This is the first in a series of blogs I have planned to document the Jose Conde y Ola Fresca trip to Canada, and our shows at Lula Lounge in Toronto and Montreal Jazzfest.

I was very excited I received the email from my booking agent, Mondomundo,this past winter, with news from an invitation to the Montreal Jazzfest on June 29. At a time when I was a bit down because of the usual winter doldrums which affect us tropical blooded types, this news along with other show bookings and good news about reception of (R)Evolucion gave me some much needed inspiration. Shortly after, I hooked up a show at Toronto's Lula Lounge on June 27. Hooking up the shows was the easy part. Making them happen from a financial standpoint is another. With lo all inclusive pay guarantees air travel was off the table. And ever increasing hi gas prices are making this more difficult by the day. And then there is a small matter of a 20 year old juvenile record of my rambunctious youth that I have and this post 9-11 world combined with Canada's hypersensitive border policy, which has forced me to go through this expensive and ultra tedious process known as "rehabilitation" in order to get the necessary green light in order to cross the northern border legally with my US passport. Well Amy Winehouse would understand how I feel!

Now without the promised tour support from Mr Bongo, and against the advice of my agent and my wallet, I will be taking a full power Octet (8Piece) version of Ola Fresca to this most important festival in Montreal. Why? Because this is not about impressing promoters. Its not about garnering press. We will be on a great stage, at a great time (Sunday 8PM, BELL STAGE, June 29) in front of one of the most discerning and appreciative audiences of music lovers Ive yet had a chance to play for. It behooves me to give them the full expression in texture and tonal color, rhythmic complexity and vocal harmony, of the music that I have written and arranged, which has been lauded the world over, and won an 2008 Best Latin Album IMA and has seldom been presented in its full expression and complexity. But for the people of Montreal, I will give you this special treat. Prepare for the full expression of Ola Fresca's original Cuban Roots music. traveling with me will be Renato Thoms-Conga, Marvin Diz
-Timbales, Mauricio Herrera- Drums, Marko Pankovich -Gtr, Jorge
Bringas-Bass, Pablo Vergara - Keys, and Nadav Niremberg- Trombone! Stay tuned for more blogs, free mp3 downloads , and pics, and vids!