Drummer extraordinaire
Our little corner of the Costalegre is home to some incredible musical talent. It’s readily evident to those who venture out to or stumble upon an evening’s entertainment in the area’s many bars and restaurants.
One of our musical cornerstone players is drummer/percussionist, Ian Hoffman of Barra de Navidad.
Ian is a “journeyman” drummer, typical of the everyday working musician. He has spent the past five decades touring, performing and recording. Lately we find him playing in Barra de Navidad/Melaque area clubs and festivals with some of the best known local musicians and with some visiting international players.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Ian began playing at age 12. Studying under Dartagnan d’Liagre, a well-respected classical teacher, Ian earned his degree with the National Association of Rudimental Drummers by age 13.
He also studied with legendary drummers and teachers, Chuck Flores and Ed Thigpen, and has continued to expand his knowledge and skills over the years.
While living in LA, Ian performed and/or recorded with a wide assortment of artists, looking to encompass any and all styles of music. Ian immersed himself in the LA music scene and had some modest success but decided to move up to the San Francisco bay area to raise his young daughters.
The scene was different but Ian found himself very much in demand with a great diversity of wonderful musicians with which to share and perform. He has had the great pleasure of recording or playing live with some of the industries well-known artists, such as Del Shannon, Sam The Sham and the Pharoahs, Johnny Tillotson, John Stewart (The Kingston Trio), Jennifer Warnes, Maria Muldaur, Juice Newton and Rickie Lee Jones, to name but a few.
Ian is now a full-time resident of Barra de Navidad and we are thrilled to have many opportunities to see this amazing drummer perform jazz, blues, fusion and all music styles in between. His influences from Brazilian funk to the Beatles are evidenced in every performance.
You can catch Ian in Melaque, along with Simone & South Sol, at Esquina Paraíso (Styx bar) on Wednesdays, from 9 p.m. to midnight. In Barra, he plays Saturdays with Chido Rivera at Time Out Bar, from 9 p.m. to midnight; and Sundays with Chido Rivera at Hotel Bogavante, from 6:30 -9:30 p.m.
Melaque Art Walk
This attraction featuring 15-plus artists takes place on Saturday, February 11, from 3-6 p.m.
The walk begins at the Ed Gilliam Studio (Esmeralda 129, Villa Obregon), continues to Taza Negra, and finishes at Vanilla Pimienta Restaurant. Live musical performances are scheduled at Taza Negra at 4 p.m. and Vanilla Pimienta Restaurant at 5 p.m.
Club highlights
Back Stage Bar, Barra de Navidad. Friday, January 27, 8:30 p.m.: Donny & Friends – banjo, bass and percussion. Saturday January 28, 7-11 p.m.: (or while stocks last) Asian small plates for foodies. Sunday January 29, 3 p.m.: For the Love of Food potluck, Greek themed.
Bar La Playita, Barra de Navidad. The town’s newest entertainment venue by the beach in Hotel Barra de Navidad. Saturdays, 5-8:30 p.m.: Tata Joe, guitarist.
Besame Mucho, Barra de Navidad. Monday, January 30, 7 p.m.: Bonnie & Marco, dinner music.
Bogavante Hotel, Barra de Navidad. Sundays, 9 p.m.-midnight: Chido Rivera.
Cabo Blanco Hotel, Barra de Navidad. Thursdays, 1 p.m.: Open mike by the pool, musicians supporting education for local children.
Esquina Paraiso (Styx bar), San Patricio Melaque. Mondays, 9 p.m.-midnight: Bandidos. Wednesdays, 9 p.m.-midnight: Simone & South Sol.
Hotel Lagoon de Tulis, Villa Obregon. Tuesdays, 9 p.m.-midnight: Bandidos.
Jack’s Bar, Melaque. Mondays, 7 p.m.: Marc Pettigrew.
La Oficina, Villa Obregon. Thursdays, 8 p.m.: Open stage.
Puerto del Sol, Barra de Navidad. Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m.: Los Travellers. Wednesdays, 6-9 p.m.: Marc Pettigrew.
Seamaster’s, Barra de Navidad. Thursday, February 2, 7 p.m.: Bonnie & Marco with special guest Danny Beal on piano.
Time Out Bar, Barra de Navidad. Wednesdays, 9 p.m.-midnight: RC & the Pacemakers. Fridays, 9 p.m.-midnight: Pineapple Express. Saturdays, 9 p.m.-midnight: Chido Rivera. Sundays, 9 p.m.-midnight: Bandidos. Tuesday, February 14: Special birthday party for Rojo featuring Judy Belanger.