Columnist Jerry Fink: San Fernando Band continues its ascent

Friday, Feb. 7, 2003 | 9:49 a.m.

Jerry Fink's lounge column appears on Fridays. Reach him at jerry@lasvegassun.com at (702) 259-4058.

The San Fernando Band came to Las Vegas from Guam with the highest of hopes.

For 14 years the seven members of the show and dance band had been a favorite at the Hilton in Tamuning, Guam. They were accustomed to a steady gig and confident of being successful in the United States.

But their decision to seek their fortune in the world's Entertainment Capital could not have come at a worse time -- in 2001, just days before 9-11.

When they arrived in Nevada, work was scarce for established lounge entertainers, much less for a group trying to open new doors.

They struggled. Three members, not accustomed to long periods of unemployment, returned to Guam. Those who remained (all family members) combined their resources and dug in, determined to succeed at all costs.

"We really had a rough time," bandleader Sonny Santos said. "We almost gave up, actually. But my brother, Perry, and I just had to give it more time. It was really rough."

After almost 18 months of playing any gig they could get in any part of the state, the band's perseverance has paid off. Doors are beginning to swing open for the San Fernando Band, which has attracted the attention of Coast Resorts' (Barbary Coast, Suncoast, Gold Coast and The Orleans) hotels.

The group has signed with the Barbary Coast for 25 weeks (two weeks each month), and will perform for the first time at the Suncoast Wednesday through Sunday and March 19 through March 23. They will also perform at Ramada Express in Laughlin for 12 weeks.

Their dates are full for 2003.

"It's one of the best bands we've ever had," Darren Dinga, entertainment director at the Barbary Coast, said. "They began developing a following from the first day they started here.

"I see so many bands, of all kinds. But when I saw them the first time, I was greatly impressed. There's something special about them. They do music like no other lounge acts usually do. It's amazing how fast they get a song down -- like they can do the Top 40 right now. And they can go from there to the oldies."

Pam Potter began managing the San Fernando Band when their days were darkest.

"When I came into the picture they were in very bad shape," Potter recalled. "That was in May 2002. They had a total of three weeks booked for all of 2002."

After a few showcases at the Stratosphere, Castaways and other venues, word began to spread about the talented group of performers.

"The Ramada (in Laughlin) booked them, sight unseen," Potter said.

The group includes:

Sonny Santos, the band's keyboardist and a vocalist with a golden voice that he uses to imitate Lou Rawls and Barry White.

Perry Santos, guitarist and vocalist, who sometimes performs as Johnny Mathis and Nat King Cole.

Lead vocalists (and brother and sister) Bo and Marie Santos. Sonny Santos is their father.

Drummer Bernard Bautista.

Guitarist, keyboardist and vocalist Nanoy Alovera, the group's newest member.

Bassist Titoy Salvador.

"The camaraderie among this group is second to none," Potter said. "And they have nothing negative to say about anybody. They love to go out and be supportive of all entertainers."

The San Fernando Band, which takes its name from the capital city of Pampanga, a province in the Philippines, is equally adept at performing shows and performing at dances.

The Barbary Coast doesn't have a dance floor, so it puts on a show there two weeks a month on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays 9:15 p.m. until 2:30 a.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 10 p.m. until 4 a.m.

The Suncoast has one of the best dance floors in town, and fans won't have to suppress their urge to boogie.

"Their forte is as a dance band," Potter said. "But they are looking at taking it to the next level, at doing something like Society of Seven."

The Society of Seven (which performs at the Aladdin) is a popular show band from Hawaii, noted for its many impressions.

"The San Fernando Band members were struggling to put food on the table," Potter said. "Now they are on the verge of realizing their dreams. They paid their dues, and they never gave up. Their dedication is phenomenal, and that's what it takes to make it in this business -- dedication."

Sonny Santos has no regrets about remaining in Las Vegas, even when it would have been easier to return to Guam and certain employment.

"This is our home now," he said.

Lounging around

Music fans who were left homeless by the recent closing of the Kitchen Cafe, which featured a popular Wednesday-night jam session for several years, have moved their allegiance to Capozzoli's (3333 S. Maryland Parkway). Keyboardist Dennis Mellen and a core group of musicians from the Kitchen (including trumpeter Tom Saitta as host) began entertaining at their new home Wednesday night. For information call 731-5311.

A series of free Friday night jazz concerts has begun at the Stardust's 920-seat Wayne Newton Theater. Entertainment is from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tonight's featured performers are Laurence T and Sid the Kid. Upcoming are Calvin Brooks (Feb. 21), Will Donato (Feb. 28), Nicolas Brooks & the Players (March 7) and Turning Point (March 21).

Saxophonist/vocalist Tommy Alvarado will be at Joey's Bistro (at the Carriage House, 105 E. Harmon Ave.) Fridays and Saturdays from 8 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. beginning Feb. 14.

Entertainer Phil Shane, who sings classics from country and rock 'n' roll, performs at the Tropicana's Tropics Lounge Wednesdays through Sundays from 8 p.m. until midnight.

A Valentine's Day Concert (Feb. 14) at Sun City Anthem features Fourever Tops, a group that pays tribute to the Four Tops and the Temptations. The concert begins at 8 p.m. Admission is $10 ($12 if tickets are purchased after Feb. 10). For information call 614-5806.

Another Valentine's Day event is being sponsored by the Cultural Affairs Division of the Las Vegas Department of Leisure Services. A dance at the Charleston Heights Arts Center's ballroom, 800 S. Brush St., begins at 7:30 p.m. Las Vegas trumpeter Tony Scodwell and his Big Band are featured. Tickets are $12 at the door and $10 in advance. For information call 229-6383.