Born and raised in Brooklyn, Chika is a study in stereotypes and contrasts. Since her first steps, thanks to her musically rich Puerto Rican and Dominican heritage, she’s been in love with the rhythms of her parents Caribbean music. Her mother and uncle were both local champion Salsa dancers & Chika herself began performing in neighborhood talent shows as early as the third grade. Her early years were tainted by pain and suffering and she finds music less of a vocation and more of an outlet to release her thoughts and emotions. What might have spelled the end for many young girls was simply a new beginning for the remarkably resilient Chika.

Chika got her first break when she was introduced to Sergio George, and worked with his label, WEA Latina. She then linked up with DLG and toured Japan, Spain, Columbia, Peru, Bolivia, Honduras, and Costa Rica. She helped write, and was featured on, DLGs album “Volvere” as well as wrote and performed on “Sergio George’s live album at Manhattan Center” which featured Gilberto Santa Rosa, Sergio Vargas, and Victor Manuel. After a short lived hiatus Chika continued forward with her career and after appearing on Fragment Crew’s Album “Anything Goes” released under Univision Records she was invited by Grammy Nominated producer, Dj Napoles to be a member of the international duo ChikaMelina. The darling divas encountered much success and Chika embarked on yet another international tour. They toped the Billboard Charts with their first single “No Me Llores” and shot the video for it in Geneva Switzerland.

After much success with collaborative efforts, Chika is now releasing a MixTape presented by Fragment Muzik titled “Pa La Calle” which features her first single “Washington Heights” as well as collaborations with artists like Notch, Daddy Yankee and Fabolous along with the smash remixes of “El Amor” by Tito el Bambino & “Hasta Abajo” by Don Omar. Chika believes that music is an amazing medium in which she can express herself and convert the tears from her past into a beautiful career. “The hardships that once isolated me can connect me intimately, and universally, to many people in similar situations” says the luscious Latina. Captivating vocals over thumping tracks are her specialty and if her resilience is a testimony to her will to succeed we’ve only just begun to hear what Chika has to say.

Biography

EURÓPA is a 6 piece Contemporary/Smooth Jazz and R&B group with a Latin flavor from San Antonio, Texas.  At the start of 2000, EURÓPA was formed by group founder, keyboardist and music director Alexander Ambrozaitis. Alex together with bass player James Pickens, lead alto saxophonist Virdrick Pettit and drummer Michael Alexander recorded EURÓPA’s first CD titled “ONE” in 2002.  EURÓPA had gone through a few musician changes and additions.  The first addition to the group was AJ Ambrozaitis on tenor/alto sax, keyboards, percussion and vocals in 2002. Another addition included vocalist RG Dean.  In 2003 Anselmo Leal became the lead alto/soprano sax and percussionist replacing Virdrick Pettit.  In 2008, Nate Crawford replaced drummer Michael Alexander, and sax player extordainer Onel Jimenez replaced Anselmo Leal.  In 2005 EURÓPA was given the “Party Jazz” label by a jazz festival promoter Robert Jackson from Louisiana, giving a name to the sounds and style of EURÓPA.

Throughout the years EURÓPA has toured in Texas, North America and Europe.  EURÓPA has opened for and or shared the stage with such artist as Warren Hill,  Chris Botti, Eddie Baccus, Pieces of a Dream, Kyle Turner, Strunz & Farrah, Confunkshun, Lakeside, Brian Culbertson, Michael Lington, Peter White, Freddie Ravel, Joe Posada and many others.

EURÓPA is currently promoting the release of its 2nd CD titled “ELEMENTS”.  The ELEMENTS CD will feature original ontemporary/Smooth Jazz and an R&B vocal selection. Inclusive a Christmas song done and arranged by EURÓPA.

EURÓPA is also working on touring throughout North America, Europe and Asia to promote its music.

Instrumentation
EURÓPA’ is:
ALEX AMBROZAITIS – Music director, lead keyboards and vocals. 
JAMES PICKENS – Assistant musical director, 4,5,6 string bass and vocals.
NATE CRAWFORD – Drums, percussion and vocals.
ONEL JIMENEZ – Alto sax, vocals and percussion.
AJ AMBROZAITIS – Tenor/alto/soprano sax, percussion, keyboards and vocals.
RG DEAN – Lead/back-up vocals and percussion.

Son del Sur is a Los Angeles-based Latin music ensemble featuring Afro-Cuban percussion, violin, flute, trumpet, guitar and bass. We play traditional Cuban son, charanga, cha cha, cumbia, Latin jazz and other musical styles commonly known as salsa. We blend the traditional with the new to evoke a familiar yet innovative sound.

The group has entertained thousands of audiences in their 10 years of performance experience. They are skilled at engaging an audience with song and dance in a multitude of settings including city concerts, restaurants, night clubs or intimate engagements such as weddings, galas, or fundraisers.

Son del Sur was recently featured at Descarga; a Telemundo-Mun2 Summer Concert production at the Universal CityWalk. In addition, they appeared in the Muy Buenos Dias morning show that is televised to a national audience where they performed original music from their first CD release Musica Para Resonar el Alma and their upcoming 2nd CD production.

Son del Sur is ready to perform and entertain! !Puro Ache!

El Ruco, Chuco, Cholo, Pachuco

A One Man Performance

Written and performed by 
Pepe Serna

Acclaimed veteran actor, painter, and Master Teacher Pepe Serna and stars in his one-man show titled: “El Ruco, Chuco, Cholo, Pachuco”.

Through his mystical rhymes, The versatile actor takes you on a journey dating back to the pre-Columbian era that includes the legends from beyond. This universal stage propels him into a variety of characters from his past, present and future as he explores his Chicano experience and roots with split-second intensity.

“In this live performance, I want to reach out into the audience and celebrate our unique culture through the arts. I believe each and every one of us is an artist in their own lives.”

Serna’s performance goes in and out of each personality with laser-like clarity, as he jumps from century to century, continent to continent and ranging from the very serious to the comedic. The audience will end up laughing at itself.

“My performance will either give life to the child buried deep inside or reacquaint you with the child within you that begs to be heard. This is an adventure in the joy of your daily life. I perform what I hope to be a bridge to greater understanding from culture to culture and compassion for the soul’s ethnic journey because we really are all members of the same American Family.”

Through this intense and colorful performance Pepe Serna uses brilliant Mexican colors in his work to transport the audience through him onto the stage.

If his performance were a painting, you would experience the bold and vibrant strokes of his brush become his stage through the use of a magical palette of words in English, Spanish, and Calo (Mexican-American Slang). The audience is his subject and is transformed into the painting with him.
 
El Ruco, Chuco, Cholo, Pachuco

A One Man PERFORMANCE

Biography

Veteran actor and Master Teacher Pepe Serna has appeared in more than 100 feature films and 300 television shows. He has also lent his vocal talents to the Fox hit series “The PJ’s.” Serna played the part of Sanchez, who speaks with the aid of a voice box and is the only Hispanic cast member of the zany inner city characters created by Eddie Murphy. Recently, Serna starred in the controversial “Kingpin” on NBC.

Serna is best known for his performances in several motion pictures, most notably “Scarface” with Al Pacino. In fact, the incredible popularity of this film has turned it into a cult classic, and items relating to “Scarface” are now in great demand, as proven recently on E-bay. With this in mind, Serna has created a limited edition art piece-a Scarface Montage incorporating a cast of the infamous “arm,” available only here. Other films for which Serna is best known include “The Rookie” with Clint Eastwood; “American Me” with Edward James Olmos; “Silverado” with Kevin Costner; and the widely recognized Science Fiction classic “Buckaroo Banzi.”

The actor has also had the distinct honor of having played Jennifer Lopez’s father in two CBS series: “Second Chances” and “Hotel Malibu” just before her ascent to super stardom.

After many years in front of the cameras, Serna has taken his talents behind the scenes as an associate producer for the widely acclaimed independent film “Luminarias.”

This renaissance man of the millenium is also an accomplished artist, who began painting with the encouragement of his wife Diane, whom he met in 1969. His paintings reflect the vibrant and tropical colors of Mexico, and his artwork hangs in galleries and in the homes of art aficionados throughout the Southwest. He was recently commissioned by the Los Angeles Annenberg Metropolitan Project and the Mark Taper Foundation to paint an inspirational canvas on the subject of reading. It was turned into a poster and given to students in the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Serna was discovered by the legendary producer Hal Wallis, who also discovered other young talents like Burt Lancaster, Kirk Douglas and Elvis Presley. Serna has been honored by the Screen Actors Guild Heritage Achievement Award; the League of United Latin American Citizens, and the prestigious Estrella Award for Arts & Culture from the Orange Country Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

A native of Corpus Christi, Texas, Serna resides in Newport Beach, California with his wife Diane, who he calls both his critical eye and his inspiration.

A career than spans over four decades, Saldivar has grown to be one of the most dynamic and electrifying accordionist today. He is considered not only a pioneer, but a legend in Conjunto music.

At the age of 66, Saldivar was awarded our nations highest honor. In September of 2002, the National Endowment for the Arts awarded Mingo with the National Heritage Fellowship Award. An award that recognizes individuals for their lifetime achievement, artistic excellence and contributions to our nation’s traditional arts heritage.

Known to his fans as “The Dancing Cowboy”, Saldivar is now considered a National Treasure for his contributions through his music. Born in Marion, Texas a small community just Northeast of San Antonio, Saldivar was introduced to music by his father Jesus Saldivar and mother Pauline Saldivar. At the age of 11 Saldivar began learning the guitar, taught to him by his father. In time and after mastering several different instruments, Saldivar found his talent to be with the button accordion.

After spending sometime in the army as a paratrooper, Saldivar was introduced to the sound of country music and rhythm and blues, which today you can hear how he has incorporated it into his own unique style of playing. After leaving the army, Saldivar played with different conjunto bands, including Los Guadalupanos.

In 1964, Saldivar took his family to Anchorage, Alaska where he opened up a Mexican restaurant and created the only Conjunto band in the area. In 1971, Saldivar came back to his native San Antonio, where in 1975 started his own group known today as Mingo Saldivar Y Los Cuatro Espadas.

In recent years Saldivar has played at such venues as President Clinton’s First Inaugural Gala, the 1996 Olympics, Carnegie Hall, and a 5 week USIA tour of Africa and the Near Middle East. Saldivar is an Ambassador of Hispanic culture and tradition, sending his message through every note played on his accordion.

Mariachi Tapatio de Alvaro Paulino, not only are they New York’s Finest Mariachi, but they have been rated as the “Northeast’s Finest Mariachi from NYC!” Que Viva El Mariachi Si Señor! Just as seen on channels ABC, NBC, MTV, MTV Tres, Univision, Telemundo etc. Not only has Mariachi Tapatio done TV shows, they have also done concerts at Lincoln Center, Madison Square Garden, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Rockefellar Center, Cipriani Wall St. etc. Musical director Alvaro Paulino Jr. also tours with the “Nation’s Premier Mariachi”, Mariachi Sol De Mexico del maestro Jose Hernandez along with the great singer Luis Miguel! We have from the smallest to largest band available for you!

Mariachi Tapatio De Alvaro Paulino has performed at:
-Encuentro International Del Mariachi in New York, NY, Annually_
-Santa Cecilia Celebration in Brooklyn, NY, Annually
_-4th of July Parade in Florham Park, NJ, Annually
_-Jose Jose’s “El Principe De La Cancion” 40th Career Anniversary in New York, NY, February 2003 _
-Hispanic Heritage Celebration in Huntington, NY, October 3, 2003 _
-Harborfest in Oswego, NY, July 22-25, 2004
_-1st Mexican Independence Day celebtration at City Hall in New York, NY, September 16, 2004
_-Hispanic Heritage Celebration in Huntington, NY, October 1, 2004
_-Latino Leadership Alliance Banquet and Fundraiser in Philadelphia, PA, October 14, 2004
-David Letterman Show in New York, NY, May 4, 2005
-ASUKA Cruise in Cayman Islands, Panama and Costa Rica June 18 – 22, 2005
-TARGET wake up calls for Black Friday Sale Nationwide November 2005
-ABC’s Good Morning America in New York, NY, May 5, 2006
-III Congreso Mariano in New York, NY, May 21, 2006
-Premios Sin Limite in Long Island, NY, June 15, 2006
-El Diario De Mexico 4th Anniversary in New York, NY, August 25, 2006
-Casa Puebla, Yvonne Limon’s Art Expo in New York, NY August 25, 2006
-Madison Square Garden, Irish Ropes Boxing (John Duddy vs. Yory Boy Campas) in New York, NY, September 29, 2006
-St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York, NY, December 12, 2006
-Copa Cabana in New York, NY, May 4, 2007
-Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, NY, May 5 – 6, 2007
-McDonald’s Promotion on 93.1 Amor in New York, NY, June 14, 2007
-Maria Felix Expo at Rockefellar Plaza in New York, NY, July 16, 2007
-Pier 61 South Street Seaport in New York, NY, July 26, 2007
-97.9 FM La Mega Studios in New York, NY, August 13, 2007
-92.7 FM La Que Buena in New York, NY, August 18, 2007
-NYTVF 2007 (New York Television Film Festival) Video Shmideo Screening in New York, NY September 5 – 9, 2007
-Mexian Cultural Center for the Mexican Independence Day Celebration in Philadelphia, PA September 16, 2007
-PEPSI Bottling Group Hispanic Heritage Celebration in Somers, NY, October 11, 2007
-Brooklyn Borough Hall for Brooklyn’s President Marty Markowit in Brooklyn, NY, October 4, 2007
-Dia De Los Muertos – Mano a Mano: Mexican Culture Without Borders / Cultura Mexicana Sin Fronteras in New York, NY, November 2, 2007
-Musical performance with with Lola Beltrran;s daughter, Maria Elena Beltran in Baltimore, MD, November 19, 2007
- Shoot for RPI/MTV 52/52 Bands: Wyclef Jean and Melissa Jimenez in New York, NY, December 7, 2007
- Fundraiser for National Dance Institute of Manhattan at Lincoln Center on April 7, 2008
- The Times Center in NYC on April 28, 2008
- Turnstone Casino in Verona, NY May 2 – 3, 2008
- “Cinco De Mayo” concert at Flushing Meadow, Park in Queens, NY on May 4, 2008
- Backed up Pablo Montero, Maria Elena Beltran, and Tigre Lupercio at Flushing Meadows, Queens, NY May 4, 2008
- 97.9 FM La Mega studio on the #1 morning “El Vacilon De La Mañana” in NYC on May 5, 2008
-McDonald’s promotion for Southern Style chicken biscuit and sandwich in NYC on May 15, 2008.
-America’s Society Gala on Cipriani Wall St. in NYC on June 4, 2008.
-Mexican Co. “Televisa” on World Yacht Marina Pier 81 in NYC on June 11, 2008.
-TV show “The Whitest Kids You know” Nov. 2008
-Holiday Online Card on www.myfacelol.com Dec. 2008
-ABC Tv show “Cupid” Summer 2008 – Winter 2009
-MTV Tres commercial for ESL Jan, 27, 2009
-Jose Cuervo “Silver” Promotion party Jan 30, 2009
-“Suburban Adventures” TV shoot Jan 31, 2009
-Television show “Make My Day” with Vivica Fox and Montel Williams in NYC May 29, 2009
-Concert at Rockefeller Center for NYC Restaurants reception June 8, 2009
-Tribute to “The Beatles” concert in Union Square NYC on Sept, 9,2009
-Flim shoot for MGM movie “Zookeeper” with Kevin James in Boston, MA on Sept 27-29, 2009
-NBC comedy show “30 Rock” with Tina Fey and Tracy Morgan Oct. 26, 2009
-Sketch film shoot for in Fort Greene Park, Brooklyn NY Dec. 6, 2009
-Concert at “Museo Del Barrio” Dec. 20, 2009

A little over 3 years in the making, DFW’s newest and hottest Tejano Band is taking North Texas by storm! Made up of 7 talented and spirited musicians, this 3 man front versitile band made a big splash in DFW in 2001. 

Carl Gomez, Isaac Gonzalez, Timmy Trevino, Alvino Torres, Gabriel Gonzalez,  Matt Calderon, and Abel Casillas are the full force behind Grupo Sueno and promises to take the band to the extreme in the Tejano industry. Grupo Sueno not only specializes in Tejano, their versitality also consists of Funk, Rock, Disco, R&B, Salsa, Pop, Rock en Espanol, Conjunto, Old Skool Chicano, and Cumbiaso.

The harmonizing of 3 backup vocalists, Grupo Sueno mixes in today’s Tejano Onda with the classic sounds of the Chicano Era. Known as “The Dream Team”, Grupo Sueno does indeed have the talent to make it in the tough world of Tejano. With the key ingredients of desire, drive, focus, and the support of their families and friends, Sueno’s  “dream” will become a reality.

Internationally renowned 17 piece Orchestra with the best in traditional Tropical Latin Music. Performing their own original music and the all time hits from the golden era of the Mambo Kings will have you dancing instantly.

“The ensemble clearly ranks among the city’s most accomplished performers of Cumbia, Bolero, Mambo, Danzon and other Afro-Cuban musical forms”. “La Orquesta Sabor Latino” has achieved an elusive balance between its robust performances of Colombian style Cumbia, Cuban Mambo and Danzon along with its romantic Bolero arrangements that will keep you on the dance floor all night long.

INFLUENCES:
La Billo’s Caracas Boy’s, Los Hermanos Martelo, Perez Prado. Mariano Merceron, Tito Rodriguez.

AVAILABLE FOR:
Anniversaries, Awards Nights, Bachelor Parties, Bachelorette Parties, Banquets, Birthday Parties, Casinos, Christenings, Christmas Parties, Church Services, Clubs, Coffee Shops, Community Events, Conventions, Corporate Functions, Country Clubs, Cruise Ships, Dinner Dances, Festivals, Fraternity Functions, Fund Raisers, Graduation Parties, Grand Openings, Hotels, Picnics, Private Parties, Proms, Resorts, Restaurants, Reunions, Showers, Ski Lodges, Sorority Function, Studio Session, Weddings.

Biography
Seguida-To follow quickly without interruption

SEGUIDA is a name that is very recognizable to the ardent Latin music aficionado. The NY Village Voice called them “THE SON’S OF SANTANA!” From their inception in 1972, Fania Record artists, Seguida had paved the way for the genre of Latin Rock to blossom. Their distinctive “East Coast” Afro-Cuban-Salsa-Rock sound grew out of the barrios of the Bronx, NY and has continued to delight audiences all over the world in present times. Seguida has now been chosen by MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL to be part of MLB.com’s MAJOR LEAGUE ARTIST SERIES! MLB has created a special MLB/SEGUIDA webpage with all new music videos, band interviews and much more! Included as part of the Fania All Stars, Seguida has toured extensively throughout the world, spreading their infectious sounds of Latin-Rock-Jazz as they shared the stage with such great music stars as BOB MARLEY, SANTANA, MALO, CAMEO, GQ, BILLY JOEL, ELTON JOHN, Larry Harlow, Eddie Palmieri, Hector LaVoe, Willie Colon, and the list goes on. Their two albums on the Fania Music Label (Love is…Seguida, & On Our Way To Tomorrow…Seguida) still continue to enjoy record sales all over the world. Produced by the team of Steve Adorno/Kevin Zambrana, Seguida brings tradition plus new innovations to the genre of Latin-Rock Alternative music. Continuing with their tradition of using English vocals and Spanish Soneros to top off a hot salsa-soul-rock feel has proven to be a successful formula for Seguida. Seguida combines flavors of R&B, Hip-Hop, & Jazz to round out the new sounds of Seguida. SEGUIDA recently performed two High Powered shows at the HIGHLINE BALLROOM & BLENDER THEATER in NEW YORK CITY.

Instrumentation
Steve Adorno drums
Lori Rose vocals
Louie Perez guitar
Gregory Rahiim Press keyboards
Wally Irizarry bass
Pito Castillo congas
Juan Sepulveda percussion
Pete Nater trumpet
Phil Ocasio woodwinds
Julian Meyers woodwinds
Joe De Jesus Trombone

Los Pecados De Maria combine the power of Hard Rock with the influences of their Latin heritage, to bring a loud and emotional mix to the rock en espanol genre. Formed in Chicago in 2004 the band was founded by lead vocalist Marialen Magana. Her inspiration for the group came after writing what would later become the bands first single, “Por Si Una Vez”. Choosing the direction of rock, and using her influences of traditional Mexican art and music, she formed an image for the band that would shape the culture for Los Pecados. The band started coming together when Tijuana Mexico native Javier Cazares jumped on board. His aggressive approach to the lead guitar was only complimented by the percussive style of bassist Agustin Santana. Their experience in song writing only became enhanced by the solid legwork of drummer Alex Reynoso. Together the three musicians along with Marialen began to shape the style of rock she had envisioned for the band. Performing with World acts such as EI Tri, Mago de Oz, Enanitos Verdes, Panteon Roccoco, Alejandra Guzman, and Gloria Trevi. The band’s live show has the energy and excitement that can only be experienced in person.

Po, Si Un. Pez opens with the emotional power of Marialen’s voice on Me Fui., giving listeners a sample of the Rock Latino that combines the traditional with the conventional rock. Acoustic Pop Empty Home displays some of the music Latin rockers are always looking to hear. Tequila, a fun party song, showcases the clever song writing tactics that keeps the band and their listeners singing. Song four is the title and single Por Si Una Vez. Marialen’s smokey voice, and passionate lyrics gives us an inside to the emotion that was the inspiration for the song. Soul on Fire is a slight departure of the bands style. Sung in English and Spanish, this song smooth rhythmic feel is an example of the bands willingness to experiment with their music. Other songs include rockers Todo Para Ti, Once Again, and Pecador. Songs like Promesa, and Don’t Let Me Be, are fun pop songs that round of a solid music set. Also included are two bonus tracks, the songs EL Rey, traditionally performed by Jose Alfredo Jimenez and Elefante, a children’s nursery rhyme. These two rockers can only be described as fun and entertaining, which is a tribute to the bands sense of humor and creativity.