TLD Family
John Kadlecik, Guitar/Vocals
John Kadlecik is a singer, songwriter, and musician based in the DC-area who can play most string instruments, but is primarily known for being a guitar-slinging sideman to Grateful Dead members Phil Lesh and Bob Weir in the band Furthur. An original co-founder of the group Dark Star Orchestra, John has been performing improvisationally-oriented shows regularly since the late 1980's and touring nationally for the last 20 years. His work also includes several studio releases of original music, and he is currently active with Melvin Seals & JGB in addition his own group, The John Kadlecik Band, Furthermore and a "supergroup," the Golden Gate Wingmen.
Oscar Hernandez, Piano/MD
4X Grammy Award Winner Oscar Hernández has long been considered one of the most gifted and prominent pianist/ arrangers on the contemporary Latin, Latin-jazz and salsa music scene. He has achieved legendary status for his prolific career spanning now over 40 years. In addition to being our Pianist and Musical Director, Oscar Hernández is the leader of the world-renowned Spanish Harlem Orchestra, generally considered one of the best Salsa & Latin-Jazz Orchestras today and one of the finest music ensembles in the world. Oscar’s career as a professional began in the 70’s performing and recording with such seminal artists as Ismael Miranda, Ray Barreto, Celia Cruz, Conjunto Libre, Pete “El Conde” Rodriguez & Grupo Folklorico. Oscar was responsible for charting the musical course of the Rubén Blades Band. “Seis Del Solar”. In addition to being Rubén Blades pianist, arranger and musical director, Oscar Hernández has enjoyed a prolific musical career recording and performing with such world renown artists as Latin music king Tito Puente, Queen of Salsa Music Celia Cruz, Latin Pop Star Julio Iglesias, Juan Luis Guerra, Ray Barreto, Earl Klugh, Dave Valentin, Johnny Pacheco, Ismael Miranda, Pete"Conde" Rodríquez, Oscar De'leon, Luis "Perico" Ortiz, "Libre' "Grupo Folkorico Experimental", Willie Colón, Kirsty MacColl, etc. Oscar's musical exploits include working as Musical Director/Conductor, arranging and producing the music for “The Capeman,” pop-rock icon Paul Simon’s Broadway musical. Oscar's work as a studio session player can also be heard on numerous commercial jingles, some of which he has written and arranged. Among those is the hit show “Sex and the City.” In addition to leading New York's Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Oscar also has released 3 CD’s as a solo artist, Oscar Hernández & Alma Libre, titled, The Art of Latin Jazz, Love The Moment on Origin Records and Vision on his own Ovation Records.
Cha-Cha Charlie Chavez, Percussion
Carlos “Charlie” Chávez is a virtuoso percussionist whose performances are a fusion of his exquisite talent, his passionate spirit, and his rigorous study of the history of Latin percussion. In addition to performing, Charlie is also a devoted bandleader and a dedicated educator. He heads his own salsa group, Afrotruko, which has not only performed at major venues and festivals in Southern California, but has also opened for some of salsa's biggest stars. Charlie was born in Juchitán, Oaxaca, and grew up in Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz. The city’s rich Cuban and Caribbean Rhythms had a profound influence on Charlie’s decision to pursue his formal education in music. The Conservatory of Music at the University of Xalapa in Veracruz is where Charlie studied Trombone, Percussion and Piano from 1996-2001. In order to broaden his professional opportunities, Charlie moved to Tijuana in 2001. Since then, he has also performed extensively in Tijuana and in San Diego. Because of his natural musicality, Charlie has continued to broaden his repertoire of Latin percussion instruments which has earned him respect among his peers. In 2001, Charlie toured Europe and the United States with Lila Downs and Maldita Vecindad. He has also performed and shared the stage with some of Jazz and Latin music’s greatest artists including Poncho Sanchez, Charles McPherson, Gary Burton, Chuchito Valdez, Raul Pineda,The Spanish Harlem Orquesta, Denise De Kalafe, Iraida Noriega, Israel Varela, Celia Cruz Salsa Orquestra from Los Angeles, and Paquito D’Rivera in Boston . In addition to performing and teaching, Charlie has also been asked to lead percussion clinics in México City, Humbolt University in California and Berklee School of Music in Boston. Moreover, he has organized master percussion workshops in San Diego bringing in world class percussionists Georgie Padilla, David “La Mole” Ortiz, Tomasito Cruz, Pablito Rosario ,William "Kachiro" Thompson and the Great Jose Luis Quintana “ Changuito “ 2012 Charlie is also Guest Instructor at Mesa College in San Diego. When not performing, Charlie is instructing the next generation of Latin percussion players. His weekly classes meet in Tijuana and in San Diego.
Andy Sanesi, Drums
Andy Sanesi is a Los Angeles based drummer, He is currently the drummer for living legend Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons and also plays with Missing Persons whom he has played with for the last 5 years. His own band Blanco Diablo has a residency at The Mint in LA and plays regularly at other venues. Additionally Andy has played with and continues to play with a seemingly endless array of artists from virtually every genre of music. Some other artists Andy has worked with are Sebastian Bach, Johnny Rivers, LP, Elle King, Post Modern Jukebox, Dave Binney, Oz Noy, Eminem, Rihanna, Arturo Sandoval, Aloe Blacc, John Zorn, Nir Felder, Brian Charette, The Nick Hexum (of 311) Quintet, Nomad Trio with Scott Henderson and Rufus Philpot, The Julian Coryell Trio with Joe Bagg, John Beasley, Tim LeFebvre Doug Webb, Mitch Forman, Bob Shephard, Ben Shepard, Jerry Vivino, Hadrian Ferraud, Steve Weisberg, Hal Wilner, Carl Verheyen, Gryphon Labs, Sonny Liston (featuring members of Suicidal Tendencies) and Brian Baker’s various projects.
Rene Camacho, Bass
Rene Camacho is an acoustic and electric bassist living in Los Angeles. Originally from Tucson, Arizona, Rene received a degree in Jazz Studies and Composition from The University Of Arizona. While Trombone was his first instrument, he always had an affinity for the bass and in his college years the switch was made. Since moving to Los Angeles in 1996 Rene has had the opportunity to explore many musical ventures, both live and recording. When Rene first arrived to Los Angeles he began working with many Latin artists, most notably, a five-year stint with Celia Cruz and a brief time with Tito Puente. From there Rene began branching out to different genres such as Jazz, Soul, R&B, Country, as well as Rock. This has enabled him to record and tour with a wide variety of artists from different musical backgrounds, such artists as include Sergio Mendes, Ry Cooder, Oscar CastroNeves, Robben Ford, Angelique Kidjo, Linda Ronstadt, Draco Rosa, Raul Malo (The Mavericks), Rickie Lee Jones, Juan Gabriel, The Fifth Dimension, The Pointer Sisters, Canadian Pianist Carol Welsman, Arnold McCuller, Mongorama and Dean Brown. Rene continues to actively tour with Kevin Eubanks, Poncho Sanchez as well as with WAR and record with artists from all over the musical world.
Jacob Garcia, Vocalist
Hailing from Whittier, CA is Drummer/Singer/Songwriter/Producer-32 years old and living out his dream full-time. Growing up with Little Wllie G. as your dad, it's hard NOT to love music, Now writing/co-writing for artists like his father, Leigh Jones (Peak/Concord), Kimberly Cole (Crystal Ship Music) and many others. Jacob has been blessed to share the stage with artists such as Little Willie G., Los Lobos, The Banda Bros. and Ry Cooder. Currently playing for Little Willie G. and The Soul Collective (Top40/Dance). Jacob plays Soultone Cymbals, Mapex Drums, Tycoon Percussion and uses Haram Drumsticks.
Francisco Torres, Trombone
Francisco Torres is a trombonist, arranger, composer, and educator who hails from the state of Sonora, Mexico. He is the musical director for the legendary Poncho Sanchez and a member of Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, John Beasley’s Monkestra, and the Clare Fischer Big Band. He has been a part of several Grammy winning records including Latin Soul (Poncho Sanchez), ¡Ritmo! (Clare Fischer), That’s How We Roll and Life in the Bubble (Gordon Goodwin). For the past several years, he has produced several Poncho Sanchez albums, earning five Grammy and Latin Grammy nominations for Best Latin Jazz Album. As a sideman Francisco’s album credits include Pitbull, Frank Ocean, Michael Bublé, Ray Charles, The All-American Rejects, Jennifer Lopez, David Bowie, Robbie Williams, Brian Setzer, Ricky Martin, Los Lobos, Spoon, Dr. Dre, Busta Rhymes, 50 Cent, Eminem, Jackie Greene, Ry Cooder, Angélique Kidjo, Alejandro Fernández, Juan Gabriel, Jenni Rivera, Rocío Dúrcal, Sammy Nestico, John Beasley, Joey DeFrancesco, Kurt Elling, Dianne Reeves, Terence Blanchard, Pete Escovedo, Bill Cunliffe, Giovanni Hidalgo, Rebeca Mauleon, Francisco Aguabella, and the legendary Bob Dylan. He has performed with Santana, Cachao, Arturo Sandoval, Joey DeFrancesco, Stanley Clarke, Bill Holman, James Moody, Roy Hargrove, Nathan East, Alex Acuña, Natalie Cole, The Manhattan Transfer, Sheila E., and Harry Connick Jr. Film credits include Dance with Me, Confessions of a Shopaholic, The Informant!, Charlie St. Cloud, and Penguins of Madagascar. Television appearances include Saturday Night Live and The Late Show with Craig Ferguson (Spoon), The Tonight show (Aretha Franklin), American Music Awards (Jennifer Lopez), Latin Grammys (Celia Cruz), NBA All Star Game (Rihanna and Kanye West), as well as American Idol, America’s Got Talent, Duets, Alma Awards, the Grammy Awards, and a regular on the Dancing With The Stars orchestra.
Thomas Luer, Sax/Flute
Tom Luer is a freelance saxophonist who resides in Los Angeles, CA, and is a D’Addario Woodwinds Performing Artist. His album "Project Popular" was released in 2011 to critical acclaim. Recent recording credits include John Beasley’s Grammy nominated albums “MONK’estra:Volume 1, 2, and 3” Dave Slonaker’s Grammy nominated “Intrada” and Grammy winning jazz vocalist Kurt Elling's "The Brill Building Project". Tom has also recorded with Lee Ritenour, the Alan Chan Orchestra, Laura Dickenson, the Mike Barone Big Band, Wayne Bergeron Big Band, Cooper Phillips, the Bicoastal Collective, and Oliver Future. Music from Tom’s CD was featured in nationally broadcast promos by National Public Radio. Tom can also be heard on the soundtrack of the films “Daddy’s Home”, “Let Them All Talk” and “One Night in Miami”. Tom’s television appearances include the NBC’s “The Voice”, the NBC broadcast of “Sports Illustrated 50 Years of Beautiful” and the “X-Factor” on Fox, the American Music Awards, the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and the Ellen Degeneres Show. Additional performance credits and tours include John Beasley’s “Monk’estra”, Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, Poncho Sanchez, Queen Latifah, Tom Wopat, Patrizio Buanne, Engelbert Humperdinck and many more.
Pete Nater, Trumpet
Pete Nater is a renowned grammy-winning trumpet player, bandleader, and composer known for his contributions to Latin jazz and salsa music. Pete Nater was born on December 17, 1960, in the Bronx, New York City, United States. He grew up in a musical household, surrounded by the sounds of Latin music, particularly Afro-Cuban rhythms. Inspired by his father, who played the congas, Nater developed a passion for music at a young age. In his teenage years, Nater began studying trumpet and quickly honed his skills on the instrument. He drew influence from trumpet players such as Dizzy Gillespie, Clifford Brown, and Chocolate Armenteros. He immersed himself in the vibrant New York Latin music scene, performing in local bands and gaining recognition for his exceptional trumpet playing. Nater's talent eventually led him to work with several prominent artists and ensembles in the Latin music genre. He became a member of the legendary salsa band Conjunto Libre, led by Manny Oquendo, and later joined the renowned Latin jazz group The Latin Jazz Coalition. His skillful trumpet playing and improvisational abilities earned him a reputation as a standout performer. Aside from being a gifted instrumentalist, Pete Nater is also a prolific composer and arranger. He has written numerous original compositions, showcasing his deep understanding of Latin jazz and salsa music. Nater's compositions often incorporate complex rhythmic patterns and captivating melodies, highlighting his musical creativity and versatility. Throughout his career, Pete Nater has recorded and performed with an endless list of esteemed musicians and bands, including Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri, Johnny Pacheco, and Celia Cruz, among others. His contributions to the Latin music scene have earned him critical acclaim and respect from fellow musicians and audiences alike.
Al Acosta, Sax/Flute
A very talented New York native who has broken boundaries in the Salsa, Merengue, Jazz, Latin Jazz and Swing genre.
He was a member of the Band of Tito Puente, Tito Rodriguez Jr., Machito, Rafael Cortijo, Ray Santos, Kako Bastar, Luis Ramirez, Johnny Ray, The Big Three, Xavier Cugot Orchestra, Chico Alvarez, Lynn Oliver (swing), Los Tremendos de Colombia, Los Chevere de Colombia, Maritza Y Sus Galanes Numero Uno and Orquesta Carnaval.
Al has recorded with Grupo Caribe, Joe Quijano, Metropolitana, Candido Hernandez y Palos de Fuego, Jose Catellar y Cachao, Landy Felix y Su Orquesta, Negro Estrella (merengue), Tony Perez (merengue), David Byrne (Talking Heads), Abe Silverman Orchestra (Jazz), George Gee (swing), Blue Mambo (latin jazz), Mambo Negro (latin jazz) and many more.
Andy Vargas, Vocalist
As an adolescent, Andy started writing songs, joined a young Latino singing group and began mixing music and “spinning” as a local DJ. Andy’s dedication to his music career earned him a recording contract with RCA/BMG, negotiated by record executive Ron Fair. Andy’s passion, discipline and dedication to producing music, soon paved the way for a successful future. In 1999, Andy would become the new lead vocalist for the legendary Santana band, kicking off the upcoming Supernatural World Tour. Since then, Andy has been on over 20 world tours with Santana, selling out arenas across the globe including a multi-year residency at the House of Blue in Las Vegas. Andy has also recorded or performed with music legends that include Patti Labelle, Enrique Iglesias, The Black Eyed Peas, Fergie, Yanni, MANÁ, Juanes, Beto Cuevas from La Ley, La Mafia, Idrissa Diop. Frankie J, Los Lobos, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Macy Gray, Doobie Brothers, Everlast, Rob Thomas, and a variety of others as a solo artists for special events. But when not performing at packed arenas with Santana, Andy will fill the seats and souls of fans with his own performances and his own music showcasing his unique blend of Latin Soul rhythms with his band. Andy has been performing as a solo artist for over 10 years and his name brand continues to grow as he continues to perform locally and internationally. And when not performing live on stage, you can find Andy in his studio developing new music for release and for opportunities in synchronization for television and film. Andy also dedicates time to Vargas Entertainment the event production arm of his company. In 2015, Andy launched The Andy Vargas Foundation (AVF), a nonprofit organization with a mission to inspire, educate and mentor underserved youth who strive for a career in the music industry. The AVF achieves its mission by providing youth with free community programs that include a Music Conservatory; Music Composition & Production Academy; and College Scholarships that are critical in paving the way for underserved youth to achieve their artistic dreams.
Katisse Buckingham, Sax/Flute
Growing up in Los Angeles, he cites Miles Davis, Run DMC, James Taylor, Malcolm Mclaren, Bach, Cachao, AC/DC, and Weather Report as equally important early influences. Katisse attended the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts. College took him to The Grove School of Music where he studied with multi Grammy winner, Rob McConnell. He also studied extensively with woodwind master, Bill Green. Katisse has performed and/or recorded with Yellowjackets, Prince, Dr. Dre (including The Chronic), Herbie Hancock, Roy Ayers, Andy Summers, Billy Childs, Zawinul Legacy Band, Airto & Flora Purim, LA Guitar Quartet, Brian Auger, Amos Lee, Strunz & Farah, Down To The Bone, Snoop Dog, Rakim, Anderson.Paak, Colin Hay, Ebi, Poncho Sanchez and many more. He has played on numerous films including (improvising) the "Jazz Flute" scene for the Will Ferrell film Anchorman - The Legend of Ron Burgundy (featured in the Hal Leonard book- 25 Great Flute Solos), the Golden Globe winning score to the Robert Redford film All Is Lost and is a featured soloist on the Universal Pictures animated film Minions, Minions 2, Warner Bros Smallfoot, The Peanuts Movie 2: Snoopy, Come Home, Crazy Rich Asians, La La Land (with John Legend), The Jesus Rolls (sequel to The Big Lebowski), Between Two Ferns- The Movie (including addition composition and orchestration), Sponge Bob 3 (Hans Zimmer). Television shows include The Simpsons, Perpetual Grace, Love (Judd Apatow), Queer as Folk, Kenan, The Big Leap, Bone and Shadow, Netflix’s Animal, The Kaminsky Method, The Spoils of Babylon (Will Ferrell), Luke Cage, Chi, Lovecraft Country, Penny Dreadful, among others. Katisse also composed and performed the 'flute only' score to the film Let's Scare Julie (see Music page for examples). Clinics and masterclasses at USC, UCLA, Cal State Northridge, University of Montana, Sacramento State, University of Idaho, Cal State Long Beach, Azuza Pacific University, University of Texas at Austin, West Texas A&M, Pomona College, Cal Arts, and University of Miami.
Magui Chavez, Vocalist
Magui Chavez is an incredible voice and hails from Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico.
Brenden Tacon, Percussion
Brenden, Founder of The Latin Dead, began his musical career in New York, circa 2005 playing percussion both locally and touring nationally with various groups/genres including Latin Jazz, Salsa, Reggae and Indie-Electro. He has studied with several master percussionists, highlighted by a tenure under Arturo O’Farrill at the Purchase Music Conservatory. Having grown up in The Grateful Dead community and having had the opportunity to accompany many of the established NY Latin musicians and bandleaders, he gained the necessary experience to launch a venture as ambitious as The Latin Dead. He has published a book of poetry and earned a Bachelor of Liberal Studies degree from Purchase College. Brenden currently resides in San Diego, CA with his wife.
Natalie Forteza, Vocalist
Natalie's unique, recognizable voice summons emotion through layers of Alt-Soul, Indie, Pop, and World Music. Natalie, and her band (also her writing comrades) have played respected NYC venues as the beloved Rockwood Music Hall and The Iridium, a highlight of her artistic debut was opening for Allen Stone, and Soul singer/songwriter Mutlu at Daryl Hall’s venue, Daryl’s House, and opening for Charlie Hunter at The Falcon, all in her Hudson Valley backyard. Raised in New York’s scenic Hudson Valley area for most of her life, Natalie draws much of her inspiration not only from her own personal experiences but from nature, from food, and from the mélange of different kinds of music she loves and grew up listening to. While music has always been her first love and has loved singing since childhood, Natalie considers herself a latecomer in her pursuits as a songwriter and recording artist. Emboldened to make up for lost time, she since has answered that call by threading all her inspiration into the fabric of who she is as a person, as well as who she is as an artist. Led to an introduction to Grammy winner Michael League of Snarky Puppy, League produced her debut EP “01,” released in 2015, where she delivers musical escapes to passionate places where love, mystery and loss all manage to swirl together. Since her debut EP, Natalie continues to peel back the layers of her artistry through the release of several singles.
Christopher Markisz, Executive Producer
Christopher Markisz, also known as Dub Sonata, is a music producer and photographer from New York City. In addition to releasing several full-length albums of his own, including the genre-bending Nights in Cuba in 2010, he's co-written and produced songs for Jidenna, Grammy- and Oscar-winners Rhymefest and Queen Latifah, indie mainstays Sage Francis and Sadat X, among others. His compositions have appeared in campaigns for Victoria's Secret, Time, Inc., and in HBO's Emmy-winning series Insecure. Markisz's photographic work has been published by National Geographic, Rizzoli, Vogue, and The U.S. Department of the Interior.
Christopher Burke, Organ
Christopher Francis (CF) Burke is a musician, vocalist, arranger, songwriter and engineer/producer with over 15 years of professional experience. His arrangements are featured on the Latin Dead’s debut album and will tour with us on Organ. A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano/organ, guitar, bass, accordion, tuba, and harmonica. Having studied at The University of Rochester, The Ontario Institute for Audio Recording Technology, and Lehman College, Chris has gone on to be the musical director/conductor for over 75 musical theater productions at the regional theater, college, high school and youth theater levels. In addition to private instruction in voice, piano, guitar and bass, he also taught band, choir, and music technology classes at schools in New York and Connecticut; including Brunswick School and The Garvey School. He currently teaches private music lessons in Westchester and Fairfield counties and New York City. Chris currently plays organ and sings in the band Soulshine (an Allman Bros. Band Experience) and has been featured in The Geoff Hartwell Band, Pat O’Shea and the Honest Men, The Jason Gisser Band, The Track, Johnny Feds, and The Messengers. His work playing in bands has led to sharing the stage or recording studio with artists including Sonny Landreth, Alan Evans (Soulive), Andy Aledort, Yonrico Scott (Derek Trucks Band), Gary Portnoy, and Shelton Becton. He also regularly performs solo with an acoustic guitar or piano in the NYC area. With a degree in audio engineering from OIART and years of experience behind the glass, Chris puts his producing, engineering and songwriting talents to work as a lead Project Manager and session musician at Tunedly.com, an online song production company. In addition to his work as a sideman and engineer, in 2015 CF Burke released a solo EP “Halfway Ballet” which serves as a showcase of his songwriting, performing, engineering and mixing skills. Out of his home studio in Westchester, CF Burke regularly produces tracks for vocal accompaniment, full production tracks for musical theater, voice-over spots, and can edit and mix commercial or film/tv works. He also composes original music for film/tv, ads, podcasts, or collaborative multi-media works.