A-E Source: Julie Brand turns up the heat for Speakeasy performance

After performing at The 4th Corner Speakeasy for the first time in March, and taking to the stage since her decade-long break, Julie Brand treated audiences to an eclectic performance of Latin jazz, Latin rock, bossa nova and jazz.

For Saturday's 7 p.m. show at the 4th Corner Speakeasy, she plans to turn up the heat.

"It's gonna get hotter, music-wise," says Brand. "Funner, spicier, with salsa and cumbia."

When Brand stepped onto the stage and looked out at the crowd in March, the experience felt "magical."

Brand said she was grateful for the support from friends and family and pleased to see returning audience members who had attended her previous performances.

"It was magical because it's been so long since I've performed. It felt like coming home. I forgot how amazing this feels," said Brand.

Since being back on stage this year and her upcoming show at The 4th Corner Speakeasy, she has been busy.

Brand previously performed at the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum for Black History Month, the annual Mare Island "Decked Out at the Quarters" music festival, the Inn at Benicia Bay, and the Downtown Theatre in Fairfield.

Previously, she has performed sold-out shows at the Empress Theatre.

For her upcoming performance, Brand will perform a variety of songs from icons of salsa music, including Oscar D'León's "Llorarás," Willie Colón's "Idilio," and music from Celia Cruz, known as "The Queen of Salsa."

"And of course, there's going to be boleros. You can't do anything without a bolero or two, that's just who we are. We're a romantic people," said Brand. "But I think this show is going to be hotter with just a little more salsa."

Brand will be performing alongside her band, All That Jazz.

"All That Jazz" features Jose Soto on piano and keyboard, Carlos Ramirez on bass, Rafael Ramirez on congas, and Brand on vocals.

Ramirez will replace bassist David Pinto, who performed during the group's first show at the speakeasy in March.

"He's a true-blue salsero. I'm so excited to be able to play with him," Brand said.

Brand said that although she can dance salsa, singing salsa is a different story because of its rapid lyrics and rhythm. However, she added that the process has been educational and fun.

"I'm Spanglish, I'm Mexican-American, and half Salvadoran. I was born and raised here, but I have so much of that culture raised in me. But I'm also (in the U.S.), so I gotta throw in some 'Dreams' by Fleetwood Mac. And I gotta throw in some Carpenters. I like Soul, I like it all," Brand said.

Though Brand performs Latin music, she refuses to let herself be boxed into one category.

"I had someone say, 'But you're only Latin jazz.' Well, Latin jazz is just music. Let me be who I am. I love all music."

For Brand, music continues to be a celebration of culture and joy - a celebration, she says, that is accessible to all.

"It's not just about our music, it's about everyone."

To purchase tickets for Julie Brand and All That Jazz, visit 4thcornerspeakeasy.com/julie-brand/

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This story was originally published June 23, 2026 at 7:32 PM.