RAISING FUNDS FOR HURRICANE RELIEF: Music Instructor Organizes Multicultural Benefit Concert

BY ALEX K. FONG
Editor

Concert organizer and City College teacher Rebeca Mauleón plays piano as flautist John Calloway solos on a Latin tune. PHOTOS BY NATHAN WEYLAND / GUARDSMAN

Despite the destruction wrought by Hurricane Katrina on the city that spawned jazz, music enthusiasts danced in their seats and in the aisles of at least one jazz club Thursday, Sept. 15.

City College music instructor Rebeca Mauleón organized two evening concerts, called “The Bay Area Sings for New Orleans,” as a benefit for Hurricane Katrina victims. The event took place at Yoshi’s Jazz House and Japanese Restaurant in Oakland.

“I wanted to do something that brings together the community and represents the diversity of New Orleans,” Mauleón said. “I wanted to do something that represents the Bay Area’s inclusiveness of all things. I didn’t want a salsa benefit and a jazz benefit. I wanted to show a unified front. “It’s that jambalaya that everyone wants to eat,” she added.

Approximately 420 people attended the $15 shows, raising about $6,300 for the American Red Cross. None of the participating musicians were paid. Performers also donated 33 percent of all their record sales at the event, generating approximately another $150.

“It’s a drop in the bucket, but it’s mobilizing the community to show what New Orleans meant to us,” Mauleón said.

The diverse lineup of musicians included Latin improvisational group The Snake Trio, master-jazz guitarist Calvin Keys and sousaphonist Kirk Joseph, a native of New Orleans and founder of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band.

Joseph was in the Bay Area playing a gig at the Boom Boom Room. He planned to fly home on Aug. 28, the day before the hurricane hit, but his flight was canceled.

“I was in a total frenzy — I worried about my wife, my mother and my family,” said Joseph, whose wife has since joined him. “I’ve never had to face something like this before. I’m thinking of home. I’m thinking of the people on my block. I’m thinking of the things I’ve lost.”

Before performing a mixture of Venezuelan rhythms and jazz improvisation, Jacqueline Rago of The Snake Trio decried the lack of connection between hurricane victims and rescuers.

But the gravity of the night’s purpose did not dissuade the audience from being swept up in its music.

Applause and shouts met the performers — especially for electric bassist Gary Brown, whose ferocious solos included single-note lines and chords. Later, people danced as the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir sang, “The spirit of the Lord is here.”

City College students in attendance also saw Mauleón perform for the first time when she played piano for a number of different ensembles.

Dressed in all black and a cap, the author of many noted pedagogical texts, including the “Salsa Guidebook,” showcased her musical mastery through harmonic dissonance and a sharp, rhythmic concept similar to salsa legend Eddie Palmieri.

“It was nice for her to do something like this,” said Brian Campos, a 19-year-old classical pianist currently enrolled in Mauleón’s music composition class. “I came here to do my thing for Hurricane Katrina. I’m glad to help people with my contribution.

“I also wanted to see her play,” he added.

“The Bay Area Sings for New Orleans” also kicked off four consecutive nights of benefits at Yoshi’s, culminating with a performance by blues guitarist Taj Mahal on Sept. 18.

Yoshi’s Publicity and Marketing Director Marshall Lamm said the jazz house raised about $26,000 for the American Red Cross.

“I feel good to be working at a place that is doing something,” said Rea Morales, a 21-year-old cocktail waitress and box office worker at Yoshi’s. “It’s not 10 percent we’re donating, but 100 percent.”

e-mail: managingeditor@theguardsman.com