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Watermark H

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November 15, 2011

Laila and Nimah

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November 3, 2011

Raquel and her band Bolero y Mas were amazing at my wedding. Everyone kept coming up to me to tell me how good they were and how it was so much better than hiring a DJ. Raquel is very professional in that she is accomodating, easy to reach and great to work with. If you are looking for a band that will get your people up and dancing this is the band to pick. They were able to get people who don't dance on their feet! They were worth every penny....and I would recommend them to anyone looking for a band that is lively, energetic, professional and fun!

Daniela Mendoza

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June 23, 2011

Raquel and her band played at our private party in our back yard recently for a group of 35 people. What can I say, she is great and her music is great.   She even added an additional musician to the group for the event.  She has a wide range of songs, something for everyone.   She has a great voice and has accomplished musicians.  She really made our party special.  I would recommend Raquel for any private party or wedding.  She is special and will make your event special.

Ken H.

Novato, CA

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May 31, 2011

Damion Hamilton

www.damionhamilton.com

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May 30, 2011

Bob and I were married May 13, 2011 at the Groezinger Estate on the Villagio/Vintage Inn property in Yountville (Napa).  We live in Florida and we were not familiar with the wedding vendors. We ended up selecting the best team ever including  Raquel and her band. Raquel was recommended to us by Damion Hamilton ( amazing photographer - be sure to call him ).  Raquel responded immediately and went above and beyond what we expected  Originally we booked her and 4 group members. We requested "One in a Million You" by Larry Granam.  She started to learn the song, but quickly realized a male vocalist was needed.  She hired another person at no additional cost to the amount she originally quoted.  He sang it beautifully  All our guests loved the band and Raquel.  I will say at first I was a little hesitate because we thought the band played mostly Latin music.  They played great Jazz And other songs that everyone recognized and loved. They all dressed beautifully and appropriate for the event and pictures  Be sure to include this band in your event. You will not be disappointed

Laurie

Bradenton, Florida

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May 23, 2011

This band is amazing. Not only was Raquel a great singer and the band amazing musicians, but they also were a pleasure to work with. They even learned a song for me for our first dance at the wedding. I could not have asked for a better band or group to work with during this very special event. I would recommend them to anyone for any event! Not only was I impressed with this band, but so was the venue that I used for the wedding. They told me that they would make it to their preferred vendor list! If I could give 10 stars I definitely would!

Crystal

Brooklyn, New York

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5/3/2011

Raquel and her band were great! We enjoyed they're performance and we did not get anything but positive feedback from the audience! Thanks Again!

-Karla H

University of San Francisco

School Assembly, San Francisco, CA

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February 28, 2011

Raquel was just my husband & I wanted for our Wedding!

After month's of researching latin local bands I came across her website heard a couple of her songs and knew I wanted to see her perform. She invited us to listen at one of her many public events. It was perfect, she was romantic and soulful and I knew then I wanted to hire them for our big Day.  

We wanted Latin music played that represented our cultures, style and also keep our guest dancing all night long. I was already stressed with all the other plans, She was quick to response to my calls and emails. contract was a piece of cake. We gave Raquel a couple of suggestions of music we wanted to hear, it was that simple!

Raquel was just wanted we wanted she had our crowd going from the start with the cocktail hour, soft romantic Jazz sounds to the evening filled with salsa, bolero y Mas!  They did that and more, some of our guest got the chances to sing with the band and play some instruments. I still hear comments about how great the Band and how much fun our wedding was.

Our expectations of our Wedding Day was met, we can't thank her enough.

Martha R.

San Jose, CA

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This band for the last two years has rocked my boat at lunch hour ! At Summer Concerts at lunch in downtown plazas, I have enjoyed their music in Español and although inappropriate word: "They Rock" with happy dancing music. I am a dancer and just picking up people from the audience have had some SERIOUS dancing !

I also followed them to a different beat, not sure it it was a quartet or trio but they played jazz at the Rincon Hill Bldg at lunch hour, the noise around was high and sat up close to them and they sounded as good with jazz/blues as they did with Salsa dancing/Latin Spanish music. The singer Raquel delivers with feeling the songs whether in English or Spanish that is my perception. I of course, am 100% bilingual !!

I bought her CD sold at the lunch concert and recommend to any people that like dancing or would like a class jazz band for their wedding, party or something ! Now its the time. The holidays are coming, we have to celebrate kissing (almost) 2010.

Emilio Victorio
Public Servant Employee

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November 16, 2010

My wife and I decided to throw me a 50th birthday celebration.  I had been at a party 2 years earlier where we saw Raquel and her conjunto play.  They were fantastic then and we were hopeful that they would bring the same energy and joy we experienced at the other party.  I told Raquel, 2 years earlier, "you have to play my 50th".

They were fantastic in spite of some less than ideal circumstances.  The band was in our Sunset District backyard with very little lighting in fairly cold weather.  It wasn't the best setup for the band.  Despite these problems, the 7 piece band came and played 3 great sets.  The energy was positive and Raquel and her group were consummate professionals.  Everyone was raving about the quality of the music and the musicians.  

The highlight of the party was at the beginning of the 3rd set.  It was pretty cold outside and the band was about to begin their 3rd and last set.  During the break the entire party came inside the house to talk and warm-up.  I had an idea, which surprised me since I had been partying with some fine tequila.  I suggested that we reduce the band to four musicians and bring them inside to play in our small entryway, where we had our piano.  It was spontaneous and unexpected.  Raquel and her band were up for it.  They brought in their mikes, the congas, the guitarist, the pianist and Raquel and one other of her musicians who was singing and playing rhythm equipment.  THEY ROCKED THE HOUSE!  It was a fantastic experience.  The band and the crowd were intermingled and became one.  People were dancing in the entryway, the living room, the dining room and the kitchen.  They let me play and sing with them.  The band also felt the joy and returned to us an unbelievable last set.  

People are still talking about my party, not only as a great experience, but also as a great gift to them of food, drink, music and community. Raquel and her group were the pulse of the party.  She provided the sound track for one of my life's fantastic memories.  Well done Raq!

Thank you.  Besos y Abrazos.  Jason

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September 27, 2010

I heard her CD and decided then and there she was going to be my wedding singer! Asi de facil, yes, the  band is THAT good!

A little background: Raquel and her band performed at BAHIA's 35th Anniversary and Silent Auction Fundraiser back in June. I was unable to attend but kept hearing great things about their sound. My sisters attended the event and suggested I seriously consider her  to sing at my wedding. I looked at her very busy calendar and went to see her and the band  perform at Cocina Poblana in Jack London Square.

They were having a birthday party for Raquel and she was singing so beautifully. My fiance and I had told her we were there to see her and she was so cute, and dedicated a song to us, I still remember... "besame, besame mucho... como si fuera la ultima vez"... Great Great voice!!! Juan and I made our final decision that night.

Top things I knew I wanted from a band:
1. A woman "singer"
2. that SHE be soulful, romantic, charismatic, diverse musically
3. Instruments had to be on point (no squeaky stuff)

Raquel was that and so much more! She not only had the crowd going, she exceeded my husband's and my expectations to the fullest.  I love Raquel's style. Shes such a unique woman, her dress, speech, and aura purely  glow.

The last thing I needed was stress at my wedding, Raquel and the band totally DELIVERED, w/a Capital D! There's so much to say about her and the band. The guys are totally fun, energetic and majorly talented!

Overall dealing with Raquel from day 1 and signing a contract was easy as 123. No hassle, no worries and an extremely happy happy ending!

Thanks for your hard work, dedication, and sabor Raquel!!

Sara P.

Berkeley, CA

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10/21/09

I have seen this band twice...a year or so ago at Bing Crosby's  in Walnut Creek and again recently at Cocina Poblana in Jack London Square. Raquel is an incredible entertainer and salsa dancer. The band including bongo player and singer Alexey is filled with positve energy and talent. Get on her e-mail list and you won't be without great musical entertainment options.

marj t.

Hayward, CA

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10/13/09

This is the second time that Racquel has played an event for Wholefoods Market. In the middle of Noe Valley we staged her for a grand opening party and everyone was blown away. With so much going on, at first you hear music, but as time passed it became obvious that Raquel had become the center of attraction. Great energy, sound and audience involvement. Make sure she brings her dancers with her, they were amazing. We'll be doing this again.

Mimi F.

Wholefoods Market

Emeryville, CA

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Kathryn

San Francisco, CA

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8/29/09

You guys were awesome!  Our family and friends were thrilled!  Really hope the band had a good time.  You definitely have the SHINE, girl -- I know there will be a day when people won’t believe me when I say -  “YES!  We had Raquel IN OUR BACKYARD!”  Thanks!

-KS

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Bolero Y Mas and Raquel, a local gem that must be heard and seen by anyone serious about Salsa dancing and Latin Jazz music. They play beautiful pieces spanning a broad spectrum of Latin music from Salsa, Cumbia, Cha Cha Cha, Rumba, and of course Bolero! This variety of music is unheard of from other bands which typically play the same style of music-over and over. Not with this group- you will be entertained for hours nonstop.

Raquel's voice is particularly captivating with slow tempo pieces (Bolero for example) when her emotions get involved with the song. Many of their renditions are masterfully performed and some are frankly better than the originals. The band consists of very talented musicians led by a superb drummer (Cuban I believe). These guys are born to sing, dance and entertain and their energy level is highly contagious.  My wife and I got addicted to this band when they played here Thursdays in the East Bay last summer and we hope that they find a local venue nearby again. We can't wait.

Ed S., Dublin

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6/13/2009

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Cheers!

Nancy Sandoval

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I first saw Raquel and the group perform at the Embarcadero in San Francisco in September which I believe was a part of the  People in Plazas concert series. I usually watch the weekly performances but I was definitely enthused by this band in particular because I couldn't believe the energy in the crowd when they were performing! EVERYONE was dancing! They were wonderful and I was even able to grab their CD which even my 3 year old is addicted to track #1 "Mi Vida Con Tigo"...can't wait to hear some more and watch them live again!!!

Remeca A., Daly City

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I want to thank you again for the amazing performance yesterday. You guys where exactly what we were looking for! Everyone there loved you guys and were asking about you. I will definitely spread the word around and you guys will be LASO's number one choice for future events. Thank you so so so so much!

Jay Alejandro

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I can't thank you all enough..you were FABULOUS!!!!!    I have had many compliments on your behalf, so thank you thank you thank you! 

Cheers!

Simon

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June 27, 2009

We had Raquel and parts of her band at our family gathering celebration on the hotest day in July 2009.  Yes, it was over 100 degrees and she still sang so beautifully! Our friends marveled at the groups Latin sounds and even when her gutarista strummed by himself we were enamored  by his style. I would highly recommend Raquel.  She was very flexible with the time to meet our needs.  What a wonderful engagement and graduation party we had.  We will certainly ask her to come back again if we have the backyard wedding celebration!
marge from Walnut Creek, CA

Marge

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Raquel and her dazzling group Bolero brought the sizzle to our 23rd Annual 4th of July Festival. Her renditions of current and past favorite hits were spot on according to our latin music loving crowd. We would recommend her
band to any community who want diversity, excitement and fun. Muchas Gracias! Raquel

Cindy Coffey
Councilmember
4th of July Chair

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9/27/2008

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Dear Raq,                                                                                               

Thanks so much for your performance in Sacramento.  The neighbors are still thanking us for having you. I hope you had a safe trip back.  It was a pleasure meeting all of you. I will definitely keep you on my roster for recommendations.

Yours,

Mario Garcia Durham 

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The band was fabulous! Thanks so much for setting it up.  We ended up with 6 members showing up...lucky us. After dinner the party came alive and danced until 11, when they ended playing. They helped make the evening a real success. 

Mary Gavin

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Hi Raquel.

Wish I could have shared more time with you. You and the group were a major hit!!! Hope to bring you back to Sacramento Soon!

Thank you.

Sylvia