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“The Farewell Concert”
John Santos and The Machete Ensemble
with special guests Ray Vega, María Márquez,
Destani Wolf, Anthony Blea, Rebeca Mauleón, Bill Ortiz,
Javier Navarrette, Mario Abruzzo, and Lakiba Pittman
Sunday, November 12 • 7pm
$58
$38
$32
$25
“Santos is one of the most creative musicians I've ever
had the opportunity to work with.” - Max Roach
Program Notes John Santos’ Machete Ensemble has been a fixture on the
Bay Area scene for over two decades. Though the lineup and focus
of the Grammy-nominated group have shifted over time, from a
large ensemble focusing on dance rhythms to a smaller one more
interested in composition, its core virtues have remained consistent:
a dedication to original composition, impeccable musicianship,
and a deep reverence for the history of Afro-Cuban music.
For Santos, the Machete Ensemble has been the realization of
a dream. “I’m a little surprised, somehow amazed,
and certainly grateful that we weathered those first twenty years,” he
said. “But one thing is still clear—the music is
who we are. It’s not a hobby or a task. It’s how
we express our deepest concerns.”
Santos has chosen to bid farewell to the Machete Ensemble, but
he celebrates the group’s legacy at tonight’s closing
concert with a cast of past and current Macheteros.
Personnel:
- John Santos, director, congas, percussion, composer
- Orestes Vilató, timbales, bongos
- John Calloway, flute, composer/arranger
- Wayne Wallace, trombone, composer/arranger
- Melecio Magdaluyo, saxophone, clarinet, flute
- Ron Stallings, saxophone, clarinet
- David Belove, bass
- Paul Van Wageningen, drumset
- Murray Low, piano
- Orlando Torriente, vocals, percussion
Special guests:
- Ray Vega, trumpet, vocals
- María Márquez, vocal
- Destani Wolf
- Anthony Blea
- Rebeca Mauleon, piano
- Bill Ortiz
- Javier Navarrette
- Mario Abruzzo
- Lakiba Pittman
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