John Santos presenting Orestes Vilató with an award for 50 years in the music business

November 1, 2009 was John Santos' birthday and a tribute to Orestes Vilató for 50 years in the music business.  It took place at Yoshi's in Oakland, California.  John Santos is an internationally recognized percussionist, band leader and educator and Orestes Vilató is one of the best living timbaleros/bongceros.  Orestes, originally from Camaguey, Cuba,  is truly a living legend and has played with many of the great New York salsa bands of 1960s and 70s, lead Los Kimobs, was part of Tipica 73, played with Carlos Santana and much more.  His most recent CD "Its About Time" was nominated for a Latin Grammy this year.  John Santos has also a number of recordings which also have been nominated for Grammys.

The event comprised two concerts, one in the afternoon with the John Santos Sextet and one in the afternoon with John Santos Sextet with Orestes Vilató.  The afternoon concert was specially oreinted to young people.

What follows is a photo report of the two concerts.