Blog
Buena Vista Orchestra Live in Costa Mesa
08.17.25
For one night only, the Buena Vista Orchestra performs Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall.
Jesús “Aguaje” Ramos, born in 1951, is a Cuban trombonist, composer, arranger and musical director best known as the original orchestra leader, composer and trombonist of the Buena Vista Social Club. His career has also included long stints with acclaimed ensembles Estrellas de Areito and Afro-Cuban Allstars. His story and music are central to the 1999 Oscar-nominated documentary Buena Vista Social Club.
Ramos recorded with Buena Vista Social Club and Afro-Cuban Allstars, as well as on solo albums from Ibrahim Ferrer, Rubén González and Omara Portuondo. He was González’s musical director and has toured extensively since 1997 with multiple Buena Vista projects. From 2014 to 2016, Ramos was a prominent member and musical director of Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club, which brought the group’s music back into the international spotlight during the successful Adiós Tour.
In 2024, Ramos led the Buena Vista Orchestra in a new stage production that showcased the group’s greatest hits and rare cuts. The ensemble toured the United States for three months, performing for thousands of fans and releasing USA Tour 2024 – 12 Live Recordings on SSK Records, the first time in decades the music was available on CD and vinyl.
The 2025 international tour features Ramos with original Buena Vista members Luis “Betun” Mariano Valiente Marin on congas and bongos and Fabián Garcia on bass, along with a powerhouse lineup of Cuban musicians.
To date, the Buena Vista Social Club and related projects have sold more than 50 million albums worldwide, making it the best-selling Cuban music project in history. One critic called Buena Vista “world music’s equivalent of The Dark Side of the Moon.”
Buena Vista Orchestra 2025 Ensemble
Jesús “Aguaje” Ramos – Trombone, Vocals
Lorena Ramos Diaz – Trombone, Vocals
Geidy Chapman – Vocals
Yuri Tejada Rodriguez – Vocals
Amaury Tamayo – Trumpet, Vocals
Andy Abad Acosta – Piano
Fabián Garcia – Bass
Antonio Rubio Borayo – Timbal, Percussion
Luis “Betun” Mariano Valiente Marin – Congas, Bongo
Maikel Ochoa – Tres
Tickets start at $44.07.
More information and tickets here.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts is at 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa.
Blog
Award-Winning Chef Ralph Estrada Joins IL Girasole in Costa Mesa
08.17.25
Award-winning Chef Ralph Estrada has joined Orange County’s destination for modern Italian cuisine, IL Girasole, bringing more than 20 years of culinary experience and a decade of leadership to the restaurant. Chef Estrada has partnered with restaurateur Antonio Bevacqua to help shape one of Orange County’s defining modern Italian kitchens.
IL Girasole, located within SOCO & The OC Mix in Costa Mesa, is known for its disciplined execution, deep understanding of global flavors, and commitment to sustainability.
Chef Estrada’s approach blends technical mastery with a genuine respect for ingredients and people. His background includes key roles at acclaimed restaurants such as Knife Pleat, Angler (Saison Hospitality Group), and Meteora, where he cultivated his passion for biodiversity and sustainability.
From the beginning of his career, working with the Charlie Palmer Group, Patina Group, and Rick Bayless, Chef Estrada became passionate about creating dining experiences that engage the senses. Throughout his career, he has prioritized organic, seasonal produce, sustainable seafood, and ethically sourced meats, while building relationships with local farmers and purveyors.
His kitchen philosophy is rooted in reducing waste, composting, and fostering a culture of excellence through mentorship and collaboration. Trained in both classic and contemporary techniques, Chef Estrada draws inspiration from French, Italian, Latin, and Asian cuisines. His menus reflect the seasons while maintaining a precise, elevated style.
“I am inspired by the united vision that Chef Estrada and I share as we strive to create a dining experience that is rich with character, charm and unwavering quality that stands out in the restaurant world.” – Antonio Bevacqua, Owner, IL Girasole
“It’s an exciting opportunity to work alongside a chef and entrepreneur like Antonio whose values around food and sustainability closely align with my own. As we continue to pursue excellence, I’m looking forward to bringing thoughtfully crafted Italian flavors and time-honored techniques to your next dining experience. Salute!” – Chef Ralph Estrada, IL Girasole
IL Girasole is open daily for lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., with extended hours on Friday and Saturday until 10 p.m. Happy Hour specials, seasonal offerings, and unique tasting menus are available daily, with Industry Nights held every Monday. Reservations available on Open Table.
IL Girasole is located at 3321 Hyland Ave., Suite E, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Follow on Instagram @ilgirasole_oc
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from the blog
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