Fifteen other bands participated in the event. We hope they got enough money and attention, so the government in Dominican Republic gives Education the priority it deserves.El jueves, 20 de octubre, tuvimos la oportunidad de participar en el evento organizado por mi compañero Roberto Mercedes y un gran equipo para fomentar la educación en la República Dominicana. Mar Salá Band opened the act.
I was particularly curious first and then thrilled to play for a Spanish audience...finally an audience who fully understands my lyrics!!! They laughed and danced on their seats...yeaaahhhhh!!!
En esta ocasión me acompañaron Liz Taub(violin), Carlos Mena (bajo) y Joel.E Mateo (percusión). Después de sortear todos los problemas técnicos, lo conseguimos...Despite all tecnichal problems during sound check, the performance worked out great. A la gente les gustó.
Many thanks to all of you, always a pleasure to play with such beautiful, professional and inspiring musicians!!! Love you !!! Besos...
These pictures were taken by Alfred Giancarli Photography.
With Liz Taub (violin), Alfonso Cid (flute, cajón), Antonio de Vivo(Percussion) and Chacho Sharzt (Bass). This was arguably the most sophisticated performance by Mar Salá Band, a multimedia show with slides, light and sound effects.  Tocar en un teatro es completamente diferente a actuar al aire libre, en un restaurante o en un club de música. El feeling es mucho más íntimo y la gente va a escucharte. Se establece una relación especial con el público. 


Este espectáculo fue producido por Angel Orrios, productor y propietario del Thalia Spanish Theater de Queens.Chacho Schartz has his own band Sondemadre.com. He is a versatile bass player from Argentina. Chacho collaborated in the Mar Sala Band Cds "Primavera" and "Take me to Bahia" as a guitar player. 
Antonio de Vivo produced both Cds and did some of the arrangements of the songs, all composed by Marta Hernández. Liz Taub has been with Mar Salá Band from the begining of its creation.
Tocar en Thalia fue una experiencia especial, existía una conexión especial entre nosotros, que enseguida se tradujo en la música y la relación con el público. Eso es lo que más disfruto de la música: la conexión entre la música y yo, la música y los músicos, los músicos y yo, la música y el público, el público y los músicos, el público y yo. It´s all about communication and fun!!!!





We played outdoors on a beautiful huge campus. Shimon Hikri-percussion-was here from Israel. We miss you, Shimon!!!
Flamenco Singer and Flute Player, Alfonso Cid, the beautiful Liz Taub on Mandolin and Shimon Hikri on PercussionIn the above picture: Shimon Hikri, Alfonso Cid, Marta Hernández, Liz Taub and Willie Harvey.
Casa Mezcal is a Mexican restaurant in the Lower East Side with a Music venue on the basement. The sound is really good and the atmosphere cozy and pubbish (??? it feels like a pub). Tiene buen ambiente y el sonido es bastante bueno. Se podría mejorar si la comida y la música fueran juntas, pues a mucha gente le apetece tomarse una tapita con los mojitos...:)
With Carlitos Maldonado (Percussion) and Carlos Mena(Bass). Two excellent musicians and wonderful people. Dos músicos virtuosos y super buena gente.
  We had a strong support from our friends and followers and played to a full house. We expect to be back soon!!! Tenemos unos seguidores incondicionales que nos llenan los locales. Son super buena onda. ¡Ya prontito volvemos!!!

With Carlitos Maldonado (percussion). ¡¡¡Directamente de Puerto Ricooooo!!!!
Alfonso Cid produced the show with his own band Dientes de Caramelo, Mar Sala Band and Flamenkina.Es un lugar fundamentalmente para bandas de rock, pero lo nuestro funcionó...Hay que probarlo todito todo....
To play at Local 269 was a lot of fun. Mar Sala Band with Mar Sala, Liz Taub, Willie Harvey and Carlitos Maldonado. El sonido fue uno de los mejores que hayamos tenido en un escenario...y el público realmente lo apreció...
Mar Sala Band rocked the house. And that house was full!!!
 Thanks to our friends and followers that came to support us!!!
Dientes de Caramelo
Flamenkina

Gigs on Fridays at Lizarran Restaurant@45 Mercer street in Soho. It's fun to play with such amazing musicians as Liz Taub, Willie Harvey or Raphael Brunn. Every Friday there is a different composition in the band. Every Friday it is a surprise!!!Cada viernes vienen músicos diferentes, lo que da diferente color y hace que la música se mantenga fresca.
Different musicians, different programs...The songs acquire different nuances and I love our improv. People are very responsive and enjoy our music. So they say...Me encantan las improvisaciones y la libertad de explorar con nuevos instrumentos...
The acoustics are really good, but you may still chat and enjoy your dinner...For me, it is good to be in the background and enjoy the connection with the musicians and the music itself. No need for the full attention of the audience. I like it laid back...No me importa que la gente hable y disfrute de su charla. Por el contrario, me gusta mantenerme en un segundo plano. A veces. :):)
 Other times people bring their dancing shoes and the party goes on and on and on and on....Claro, que hay veces que la gente viene con ganas de  marcha y hay que dársela...
 With Carlitos Maldonado and Carlos Mena, Mar Sala Band wakes everyone up!!!! Carlos Mena, directamente de Ecuador!!!!!