Various
Salsa De La Bahia Vol.3; Renegade Queens
Salsa De La Bahia Vol. 3: Renegade Queens is a groundbreaking double-CD anthology celebrating the often-overlooked brilliance of women in the San Francisco Bay Area's Afro-Latin music scene. Inspired by a 2000 trip to Havana and conversations with Cuban ethnomusicologist Olavo Aln Rodriguez, the project explores the vital contributions of women artists to the hybrid nature of Bay Area Latin music. For over 50 years, these pioneering women have led the way in artistic innovation and cross-cultural collaboration, despite navigating a male-dominated community. Through their music, they have championed racial integration, gender equality, and social empowerment while pushing back against sexism, cultural erasure, and the challenges of gentrification. As described by San Francisco composer Wayne Wallace, "Everything we do here artistically is a hybrid...creating fresh new music because nobody has to stay in any one camp." This anthology shines a spotlight on the jaw-dropping talent, mentorship, and resilience of Bay Area women musicians and their fearless male allies, celebrating their solidarity and transformative contributions to the Afro-Latin music world. Renegade Queens blends music, poetry, and lyrics to immerse audiences in a tidal wave of creativity and cultural shifts, challenging the Latin music world's "boy's club" mentality. More than a collection of songs, this project is a testament to the enduring artistry, heart, and grit of these women and their allies, inspiring change and empowering future generations of musicians.