Latin Jazz

Porfi Jiménez The Master of Rhythm Who United Two Nations

The life, work, and legacy of tropical music’s most “Venezuelan” Dominican.

Porfirio Antonio Jiménez Núñez, known universally as Porfi Jiménez, was more than just a musician; he was a cultural bridge.

A Dominican virtuoso by birth and Venezuelan by choice, he became one of the most iconic figures of Caribbean dance music.

His legacy endures as an exceptional trumpeter, arranger, and bandleader who possessed a unique gift for reading the pulse of the streets and elevating it to the level of fine art.

Porfi Jiménez El Maestro del Ritmo que Unió a dos Naciones

The Prodigy of Hato Mayor: Academic Training

Born on February 16, 1928, in Hato Mayor del Rey, Dominican Republic, Porfi’s destiny was sealed by music from an early age. A recognized child prodigy, he began his formal studies at age seven.

Following the death of his father, his mother gifted him his first trumpet when he was eight a tool that would eventually become his eternal voice.

Unlike many bandleaders of his era, Porfi sought technical excellence at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. This education granted him a superior technical command of jazz orchestration and tropical rhythms, allowing him to inject a unique harmonic sophistication into popular music.

Vida, obra y legado del dominicano más venezolano de la música tropical.

Putting Down Roots in Venezuela: A 50-Year “Layover”

On February 6, 1954, Porfi landed in Caracas at the invitation of his compatriot Rafael “Tata” Minaya for a brief Carnival tour.

What was planned as a temporary trip turned into a stay that lasted over half a century. Before founding his own sonic empire, he honed his craft within the country’s most elite musical institutions:

The Pedro J. Belisario Orchestra.
Billo’s Caracas Boys, under the baton of Maestro Billo Frómeta.
Staff orchestras for Venevisión and RCTV, where he shone as the lead arranger during the golden age of Venezuelan television.

The Birth of a Signature Sound

On December 31, 1963, as the world celebrated New Year’s Eve, a legend was born: Porfi debuted his own orchestra at the Tamanaco Hotel’s Naiguatá Hall.

31 de diciembre de 1963, en el Salón Naiguatá del Hotel Tamanaco Foto By El Universal

His style broke the mold by fusing Dominican merengue with salsa and jazz, achieving a modern, high-energy orchestration.

That same year, he released his first LP, A bailar con Porfi (Velvet Records). Featuring the vocals of Kiko Mendive and Chico Salas, the orchestra produced hits that are now staples of the Latin party songbook:

“La Negra Celina”
“La Resbalosa”
“La Banda está Borracha”

The “King of Carnival” and the Golden Years

Throughout the 80s and 90s, his name was synonymous with sold-out venues. Dubbed the “King of Carnival,” no festival in Venezuela was complete without his music. His ability to create “people’s anthems” is undeniable, leaving behind timeless tracks such as:

Iconic Songs	Cultural Impact
La hierba se movía	A massive sales and dance phenomenon across the region.
Culucucú	An undisputed hit during the December holiday season.
Se hunde el barco	A quintessential classic in the repertoire of great orchestras.
Dolores / Chivo Florete	A masterclass in high-energy, danceable merengue.

Culucucú Éxito indiscutible en las festividades decembrinas.

An Immortal Legacy

Maestro Porfi Jiménez passed away in Caracas on June 8, 2010, at the age of 82.

Though Dominican by birth, he always declared himself “Venezuelan at heart,” leaving behind a devoted family and a generation of musicians trained under his disciplined leadership.

As we approach the centenary of his birth in 2028, his influence remains more vibrant than ever.

The tributes held between 2024 and 2026 in both the Dominican Republic and Venezuela only confirm that Porfi Jiménez was, is, and will always be the man who defined the rhythm of the Caribbean identity.

Also Read: Federico Betancourt “Pioneer of Salsa in Venezuela”

Adriana Mosquea: Between Strings, Winds, and Spirituality

Vocal Excellence, Instrumental Versatility, and Artistic Training

Adriana Carolina Mosquea Santana, born on August 25, 1993, in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic, is a multi-faceted artist who has built a solid career as a solo singer, bassist, stage actress, and vocal coach.

Adriana Mosquea Between Strings, Winds and Spirituality

Early Training and First Steps

She began her musical journey at the age of five in school and church choirs. At nine, she entered the Centro de la Cultura de Santiago, where she studied singing, electric bass, and classical guitar. By age 17, she became the only female voice and bassist for the fusion group Oveja Negra.

After an accident that hindered the mobility of her hands for eight months, she defied medical diagnoses and achieved a full recovery through self-directed therapy, resuming her career with groups such as Sol Latino and La Piña Tá Dulce.

The Leap into Lyrical Music and Theater

In 2014, she received a scholarship from the La 37 por las Tablas school, joining the elite vocal group Les Cantatis. Under the tutelage of Roberto Guzmán and María Ligia Grullón, she performed pieces by Vivaldi, Pergolesi, and Tchaikovsky, and participated in the opera Carmen. In 2019, she was part of the choir for the opera La Traviata at the National Theater, conducted by José Antonio Molina.

Solo Career and National Projection

As a soloist, she has released tracks such as Humo y Humo and Zombie, performing at festivals like Arte Vivo and the Alliance Française. Her multidisciplinary project, Circo Imaginario, led her to open for the iconic Dominican rock band Toque Profundo.

Her appearance on Dominicana’s Got Talent in 2019 earned her massive recognition and excellent reviews from the judges. That same year, she joined Belkys Concepción y las Damas as a bassist and backing vocalist, sharing the stage with legendary figures like Johnny Ventura and Fefita la Grande.

Adriana Carolina Mosquea Santana, born on August 25, 1993 in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic

Professional Background and Academic Formation

Adriana’s dedication goes beyond performance; she is an art scholar. She holds a degree in Art History and is currently pursuing a degree in Special Needs Education, focusing on music pedagogy.

Key milestones in her professional journey include:

Oveja Negra: Her first professional group at 17, where she served as the bassist.
Son Santiaguero & Sol Latino: Projects where she explored Cuban Son and alternative rock.
Belkys Concepción: She performed as the bassist for the band led by “The Mother of Merengue,” highlighting Belkys’ overwhelming energy on stage.

Innovation During the Pandemic and Recent Collaborations

Between 2020 and 2021, she produced her album Arte, Magia y Libertad (Art, Magic, and Freedom) in collaboration with Venezuelan producer Daniela Yánez. Her singles have received nominations at the Indie Dominican Awards and Expo Cibao.

Additionally, she participated in the In Memoriam segment of the 2020 Soberano Awards and composed part of the soundtrack for the film La Soga 3. In 2025, she stood out in a tribute to Maridalia Hernández, performing the duet Te Ofrezco.

Pedagogical Work and Vocal Coaching

Currently, Adriana is a prominent vocal coach. She has been a key figure in the technical evolution of the artist Tokischa, working on projects nominated for the 2025 Latin Grammys and 2026 Premios Lo Nuestro. She is a graduate in Art History and is currently completing a Degree in Pedagogy at CESUMA University in Spain.

Excelencia Vocal, Versatilidad Instrumental y Formación Artística

“Singing is a means of expression and healing. My focus is on a balanced life and technical discipline to set the voice free.”

The Multi-instrumentalist and the Winds of Communication

Although her primary instrument is the bass (and double bass in her early years), Adriana is proficient in guitar, piano, drums, and ukulele. her foray into woodwind instruments, such as the clarinet and saxophone, was born from a spiritual search:

“Wind instruments work with air, which is communication. As an artist, I needed to work on my ability to communicate what I was keeping silent.”

Identity, Flavor, and Spirituality

Proud of her roots, Adriana describes Santiago de los Caballeros as a peaceful “city-countryside.” Her palate travels between the Dominican Sancocho de siete carnes and the Venezuelan Mondongo, a dish she confesses has captivated her.

For her, music and spirituality are tools for self-knowledge. She defines spirituality as the acceptance of human duality—seeking balance between light and shadow, far from the pretensions of the ego.

Also Read: Dominican bandleader and singer Papo Ross is triumphing in Montreal

Bandleader and conga player Tony Rosa tells us how he built his career

The great percussionist, conga player, and six-time Grammy winner Tony Rosa has honored us with his presence for this February edition, which is full of many interesting things despite being a very short month.

Like so many other artists of this kind, he started very young in this world. Although his musical roots were not so Latin or folkloric, as is common, he ended up falling in love with one of his great passions today: Latin music.

Tony Rosa with his Grammy — Tony Rosa as part of the Latin Grammy Arturo O’Farrill & The Chico O’Farrill Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra won

Tony’s beginnings in music

Tony started playing the tumbadora at the age of just 10 in New York, his native city, but when he turned 12, he moved to Los Angeles, California, which is where his formal career as a musician began. It was in Los Angeles that he learned to play percussion, more specifically the conga, in the streets of this new city that welcomed him and his family.

One interesting thing about this is that absolutely everything he knows about instruments he learned by himself, indicating that he did not attend any institution that provided formal training in music. At that time, as a 15-year-old boy, he was already playing for different orchestras and touring with them.

Rock phase

Before becoming integrally involved with salsa, Tony played with some rock bands such as Chicanos. In fact, rock is a genre he still likes very much, and several of his favorite groups are rock bands such as Queen and Santana. However, that phase did not last for ever, and it was not long before, at the age of 16 or 17, he played with orchestras such as Azuquita Y Su Melao.

In 1997, he moved back to his native New York, where he started collaborating with Conjunto Libre and other groups of salsa and Latin jazz, a genre that was also making him curious.

Tony and Gilberto — Tony Rosa and ”The Salsa Gentleman” Gilberto Santa Rosa

Time with the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra and Arturo O’Farrill

In 2008, while playing with Manny Oquendo, Tony met orchestra leader, composer, and pianist Arturo O’Farrill, who, after witnessing the great talent he had, asked whether he would be interested in joining his Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, and he said yes. In total, he spent about nine years playing with O’Farrill and it was over five years ago. In fact, when asked if he knew why the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra would no longer be playing at Birdland, he said he knew absolutely nothing about it.

After that, the artist found the right time to create his own quintet which he named Tony Rosa’s Afrojazz and with which he has songs such as “Mambo Mongo,” “Nothing Personal,” “Alfie’s Theme,” “Isn’t She Lovely,” and “Rica Mulata.”

Tony, Eddie, and Adan — Tony Rosa, legendary pianist Eddie Palmieri, and producer and arranger Adan Pérez

However, he assures us that his affection for O’Farrill and the orchestra remains intact, and they even played together again in a tribute to Andy González at Saint Peter’s Church in Manhattan. He is also grateful for all the experience he gained there, otherwise he would not have the project he currently manages.

Projects apart from Tony Rosa’s Afrojazz

In addition to his work he does with his Latin jazz quintet, Tony is also recording with another musical group called Los Amigos, with which he recently released an album.

And about tours and performances at arenas and well-known venues, he says he does not know yet what he will be doing in the coming months. However, he expects things to start moving as the year progresses.

Tony and Andy — Tony Rosa and Cuban-American actor Andy García in 1992

Don Perignon and La Puertorriqueña Release Classique et Savoureux

Timbalero, director, and music producer Pedro Luis Morales Cortijo, better known as “Don Perignon,” presents the 14th musical production from the “dancer’s orchestra” titled Classique et Savoureux. The leader of La Puertorriqueña features three guest vocalists on the album: Venezuelan musician and sonero Marcial Istúriz; Josué Rosado, one of the most iconic voices from La Puertorriqueña’s history; and “El Niño de Trastalleres,” Andy Montañez. With this record, Don Perignon reinforces his commitment to producing “flavorful” salsa with the dancer in mind.

In September 2025, Don Perignon and Andy Montañez reunited in the recording studio to reinvent “La Bikina.” The digital single fused the signature sound of Don Perignon’s La Puertorriqueña with the seasoned expertise of Andy Montañez. This alliance revives a nostalgic duo—the “dancing timbal” and the “singing compressor” that dates back to 1981. At that time, “Perín” took the reins as Andy’s musical director at the invitation of the legendary vocalist following his departure from Dimensión Latina. From that eight-year partnership, Andy Montañez still treasures Don Perignon’s participation in the 1988 recording of El Eterno Enamorado (TH-Rodven), where the latter not only played the timbales but also served as the album’s musical director. Regarding this, Andy says: “I remember him with great affection and appreciate his discipline in directing that recording, especially because every track became a hit.”

Don Perignon and La Puertorriqueña Release Classique et Savoureux

As promised in earlier press releases, that single was the prelude to Classique et Savoureux, where “La Bikina” is featured as the third track. Don Perignon released the song arranged by pianist and composer Domingo García 60 years after its original composition. The song, originally titled “The Beginning,” was penned by Mexican songwriter Rubén Fuentes Gasson.

Tracklist and Credits

The tracklist for Classique et Savoureux is as follows:

“Ella Sigue Bailando”: Composed and performed by Joe González; arranged by Andy Guzmán.
“Hay Que Quererlas”: Composed and performed by José Karlo Ribot; arranged by Roberto Pérez.
“Pura Imagen”: A classic piece by Adalberto Álvarez, vocalized by Joe González; arranged by Juan C. Cardona.
“Ayer Te Vi”: Written by Rubén Rada, featuring the vocals of Henry Santiago; arranged by Ramón Sánchez.
“No Se Equivocan”: Written and performed by José Karlo Ribot; arranged by Carlos “Cuto” Soto.
“Yo Soy Guaracha”: Written by Ángel Santos, performed by Marcial Istúriz; arranged by Carlos García.
A Medley of Boleros: Featuring “Necesito Llamar Su Atención” (Roberto and Erasmo Carlo) and “Mírame Más” (Julio Gutiérrez), performed by Henry Santiago and Joe González; arranged by Juan C. Cardona with a flute solo by Roberto Calderón.
“Será Mejor”: The closing track, written by Héctor Olmo and arranged by Juan C. Cardona, featuring vocalist Josué Rosado.

The Musicians

Leading his musical generation on the timbales and as director, Don Perignon was backed by the musicians of La Puertorriqueña and several guest artists. On the congas, Antonio “Coqui” Marrero, Jean Carlos Camuñas, and the late William “Kachiro” Thompson ensured the time and clave remained rhythmically precise. On the bongos, you can hear the distinctive touch of one of the original members of La Puertorriqueña, Miguel Aponte. On bass, the unmistakable Efraín Hernández interacts with Juan Rivera on piano. Other pianists on the recording include Luis Marín, Leni Prieto, and Ricky Rodríguez. The production is rounded out by the backing vocals of the incomparable Henry Santiago, Juan Bautista, and Joe González. The trumpet section featured Ángel and Richie Segarra along with Jesús Alonso; Sammy Vélez on baritone sax; and the trombones were handled by Juan C. Cardona, Gamalier González, César Javier Ayala, and Carlos “Cuto” Soto.

Pedro Luis Morales Cortijo “Don Perignon”

The album was recorded at the studios of Rolando Alejandro and Angelito Segarra, with mastering by Wiso Rivera.

This release “reaffirms Don Perignon’s commitment to the evolution of salsa in the digital age” without neglecting physical formats, as the album is available on CD and LP to ensure the music is accessible to everyone.

With the title Classique et Savoureux, Don Perignon honors more than four decades of using his stage name inspired by the French champagne Dom Pérignon. He expresses gratitude for the longevity of a concept that began without a clear goal but was built on heavy discipline and the firm purpose of making music for the dancer. In an interview, the bandleader stated that his musical project “is already a classic, thanks to the dancers who have appreciated and supported its sabrosura (flavor).”

Also Read: Long live the music! Repeat after me: “Long live the musicians so they can keep making it.” And I’ll add: “Long live SALSA!”

The 2026 NAMM Show Took Center Stage as Historic Gathering Celebrating the Future of Global Music Industry

2026 Show Marked 125-Year Anniversary of NAMM and Demonstrated Why the Global Music Community Gathers Every Year at The NAMM Show.

January 28, 2026 – NAMM (The National Association of Music Merchants), the largest global not-for-profit music trade organization, celebrated 125 years of NAMM at The 2026 NAMM Show — a powerful week that concluded on Jan. 24 and set the music industry’s narrative for years ahead. Featuring five days of incredible education, live concerts and special events, alongside three days of extraordinary exhibits and brand activations, this year’s show featured 1,650-plus exhibitors representing over 5,400 brands and more than 200-plus educational sessions for NAMM member communities.

The 2026 NAMM Show highlighted innovative music technologies, product introductions and trends that will shape the future of the music industry during a five-day-long platform for networking, connections and meetings that are critical for uniting and growing music makers globally.

“The 2026 NAMM Show once again delivered an incredible week of unity and energy for our global NAMM members, showcasing products, partnerships and networking for the entire music industry,” said John Mlynczak, NAMM president and CEO. “NAMM continues to be the global stage for our industry to announce groundbreaking products, establish transformative partnerships and gain valuable education that drives success for our industry for the rest of the year.”

NAMM SHOW 2026 BY THE NUMBERS

60,000+ show attendees, including 8,760+ international attendees from 122 countries, regions and territories
1,650+ exhibitors representing 5,400+ brands, which is 25% more than 2025
Nearly 15,000 artists demonstrating and endorsing products and brands
200+ education sessions with 550+ speakers
1,600+ media, influencers and content creators reaching over 200+ million followers, which is 50% more than 2025.

NAMM SHOW 2026 SET LIST HIGHLIGHTS

Product Launches

The NAMM Electronic Press Kit, an online book of product and show announcements, tripled in size from 2025, with nearly 400 brands and companies using the platform to launch new products at The NAMM Show.

NAMM Global Media Day

Now in its third year, NAMM’s Global Media Day featured iconic brands spanning music, sound and entertainment technology categories to announce more than 500 ground-breaking products and business news to an exclusive media/creator/podcast-only audience of 750-plus guests.

NAMM Events and Awards Shows

Providing the platform for some of the industry’s best awards shows and live events, The 2026 NAMM Show saw sold-out crowds all week long, starting with the TEC Awards, followed by The Bass Awards Show, She Rocks Awards and The Parnelli Awards. Each show catered to a thriving professional community that gathered to honor the best of the best in each category.

Looking Back on NAMM, 125 Years Later

NAMM has been consistently guided by the best minds in the music business, who share a common desire to grow the industry and music making. Ever since 1901, NAMM leaders have come together, even as competitors, to ensure their association is helping the entire industry expand. The 125-year timeline is fully digitized and available to everyone on NAMM.org

NAMM’s Music for Life Honor Awarded to Industry Icon Rick Beato

NAMM presented globally acclaimed producer, educator, musician and YouTube creator Rick Beato with its highest honor, the Music for Life Award, in recognition of his lifelong contributions to music and commitment to inspiring music makers. In an exclusive Thursday morning Q&A with NAMM President and CEO John Mlynczak, Beato discussed his early musical influences, the music products that have helped define his career and the future of the music business in the age of AI.

NAMM’s Grand Rally for Music Education 

NAMM rallied the industry around its mission Saturday morning, highlighted by magical moments with Grammy Award-winning artists Victor Wooten and Chad Smith. The session, hosted by John Mlynczak and Julia Rubio, brought the audience to its feet with inspirational performances, conversations and messages, as well as live performances from Roots of Rhythm.

The NAMM Foundation

In honor of our 125th “NAMMiversary,” and the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, the NAMM Foundation — with a generous $125,000 matching donation from Chris Martin, past chair of NAMM — announced at the 2026 show a total of $250,000 in funds to give back.

The Return of NAMM NeXT Europe and New NAMM NeXT Latin America

Coming off the success of last year’s inaugural event, NAMM NeXT Europe will return and NAMM NeXT Latin America will debut in 2026. These NAMM NeXT events are one- to two-day leadership conferences that will gather our industry to focus on how we can grow the industry and address common challenges.

  SCORPIO, Reported and correspondent on the job at NAMM!

Radio host and International Salsa Magazine correspondent Bryan Astrachan, aka Scorpio, at the NAMM Show

The 2027 NAMM Show is already in the works for January 26-30, 2027, at the Anaheim Convention Center. Booths with early bird rates and discounts are available now at NS27 Exhibit | NAMM.org

“I have worked with Gary since 2018 and I have been able to actively learn from his expertise as an engineer, host, programmer and now as the interim program director”

“Gary has always welcomed me with open arms and kindness”

He always supports Canto Tropical and our paths continue to cross as we support live music in all genres! Scorpio

Gary baca and Scorpio at the NAMM — Gary Baca, KPFK, Interim Program Director & Scorpio, Reporter, Correspondent, and Anchor

Gary Baca, aka G-Spot was born and raised in East Oakland. Baca began his radio career at KALX Berkeley before initiating his radio programming at KPFA Berkeley which then lead him to KPFK Los Angeles.

Gary is an American radio veteran and cultural tastemaker who currently.

In previous radio programs, Baca’s featured presentations have included interviews with Lisa Lisa, Rick James, Morris Day & The Time, George Clinton, Boy George, Tito Puente, Macy Gray, Roger Troutman & Zapp, Bootsy Collins, WAR, James Brown and Cameo, Rakim, The Commodores, Buddy Miles, The Doors, Earth, Wind & Fire, Johnny Mathis and Carlos Santana.

Now celebrating over 30 years of radio programming, he is also a concert emcee introducing such acts as Ice Cube, Cameo, Cypress Hill, DJ Quik, Too Short, E40, Tierra, Malo, The Dramatics, Rappin 4Tay, Sheila E. & Rhythm Tribe.

KPFK 90.7 FM’s Pocho Hour of Power provides a smartly satirical look at political issues facing Latinos in America. Co-hosted by cartoonist Lalo Alcaraz, filmmaker Esteban Zul, comedian’s Jeff Keller, Paul Vato, and producer Gary Baca the show brings its raucous brand of satire.

*Gary has a history of discovering artists, hosting community TV, and teaching radio skills.

KPFK, Interim Program Director: Manages Programing for KPFK.DJ & Host:

Global Village (Tuesday’s 11am-

1pm) The Pocho Hour of Power

(Friday’s 3-4pm) Welcome 2 the

Dawn (Saturday 4:00 AM – 6:00 AM) Co-Host and produce La Raza radio Thursdays 3-4pm

Gary Began his career in radio in the late 80’s at KALX in Berkely

KPFK 90.7 FM Los Angeles, 98.7 FM

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93.7 FM San Diego, 99.5 FM

Ridgecrest & China Lake *ONLINE @ KPFK.ORG

Studios located in Glendale, CA
Transmitter high atop Mt. Wilson
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Scorpio and Rafael Feliciano — Scorpio with Rafael Feliciano, “Soul Sauce”

Born out love and respect for the unique musical sounds created by latin jazz legend/vibist Cal Tjader, this collective of pro players recreate the exact musical arrangements Tjader wrote and recorded for today’s audience. From original hits such as “Soul Sauce(wachi-wara)” to versions of jazz standards like “Speak Low”, this band will entrance an audience with its exotic, soothing sound which fuses afro-cuban and brazilian rhythms with modern jazz classics.
The band features Peter Burke on vibes/percussion, Ramon Banda on timbales, Rafael Feliciano on congas, Joe Rotondi on piano, and Ross Schodek on bass. There is usually a surprise guest appearance added to each show as well, making each performance a special occasion.

“I have had the pleasure of attending several “Soul Sauce” presentations at a variety of venues including Roscoe’s in Long Beach and I have always been impressed with their professionalism, talent , respect & love for the music they play live”

Scorpio, Reporter, Correspondent and Anchor

Musicians at The NAMM Show — Some musicians at The NAMM Show

Gabrielito at The NAMM Show — Gabrielito Y La Verdad at The NAMM Show

Gabriel Gonzalez, also known by his stage name Gabrielito, is a multi-talented artist whose career spans decades of film, music, videos, commercials, theatre and live-performance concerts. Internationally recognized for movie roles from his childhood work in Mexican cinema to cult classic films as well as countless mainstream commercials, tours and stage productions, Gonzalez captivates audiences with his dynamic stage presence and larger-than-life vocals that make each performance a memorable experience.

He began his career in show business at the age of seven appearing in numerous top grossing films in Latin America featuring the Latin Orchestra La Sonora Santanera and famed comic Resortes. At eight years old, he recorded his first album. Gonzlaez has toured and shared billing with some of today’s most iconic artists across Mexico, Cuba, and the U.S. including Camilo Sesto, Lalo Guerrero, Juan Gabriel, Los Van Van, QUETZAL, Cubanismo, Lila Downs, Los Lobos and many more.

Most notably, he toured with the Tony award-winning musical, In the Heights by acclaimed composer Lin-Manuel Miranda as a principal character of the 2011-2012 North American National Tour. Gonzalez’s latest projects include working in the Salsa community with bands such as Boogaloo Assassins and the Los Angeles-based La Verdad.

La Verdad is the premier West Coast Latin music ensemble. A collective of world-class musicians embodying the truth of the Los Angeles Latin experience, the group is led by Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter Gabriel Gonzalez. La Verdad’s traditional and original repertoire spans the scope of Latin American route music including Salsa, Cha-Cha, Boogaloo, Latin Soul and much more.

“I have had the absolute pleasure of knowing Gabrielito for several years and I have grown to love & respect his music”

I have had numerous conversations with him regarding community uplift activities and his love for his family and children!

“Gabrielto has impressed me with his ongoing support of public radio especially Canto Tropical and Alma Del Barrio and live music”

Scorpio, Reporter, Correspondent and Anchor

Scorpio and Max at the NAMM Show — Scorpio and Max from La Verdad

Pictures of NAMM

People shopping in the stands of the NAMM Show

Instruments at The NAMM Show — Some instruments at The NAMM Show

Humberto Ruiz Jr, Musician at The NAMM Show — Humberto Ruiz Jr, Musician

Musicians on stage at the NAMM Show — Some musicians on stage at the NAMM Show

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The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus is a non-profit mobile production studio.