WH.
Patrick Pizzella has been appointed to lead the Department of Labor as acting secretary. Alex Acosta announced his resignation due to criticism for his light prosecution of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Acoasta explained the light sentences: “We now have 12 years of knowledge and hindsight and we live in a very different world,” he said. “Today’s world treats victims very, very differently.”
Patrick Pizzella fought to keep minimum wages at $3.05 and worse.
Mother Jones reported: “Patrick Pizzella 1990s to help the Northern Mariana Islands—a US commonwealth 1,500 miles from Japan—defeat a bipartisan effort to rein in a guest worker program that the Labor Department found relied on indentured workers. When Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) asked Pizzella whether he knew about reports of forced abortions and routine beatings at the time.” At the time he worked for Jack Abramoff, who later was found guilty of 21 crimes. Together they wanted to shape the Northern Mariana Islands as laboratories in which oppressors would be able to abuse people without any laws to protect the oppressed.
Wendy Doromol, a teacher turned human rights activist, reported on NPR in 2006: “The barbed wire around the factories faced inward so that the workers, mostly women, couldn’t get out. They had quotas that were impossible for these people to reach and if they didn’t reach them, they’d have to stay until they finished the quota and they wouldn’t be paid for that work. They were hot, the barracks were horrible. A lot of the females were told you work during the day in the garment factory and then at night you can go and work in a club and they’d force them into prostitution at night.”
Forced labor and forcing women into prostitution are Pizzalla’s idealized working conditions.
What Pizzella didn’t say in a 2017 Senate Hearing was that he helped lead a public relations campaign to rebrand the islands as a paragon of free-market principles. Between 1996 and 2000, emails and billing records reviewed by Mother Jones show that Pizzella and colleagues organized all-expenses-paid trips to the islands for more than 100 members of Congress, their staffers, and conservative thought leaders. When they got back, Pizzella helped them convince colleagues that the Northern Mariana Islands were, as his old boss (convicted fellon) Abramoff liked to put it, a “laboratory of liberty.”
In 2006 Daily Kos reported: “This is also about a GOP Culture of Corruption that sold their principles, honor, Party and Country for power. It is a story of Sex, forced abortions, prostitution, sweatshops and special favors for the worst Foreign Nationals on the World stage.”
Apparently Pizzella’s work paid off and he kept the $3.05 per hour minimum wage in the commonwealth, which lasted from 1997 to 2007, when President George W. Bush put an end to that. Pizzella celebrated that the minimum wage was lower than in the U.S. and some worker protections are weaker and seemingly non-existent, leading to lower production costs. That allowed garments to be labeled “Made in USA” without having to comply with all U.S. labor laws.
Pizzella’s record as a lobbyist also includes work for a Russian front group, the government of the Marshall Islands, and a trade association fighting against the minimum wage in a U.S. commonwealth.
In a statement Friday, July 12 2019 , Kristine Lucius, the group’s executive vice president for policy and government affairs, said Pizzella’s record “shows he has a clear bias against working people’s rights – which may be good for Trump’s agenda, but bad for the people the department is meant to serve.”
Pizzella was appointed to the Federal Labor Relations Board by President Barack Obama in 2013. He previously served as the assistant secretary of labor for administration and management for eight years under President George W. Bush.
Ajit Pai is tired of all the hearings. He prefers to receive complaints and concerns via suggestion box.
FCC CHAIRMAN INTRODUCES TWO NEW PROPOSALS TO MODERNIZE FCC PROCESSES
WASHINGTON, July 22, 2019—Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai today announced that he has presented his colleagues with two new proposals to modernize and streamline the agency’s processes. Under the first, the FCC would continue the agency’s move toward electronic filing and correspondence by fully transitioning the Universal Licensing System—the agency’s largest licensing system—from paper to electronic format. The second proposal would expedite the Commission’s hearing processes by expanding the use of written hearings (i.e. hearings conducted without live testimony).
“As the communications
marketplace is being transformed by the digital revolution, we must continue to
modernize our own operations.” said Chairman Pai. “That’s why I’m introducing two new proposals
to update and streamline our processes for the digital age. By transitioning more records and
communications from paper to electronic format, we can save money and increase our
efficiency. And by streamlining our
hearing rules, we can resolve disputes more quickly, which will benefit the
private sector as well as the Commission.
I hope that my colleagues will join me in supporting these
good-government initiatives.”
###
Address your concerns directly to: Will Wiquist, (202) 418-0509 or email correspondence to will.wiquist@fcc.gov
Media Relations: (202) 418-0500 / ASL: (844) 432-2275 / TTY: (888) 835-5322 / Twitter: @FCC / www.fcc.gov This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.
Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).
Healing Criminal Justice is available for a free download in July 2019 on Amazon. The book Healing Criminal Justice: a journey to restore community in the courts.
Twenty-Five years ago, a small group of judges, DAs, PDs, treatment specialists and others banded together to form the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP). The pioneers of the drug court movement made sacrifices, overcame challenges and persevered to create one of the most important voices for criminal justice drug reform in the world.
Over 1.5 million persons have entered drug courts since NADCP’s formation 25 years ago. Some 250,000 persons have been trained at its programs. And over 3000 drug courts have been established during that time.
Healing Criminal Justice’s central theme is the rediscovery of the healing power of community. Judge Tauber also lays out his vision of a future, in which society, recoiling from its overindulgence in imprisonment, returns to its historic reliance on community as the controller of criminal behavior. Finally Healing Criminal Justice speaks to how leadership from within can change the trajectory of a major institution, even one as immutable as the criminal justice system.
In Healing Criminal Justice, Judge Tauber describes his experience as one of the nation’s first drug court judges in Oakland and how a nascent field with a few scattered programs was transformed into a nationwide movement. He recalls his worldwide travels as well as his experience as a struggling saxman playing in Oakland’s blues clubs, and how both contributed to his understanding of one of the most vital elements in the criminal justice system: community.
Healing Criminal Justice: A Journey to Restore Community in Our Courts arrives just in time to celebrates the 25th Anniversary of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP).
Book Excerpt
The year was 2010. Reentry Courts were a part of the larger Problem-Solving Court field; which were in turn, built upon the success of Drug Courts. Problem-Solving Courts had the potential to be a pathway forward for a nation overwhelmed by complex social justice problems, rooted in alcohol, drug, and mental health issues. Drug Courts were providing a template for a more humane and less punitive approach to treating the drug offender. To read the entire excerpt click here
About the Author Jeffrey Tauber
Judge Jeffrey Tauber ret., is a pioneer in the development of court-based rehabilitation systems, spearheading the development and growth of Drug Courts and other Problem-Solving courts across the United States. He was the founding President of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP,1994-2001) and Executive Director of the National Drug Court Institute (1997-2001). In 2008 he was elected “president emeritus for life” of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals. In June of 1999, the newly founded International Association of Drug CourtProfessionals (IADCP) elected him their first chairperson. In that capacity, he presented before the United Nations, the Organization of American States, the Caribbean Conference of Magistrates and other International organizations. As a judge in Oakland, California, Jeffrey Tauber initiated and presided over the design and implementation of the Oakland Drug Court Program, one of the first in the nation (1990) and was the first President of the California Association of Drug Court Professionals (CADCP).
He has written extensively on court-ordered rehabilitation systems and drug policy, including the first Drug Court Manual published, “Drug Courts: A Judicial Manual”, (California Center for Judicial Education and Research, 1994) and “Rational Drug Policy Reform: A Resource Guide.” (CSPC 2001). He has also written “A Proposal for a National Reentry Court Initiative: Four Policy Papers.” (Alexandria VA: National Association of Drug Court Professionals, 2009).
While on the bench, (1985-97) Oakland’s Drug Court received the Public Employees’ Roundtable Award for “Outstanding County-Run Public Service Program in the Nation” and the California Administration Office of the Courts’ “Ralph Kelps Award for Court Innovations”. Judge Tauber (ret.) was a member of the California Judiciary from 1985-1997. He is a graduate of the City University of New York and Boston University Law School.
Jeffrey Tauber is currently the Director/Editor of Reentry Court Solutions (RCS), an educational initiative that provides a national information website (reentrycourtsolutions.com), as well as technical assistance, training, and advisory services to the field. He has consulted and been an advisor to over a dozen nations.
Please feel free to use the YouTube Videos or this photo in your story or contact us to receive additional materials:
Judge jeffrey Tauber, author of Healing Criminal Justice and popular Bay Area Saxophonist
Please join our list of events producer, panels who like you believe that a better work/life balance is the answer to a higher standard of living for all. #Equity
We look forward to working with you for a better world.
Nicolas Bearde enchants audiences all around the world. Don’t miss this rare local show!
Nicolas Bearde returns to Oakland’s famed Yoshi’s Jazz Club on October 8th, 2019 where he will be performing music from his latest CD, ” I Remember You” the music of Nat “King” Cole..
Joining him for this performance will be a stellar group of musicians featuring Glen Pearson on piano, Ruth Davies on bass, Lorca Hart on drums, and Charles McNeal on sax.
Nicolas’ shows sell out quickly – so be sure to get your tickets early, and while they last.
As a bonus feature for this performance Yoshi’s has set up a MEET & GREET beginning at 7pm, where you can hang with Nicolas and choose a premier seat in advance in the first 2 rows. Showtime is 8pm
July 12, 2019, 12th & Clay Street, Oakland, CA, Jonah Melvon featuring Adesha will perform at the Oakland Art + Soul Festival, on Saturday 27th at 5pm. You will find their performance at the Art & Soul: Victor McElhaney Emerging Artists Stage on 12th and Clay which is west of Frank H. Ogawa Plaza and easily reachable with public transportation. See entire line up here.
The Oakland Art + Soul Festival is an annual tradition to celebrate art, music, great food and the Oakland Spirit. The festival brings together a wide range of musical performers, artists, dancers, and vendors to create one of the West Coast’s best city wide celebrations. It features 4 stages, dance areas, and a sea of food vendors including Jambalaya, Gumbo, Crawfish Etoufee Catfish, Snapper, Oysters, Crab Cakes, Shrimp, Hush Puppies, Remoulade Sauce Ethiopian Cuisine Fried Chicken Chicken Tikka Masala, Veggie Pakoras Pork, Chicken or Veggie Lumpia Hawaiian BBQ, Malasadas Tri Tip and Sausage Sandwiches, Smoked Turkey Legs, Jerk Chicken, Funnel Cake, Jazzy Juice Drinks and much more.
Jonah Melvon and his sister Adesha are born and raised in Oakland. Their success is based on their world-class talent and their commitment to positivity whether that is at their performances, community involvement, or sharing the positive and mellow soul spirit internationally. Their music can be found on Spotify or Soundcloud.
Jonah Melvon featuring Adesha are taking the world with their breezy sound and intelligent lyrics.
Jonah Melvon and his sister Adesha lift the spirit with their intelligent and fun lyrics and smooth soul music; using socially conscious rap lyrics to spread love and joy from their soul.
Jonah Melvon is dedicated to “Bridging the Gap” and Equity for all!
Jonah Melvon featuring Adesha will perform as the headliners for the Art + Soul Emerging Artists Stage
In Memory of Victor McElhaney
Art + Soul has partnered with Angela Wellman, Founding Director of the Oakland Public Conservatory of Music (OPC), to present two days of music performed by emerging artists in loving memory of the late Victor McElhaney, son of Oakland City Councilmember Lynette McElhaney. An immensely talented drummer, Victor joined the OPC musical family at age 10 and was a founding member of the Frederick Douglass Youth Ensemble, the organization’s pre-professional ensemble that debuted at Art + Soul in 2009. Confirmed headliners include Jonah Melvon and Adesha ─ R&B/conscious hip hop artists and siblings from Oakland on Saturday ─ and Victor’s Village, a special showcase featuring musicians who loved and worked with Victor, curated by Bay Area hip hop artists SOL Development on Sunday. Performances on the Emerging Artists Stage will take place both days of the festival, also featuring Union de la Bahia, Ajai Kasim, Sean Huang Ensemble,and The Void on Saturday; Barbara Deveaux, Genius Wesley, Jayla Hernandez,and Oaktown Jazz Workshop on Sunday. A separate announcement about this new festival stage with more details on the artists will be issued soon.
Art + Soul Oakland 2019 takes place in downtown Oakland Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28, from noon to 6 p.m., centered in and around Frank H. Ogawa Plaza. Advance tickets are available for purchase online for just $12 Adults and $6 Seniors (65 & older). Festivalgoers can save even more with two-day tickets available through advance purchase only. At the door, admission will be $15 Adults and $9 Seniors (65 & older). Ages 18 and under enjoy free admission (no ticket required).
Art + Soul Oakland 2019 is Northern California’s most accessible festival with direct service via both BART’s 12th Street City Center station and AC Transit, in addition to $5 parking in the adjacent City Center West Garage, 12th Street at Martin Luther King Jr., Way. Free attended bicycle parking will be available (please bring your own lock).
About us and how to get in touch for further conversations, interviews, etc.:
The Oakland Art + Soul Festival one of the top highlights of the SF Bay Area Summer.
To learn more about Jonah Melvon and the Rainwater Project, please visit his website at https://www.jonahmelvon.com/
See you at the show! To set up an appointment for an interview or requests for additional materials with the label, photos, video links, etc. please text Edie Okamoto, Media Relations, at 510-693-0166 or facebook or linked in or reach out at edie.okamoto@gmail.com.
About the Rainwater Project
You can hear the music on Spotify or purchase them on Amazon.
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