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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I have a few public shows you’ll want to catch in your new July Calendar. I’m finally starting up some Marriott Walnut Creek shows beginning this Saturday July 6 at 6pm. Details below.
And this Sunday July 7, after almost a year away, I finally return to the Pairings Wine Bar and Restaurant in downtown Pleasanton for a special “chill” session from 1:30-4:30pm in the afternoon. Details below.
Know too that I’m finally back with the great keyboardist-vocalist Janice Maxie-Reid on July 19 at Havana in Walnut Creek. She’s a true favorite ofaudiences around the world, so don’t miss it! Details below.
Then yet another version of the Rolando MoralesTrio appearson Saturday July 27, 9-11:30pm, also at Havana in Walnut Creek. This will be the first time we play together as a trio: Grammy-winning Latin percussionist-vocalist Omar Ledezma; bassist from Arturo Sandoval, the funky Dewayne Pate; and Yours Truly on guitar, guitar synth and voice. We’ll be stretching like never before. Reserve your seats early, because it will fill up. Details below.
Have a great 4th of July break and see you at the show!
Ciao,
Rolando
Rolando Morales enjoying some time playing with his nephews playing for Rolando’s mom
¡Hola, mi Gente!
After my car repairs, I did a few more gigs and then drove down to my mom’s in So Cal last Monday to join my brother visiting with his family from Michigan. They had already been there a week and were finishing up their last 4 days.
My little twin nephews are growing up, getting ready to start high school. Rocco has stretched to 5’9, Vincent about 5’7. Both had been playing a lot of hoops since I saw them last. When I told them over the phone that I was driving down to kick their butts on the basketball court, Rocco just chuckled and said, “I don’t think so.”
A couple days after I got down there, I taught Rocco (guitar) and Vincent (trumpet) an Ennio Morricone piece I arranged for them that morning to play as a duet and played the tune for my mom. They are both already quite accomplished for their ages. I think Rocco is better than I was at his age.
After working a couple hours, Vincent then said, “You wanna go out and play basketball?” They got big smiles and were ready to kick my butt. We went out into the hot sun and I schooled them. They did get a lot better, but they didn’t have a chance. I beat them 1 on 2, then we did about three 2 on 2 games with my brother in different combinations. Then I moved ever so slowly into the house and passed out for about 90 minutes on the couch. To quote Danny Glover in “Lethal Weapon,” “I’m getting too old for this shit.” And that’s an old reference.
I made it back in time for more private shows, including a very special, intimate wedding held on the beach in Montara. It was a heart-warming international gathering of love. It was an honor to play for it.
I have a combination of private and public shows all week. Try not to miss this one: This Friday July 19, 9-11:30pm, I’m finally back with the great keyboardist-vocalist Janice Maxie-Reid at Havana in Walnut Creek. With her sweet voice, funky playing and charm, she always is an audience favorite. We’ll be doing our expanded repertoire of classic R&B, soul, and Latin blends and inventions. Swing by! Details below.
Then this Saturday July 20, I’m back on solo guitar and voice at the Marriott Walnut Creek in the Lobby Lounge from 6-9pm. Details below.
And remember that next week I’ll have another version of the Rolando MoralesTrio appearingon Saturday July 27, 9-11:30pm at Havana in Walnut Creek. This will be the first time we play together as a trio: Grammy-winning Latin percussionist-vocalist Omar Ledezma; bassist from Arturo Sandoval, the funky Dewayne Pate; and Yours Truly on guitar, guitar synth and voice. We’ll be stretching like never before. Reserve your seats early, because it will fill up. Details below. See you at the show!
Ciao,
Rolando
At the Montara Beach wedding
PUBLIC PERFORMANCES JULY 2019
Saturday July 6, Walnut Creek Marriott, Lobby Lounge & Bar, 2355 North Main Street, Walnut Creek, 6-9pm. After 2 months away, 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/.
Sunday July 7, 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 July 19, 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, after almost half a year away, features the return of the charming keyboardist-vocalist who shared the stage with Stevie Wonder and Sting, the charismatic Janice Maxie-Reid; and on guitar, vocals and his pedal board of magic, Rolando Morales. Together they create a unique musical alchemy, so don’t miss it! www.havanarestaurant.net, (925) 939-4555.
Saturday July 20, 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/.
Saturday July 27, 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 powerful bassist who played with Arturo Sandoval and Robben Ford, the great Dewayne Pate; the Grammy-winning Latin percussionist-vocalist from Pacific Mambo Orchestra, the amazing Omar Ledezma; and on guitar, guitar synth and voice, Rolando Morales. This is a rare treat, first time publicly in the East Bay. 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.
Keith Okie (middle) and Rebel Sol members Jason Teague, and Thomas “Doc” Glendenning
The music of Rebel Sol comes from a deep spiritual desire to shine light and love on the world. Not just your average party band; these guys serve a higher purpose. They know the true power of love and walk through life in awareness of the strength that comes from the musical gifts that have been bestowed upon them.
This vibration shines through in the music. It encourages us to care for one another, to live in harmony with our families and community, to dissolve mental and spiritual boundaries and to break the bonds of conditioning that bind us as individuals and a society.
Rebel Sol reminds us that even after the darkest night, the sun always rises, the light will always shine and that the universe is an infinitely wonderful place.
Upcoming Tour Dates:
SATURDAY JUL. 6, 2019 at the Orpheum Theater in Flagstaff AZ. Keith Okie & Friends with special guests Zoe and Petey of Kill Babylon Coalition “Southwest Acoustic Reggae Showcase” Doors at 8 pm Show at 9 pm $5 at the door https://www.orpheumflagstaff.com/
This is one of the biggest and best local theaters here in northern Arizona. Great spot! They actually sought us out on this one to put a show together for their fourth of July weekend series.
THURSDAY, JUL. 18th, 2019 at the Marquee Theater in Tempe, AZ. Toots and the Maytals with Keith Okie & Rebel Sol and others. Doors at 6 Show at 7 $33 (or $20 presales from opening bands) https://www.marqueetheatreaz.com/
Toots and the Maytals are one of the all-time greatest reggae bands ever. Toots Hibbert is credited with inventing the word reggae and is one of the most soulful, well-known and prolific artists in reggae history. A real original legend.
SATURDAY, AUG. 24, 2019 at The Hut in Tucson AZ. E.N. Young with Keith Okie & Rebel Sol and ZeeCeeKeely Show at 9:30 $5 Rebel Sol set is 10:45 to 11:45 https://www.facebook.com/TheHutTucson/
E.N. Young plays with one of the biggest national reggae bands call Tribal Seeds. He also owns a studio called Imperial Sound and a label called Roots Musician Records. Big player in the national reggae scene. Really good music too. Everyone is excited for this one.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12th Havasu Landing Tribal Reggae Festival Havasu Landing Resort and Casino (on lake Havasu outside of needles, CA) Set time and details to follow. www.havasulanding.com
Media Contact: Edie Okamoto at edie.okamoto@riovida.net or 510-693-0166 Feel free to contact her for any further information, videos, photos and to schedule interviews.
