congaplace.com

Esteemed friends and colleagues:

Cachete's youngest sister, Marta, just called me to give an update her brother's status.
For those unaware, Puerto Rico's Master Drummer - Angel Cachete Maldonado, an internationally acclaimed percussionist, teacher, studio recording artist, bandleader (co-founder of Batacumbele) and African Latin cultural warrior, suffered a severe stroke 10 days ago leaving him partially paralyzed on his left side. He's home resting in a temporary residence on Calle Rafael Cepeda Atiles in Villa Palmera, Santurce, Puerto Rico. The home is well suited for his care because there are no stairs and everything is accessible on one floor. Thankfully, his speech is returning, albeit slowly. He has limited movement on his left side. He cannot move his left leg, but his left arm does have some limited movement. HE WILL NEED EXTENSIVE THERAPY.
Although Cachete has some medical coverage, it does not cover the specialized physical therapy he needs. The need is very serious. Discussions are underway to see how a fundraising benefit or series of benefits can be organized to help.

Get well cards, financial contributions and prayers are welcome!
Anyone wishing more information or able to make a contribution can contact:
Ms. Marta Maldonado
Cell: 787-529-4047
Home: 787-726-4786
Calle 11, #513
Barrio Obrero
San Juan, PR 00915

Peace and blessings to you,
Michael Reyes
262-544-1202

I seen Cachete play at el zumbador in san turce, rumba rumba rumba, I thought I was in heaven, later that night Jerry Gonzelez came and sat in and it just got better. I'm sorry to hear about this because I planned on my next trip back to head straight to el BArrio Obreo to catch another show. I will still go back there. He is going to recover fully. You must have faith.

kinoconga wrote:Will like to know how is Angel "Cachete" Maldonado doing this days.

Anyone with information please post an update.

Sincerely,

KinoConga

Hola Kino,

Hope all is well! Cachete is back on the scene again. Like Carlitos mentioned he plays regularly @ El Balcón del Zumbador in Puerto Rico with his rumba group Los Majaderos. Playing quinto, batá, cajón, and singing. Check the attached picture of him with Los Majaderos @ El Zumbador recently. Also often he reunites Batacumbele members to perform on special events around the island.


Cachete Maldonado y Los Majaderos

Saludos,

Jorge Ginorio



Edited By tamboricua on 1079459026

He's fine! I just saw him a couple of weeks ago at a gathering of percussionists by LP at El Balcon del Zumbador. (See http://www.congahead.com. See Puerto Rico shoot. Yours truly is in some of the photos with an olive colored shirt. No individual picture since I currrently sponsor other brand).

That night or the next night they had Little Johnny Rivero as a star guest at one of Los Majaderos presentation at "El Balcon'. (Los Majaderos is Cachete's group). He looked fine to me! Don't know if he could play though!

Before that I saw him at the presentation of his CD at the Puerto Rico Cultural Institute and he look good also.

Saludos!



Edited By Raymond on 1079464904

Franc

Cachete mishappening happened various months ago. Like I mentioned, he appears to be fine. (He walks and talks OK for somebody that had a stroke).

His album, that I've seen erroneously in some stores here in Puerto Rico in the Cuban music section or in the latin jazz, is an album of just drums (what we call rumba type). (Has Tego Calderon, the rapper in one song).

Saludos



Edited By Raymond on 1079534034

It is a good news that he has been able to come back,I would have a question,even when I know that 'Cachete' did play with Mongo Santamaria,where did he learned to play Bata?.



Edited By zaragemca on 1085094260

zaragemca wrote:It is a good news that he has been able to come back,I would have a question,even when I know that 'Cachete' did play wih Mongo Santamaria,where he learned to play Bata?.

Hi Zaragemca,

Hope all is well! "Cachete" was part of Patato's Afrocubanos folkloric group. As part of Patato's group, he traveled to New York and met with the late Julito Collazo who took him under his wing.

Saludos,

Jorge Ginorio



Edited By tamboricua on 1083698178