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What is an event
without music? This year we are pleased to introduce Grupo Colibri —
Jose Roberto Hernandez and Manuel Constancio. When not playing as Grupo
Colibri, they perform with a 16 piece ensemble headed by Jose Roberto.
Manuel also plays around the Bay Area including Big Band, Swing, New
Orleans Dixieland Jazz, a steel drum band, and the Tex-Mex band,
Sabrocito.
You are likely to find them performing at
Colibri Bistro on
Geary Street in the theatre district and
La Corneta in the Mission, in
San Francisco.
Bridging music of Cuba, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Colombia, Grupo Colibri
brings out all that any two guitars might possibly offer. And although
steeped in traditional Latin rhythms, these musicians adjust to any
style. While listening to them at Colibri Bistro, Jose strummed a note
or two which Manuel picked up and ran with. Before we knew it, they were
riffing on "Play that Funky Music White Boy" on two guitars —
outstanding.
Grupo Colibri marries exquisite vocal and guitar harmonies with
Latin/Tropical Jazz — one more morsel to be sampled by our guests at A
Taste of Tamales by the Bay.
Jose Roberto
Born in Tabasco, Mexico, Jose Roberto first picked up an instrument at
15. He was drawn to music because, as he tells it, “there was no music
in my family.” So he picked up an instrument and has been playing ever
since.
As a young musician, Jose Roberto was influenced by the Boleros,
Rondallas, and Ranchera styles and trios such as Los Panchos, one of the
all time great Trios known for its harmonies and guitar playing. As he
expanded his musical experience, Jose incorporated artist’s styles such
as Compay Segundo and musical styles ranging from Jazz to Son Cubano.
Manuel Constancio
Born in San Jose, California, Manuel started playing the saxophone at 5
years old. He played with the U.S. Naval Band, serving as its director
for 25 years until he retired, though not before also playing with Banda
di la Nato – an Italian Naval band – its own little United Nations with
musicians from Greece, Turkey, U.S. and Italy. After retiring from the
Navy, Manuel went on to be lead the Musician's Union as its director.
Musical heavies like jazz guitarists George Benson and Wes Montgomery
were influential to Manuel's guitar development. Also important were
Santana, Jose Feliciano – and, you guessed it — Los Panchos.
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