Julius Melendez born in Manhattan, graduated form Puerto Rico's Escuela Libra de Musica and studied two years at the U.S. Navy School of Music. For ten years Julius toured the world with the U.S. Navy Band as a Trumpet, Percussionist Soloist and Master of Ceremonies. He has performed professionally in over 450 cities & 92 different countries.
Julius has performed with a virtual galaxy of musical stars including The Grateful Dead, Jose Feliciano, Lucecita Benitez, Maraca, Tony Vega, Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Eddie Palmieri, Luis Enrique, Ray Ruiz, Francisco Aguabella, Bobby Hutcherson. He also performed & recorded with such great's as Giovanni Hidalgo, Jose Luis, Quintana, Horacio Hernandez, Walfredo Reyes Sr., Alex Acuna, Omar Sosa, Ismael Miranda, Ismael Quintana,and Ismael Rivera Jr.. Culminating Melendez's career profile is his performance with Rock And Roll Hall of Fame inductee Carlos Santana. During his work with Santana He recorded the tremendous, multiple Grammy Award Winning success CD "Supernatural" which led to a world tour & performing live at the Grammy's the smash hit and most popular song of the year "smooth" with Rob Thomas. Julius also recorded Santana's Grammy Winning CD "Shaman" with Michelle Branch the song " Game Of Love".
Melendez was musical director and co-leader with Orestes Vilato of the group Los Kimbos. He's also formed and led his own Latin Jazz group, Latin Fire, where his work included composing and arranging. For years Melendez has also been a member of Conjunto Cespedes, on four albums two of which were voted Album of the Year at the NAIRD INDIE award for best Latin Recording in 1994 and 1996. Julius also performed along side of Shelia E., Pete Escovedo and David Murray.
In 1994, Julius attended a music Seminar at the Cuban Popular Musical Festival with composer, bassist and Los Van Leader Juan Formel and renowned composer, pianist and lrakere leader Chucho Valdez. Julius was chosen to perform as a soloist at the Jazz festival, his performance led to the invitation to perform with Irakere West at the San Francisco Great American Music Hall.
Julius at the urging of many of the same musicians who have long recognized his extraordinary talent has finally completed his first Solo Album, recording with the most talented world recognized musicians such as saxophonist David Sanchez, singer Bobi Cespedes, percussionist Orestes Vilato and flutist Artie Webb.
Julius brings incredible knowledge of traditional Latin melodies along with highly skilled ability to improvise and create pleasures that energize the music he plays. He is also an extremely effective lecturer and teacher, with a high degree of technical and theoretical proficiency. Julius gives back to the very community that has supported him through out his career by teaching and lecturing about Latin and Afro-Cuban music at college and university workshops, & master classes.
Julius Kicks of the release off his CD with some of the most talented Musicians around. Julius Melendez and His Latin Jazz Orchestra tour performing selections from His Debut Latin Jazz Album Passion & Romance "a Tribute to Osvaldo Farres" In addition they perform various Latin Music styles such as Salsa, danzon, and Cha Cha Cha.
Currently Julius is composing, and arranging the music for his 2nd solo album.
KBLX Radio 102.9 & Waterworld Presents July Saturdays Coco Island Beach Parties Music and activities on the Island at 2:00PM each Saturday. Park is open until 7:00PM. Free with paid admission
René Escovedo & Grupo Festejo is a local Son Cubano/Salsa/Latin Jazz ensemble that has created a unique approach to blending traditional and new styles to these popular genres of music. The group is based here in the greater Bay Area, and is currently performing locally through out the east bay.
Friday, July 3 FIRST FRIDAYS AFTER FIVE! First Friday! 5–9 p.m. Live music with René Escovedo & Grupo Festejo in the café all evening.
René Escovedo & Grupo Festejo is a local Son Cubano/Salsa/Latin Jazz ensemble that has created a unique approach to blending traditional and new styles to these popular genres of music. The group is based here in the greater Bay Area, and is currently performing locally through out the east bay.
At 7, see films exploring the topic of the African presence in Mexico. At 6:30, Aazura Nour teaches a crash course in belly dancing. At 7:30, Opera Piccola presents "The Play's the Thing," a staged reading of new short plays by Oakland writers. Full cash bar—museum store and café open. A great chance to meet old friends and make new ones. All ages welcome. Included with museum admission.
To all my jazz folks, check out this cat playing trumpet!!! (If you don't like aebersolds, oh well get used to it lol: for exposure purposes only...) Enjoy! B)
HELLO JULIUS my New CD "Breaking Skin/Rompiendo el Cuero" is now available at http://cdbaby.com/cd/congajohnny and at Descarga.com(see review)..Thank you all in advance for purchasing my music!..Volcano Percussion Artist-"JC" JOHNNY CONGA
Ever wondered what to do in the event of a nuclear threat?
A while ago I found stuff that inspired me to make this film:
Living Under the Shadow of the Nuclear Umbrella
Both artistic (ensure you get the background music!) and educational, it primarily comprises official British government civil defence advice.
Though source materials are quite aged, much remains relevant today.
I encourage all to visit the YouTube page to learn more (Show support! Rate! Comment!) and responsibly circulate as widely as possible, here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaIim3Rj7L4
Good to have you as a friend! So great to see the internet in action this way, shortening distances between people.
I hope all's well with you and that you enjoy checking out my web site some time.
For occasional, new, refreshing, insightful and (possibly?!) valuable content, I encourage you to sign up for my free newsfeed/email newsletter (using the form on site at page right - high quality, low quantity, no spam!).
You might enjoy watching some of my films (use the on screen controls to skip between them):
3/28/2009 7:30 PM at René Escovedo & Grupo Festejo @ La Taza De Cafe. 3909 Grand Avenue, Oakland, California 94610 Cost: $5.00
René Escovedo will be returning to La Taza De Cafe to perform two more shows with his Latin group "Grupo Festejo" 7:30 p.m. & 9:00 p.m. the Latino/Cubano hot spot in the east bay. The La Taza De Cafe.. is a very nice Cuban & Latin American Cuisine Restaurant, with a great second floor Bar Lounge that has a great view of the street below. As you sit and listen to live entertainment and enjoy a very tasty Sangria, you can wait to be seated in one of the cosy Banquet dining rooms either on the main floor or up on the third floor or maybe weather permitting you can be seated out in the lovely Patio Dining area that is filled with beautiful palm trees. With a very friendly staff, you will be greeted with a smile and a very warm Hello, you will also be well taken care of. So please join us for a night that shall be forever remembered.
