Pacific Mambo Orchestra is one of the most electrifying Latin bands around today. This Grammy Award-winning big band from San Francisco is a leading force in keeping the unique style of mambo alive. It is intricate and enticing music. Mambo is known to get you to move those hips and step out on the downbeat. PMO blends traditional mambo with salsa, Latin jazz and traditional big-band (think lots of horns) with a contemporary edge. There may even be a few slow songs thrown into the mix.
In 2010, pianist Christian Tumalan, with the 20-piece (yes, 20) ensemble gained international acclaim after winning the 2014 Grammy Award for Best Tropical Latin Album for its debut release. This tropical-jazz-salsa-mambo group started in San Francisco. They hit major stages around the world. And we have them tonight in Los Gatos.
Do you mambo?
The mambo is a lively syncopated Caribbean dance that goes with its corresponding musical genre with a hint of soul.
The music is thought to have originated in Cuba in the late 1930s. Blending Afro-Cuban rhythms with brassy big-band jazz.
The dancing features athletic footwork, distinct hip movements and rock steps.
Think having ants in your pants and an ice cube between your shoulders—with your feet on hot lava. It is really only three movements: knee bounce, pelvic bounce and hip rotation (all together with salsa feet).
It might be a good idea to practice a bit before heading to the second concert of Jazz on the Plazz series.
Or, you can opt to remain in the back of the dance area, or stay in your chair behind a tree.
But the beat may grab you anyways. That redwood may sway in sync with the music.
So, let the music move your feet. Close your eyes. Dance like nobody is watching. After all, most will be grooving to that mambo beat themselves to the intoxicating rhythms of PMO.
This is the mambo spirit, the classic mambo orchestral sounds with bold original compositions and modern arrangements,
PMO delivers explosive, high-energy performances marked by virtuoso musicianship.
From major jazz festivals to concert halls across the United States, Europe, Canada and Latin America, Pacific Mambo Orchestra has earned a reputation for their unforgettable live shows that celebrate what’s come before, and where Latin big band music is headed.
Market on the Plazz
Market on the Plazz also made its debut last week with Black Cat Hats alongside Oren’s Hummus. Oren’s is a hummus-centric Mediterranean eatery located kittycorner from Town’s Plaza Park at Main Street and Santa Cruz Avenue.
Mambo on over to the Friends of the Library’s table for a free book. How many books will you read this summer?
Tony’s return
Next week, Tony Lindsay & The Soul Soldiers will take over Park Plaza.
If you have not heard this velvet voice get ready. Lindsay, a Town favorite, returns on the 22nd. His vocal tones reach into your soul and grab a bit of heart. Lindsay is best known as being the longtime lead singer with Santana, earning multiple Grammy Awards. Now with the Soul Soldiers backing him, “People get ready!”
Lindsay goes from deeply moving ballads to high-energy get-up-and-dance numbers. There’s a nice groove with a smooth melody.
Lindsay & The Soul Soldiers will rock your evening long after their final notes.
Come early, the park will be packed.
Sunday scene
Now what do we do Sunday afternoons? We “rock on.”
Music in the Park starts this Sunday at 5pm, with The Houserockers taking the stage at the Civic Center Lawn.
Bring your lawn chairs, picnics or favorite take-out and prepare to move again.
Let’s rock n’ roll a bit with some watusi, the Fruge, the swim and a bit of the twist—and whatever the younger set is doing on the dance floor. “Git’ on down.”
This popular 10-piece group is based right here in Los Gatos.
They’ve been called rock & soul—a classic American rock band that plays top-tier corporate and community events in our area.
This group helps audiences get down to songs they know and love. Do you like Earth Wind and Fire, Bruno Mars, Springsteen, Ed Sheeran, Stevie Wonder or Justin Timberlake? If so, you’re in luck.
No wonder they’ve been voted the “Best Cover Band in the Bay Area.” They even won KFOX Radio’s Last Band Standing contest.
This is one of the hottest (or coolest, pick your temperature) band in demand and one of the hardest working ones in our area. They play the greatest hit songs ever recorded, alongside current hits. With a wailing five-piece horn section and solid rock rhythm, you just might get involved in a conga line.
