We saw Ska Cubano last week. These guys are based in London, and put on a great show - this was at the Imperial Wharf Jazz festival. I was turned on to Ska Cubano when I heard their version of "Istanbul not Constantinople" playing from a cafe/record store as I walked down Istiklal in Istanbul. I'm a sucker for that tune ("If you've a date in Constantinople she'll be waiting in Istanbul"), so had to get the CD.

I posted a few more (and larger) images from the Ska Cubano show on Flickr. I didn't use a flash, so most of the pics turned out poorly.

Richard Kaby got a far better set of pics from the show. He must have used a flash, and may have had his camera on an extended pole - I'm not sure if that was him, the guy with the pole was on the opposite side of the stage than the side Richard's shots were taken from.

My uncle Charlie has started this year's UK tour with his band. Like last year, they will end up at the blues festival in the Orkney Islands, but unfortunately hasn't got any London gigs. Check out his tour schedule, under the "Gator n' Chips Tour". Charlie's been playing professionally for over 20 years now, and has gotten damned good - his latest CD is superb. If you know me and are in London, and don't have a copy of this disc, let me know, I've got a bunch that I haven't done a good enough job of giving away.

One thing I've realized is that I haven't heard Charlie play in ages, and Ozlem hasn't seen him at all. I'm not sure quite how that's happened, mainly I guess we see each other when he's got a break in his touring (usually we visit them in Switzerland when he's got time off to hang and 'board with us). We would love to catch his gig in the Orkneys, because a) I know they had a great time last year, b) there's lots of other bands to check out as well, and c) it'd be cool to check out the Orkneys. But I doubt we'll make it, mainly because of the expense. We're plotting though, we're determined to check out at least one of their gigs, even though it means an overnight trip.