Kickstarter

I am Rita Hargrave, the Director and Executive Producer of "The Last Mambo", a documentary which explores the Salsa/Latin Jazz community in the San Francisco Bay area from the diverse perspectives of dancers, DJs and musicians. The film traces the 60+ year evolution of the West Coast Latin sound, a potent gumbo of Afrocuban rhythms, jazz harmonies and funk infused grooves. The documentary highlights the cultural, economic and social forces that impact this artistic community and shape the future of the art form. “The Last Mambo” comes alive with interviews, archival material, photographs and concert footage that capture the pulse of this creative collective. Some of the compelling people included in this film are:

JOHN SANTOS: 5-time Grammy nominated percussionist, bandleader, composer and educator

CHATA GUITIERREZ: DJ and host of “En Clave” a weekly Salsa radio show broadcast on KPOO 89.5FM in San Francisco

REBECA MAULEON: Grammy nominated producer, musician, composer and  director of education for the San Francisco Jazz Society

LOUIS MEDINA: DJ and musical director of KPFA 98.1 FM radio and host of "Sabor" a weekly Salsa radio show

EDGARDO CAMBON: percussionist, vocalist, songwriter, bandleader

WAYNE WALLACE: 5- time Grammy nominee, trombonist, composer, bandleader

RAMON RAMOS: Dancer, teacher, choreographer

FRANCESCA RIVERA Ph.D.: Assistant. professor of ethnomusicology at University of San Francisco

HERMAN BOSSETT: dancer, producer and historian

KARL PERAZZO: Percussionist, bandleader

JOSE FRACISCO BARROSO: Cuban folklorist, dancer, choreographer

The film, shot and acquired in High Definition Video, comes alive with a score by Wayne Wallace and a host of other Bay Area musicians.  The film's four chapters draw you into the magical whirlwind of clubs, festivals, ballrooms and music schools that pump our a steady stream of danceable Afro-Caribbean music.

Chapter One explores the diverse cultural and artistic backgrounds of the participants. 

Chapter Two traces Bay Area Latin music history from the tiny neighborhood spots like Jimbo's Bop City to today's upscale Yoshi's Jazz Club.

Chapter Three pinpoints the social and economic forces that impact the community.

Chapter Four highlights the individuals and organizations that promote Latin music education and outreach to all ages.

WHERE WE ARE TODAY

The trailer for "The Last Mambo" won the Grand Festival Prize at the 2011 Berkeley Film and Video Festival, hosted by East Bay Media Center. The trailer was screened on October 1 at the Landmark Shattuck Cinema in Downtown Berkeley. The 60 minute version (consisting of 53:25 minutes of final programming, allowing for 6:75 minutes of enhanced underwriting for PBS and network TV) will premiere in 2013.

OUR CREATIVE TEAM
"The Last Mambo" is being produced by East Bay Media Center; also the Fiscal Agent for the project. All equipment, editing, lighting, production and post production is being executed by East Bay Media Center and its facilities under the direction of Paul Kealoha Blake.  Mr.Blake is providing all videographic and editing services.   Wayne Wallace, our musical director, is cooking up a sizzling soundtrack that will make this musical adventure swing.

The iconic logo for "The Last Mambo" was designed by award winning artist Paul Goodnight.  Dazzling images by gifted photographers; Hazel Hankin, Tom Ehrlich, Hal Aigner help bring the story to life.

“The Last Mambo” is celebration of Salsa/Latin Jazz as a dynamic source for information, creativity and community building. This is a rare opportunity for you to learn about Afro-cuban musical legends, honor their legacy and play a vital role in the making of this thought provoking, entertaining film.

Your tax-deductible gifts will pay for post-production and make this film project a reality.  We can raise the money that we need with the help of supporters like you.  But the clock is ticking. Unless we raise all of the $9500 in 30 days, we have to return the money back to our donors.

Join "The Last Mambo" gang and connect with the passionate community that loves Afrocuban music and dance.  I know you will enjoy seeing” The Last Mambo” as much as I have enjoyed making it.

THANK YOU!
Rita Hargrave
Director of ”The Last Mambo”