Sondango

Get ready to dance as Sondango brings their captivating blend of Latin rhythms and jazz to The Dawn Club's intimate basement setting. This San Francisco ensemble, led by pianist Richard Nelson Hall and vocalist Sandra Aran, performs original songs in Spanish that weave together salsa, samba, bolero, and cumbia with contemporary jazz sensibilities.

Sondango's music tells stories of love, loss, joy, and passion, drawing on the diverse cultural roots of Havana, Los Angeles, Mexico City, and London. Their "foot-tapping hip-shaking songs" celebrate the grand diversity of the Bay Area, where different cultures meet and blend. Sandra Aran, a Berklee College of Music graduate who studied classical piano and composition at the National University of Mexico, brings both technical precision and heartfelt emotion to her Spanish vocals. Richard Nelson Hall, a University of Nottingham graduate who performed in London's music scene and had a publishing contract with Warner Bros, anchors the group with his sophisticated piano work.

The ensemble has previously featured musicians like Scott Foster on guitar, creating what audiences describe as "superbly crafted songs with deep grooves" that have listeners "dancing in the aisles." Past performances at venues like Bird & Beckett showcase their ability to deliver "two generous sets" of music that seamlessly moves between different Latin styles while maintaining a strong jazz foundation.

Sandra and Richard previously performed together for thirteen years in the Latin dance band Ritmojito, and their musical partnership continues to explore the intersection of jazz improvisation and Latin dance rhythms. Richard's extensive performance credits include opening for Chaka Khan at the Russian River Jazz Festival and serving as musical director for shows in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and beyond.

Expect an evening where the intimate, art deco atmosphere of The Dawn Club provides the perfect backdrop for Sondango's culturally rich musical journey through the sounds of Latin America and the contemporary jazz landscape.