La Peña Cultural Center hosts Bay Area’s
first tribute to the great Mexican songwriter
José Alfredo Jiménez

Singer-composers
Steve Taylor-Ramírez, Theresa Perez and Alfredo Gomez
to honor
the King of the Mariachis Oct. 9

Three singer-songwriters will offer the Bay Area’s first tribute to the great Mexican songwriter José Alfredo Jiménez on Thursday, Oct. 9, starting at 7:30 PM at La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley.

Tickets are $8 for general admission and $6 for students and seniors. For details, please see: http://www.lapena.org/event/880
or call 510-849-2568. La Peña is wheelchair accessible.

Presenting the Jiménez homage will be Berkeley’s Steve Taylor-Ramírez (http://www.myspace.com/thestevetaylor),
Oakland’s soulful groove goddess Theresa Perez (http://www.myspace.com/theresaperez)
and San Francisco’s award-winning trovador Alfredo Gomez (http://www.myspace.com/alfredoguitarra).

About Alfredo Gomez

Alfredo Gomez was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico in October 1958. In 1976 he entered the Music School in the University of Guadalajara, where he graduated as a music instructor. Gomez participated in vocal groups formed at the same school, participating in works of what is known today as the Orchestra Filarmónica de Guadalajara. He sang in festivals at the state level, as well as in local music communities, and won prizes.

In 1981, Gomez immigrated to the United States, where he temporarily left the music scene, and dedicated himself to literature and learning the new language. Arriving in San Francisco in the ‘90s, Gomez took up the guitar again and performed at venues such as La Peña Del Sur in SF, La Peña Cultural Center in Berkeley and in Latin music shows organized by Noches Bohemias (today called La Bohemia Productions). He began to write songs as well.

Today, Gomez plays an integral role in the Bay Area’s Latin and bilingual musical movement not only as a solo artist but also as accompanist for other excellent singers and groups. In 2007, he recorded his album “Quien Es?” (Who Is it?) that includes ten of his own compositions. He is now working on his second album.

Alfredo Gomez nace en Guadalajara Jalisco en Octubre del 1958. En 1976 ingresa a la Escuela de Música de la Universidad de Guadalajara donde se gradúa de instructor de música. Participa en grupos vocales formados en la misma escuela, participando en trabajos de la hoy Orquesta Filarmónica de Guadalajara. Canta en festivales a nivel estatal donde gana algunos premios, así como en peñas locales. En 1981 emigra a Los Estados Unidos donde por algún tiempo dejo de actuar públicamente, y dado a la falta de foros, se dio a la lectura y a aprender el nuevo idioma. Llegando a San Francisco en los 90’s, toma de nuevo la guitarra y se encuentra con foros como La Peña Del Sur, La Peña Cultural Center en Berkeley y Noches Bohemias (hoy “La Bohemia”) donde despierta de nuevo su guitarra y empieza a escribir canciones. Participa activamente en el movimiento musical latino y bilingüe en el área de la Bahía no solo como solista sino acompañando a cantantes y grupos locales. En el 2007, Alfredo graba su álbum titulado “¿Quien Es?” como producción propia con 10 canciones de su autoría. Continua trabajando en su segundo disco.

About Theresa Perez

A one-word description of Theresa Perez is “multifaceted.” This young artist is as versatile on stage as she is in the studio and in her musical expression.

From singing and playing the guitar to roaring on the piano or becoming lost on the rhythm of the drum, Perez’ stage presence captures you and invites you into the mystery of spontaneous creativity. Pick a genre – from Hip Hop to Samba to Gospel – and it is likely this performer has fused it into one of her original compositions, lyrics or beat boxes.

Perez has already written and produced her own album and two others from past band experiences … and a new EP is the way. Her comfort in the studio is extraordinary, and her willingness to learn from her elders is inexhaustible. Venture into her world – it is a unique offering that will leave you in bliss, peace, excitement and enthusiasm for life.

About Steve Taylor-Ramírez

The appeal of Steve Taylor-Ramírez’ music crosses borders of age and culture. “I love it!” said multi-platinum songwriter/producer Eddie Galen of Steve’s song ONLY ADVERTISING. Based in L.A., Eddie G. is a Grammy voting member and major force behind internationally known teen sensations The Clique Girlz.

"Critic's Choice: Fancy finger picking, weathered vocals ... charisma ... socially conscious originals," wrote j. poet, music critic for the East Bay Express (as well as No Depression, Harp, Paste and other magazines). “Stellar gig,” said senior music critic Joel Selvin of the SF Chronicle. Contra Costa Times critics have given Steve's shows "Best Bet" ratings twice.

“Steve’s a finger-pickin’ pro with songs of revolution and love,” said Kaitlin McGaw, formerly of the SF Grammy office, which she left recently to devote her life to performing and marketing her critically acclaimed children's CD, Alphabet Rockers.

Steve's work has also earned praise from Kevin Vance (host of "A Patchwork Quilt," KALW 91.7 FM); Alan Kalter of The Late Show; Corey Mason of worldOneradio (KECG 88.1 FM); and bluegrass Grammy winner Laurie Lewis. Steve’s songs have aired on radio stations KALW, KUSF, KYCY and KECG. He's performed live on KALW, KALX and KUSF.

"I like music that has an edge," he says, "songs that deliver a message, a story, and a bit of humor." For two years, Steve was guitarist for an Oakland gospel band. He first performed his own songs in 2004 at a UC Berkeley International House concert. That fall, he formed the band Cowpokes for Peace and played in the "How Berkeley Can You Be?" Parade.

Steve has since performed at La Peña Cultural Center (as headliner), Starry Plough Pub (twice as headliner), Make-Out Room, Café du Nord, SF Folk Festival, L's Cafe, Plough and Stars Pub (headliner), the Mission Cultural Center and many other venues. He will open for Tania Libertad, one of the main voices of the "trova" movement in Latin America, at the Great American Music Hall, SF, on Oct. 26 (http://www.gamh.com/artist_pages/tania_libertad_102608.htm).


Steve worked as a journalist after earning a master's degree in Latin American studies and journalism at Columbia University, New York, and a BA at Occidental College, Los Angeles. He began his career as a newspaper reporter, and served as a correspondent for the AP and SF Chronicle, and as book critic for the Napa Register. He’s also worked in radio as a news writer, reporter and producer.


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