Day of the Dead with Songwriters Steve Taylor-Ramírez, Theresa Perez, Drew Harrison

Who needs Halloween commercialism when you’ve got three acclaimed songwriters joining to honor the Day of the Dead tradition? It all happens Thursday, Nov. 1, at Retox Lounge, San Francisco’s new "industrial lounge" located in the hip “Dog Patch” district at 628 20th St. (near 3rd St.), San Francisco.

Songwriter Steve Taylor-Ramírez brings his critically acclaimed folk, soul and Latin roots, and joins the multitalented Theresa Perez with her highly danceable Latin R&B band. Drew Harrison – known for his popular tribute to John Lennon and his work with The Sun Kings Beatles tribute band – brings his brilliant and original acoustic rock. The cover is $7 at the door and the music starts at 9:30 pm.

Taylor-Ramírez says he hopes his music sounds like “Bill Monroe drinking tequila with Ritchie Valens at a truck stop on the Lost Highway.” Multi-lingual Theresa Perez sings original hip-hop, soul and Latin in English, Spanish and Portuguese. Drew Harrison sings of the human condition in a warm, rough-edged voice that embodies sincerity and truth.

The concert detail:

Thursday, Nov. 1, 9:30 pm - Retox Lounge
628 20th St. (near 3rd)
San Francisco, CA 94107
Cost: $7
http://www.retoxsf.com, http://www.myspace.com/retoxlounge, 415.626.7386

The performers:

Steve Taylor-Ramírez (http://www.myspace.com/thestevetaylor)
Theresa Perez (http://www.myspace.com/theresaperez)
Drew Harrison (http://www.myspace.com/drewharrisonmusic)

About Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

Renowned writer Octavio Paz observes that, undaunted by death, the Mexican has no qualms about getting up close and personal with it, noting that he "...chases after it, mocks it, courts it, hugs it, sleeps with it; it is his favorite plaything and his most lasting love."

November 1, All Saints Day, and November 2, All Souls Day, are marked throughout Mexico by Days of the Dead customs that vary widely according to the ethnic roots of each region. Common to all are colorful adornments and lively reunions at family burial plots, the preparation of special foods, offerings laid out for the departed on commemorative altars and religious rites. It is a mix of pre-Hispanic and Roman Catholic rituals, the type of mix that defines much of Mexican culture.

In most localities, Nov.1 is set aside for remembrance of deceased infants and children, often referred to as angelitos (little angels). Those who have died as adults are honored on Nov. 2.