Funk Weekend

After a rousing Snoop Dog on Saturday I went to the 2018 s.f. Carnival Celebration yesterday & saw 1 of my favorite local bands The Bernal Beat. A local band from Bernal Heights, these guys kick it. The band leader is Jose Najara who is a past conga player for Santana & he played congas, percussion, & tenor sax. Also in the band is his son Eloy Najara who is a key boardist. Jose Cuellar, PhD (known as Dr. Loco from Dr. Loco's Rocking Jalapeno Band) plays tenor & alto saxs, flute, & percussion. Jose is Professor & Chairman Emeritus in the Department of Chicano Studies @ San Francisco State University. Gail Muldrow plays guitar in that funky-nasty Eddie Hazel style. Her guitar also sometimes reminds me of Santana. Gail is a past member of Sly & The Family, Graham Central Station, Brides of Funkenstein, & a George Clinton collaborator.  Rick plays trombone. Ronnie plays timbales. & I can't remember the bassist or drummer's names.  Both Jose & Eloy Najara are current members of Harvey Mandel's Snake Crew.

Talk about in your face funk with a Latin flair. Oh Lordy.

Their set included funked-up Latin standards as well many songs written by Jose & Eloy Najara. Eloy lends a rap to several of his creations. Jose & Eloy Najara, Dr. Loco & Gail also are vocalists.

After their set we all smoked it up nicely.

A beautiful day in The Mission with feathers & nearly nude Samba dancers everywhere. I live in Paradise.