Putting together an inspired collection of talent, Voices of Latin Rock presents The 5th Annual Benefit for Autism Awareness as a benefit for The Alex Speaks Foundation on Saturday January 24th, 2009 at the newly refurbished Warfield Theater, 982 Market Street, San Francisco, California. Headlining the bill is multi-platinum selling band WAR, Azteca, Los Cenzontles, Voices of Latin Rock Review, featuring members of Cold Blood, Malo, El Chicano and Santana. They will also be honoring the following Women of Latin Rock: Rita Gentry, Lydia Pense, Wendy Haas, Sheila E. and Linda Tillery. As in past years, many surprise guests will also appear.The show benefits schools in the Bay Area dealing with autism on a daily basis. This disorder has increased recently to 1 in 150 births, up from 1 in 166 just a few years ago. When questioned about special needs children in the most recent presidential debates, both candidates mentioned the need for increased funding for research for autism, specifically as it approaches epidemic numbers. With the Bay Area’s support of this event, we can continue our support of both schools and research for autism.
WAR has recently been nominated as candidates for induction into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for 2009. WAR has recorded some of the biggest hits in the last 30 years including “The World Is A Ghetto”, “Cisco Kid”, “Why Can’t We Be Friends”, and “Low Rider.” The band is in it’s 40th year and has its first release in 14 years, “Greatest Hits Live.” More information on the band can be found on their website at www.wartheband.com.
Azteca features a stellar collective of Latin Rock performers that promises to tear the house down. Azteca was founded by the late Coke Escovedo and his brother Pete after their departure from the Latin Rock superband Santana. They were the first band to employ a large ensemble of horns, woodwinds, keyboards, Latin percussion and other instruments sometimes having 25 members in a live performance! Many of the original members will be performing.
Los Cenzontles is an amazing group from the Mexican Arts Center in Richmond, California featuring the vocals of Fabiola Trujillo and Luciana Rodriquez that infuses traditional Mexican instruments with gutsy electric bass and drums. The group is directed by Grammy nominated producer Eugene Rodriquez, and their latest CD “Wood & Steel” features producer/guitarist David Hildalgo along with vocalist Linda Ronstadt.
The Voices of Latin Rock Review with Musical Director Karl Perazzo includes members of Santana, Cold Blood, Malo and El Chicano. This years event is honoring women of Latin Rock: Rita Gentry, Lydia Pense, Wendy Haas, Sheila E., and Linda Tillery. ‘Voices of Latin Rock’ has become a Bay Area favorite event, and early purchase of tickets is encouraged, as this event will sell out. Get your tickets soon!
Voices of Latin Rock
5th Annual Benefit for Autism Awareness
January 24 , 2009 at The Warfield Theater, San Francisco
Doors: 6:00 PM Show: 7:30 PM
