by the El Reportero staff
Paris Escovedo Brings “Ghetto Jazz” to Oakland
Bay Area percussionist, producer and Billboard-charting artist Paris Escovedo will perform a concert at Yoshi’s celebrating the upcoming release of his new album while honoring the legacy of his father, Latin rock musician Coke Escovedo. The Oakland-born performer blends funk, soul, Afro-Cuban rhythms, hip hop and Latin jazz into what he calls “Ghetto Jazz.”
The evening is expected to include guest appearances and tributes to the sounds of Azteca and Santana, featuring musicians connected to the Escovedo family’s Bay Area music history. Sunday, May 17. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; show starts at 7 p.m. , 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland, CA 94607. Tickets: $30-$54.
“Meet Your Assessor” Community Conversation in North Beach
San Francisco Assessor-Recorder Joaquín Torres will host a public meeting focused on property assessments, homeowner protections and recent changes affecting property values throughout the city.
Residents will have the opportunity to learn more about Propositions 13 and 19, property value declines, assessment appeals and services available through the Assessor-Recorder’s Office. Organizers say the event is intended to help residents better understand assessments while providing direct access to city officials for questions. Wednesday, May 20. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; program begins at 6 p.m. and ends at 7:15 p.m. North Beach Branch Library, 850 Columbus Ave., San Francisco, CA 94133. Free admission. Registration: bit.ly/ASRD3CommunityMeeting.
Latin Jazz Evening with The Cuband at Tilden Golf Course
The Cuband will bring live Latin jazz rhythms to The Overlook inside Tilden Park Golf Course in the Berkeley hills.
The group features local musicians blending Cuban-inspired percussion, saxophone and Latin jazz sounds in an outdoor setting overlooking the East Bay. Organizers say the evening will also include Cuban-style food specials, games and a family-friendly atmosphere designed for music lovers and visitors seeking a relaxed Friday gathering after work. The event is free and open to all ages. Friday, May 22, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., The Overlook at Tilden Park Golf Course, 10 Golf Course Dr., Berkeley, CA 94708.
Poncho Sanchez Returns to Oakland with Latin Jazz Performance
GRAMMY-winning conguero, bandleader and Latin jazz musician Poncho Sanchez will bring his Latin Jazz Band to Oakland’s Yoshi’s for an evening of Afro-Cuban rhythms, jazz improvisation and percussion-driven grooves. Internationally known for blending bebop, salsa, funk and traditional Latin sounds, Sanchez has spent decades building a reputation as one of the leading figures in contemporary Latin jazz.
His concerts often feature extended percussion sessions, energetic dance rhythms and tributes to influential artists including Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaría and Dizzy Gillespie. The performance is expected to attract Bay Area Latin jazz fans and longtime followers of Yoshi’s live music series. Friday, May 22, 7:30 p.m., Yoshi’s, 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland, CA 94607.
Mission Varrio Project at Carnaval San Francisco
Mission Varrio Project will perform live during Carnaval San Francisco as part of the Main Stage entertainment lineup. Known for blending Latin rhythms, percussion and multicultural influences, the Bay Area group is expected to bring dance music to one of the city’s annual street festivals.
The appearance will also coincide with the filming of a music video for the group’s upcoming single “Carnavalera,” inviting the public to participate in the festive atmosphere. Sunday, May 24, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., Main Stage, 22nd Street & Harrison Street, San Francisco, CA. Free admission.
La Gente SF Returns to Carnaval San Francisco
Bay Area Latin fusion group La Gente SF will return to Carnaval San Francisco for a closing performance on the festival’s 22nd Street and Harrison Street stage. Known for blending reggae, cumbia, salsa, hip hop and world music influences, the San Francisco-based band has built a strong following through energetic live shows and multicultural sounds rooted in the Mission District community.
Organizers say the group will perform the festival’s final live set of the evening, bringing dance rhythms and celebration to one of San Francisco’s largest annual cultural events. Sunday, May 24, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., Carnaval San Francisco Main Stage, 22nd Street & Harrison Street, San Francisco, CA. Free admission.
Tony Lindsay & Friends Live at East Palo Alto’s EPACENTER
Award-winning vocalist Tony Lindsay, best known for his longtime work with Santana, will headline a special concert alongside an all-star lineup of Bay Area musicians at EPACENTER in East Palo Alto. The performance is expected to feature soul, funk, jazz, Latin and rhythm-and-blues influences performed by veteran musicians including David K. Mathews, Karl Perazzo, Billy Johnson, Myron Dove and Cedricke Dennis.
Organizers say the concert celebrates the Bay Area’s multicultural music traditions while supporting community arts programming at EPACENTER. Saturday, June 6, 2026. Doors open at 6 p.m.; show begins at 6:30 p.m. EPACENTER, East Palo Alto, CA. Tickets: $25 for East Palo Alto residents, $75 general admission, $125 VIP.
