Tribute to Benny Velarde with Special Guest John Calloway

Host Luis Medina will feature a tribute to the late Lain Jazz/Salsa pioneer Benny Velarde with special guest Dr. John Calloway. Benny was a great timbalero, percussionist and bandleader for the Super Combo, one of the oldest and respected S.F. Salsa bands in existence.  He was also a key player with the legendary Cal Tjader Latin Jazz band in the 1950’s, recorded with Mongo Santamaria and Joe Loco among others, shared stages with master conguero Francisco Aquabella and collaborated with pianist/composer Lalo Schifrin on the extremely rare 1973 recording “La Clave”.  His last recording “Viva Velarde” released in 2002 captured his Super Combo with an updated take on his classic sound featuring John Calloway, Sal Nunez, Anthony Blea and Ray Martinez of Azabache fame.  He was also a columnist and music critic for the Mission district newspaper El Bohemio for many years. His passing is indicative of the end of an era in SF Bay Area music.