Poncho Sanchez

Manana, Yo voy al mirar Poncho Sanchez! My friend has invited me to see Senor Sanchez at Seattle's famous Jazz Alley. I was lucky enough to catch Tito Puente at Jazz Alley before he passed. It was amazing.

Some see my name, "Santo Valentino," and guess I am Italian or Latino, when in fact, I am Native American (Tlingit tribe, Alaska).

My tribal heritage must be the root of my passion for Latin music. Being introduced to Salsa led my love for Latin percussions and instruments to Mambo, Merengue and more.

An overwhelming sense of pride and love takes over when I hear, actually feel, Latin music.

I have a DVD movie/documentary that showcases Salsa music being played in the streets of New York, in the 70's and 80's. Watching that movie explained what I feel inside when listening to Latin music. I've always felt a "block party," in my soul when listening to Salsa. By "block party," I mean that I can feel the presence of community, love, pride, rhythm and history in the music.
Here's Poncho and his band doing a rendition of "Baila Mi Gente."