INSTRUCTORS

Reynaldo Gonzalez Fernandez was born in Matanzas, Cuba, and has been dancing, singing and playing percussion since early childhood. After graduating from the Escuela para Instructores de Arte in 1984, he became one of the principal dancers and choreographers for the prominent Cuban group Afro-Cuba de Matanzas and toured with the group to the U.S. in 1996. He has taught Afro-Cuban dance, percussion and song ever since his arrival to the U.S. He has a vast knowledge of ritual dances, chants and rhythms of Yoruba, Bantu, Abakua, Palo and Yessa.

Susana Arenas began her artistry in dance at age 12 when she took the opportunity to study at the Casa de la Cultura in Matanzas, Cuba. Upon completion of studies in Matanzas, Arenas moved to Havana and joined popular, folkloric, and theater dance troupes, including Tierra Virgen, Alafia Ire, Oche Olorum and Oriki. In addition, she was a soloist for Compania Folklorica Raices Profundas, and has performed and taught in the U.S. and Europe.

Lazaro Galarraga is a native of Havana, Cuba. He was a founding member of the Conjunto Folklorico Nacional de Cuba. A world-renowned teacher, performing artist, choreographer and writer of Afro-Cuban music, culture and folklore, he has recorded, performed and taught across the U.S. and worldwide. He is now the musical director for the Caribbean Crew and for the Percussion Artists Workshop (PAWS) Afro-Cuban Folklore ensemble in Los Angeles.

Pedrito Martinez was born and raised in Havana, Cuba. He began his musical career at age 11, performing as vocalist and percussionist with legends Lazaro Ros, Merceditas Valdes, Oriki, Pancho Quinto, Obba Ilu, Yoruba Andabo, and Tata Guines. In the U.S. he has performed with Puntilla, Steve Turre, Chico O Farrill, Paquito D’Rivera, Eddie Palmieri, The Conga Kings and many others. He also performed in the motion picture “Calle 54,” as well as other television works.

Roman Díaz is a master percussionist from Havana, where he was trained by elders in the fine arts of classic Afro-Cuban musical traditions. He has performed with groups including Raices Profunda, Grupo T con E, Ochestra Sublime, Yoruba Andabo, and Grupo Anaki. In the U.S., Diaz has collaborated with many musicians including Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez, Paquito D’Rivera, Juan Formell, Pedrito Martinez and Oriando “Puntilla” Rios.

Israel “Toto” Berriel was born in Matanzas City, Cuba, and began his career at age 16 as an musician in Los Yumurinos, which had been mentored by members of the groups Afrocuba and Los Munequitos. Tito began performing with Afrocuba in 1988, and in 1991, began singing with Los Munequitos with whom he toured internationally. Residing in Canada since 2001, Tito continues to perform and teach traditional, popular, and folkloric music in Canada and abroad.

Ramon "Sandy" Pérez joined Grupo Afro-Cuba de Matanzas at age 17, and within a few years he earned the positions of principal drummer and soloist. He was a featured artist at the 1996 Havana Jazz Festival and performed at the 1996 Afrocubanismo Festival in Banff, Canada. Although the roots of his techniques are founded in Afro-Cuban folkloric styles, Pérez's open-minded approach has enabled him to adapt to styles ranging from Cuban popular (salsa) to fusion and avant-garde jazz.

Jesus Diaz is a native of Havana, Cuba. He has taught and performed in the S.F. Bay area since 1980. He also performs and teaches internationally with his all-percussion group Talking Drums. He has made over a dozen recordings and co-founded Bombo Music Productions in 1993, producing four records under the Bombo music label. Jesus has toured with Dizzy Gillespie, Bobby Womack, Tito Puente, Pete Escovedo, Sheila E, Carlos Santana, Conjunto Cespedes, Jose Luis "Changuito" Quintana, Giovanni Hidalgo and Celia Cruz.

Michael Spiro is an internationally recognized percussionist, recording artist, and educator known specifically for his work in the Latin music field. He studied for seven years in an apprenticeship with Francisco Aquabella. He has studied in Cuba with musicians such as Jose Luis "Changuito" Quintana, Esteban "Cha-Cha" Vega Bacallao , Daniel Diaz, Juan "Claro" Blanco, Regino Jimenez, and Los Muñequitos de Matanzas.

John Santos, multi-percussionist, is a major exponent of Afro-Latin music through innovative use of traditional forms and instruments with contemporary music, and record/event production. He’s worked with acknowledged masters such as Cachao, Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Puente, Max Roach, Armando Peraza, Eddie Palmieri, Patato Valdés, Francisco Aguabella, Orestes Vilató, Batacumbele, Steve Turre, McCoy Tyner, and Carlos Santana. Santos is a member of the Latin Jazz Advisory Committee of the Smithsonian Institution, has contributed to several international magazines, and has conducted countless workshops, lectures and clinics in the U.S. and Europe. He is also founder and director (1985) of the internationally renowned Machete Ensemble. Its CD, SF Bay, was a 2003 Grammy nominee, and their current (seventh) CD, Brazos Abiertos, is receiving international critical acclaim.