Here is information about the 6th Annual Voices of Latin Rock Autism Awareness Benefit for The Alex Speaks Foundation. The Alex Speaks Foundation’s goal is to help support children struggling with an autism disorder by contributing to autistic programs at local schools. The Alex Speaks Foundation was formed to partner with the Voices of Latin Rock event to raise funds for those programs. We are pleased to announce that this year’s recipients will include The MIND Institute and the San Carlos Special Ed Program.

This year we are thrilled to announce not one but two shows, bringing the event back to its roots at Bimbo’s 365 Club on Thursday January 21st and Friday January 22nd. Look for a second email with the lineup for the other date and get more details at: http://www.rbpevent.com/volr/

Could you please make sure to list these upcoming benefits in the calendar section of your publication and possibly do a pick or run a photo?

You can download hi-res photos for the artists at the links to the left, or read more at their downloadable bio.

Taj Mahal
Composer, multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and actor Taj Mahal is one of the most prominent and influential figures in late 20th century blues and roots music. Though his career began more than four decades ago with American blues, he has broadened his artistic scope over the years to include music representing virtually every corner of the world – west Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, the Hawaiian islands and so much more. He was also a remarkable figure in the movie “Sounder”, performing alongside Cicely Tyson and Paul Winfield. What ties it all together is his insatiable interest in musical discovery. Over the years, his passion and curiosity have led him around the world, and the resulting global perspective is reflected in his music. www.Tajblues.com

Lenny Williams
of Tower of Power
Former lead singer for Tower of Power, California native Lenny Williams possesses one of most distinctive voices in contemporary music. Lenny is rightfully regarded as of one R’B's most recognizable vocalists and began his musical career making records that have subsequently become R’B and Pop Classics, such as “Cause I Love You” from the movie “Kings of Comedy” which has been sampled by artists such as Kanye West and Twista, garnering Lenny Hip Hop Songwriter of the Year in 2007. Lenny also had hits like “Don’t Change Horses”, “What is Hip?”, and “So Very Hard to Go” as the lead vocalist for Tower of Power in the 70′s. As an icon of the past and the present, Lenny Williams continues to tour nationally and has recently added acting to his entertaining skills. www.LennyWilliams.com

Lester Chambers
of the Chambers Brothers
Lester Chambers is a Singer, Harmonica and percussion player extraordinaire, pioneering the rock, soul and psychedelic music of the 60′s that inspired so many people. Lester is an American musical Icon performing and recording nearly every musical genre America holds true. The soulful funk of his band drives the audience to get up out of their seats and groove. Lester Chambers is the ideal performer to bring a diverse, cross-generational audience to any venue. Lester Chambers appeals to every lover of contemporary music. Lester knows rock and roll. He Is Rock and Roll! lester-chambers.com

Members of The Doobie Brothers with Tommy Johnston and Marc Russo along with Lara Johnston
As one of the most popular Californian pop/rock bands of the ’70s, the Doobie Brothers evolved from a mellow, post-hippie boogie band to a slick, soul-inflected pop band by the end of the decade. Along the way, the group racked up a string of gold and platinum albums in the U.S., along with a number of radio hits like “Listen to the Music,” “Black Water,” and “China Grove.” Guitarist/vocalist Tom Johnston and Saxophonist Marc Russo will bring the sounds of the Dobbie Brothers to life for this special night at Bimbo’s. www.doobiebros.com

Carlos Reyes &
his Electrick Symphony
Carlos Reyes recording artist, producer, engineer, harpist and violinist– has been breaking musical barriers since his first public performance at the age of five. He made his debut on harp with the Oakland Symphony and his debut on the violin with the Oakland Youth Symphony at just fourteen years of age and then played all over the SF bay area with the Jazz-Rock group Merlin. Along with an international musical reputation, Mr. Reyes has amassed a large enthusiastic Bay Area following, always wondering what new surprise or style of music he’ll bring to the stage. His charismatic personality and outstanding musical talents are a potent combination with which he performs an extensive and entertaining repertoire. www.Carlosreyesmusic.com

Voices of Latin
Rock Experience – Led by legendary percussionist Karl Perazzo with members of Santana, Malo, El Chicano, War, Etta James Band, and Avance
Every musician has an idol, a performer or group that embodies what they wish to become. From his childhood in San Francisco, Karl Perazzo wanted to play with Santana. “I used to play with the band when I was younger,” he jokes, “but then the needle broke.” However, young Perazzo did have considerable talent, and had played with Cal Tjader, Malo, Ray Obiedo, Prince and Andy Narell by the time he was 12. His life-long dream was realized in 1991 when he joined Santana to play timbales. Perazzo has also performed and recorded with Mariah Carey, Dizzy Gillespie, Phish, The United Nations Orchestra and John Lee Hooker. www.myspace.com/karlperazzo

Holly Stell
Dubbed “Petite Pavarotti” by Oprah Winfrey, Holly Stell is a 17 year old beauty with an exceptional gift for singing opera. At age 11 she recorded a duet with Andrea Bocelli and has twice been a soloist at the White House Christmas Tree Lighting. This vocal prodigy has since garnered worldwide acclaim for her angelic stage presence and heartfelt emotional delivery. Just as comfortable performing with a live orchestra in a concert hall as she is playing with her friends in her neighborhood, one thing is certain-Holly Stell will leave a lasting impression. www.hollystell.com

Tickets and Info
Table Reservations Only
Tables for 10: $1,750-$1000 Packages
Tables for 6: $600-$900 Packages
Tables for 4: $600 Packages
More Info at: http://www.rbpevent.com/volr
Table & Raffle Tickets at: http://www.rbpevent.com/volr/paypal
CLICK HERE FOR PURCHASE ORDER/DONATION FORM

Location:
Bimbo’s 365 Club
1025 Columbus Avenue (at Chestnut Street)
San Francisco, CA 94133

http://www.bimbos365club.com

Benefit for Autism

Voices of Latin Rock
5th Annual Benefit for Autism Awareness
January 24 , 2009 at The Warfield Theater, San Francisco

WAR

Azteca
Pete Escovedo, Wendy Haas, Victor Pantoja, Errol Knowles, Bill Courtial, Jules Rowlles, Sheila E.

Los Cenzontles

Voices of Latin Rock Review
Musical Director Karl Perazzo

Honoring the Women of Latin Rock
Rita Gentry, Lydia Pense, Wendy Haas, Sheila E., Linda Tillery

MC: Chuy Varela

San Francisco, California – Putting together an inspired collection of talent, Voices of Latin Rock presents The 5th Annual Benefit for Autism Awareness as a benefit for The Alex Speaks Foundation on Saturday January 24th, 2009 at the newly refurbished Warfield Theater, 982 Market Street, San Francisco, California. Headlining the bill is multi-platinum selling band WAR, Azteca, Los Cenzontles, Voices of Latin Rock Review, featuring members of Cold Blood, Malo, El Chicano and Santana. We will also be honoring the following Women of Latin Rock: Rita Gentry, Lydia Pense, Wendy Haas, Sheila E. and Linda Tillery. As in past years, many surprise guests will also appear. General tickets are from $45.00 to $75.00 and available by calling 415. 775.7722 or at Ticketmaster.

A limited number of exclusive packages & tables are available for special seating. Please e mail: DrBGMalo@aol.com for more information.

The show benefits schools in the Bay Area dealing with autism on a daily basis. This disorder has increased recently to 1 in 150 births, up from 1 in 166 just a few years ago. When questioned about special needs children in the most recent presidential debates, both candidates mentioned the need for increased funding for research for autism, specifically as it approaches epidemic numbers. With the Bay Area’s support of this event, we can continue our support of both schools and research for autism. – More-

WAR has recently been nominated as candidates for induction into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for 2009. WAR has recorded some of the biggest hits in the last 30 years including “The World Is A Ghetto”, “Cisco Kid”, “Why Can’t We Be Friends”, and “Low Rider.” The band is in it’s 40th year and has its first release in 14 years, “Greatest Hits Live.” More information on the band can be found on their website at www.wartheband.com.

Azteca features a stellar collective of Latin Rock performers that promises to tear the house down. Azteca was founded by the late Coke Escovedo and his brother Pete after their departure from the Latin Rock superband Santana. They were the first band to employ a large ensemble of horns, woodwinds, keyboards, Latin percussion and other instruments sometimes having 25 members in a live performance! Many of the original members will be performing.

Los Cenzontles is an amazing group from the Mexican Arts Center in Richmond, California featuring the vocals of Fabiola Trujillo and Luciana Rodriquez that infuses traditional Mexican instruments with gutsy electric bass and drums. The group is directed by Grammy nominated producer Eugene Rodriquez, and their latest CD “Wood & Steel” features producer/guitarist David Hildalgo along with vocalist Linda Ronstadt.

The Voices of Latin Rock Review with Musical Director Karl Perazzo includes members of Santana, Cold Blood, Malo and El Chicano.

This years event is honoring women of Latin Rock: Rita Gentry, Lydia Pense, Wendy Haas, Sheila E., and Linda Tillery.

‘Voices of Latin Rock’ has become a Bay Area favorite event, and early purchase of tickets is encouraged, as this event will sell out. Get your tickets soon!

For more information please contact: Gaynell Rogers 415.298.1114 or gaynell@pressandrelease.biz or
Katrina Markarian 707.578.6728 or Katrina@pressandrelease.biz.

Napa Valley Register Wednesday, August 27, 2008

It began as a movement, born out of San Francisco’s barrio in the 1960s and ’70s. It evolved into a style, then a revolution and finally a musical genre of its own: Latin Rock.
Saturday, an all-star cast of artists who participated in the birth of the movement take the stage at Lincoln Theater Napa Valley for a one-night, special performance of “Voices of Latin Rock.”
The show was inspired by Jim McCarthy’s book of the same title, which traces the people and events that created the sound. According to producer Jeff Trager, “The book is the story of the birth of Latin Rock music as it became known in the 1960s and 1970s with groups like Santana, Malo, Azteca and Sapo.”
In the foreword, Carlos Santana writes, “I’m grateful this book was written, because it’s a chance to take us back and bring us forward. If our history can challenge the next wave of musicians to keep moving and changing, to keep spiritually hungry and horny, that’s what it’s all about.”
The artists performing Saturday have been part of Latin Rock groups such as Santana, Malo, Azteca, War, Tower of Power and Sly & The Family Stone.
“Basically, Latin Rock was born in the Bay Area out of the Mission District in San Francisco,” Trager said. “There was Richie Valens before that but the Latin Rock sound exploded out in the late ’60s with Santana and their performance at Woodstock. They went there as the only unsigned band onstage, and when they finished playing they were world famous.”
Santana’s success was followed by Malo — whose founding members included Jorge Santana, Arcelio Garcia and Richard Bean who will all perform in Yountville — and their 1972 Top Ten Hit “Suavecito” which became a Latin Rock anthem.
At least 20 artists will play on Saturday night including Jorge Santana, brother of Carlos Santana; Arcelio Garcia and Richard Bean, who wrote “Suavecito;” Tony Lindsay from Santana; Greg Errico, who performed with Sly & The Family Stone, Santana and the Grateful Dead; and Abel Sanchez from Abel and the Prophets.
Carlos Reyes will be the opening act. A harpist and violinist who plays in Latin and jazz styles, he currently plays with Steve Miller and had performed for four U.S. presidents and a pope.
Trager, who grew up in San Francisco with many of the artists in the show, produces the “Voices of Latin Rock” to benefit autism at Bimbo’s in San Francisco each January. The popularity of that event, which has raised thousands of dollars for autism awareness, was the catalyst for taking the show on the road.