Upcoming Mambo Tropical Gigs:

About Mambo Tropical

Posted At : April 9, 2007 12:58 PM | Posted By : Jim Polizzi
Related Categories: Mambo Tropical

Mambo Tropical

Yvette Watts (Canta): has always been passionate about music. Born in San Luis Obispo, California, Yvette was exposed to music at an early age. Yvette has performed on the TV show Buscando Estrellas and won first prize at the Festival de la Cancion Latino Americana. She has toured throughout Europe with the Cuesta College Vocal Jazz Ensemble and has studied with Russian opera legend Marina Koshetz as well as with Nela Girolo. Yvette's influences include Celia Cruz, Gloria Estefan, Linda Ronstadt, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Luis Miguel, Andrea Bocelli, Jose Feliciano, as well as Natalie Cole and Dianne Schur.
Teresa Orozco-Petersen (Flauta): While growing up in her first generation Salvadorian household, Teresa was exposed to a wide variety of musical styles, including Latin, Rock, Brazilian Pop and Classical. Teresa is currently a contract musician with the Monterey Symphony, Bayshore Lyric Opera and New Music Works. She also performs with Agua na Boca-a Brazilian Jazz/Pop trio, One Eyed Cat and Ovation Chamber Music. She has toured with the San Francisco Western Opera Theatre and has studied with numerous flutists including: Jean Pierre Rampal, Robert Stallman, Barbara Breeden, Keith Underwood, Ina Mae Holt, Maria Tamburrino and, her mentor, flutist Isabelle Chapuis-Starr. Teresa has won several awards and first prizes in many prestigious competitions. Her formal education includes a Masters in Music Performance, Magna Cum Laude, from San Jose State University. Her musical influence permeates her home and her three children and their exceptional musical endeavors including piano, guitar violin, vocals and composition.
Joaquin Pla (Percussion): was born in Barranquilla, Columbia in a musical family of six brothers and two sisters, all of which play in various groups. Joaquin has played and recorded with flautist Nester Torres, the Lucho Bermudez Orchestra as well as Grupo Niche.
John Halbleib (Trompeta): is an exceptionally talented musician hailing from Fremont, California. John inherited his musical talent from his father, and has performed with an array of artists including Aaron Neville, Aretha Franklin and Prince. John also played on the score for the film Dogma starring Al Pacino.
Shane Cantanho (Piano): began classical training in the third grade and jazz in high school. Shane won the outstanding solo award at the Herb Patnoe Jazz Festival and was awarded a BA in music from San Jose State University.
Other members include:: Scott Knipplemeir, Jamie Dubberly, Jim Polizzi, Alex Specht, Aaron Szabo, Orlando Castro, and Jose De Puerto Rico.