Santa Cruz Latin Collective @ Twilight Concert Capitola
Schedule
Wed, 29 Jul, 2026 at 06:00 pm
UTC-07:00Location
Esplanade, Capitola, CA 95010, United States | Capitola, CA
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Santa Cruz Latin Collective is one of the Central Coast’s most exciting and authentic Latin music ensembles, delivering a powerful blend of Salsa, Latin rock, and Afro-Cuban rhythms rooted deeply in Bay Area history. The band delivers high-energy, dance-driven performances that honor the pioneers of Latin music while presenting a bold, modern sound for today’s audiences.Drawing inspiration from iconic artists such as Santana, Malo, Sapo, Azteca, Fania All-Stars, Eddie Palmieri, and Willie Colón, The Latin Collective combines driving percussion, searing electric guitar, vibrant horn lines, and dynamic bilingual vocals into an electrifying live experience that resonates across the Bay Area and beyond.
The group was founded by guitarist Oscar Estrella and timbalero Jimmy Palafox, who assembled an exceptional lineup of seasoned professionals and next-generation talent. Estrella, a Cuban-born guitarist who came of age in San Francisco’s Mission District, is a founding member of the pioneering Latin rock band Sapo and a former member of Malo, placing him at the very heart of the original Latin rock movement.
Jimmy Palafox is a well-known Bay Area percussionist, bandleader, and arranger, recognized for his work across Latin rock, salsa, and blues-influenced projects. A Santa Cruz native, Palafox has performed and collaborated with members of several pioneering Latin rock bands, and has worked extensively with Latin rock tribute projects and salsa ensembles, helping preserve the sound and spirit of this music for new generations. His energetic timbales work and deep knowledge of Latin music history are central to the Collective’s sound and vision.
The Latin Collective frequently features special guest appearances from some of Northern California’s finest Latin musicians, creating a live show that is both authentic and unpredictable. Each performance celebrates community, culture, and the enduring legacy of Latin music on the West Coast.
🎥 Special Event – Live Recording
This performance will be professionally filmed as part of an upcoming documentary and official music video release, capturing the energy of the band and the spirit of the Capitola community. The project is tied to the band’s debut album and documentary, set for release in Summer 2026, highlighting the history and cultural impact of Latin rock and salsa in the Bay Area.
Band Members:
Jimmy Palafox – Timbales
Aidan Santa Cruz – Keyboard
Noah Mogor – Bass
Aki Starr – Vocals
George Demarest – Trumpet
Rick Brown – Trombone
Fred Ramirez – Percussion
Tom Bartolero – Congas (Live Again)
Victor Bejarano Jr. – Drums
Oscar Estrella – Guitar (Sapo, former Malo) Legacy Member
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Where is it happening?
Esplanade, Capitola, CA 95010, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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