Jarmon
// Drums
The only member of the group to be feature in the Smithsonian Institute for his album with "Los Peludos". Master drummer, native of Louisiana.
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In the Cuban tradition of innovation "siempre pa'lante", Jarmon adds Soul and Funk grooves to Cuban native rhythms.
Maki
// Hand Percussion
Lover of Cuban music, Maki commands our array of essential hand percussion, critical for keeping us all in time: Clave, Bell, Marcass, Guiro.
Daniel
// Bass
Standup Bass or Bass Guitar, Daniel thumps the bass riffs that bring groove to life. Daniel works with a Latino arts community organization, and plays with a variety of Salsa and Latin Jazz in the Bay Area.
Michael
// Tres Cubano
Tres Cubao is a type of a Cuban guitar, evolved from the Laud. It's purpose is to anchor the rhythmic montunos and evoke the rhythms of Cuba's eastern side.
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Michael learned the art in many visits to Cuba, to study with local musicians.
Erika
// Singer
Native of Brazil, Erika sings in many languages, providing beautiful interpretations and rich harmonies to traditional Cuban lyrics.
Gil
// Singer
Veteran singer of the Bay Area, Gil sang and played Tres and Guitar with a variety of local groups. With Cuban family connections, the music of the island is deep in his heart.
Lisa
// Flute
The flute is a key instrument in Cuban music, carrying rhythmic elements called Guajeos that complement the Tres' montnuos. Lisa commands them with confidence when not improvising solos and mambos.
Rob
// Trumpet
Rob helps bring our Mambo sections alive and provide key lead in our Jazz selections. We picked up Rob after hearing him play Jazz and Bop at Ivory and VIne. When not channeling Cuban music you can catch him with various local Jazz combos.
Frequent Guests ->
Ernesto
// Percussion
Why have only one percussionist when we can have two? Ernesto studies and plays at the CMC Cuban Charanga Ensemble under the direction of Tregar Otton. With us, he adds polyrhythms with Clave, Bells, Cymbals and Guiro.
Justin
// Trombone
Justin is a honored guest which we love to have. Originally from the Jazz world, Justin loved listening to Cuban Music.
When we invited him to one of our Cuban Jam Sessions, he said yes! And since then, when he can, he adds a mean Trombone to the Mambo section, swinging waves of dance energy.
Ariana
//Piano
Our most recent member, Ariana is passionate about both Cuban music and Mariachi. When not playing montunos on the piano, you can find her coordinating the SFUSD Youth Mariachi proram.