Poncho Sanchez

Grammy-winning conguero Poncho Sanchez brings his high-powered Latin Jazz Band to Yoshi's Oakland for a weekend run, continuing a four-decade legacy of blending straight-ahead jazz, soulful grooves, and infectious Afro-Cuban rhythms.

Born in Laredo, Texas, and raised in Los Angeles, Sanchez learned from the masters — spending seven formative years with vibraphonist Cal Tjader until his death in 1982, and carrying forward the traditions of Mongo Santamaría and Tito Puente. His music draws equally from bebop giants like John Coltrane and Miles Davis as well as soul icons Wilson Pickett and James Brown, creating what he calls a "fiery stew" of Latin American and South American sources.

Expect an "instant party" atmosphere as Sanchez leads his ensemble through a mix of driving sambas, infectious cha-chas, and Latin-funk grooves that keep dancers moving. Concert reviews describe his performances as joyous celebrations where "the leader rushes over to take over the timbales" and the band effortlessly shifts from salsa rhythms to soul medleys featuring classics like "Shotgun" and "Cold Sweat."

The band showcases a full percussion section with congas, bongos, and timbales alongside a three-piece horn section, creating the layered rhythmic foundation that drives Latin jazz. Sanchez himself plays multiple percussion instruments while singing and moving around the stage, his "eyes sparkling and face beaming with joy" as one reviewer noted.

Recent tours have featured material from his latest album "Live at The Belly Up Tavern" (released March 2025) as well as favorites from his Grammy-winning "Latin Soul" and the Coltrane tribute "Trane's Delight." With nearly three dozen recordings on Concord Records and a reputation as one of America's foremost Latin jazz percussionists, Sanchez continues to honor the masters while building his own legacy as a bandleader who makes audiences move.