Spanglish Band sets an innovative pace by extending an invitation to ALL CULTURES performing both American and Latino music. The song list is an eclectic mix of genresand styles sung in both English and Spanish. Once you experience the Spanglish Band, you will be captivated by the phenomenal talent and multiplicity of rhythms.
The band has also been concentrating on original music that is currently being added to performances. The cd they are working on will showcase traditional rhythms, yet incorporate fresh and innovative influences that extend the conventional boundaries. Traditional rhythms have never sounded so good, being spiced up Spanglish style!
We look forward to performing for you soon!
Spanglish Band esta haciendo su oleada como la primera en su género en Milwaukee. Inspirados en la comunidad de su ciudad y la diversidad, la banda dio sus primeros pasos en 2007 creando un repertorio que llegua a toda audiencia. Presenta Salsa, Merengue, Bacahata, Cumbia, Reggaeton, Funk , R&B y otras con las que la Spanglish Band les complacera.
Spanglish Band presenta un paso innovador, extendiendo una invitación a todas la culturas ejecutando música tanto Latina como Americana. La lista de canciones es una mezcla ecléptica de generos y estilos cantados en inglés y en español. Una vez que tengas la fortuna de escuchar Spanglish Band vas a estar cautivado por el talento fenomenal y la multiplicidad de ritmos.
La banda tambien se ha concentrado en música original que en la actualidad se estan añadiendo a sus presentaciones. En el CD que estan trabajando presentara ritmos tradicionales pero incorporando influencias frescas e innovadoras que sobrepasan las barreras convencionales. Los ritmos tradicionales nunca antes sonaron tan bien, siendo sazonadas con el estilo de Spanglish!
ULISIS SANTIAGO - owner/congas
I remember when I used to follow my father around as a kid, begging to go to his gigs with him. From the moment I realized what music was, it became a part of me...
a part of my soul...
Humility keeps Ulisis from letting his phenominal natural born talent go to his head. He is always improving upon his skills and believes that the minute you think you know it all, you stop learning. Ulisis began playing professionally in 1995 with a local mixed music band called Tropical Heat. At the same time, he was performing with Borinbomba, a cultural group that was educating the community about traditional bomba and plena music from Puerto Rico.
Since that time, he has been a free-lance musician exploring many styles of music with groups such as: Kojo, Abraxis, Bajo Zero, 4K-Torce, Salsa Power, Punto de Vista, New School Salsa Band, Madisalsa, Nabori, Michael Drake, Jeno Somlai, the Luis Diaz Quintet, Clave y Afinque and various Flamenco muscians.
The Spanglish Band idea came from his love of a variety of music and cultures. It also came as a response from the requests of the local community. The Spanglish Band is reaching both the Spanish and English speakers with a mix of songs from various groups and Spanglish original songs.
DENNIS LOPEZ - lead singer
Lead singer, Dennis Lopez is a true entertainer. When the Spanglish Band was forming, Dennis was the first to come to mind for its lead singer. With his versatile vocal abilities, he can master any genre Spanglish throws at him. He is currently writing originals for the band. Not only is he a tremendous singer, he can make the most difficult dance moves seem completely effortless as he performs with his dance group, Mambo Elegancia.
Born in Puerto Rico, his talents cross the arts with his passion in singing, dancing and playing instruments. It all began for him at the age of 13, when he traveled playing Bomba and Plena, traditional Puerto Rican music. He is an international performer, instructor and choreographer, dancing and singing for 23 years. Performing in numberous Salsa Congresses he represented Puerto Rico for 5 consecutive years, touring in Europe.
Lopez recently participated in the Chicago finals of “So You Thing You Can Dance” season three and was the winner of “Rumba with the Stars 2007”. For the past 8 years, he has been part of two local bands, Bajo Zero and Nabori. Dennis is the director of Mambo Elegancia, a local dance group, that astounds the audience with their fanciful footwork and artistic forms.
Jose E. Laboy, born and raised in the small town of Maunabo, PR. Jose started singing at a small age in the church his family attended. At the age of 11, his family makes the move to Milwaukee,WI were he later started playing in his brother's christian band "Ecos De Su Voz" as a percussionist and sometimes subbing in as a drummer and bass player as needed.
A few years later he began singing in local bands such as Salsa Power, Isla Adentro, Orquesta Fuego Latino in Madison, WI and lending his talent as a background vocalist with different local bands. June 30th, 2010, Jose joins the ranks as a vocalist with Spanglish Band as he sings for the first time with Spanglish Band at Summer Fest. What a great addition he is to the group!
With our firecracker, Bobby "Bongo" there is never a dull moment. The Spanglish Band loves his excitement and dedication to the music.
Trujilo started his music career at the age of 14, playing trumpet in high school. It was too loud at home to practice so he gave it up and was first tenor in the school choir. Later he joined an R&B band and various singing groups. Bobby is bringing a little of this flavor to the band with an old-school remix. "Ain't no sunshine when she's gone" has never sounded so good!
His first quartet was with Sonica Latina playing bongos and singing chorus. Later he joined other groups such as: Likes of Nacon, Salsa Power, Sabor, Kalidad, Clave Afinque, Isla Dentro and finally now with the Spanglish Band.
ORLANDO SANTIAGO - guitar/cuatro/vocals
Orlando learned how to play the guitar at the age 7 and join his first band at the age 12. The first instrument he learned was the guitar, then he went on to the bass, conga, bongos, sax, cuatro and the classical guitar. After a move to Milwaukee from Rochester, NY at the age 15, he joined a 13 piece kids band that played a variety of music. At the age 18 he relocated to the southern part of the United States where he was introduced to bluegrass, rockabilly, country, gospel and southern R&B funk. Back to Milwaukee in his late 20’s he took up a semester on music theory and studied and played with the best musician’s in the state.
Orlando has been influence by many musicians and teachers that came from different backgrounds and cultures. Being blessed with the opportunity to be surrounded
with such talented musicians in his lifetime, he can honestly say “I have no favorites”. He simply enjoys the universal language of music and the company that comes along with it. Orlando is also familiar with a variety of musical programs, software and hardware.
TONY RIVERA - piano
Tony is the youngest one in the group yet has the talent of a seasoned musician! Born and raised on the Southside of Milwaukee, music has always been something that has interested him and caught his attention. He started playing keys at the age of 7 years old, and has had a passion for music ever since then. Growing up, he has been exposed to many different genres of music such as Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Jazz, Hip Hop, RnB and much more.
Tony takes his knowledge of both English and Spanish genres and fuzes them together to help form an eclectic sound that The Spanglish Band produces. His humble personality and incredible sense of humor helps keep the band with a smile on their face!
As Milwaukee's best bass player, Maldonado adds a special flair to each performance. His love of music crosses all genres and his unique style can integrate with any type of music. This is just the type of thing that the Spanglish Band loves.
At 15, a family member put a bass in his hands and said “play this”. He decided it was a great idea so he took classes in high school. He started shorly after with a local band called Just Jammin. Since 1981 he has played with numberous local bands like Arizon Star, Latin Invation Combo 83+84, Abraxis and Punto de Vista Orchestra.
Jake's experience with the Spanglish Band is no longer new to him as he has been with Spanglish now for over 3 years! He is a natural and is always striving to perfect his execution on the trumpet.
Jake has been studying and playing trumpet for over 15 years. He has a degree in music from the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, where he studied trumpet with Bob Baca. When Jake is not playing with the Spanglish Band he is working as a band instrument repair technician at White House of Music in Wauwatosa.
Without intimidation, Kenny steps out towards the audience to showcase his musical solos. As a seasoned musician, it's easy to see why he's a local band favorite. Whether he's belting it out on the sax or the flute,
he is always giving a great performance.
Born in Milwaukee, WI, a graduate of the University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire with a Bachelor of Music Education degree. Past member of Punto de Vista Latin Orchestra and Old School Soul R&B Band.
Present member of Big Swing Face Big Band and Spanglish Band. Studied jazz composition with Dominic Spera and studied saxophone with Eugene Rouseau at Indiana University. Buyer for White House of Music stores.