by the El Reportero staff
Late summer brings a varied lineup of music, culture and civic activities to the Bay Area and Northern California. This week’s calendar ranges from a community candidate forum in the East Bay to salsa on the Sausalito waterfront, Guatemalan music in Santa Rosa and upcoming celebrations of Salvadoran and Spanish culture.
Dublin and Pleasanton Candidate Forum
East Bay voters invited to meet local candidates
CAIR-SFBA, CAIR Action and MCC East Bay will host a community candidate forum featuring candidates running for local offices in Dublin and Pleasanton in the November General Election. The program includes a moderated discussion, community-submitted questions and an opportunity for attendees to meet candidates individually. Candidates for Dublin mayor, city council and school board, as well as Pleasanton City Council, are scheduled to participate.
Sunday, Aug. 23, 2–4 p.m., MCC East Bay, 5724 W. Las Positas Blvd., Suite 300, Pleasanton.
El Poder de Occidente
Guatemalan music comes to Santa Rosa
The 2026 El Poder de Occidente tour arrives in the North Bay with Los Francos and Brisma López for an evening celebrating Guatemalan music and entertainment. The Santa Rosa appearance gives Bay Area Guatemalan families and music fans an opportunity to enjoy the touring performers close to home.
Saturday, Aug. 29, Hacienda del Toro Nightclub, 3660 Stony Point Road, Santa Rosa. Advance tickets are $60.
An Evening with Eric Rangel y América
Salsa musicians gather on the Sausalito waterfront
Percussionist Eric Rangel and Orquesta América headline a Sunday evening of salsa at Sausalito Seahorse. The program features vocalists Carlos Del Sol and Luis Rivera, along with Cheo Concepción and other Bay Area musicians. The gathering combines live salsa, waterfront dining and an opportunity for local music lovers to spend an evening together.
Sunday, Aug. 30, 5–9 p.m., Sausalito Seahorse, 305 Harbor Drive, Sausalito.
Gran Festival Salvadoreño
Salvadoran culture takes center stage in San José
Caravana de la Bahía, presented by Edgar Ortiz, brings the Gran Festival Salvadoreño to San José for a family celebration of Salvadoran music, food and traditions. Orquesta San Vicente headlines the musical program, joined by Roberto Salamanca and entertainer Cocolito. Salvadoran food, a children’s area and a mechanical bull are also planned.
Sunday, Sept. 13, 1–8 p.m., MetaSpace, 2323 McKee Road, San José. Children under 12 are admitted free.
El Flamenco de Jerez
Andalusian artists bring flamenco tradition to Northern California
A visiting ensemble celebrates the cultural heritage of Jerez and Andalusia through dance, vocals, guitar and percussion. Featured performers include Macarena de Jerez, Carmen Herrera, José Mijita, Ismael Heredia and Manuel Vinaza.
Friday, Sept. 25, 7 p.m., Sierra 2 Center for the Arts, Sacramento; Saturday, Sept. 26, 7 p.m., Center for the Performing Arts, Mountain View.
