January 3, 2017
An optimist stays up until midnight to see the New Year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves. ~Bill Vaughan
¡Feliz Año Nuevo, Mi Gente!
I have the impression a lot of us stayed up to ensure the old year left. We made it through a wild, tough year together. We said goodbye to too many beloved cultural icons; from Prince to Bowie to Ali and too many others, from early January to just a week ago, as well as to too many friends and family. We witnessed turmoil and political resistance in the streets and welcomed in a new American protectionist leadership who’s message is thinly veiled in racism. I lost my vision in my right eye and just recently gained most of it back. We’ll all need to keep two good eyes open on this new year! Let’s hope for the best, but speak out loudly when the time warrants.
I’m starting my first week of the year with three nice public appearances, all at locations I haven’t seen in a while. This Thursday Jan 5, I return to Piacere in downtown San Carlos from 8-11pm. We had a blast there closing out 2016 with many Peninsula friends I hadn’t seen in years. Lots of great energy, singing and dancing. Let’s keep the ball rolling and swing by! Details below.
Then on Friday January 6, after three months away, I finally return to Maria, Maria in Walnut Creek from approx 6-9pm. Time flies when you’re busy… Let’s reconnect! Details below.
And on Saturday January 7, after FOUR months away, I finally return to Maria, Maria in Danville, also approx 6-9pm. This is my shout-out to my Far East Bay friends. Swing by! Details below.
Remember too, to make your reservations for Saturday January 14, “An Evening with Rolando Morales and Carlos Reyes” at the Sausalito Seahorse with our World Class band. We’ll have my musical monsters ready to go: bassist David Belove; Latin percussionist/vocalist and Grammy winner Omar Ledezma; Brazilian drummer Celso Alberti; and of course Paraguayan harpist/violinist Carlos Reyes and Yours Truly on guitar, guitar synth and vocals. It’s next week, so make your reservations now. Details below.
Here’s the rest of your brand new January Calendar. See you at the show!
Ciao,
Rolando
PUBLIC PERFORMANCES FOR JANUARY 2017
Thursday Jan 5, Piacere, 727 Laurel Street, San Carlos, CA 9070, 8-11pm. After almost 4 years away, Rolando finally returns for a set of appearances at 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.
Friday Jan 6, Maria, Maria Cantina, 1470 North Broadway, Walnut Creek, approx 6-9pm. After almost 3 months away, Rolando finally returns to Carlos Santana’s Walnut Creek tavern to perform on solo guitar and voice in the Restaurant Room. Flautist Bob Harrison may sit in. Swing by and greet the New Year with old and new friends! (925) 820-2366, www.mariamariarestaurants.com.
Saturday Jan 7, Maria, Maria Cantina, 710 Camino Ramon Road, Danville CA, approx 6-9pm. After almost 4 months away, Rolando finally returns for a rare Saturday night at Carlos Santana’s elegant Danville location. Bring friends and let’s welcome the New Year together. Who knows when I’ll be back! (925) 820-2366, www.mariamariarestaurants.com.
Saturday Jan 14, “An Evening with Rolando Morales and Carlos Reyes,” Sausalito Seahorse, 305 Harbor Drive, Sausalito, approx 8:30-11:30pm. After 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 Paraguayan harpist/violinist 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 from the Pete Escovedo Orchestra, the rock-solid bassist David Belove; from Brazil, the amazing drummer from Airto and Steve Winwood, Celso Alberti; Grammy-winning Latin percussionist/vocalist Omar Ledezma; 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
Saturday Jan 21, Pairings Cellars, 310 Main Street, Pleasanton CA 94566, 8-11pm. Rolando 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.
Thursday Jan 26, 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.
