Battle of the Bands 6.14.09

~by Dena Burroughs

Battle of the Bands at Stevens Steakhouse - Chino Espinoza y los Duenos del Son vs. Michito Sanchez Salsa Orchestra - June 14, 2009

The Michito Sanchez Salsa Orchestra traveled from Las Vegas to "battle" L.A.'s own Chino Espinoza y los Duenos del Son. Not surprisingly, Stevens Steakhouse was packed by 10 pm, not only by dancers but by all sorts of singers and musicians - Saul from Son Mayor, Luis from Johnny Polanco, Yari More, La Palabra, Samuelito, Matt, Gener - so many I forget! Several DJs were spied in there as well - Pedro, Ronald, Jesus, the host of the night SuperDJRobby, and more. The girls of Malibu Rum in their white Brazilian looking outfits added a fun touch to the night too.

Chino Espinoza had his full band of soldiers with him. Michito Sanchez had his Las Vegas soldiers too. I missed "Dandy" Rodriguez to tell the truth, but in his place came a fine looking tattooed dude whose name I'll have to find out... Anyhow, with Michito were also two L.A. musicians... Alberto Salas on the piano and Francisco Torres on the trombone. I will not say they reinforced Michito's band because you all know what happened the last time I said "reinforced," so I'll say instead that they effectively accompanied the visiting band.

It was a good night. The battle was tough and the winners were.... nah...

We're lovas' we're not fightas'!

MICHITO SANCHEZ SALSA ORCHESTRA