Poncho Sanchez

GRAMMY-winning conguero and bandleader Poncho Sanchez brings four decades of irresistible Latin jazz to Yoshi's, drawing from the rich traditions of Afro-Cuban jazz, soul, and straight-ahead jazz. Having learned his craft alongside legends like Cal Tjader, Mongo Santamaria, and Tito Puente, Sanchez has become one of the most influential percussionists in modern jazz, stirring up what he calls "a fiery stew of straight-ahead jazz, gritty soul music, and infectious melodies and rhythms."

Sanchez's performances are described as "instant parties" where crowds inevitably find themselves dancing to his irresistible Latin grooves. Live reviews consistently highlight his joyful stage presence — "exuding a supreme love of life" with "eyes sparkling and his face beaming with joy." His Montreux Jazz Festival performance featured "delectable latin grooves that are desperate for a plethora of tail feathers to be shaken wildly," with audiences moving uncontrollably to his "driving samba rhythms."

Expect to hear selections from across his extensive catalog, including tracks from his recent release "Live at The Belly Up Tavern" (2025) and his Coltrane tribute album "Trane's Delight." The show typically features his signature Willie Bobo medley blending "Fried Neckbones and Some Home Fries" with "Spanish Grease," Latin-ized versions of jazz standards like "Watermelon Man" and "Con Alma," and soul classics by James Brown and Wilson Pickett, all given his distinctive Latin jazz treatment.

Sanchez leads a powerhouse band featuring multiple percussionists, horns, and rhythm section that seamlessly moves between salsa, bebop, soul, and funk. As one reviewer noted, "Their music is so laden with danceable rhythms and grooves that their music is just pure fun to hear." The intimate Yoshi's setting provides the perfect venue for experiencing what another critic called "rhythmically exciting and innovative" music that transforms any room into a dance floor.