THE VIBE TRIBE!  
                                                                                           

Aníbal "Andy Conga" Collazo Jr.  |  Percussion
	"Andy Conga", a founding member of The Abrazos Orchestra, was born and raised in New York City by Puerto Rican parents. "Subway seats, mailboxes and car fenders were my first instruments!" says the Bronx native who studied Afro-Caribbean music and it's roots at Harlem's Harbor Conservatory for The Performing Arts with Jonny Almendra, Jerome Goldschmidt and Greg Askew. He was also taken under the wing by boogaloo legend Johnny Colon and late Cuban master, Luis Andíno. Currently, Aníbal's mentoring with master drummer Angel R. Rodriguez. Friends /percussionists Antonio M. Rodriguez and Juan Gerena Jr. were also instrumental in his development. Aníbal began performing as a founding (and active) member of the Rock en Español group SOULSA. His love for Indy film led him to recording credits in several films; "Taino", "Vote for Me", "Rhythm of The Saints" and "Salsa Lessons". "Andy's" residency at The Borgata Casino (since 2003) in Atlantic City brought opportunities to perform alongside Wyclef Jean, ?uest Love and Tommie Lee to name a few. In addition, he's a member of up and coming Afrobeat outfit,  Underground System Afrobeat. "I'm extremely grateful in sharing music, the stage and lasting experiences with great people". He continues to help build community through "Abrazos" carrying love in his heart and unwavering enthusiasm!
Angel R. Rodriguez Sr.  |  Educator  |  Songwriter  |  Percussion
	Born in Bayamón Puerto Rico and raised in The South Bronx, Angel is one of the most influential artists whom has dedicated his entire life to preserving and sharing our music and culture. Through his skills and knowledge as a master percussionist and educator,  Angel continues to teach (for the past forty fours years) and inspire future generations with great passion and desire. His work in particular at The Point (South Bronx) in leading workshops and series such as "Living Legends" and "Mambo to Hip Hop" have proven to be vital and sustainable programs. Angel played his first gig at the age of 13. Since then, he's performed/recorded with countless artists; Junior Gonzalez, Paquito Guzman, Hector Tricoche, Tito Puente, Lalo Rodriguez, Orlando Marin, dave Valentin, Lionel Hampton, Hilton Ruiz, Wynton Marsalis, Billy Taylor, Dizzy Gillespie, Carlos "Patato" Valdez, Martha Wash, Vanessa Williams and many, many more.  Angel's currently working on his highly anticipated debut album "La Timba De Ayer". Abrazos is honored to have "Papa Angel", a living legend, as one of our own!
Tommie Nibbs  |  Vocals
	Tommie has a voice that moves people. Infused with music since he could remember, Tommie was singing songs since day one. A Dominican-American born in Washington Heights, NYC, Tommie was surrounded by music all the time. It began at home where his dad turned him on to 70’s and 80’s classics. Later, his brother Frank got him into New Wave, R&B, Salsa, Merengue, Hip Hop and House music. In particular, he embraced latin and soul music singing to Stevie Wonder, Hector Lavoe, Fausto Rey and Earth, Wind & Fire. Tommie later took off under the tutelage of Boris Buriev, Troy Randall and Marvin Aikens. He grew from a novice singer to becoming a bona-fide professional. Tommie released his first single, “All We Need Is Love” produced by the Groove Doctors for Soultrenz Records. The Dance Club tune became a smash hit. Internationally. He's invited to perform in The Republic of Lebanon by Lebanese DJ's and producers during the nation's civil conflict. Tommie embraced this rare opportunity to share his message. Quite an experience! "All We Need is Love has been remixed by several producers; Out-of-Office, Rivaz and Dennis Christopher. Since, Tommie's worked on "Movin" (Audio Sol) and "Fantasy"(Company Men).  His first album is set to release in 2012. Tommie strives to live by example. “Do in life what you love. It will always give you the strength. Pa’lante como un elefante!”
Anthony Almonté  |  Vocalist  |  Percussion
	Soon!
Ruben Lopez Jr.  |  Saxophone
	Soon!
Domenica Fossati  |  Educator  |  Flute  |  Vocals
	Soon!
Yeissonn Villamar   |  Composer  |  Piano
	One of New York's own, Grammy-nominated pianist and soloist Yeissonn Villamar is well on his way into becoming a world class pianist and musician. He attended LaGuardia High School and Harbor Conservatory for The Performing Arts. He's been exposed to various styles that include Jazz, Afro-Cuban and Hip Hop. Born and raised in Queens, Yeissonn as a young boy became the first ever junior member of The Association of International Peruvian music. He's had the pleasure and honor to have performed in South America and the US alongside Lucho Barrios, Arturo "Zambo" Cavero, Manuel Donayre and Pepe Vasquez. Having studied with Alfredo Valdez Jr. from an early age, he began his formal instruction at The Harbor at the age of 11 where he won the Charlie Palmieri Scholarship. There he was taken under the wings by great mentors such as Ramon Rodriguez, Martin Soderberg, Louis Bauzo, Sonny Bravo and Jonny Almendra. At 16, he received the Celiaz Cruz Scholarship ans first place winner for The Salvation Army as a classical pianist. Yeissonn merged into the Salsa scene and began performing regularly with Alfredo De La Fe and Ray De La Paz. To present day, he's emerged into a respected pianist and side man in NYC. He's either performed or recorded with Johnny Pacheco, Wynton Marsalis, Orestes Vilato, Giovanno Hidalgo, Bobby Sanabria, Candido Camero, Adalberto Santiago, Chico O Farrill's Afro Cuban Orchestra, Andy Gonzalez, Arturo O Farrill, The Latin Giants, Alfredo "Chocolate" Armenteros, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Lewis Nash, Scott Robinson, Yomo Toro, Roswell Rudd, Papo Lucca, lalo Rodriguez, Ismael Miranda, Michael Stuart and many more. Yeissonn can be heard on both of Bobby Sanabria's latest album "Big Band Urban Folktales and "El Espiritu Jibaro with Roswell Rudd and Yomo Toro. He's also made TV appearances in the documentaries "Mi Mambo" and "From Mambo to Hip Hop" and had spots in Telemundo and Univision shows such as Al Rojo Vivo and El Gordo y La Flaca. He's performed at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, Birdland, International Milan Festival, Madison Square Garden, Copacabana and El Festival Del Bolero in Peru. Yeissonn's recently graduated from The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music. The future is looking bright for this young man!!
Jesse Wallace  |  Educator  |  Drums & Percussion
	Born In Los Angeles, CA and raised in Sussex County, NJ, Jesse is virtually a self-taught drummer. Brought up by a musical family, he was consumed by music playing drums at the early age of seven. Since then, life has been a pursuit of music and drumming for Jesse. After graduating with a BA in Music Performance from UMass Lowell, Jesse’s path led him to NYC in 1999. Since landing in the Big Apple, Jesse has thrived on his musical diversity. He’s been involved with a variety of groups with varied styles. Projects like the elctro-synth pop band The Negatones, the Spanish rock opera “La Batutera”, the seventeen piece Ambitious Orchestra, the avant improvisational group Izititiz, the power trio Loud Owls, the critically acclaimed rock n roll puppet show about pirates “Jollyship The Whiz-Bang and of course, Abrazos! Jesse also has collaborated on film and theater and has toured internationally. Besides always being a student of the game, he continues to teach drumming, music production and conduct workshops.
Frank Almonté   |   Percussion
	Soon!
Crystal Vargas  |  Percussion
	Born in Hoboken, NJ, Crystal started playing percussion at age 4. Just a couple years later, she’s featured in the latin television show “Sabado Gigante” at age six! Crystal grew up listening to quite a bit of salsa music thanks to her dad Glen Vargas and his orchestra. Glen allowed Crystal to play with the band so she quickly developed her skills with confidence. She’s a Rutgers University graduate where also she played division 1 softball for four years. During same span, she was a member of the Puerto Rican National softball team from 2003-2007. Crystal continues to pursue her musical career through study and performance. She’s played with Wyclef Jean and currently works under the musical direction of Robert Aaron with pop star Kat Deluna. Today, Crystal’s juggling a busy life of music, teaching and softball!
JL  |  Songwriter |  Vocals
	Since his early years, JL has been an entertainer. Born in Newark, NJ to his parents, who are both actors and singers, JL quickly picked up the torch dancing in talent shows at the age of 3. He went on to attend the world-renowned Newark Boys Chorus School at the age of 9. JL formed a group at the age of 11 with his two brothers called EOS before eventually branching off to pursue a solo career. Although singing is his first love, many facets of the industry have appealed to him since childhood. Singing, dancing, acting, writing, producing, and being a musician are just some of JLs attributes. On the acting front, JL has been in plays such as Color Girls, Donnys House, Black Nativity, and Little Shop of Horrors. JL has also appeared on the Ricki Lake Show and Sesame Street as well as networks such as BET and HBO. With musical interest that range from Donny Hathaway to Paul McCartney, Ella Fitzgerald to Bloc Party and many others both in between and out of the box. With such an eclectic taste in music, JL is truly mix of all genres Rock, R&B, Soul, Funk, and Punk. One minute youll be grooving to an R&B tune, then slow dancing to a ballad, then all of a sudden rocking out to something totally unexpected which seem to flow together with out missing a beat. JL has a mission. That mission is to the world by storm, leaving no prisoners, by any means necessary. Whether its music, acting or both, this R&B Punk is poised and ready to go to battle for what he believes in. Entertaining the masses with every ounce of blood, sweat, tears that he possesses.
Irvin Lopez  |  Trumpet
	Irvin was born in Santurce Puerto Rico by parents Tomasita Quintana and Ruben Lopez Sr. Irvin was introduced to music from the very beginning by his dad, who is a renowned Puerto Rican Bassist. "I always found myself always around top musicians; Endel Dueno , Frank Revilla, Carmelo Rivera and so many more. Irvin has performed professionally since the age of 14 and continues a bright career in music.
Jack Glottman  |  Educator  |  Composer  |  Piano
	Jack Glottman began playing the piano, guitar and bass in his native Bogotá, Colombia. He began as self-taught and soon after began more formal training. As a teen he moved to Israel where he continued his studies at arts schools, and his focus went into piano and jazz. He attended the City College of New York and graduated from the New School University's jazz program. Before moving to New York his experience includes performances with touring jazz artists, among them jazz great Louis Hayes, saxophonists Walter Blanding, Eric Alexander and Mark Turner, and drummer Eddie Marshall, who said of Mr. Glottman, “He is extraordinarily talented, displaying a maturity and sensitivity way beyond his years. He interprets original music with amazing energy and excitement and is also a wonderful composer. I fully expect this young man to make a significant contribution to jazz in his lifetime…” Since moving to New York in 2003, he has performed regularly with vocalist Melissa Walker, Trombonist Rafi Malkiel as well as with 'Grupo Cachimba', an Afro-Cuban ensemble. He freelances regularly, primarily in the jazz and latin scenes. He plays regularly at Fat Cat, with the 'Fat Cat Big Band' and with the Afro-Cuban band. He has played in various venues, among them Dizzy's Club, The Jazz Standard, Sweet Rhythm, Lenox Lounge and Smalls. He has performed among others with Bassist Christian McBride (and Melissa Walker), saxophonists Ron Blake and Wes Anderson. He participated in school music projects from Jazz at Lincoln Center, and has played in various other jazz and Latin groups. Mr. Glottman has two independently produced CD's which feature his compositions and arrangements. He has also participated at artist residencies at Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., and at the Steans Institute for Young Artists in Illinois.
Elias Soriano   |   Composer  |  Bass
	Soon!
Milton Ruiz   |   Guitar
	Back home in Puerto Rico where he was born and raised, Milton knew he wanted to play guitar after he saw a video of Jimi Hendrix playing the national anthem at Woodstock. Other idols like Clapton, David Gilmor, The Edge and classic performances by Pete Townsend tearing through a set of Tommy are what inspired Milton. Quickly he became a genuine “Rockero”. Later, after working two year’s at Puerto Rico’s Ochoa Studios, Milton moved stateside and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance and Audio Engineering from UMass Lowell in 1999. Latin music became more of an influence where in particular, he became fascinated with the marriage of electric guitar and the syncopated energy of latin percussion. Carlos Santana made that “magnetic force” very clear to him. Doors opened to the music of The Fania All-Stars, Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri, Irakere, Batacumbele and Ruben Blades. Besides wonderful musicianship, Milton has extensive experience working in recording studios, musical theater and film shoots in both NYC and P.R. He played the dual role of lead guitarist and recording engineer for the rock opera “EggMobile” from 1999 to 2004. For the past three summer tours, he’s engineered sound at The Pregones Theater working productions like “Migrants!” and “Game Over” (in which he also performed). He’s also a Certified Pro-Tools Operator. Currently, Milton’s plays lead guitar for Ricky Ortiz’s upcoming Spanish musical, “La Batutera”. He’s a credited musician at Johnny Cruz’s Tiffany Studios (working with Tato Torres & Yerba Buena among others.) Milton is the transfer engineer/sound editor for Wolfgang’s Vault.
Intí Celís | Composer | Vocals
	Inti, named after the “Sun God” of the Inca civilization, was born in Colombia, South America. He left his land of origin at the age of 8 and since then has lived in 10 different cities around the globe. This dynamic self-taught artist believes one of his greatest creative accomplishments is his life-style. “Zol Naciente” as he is know to many in the New York community, is a music composer, poet, rapper, chanter, producer, dancer, entrepreneur, community activist and overall lover of life with lots of positive energy! This versatile individual has written songs in English, Spanish, French and “Zafaiyahn” which he considers to be his own language. “Energy is the first language that ever existed and sound was created from this energy as a translation. My language is not a separation but a unique and alternative verbal expression of energy and emotions.” The first born of a well-recognized ethnomusicologist and dance therapist, Inti was raised with the traditions of music and dance. Since his early years it was automatically expected that he would perform in festivals around Latin America that his mother produced and organized. Inti’s first big appearance was in Mexico City’s National Auditorium at the age of 9, dancing in front of over 10,000 people. Ten years later he performed in Cuba's Rap Festival to an audience of 8,000 people. Another ten years on he was performing all over New York City with different collectives and as a solo artist. Inti’s love for music was always there: he fondly remembers hanging out with his father until 6am blasting salsa music from the seventies and at the same time, sitting in on his mother’s dance classes, festivals and drumming performances. At the age of 11 he was enrolled in percussion classes, marimba, flute, music composition and vocal training. After graduating from college in Pennsylvania, Inti handed over his college diploma to his mother as a symbol of his gratitude for her struggle to advance his life and education. He then moved to New York pursuing a passionate adventure of music, philosophy, fashion and entrepreneurship. His Afro-Latin origins, combined with his multi-city living created a unique sound which is a collage of a poetic, philosophical and political mind with a body full of rhythm and a soul full of freedom, vision and hope. Inti is co-founder of AtratoRecords.us, an independent record label with whom he has produced 3 albums as a solo artist and 3 albums of group collaborations. In addition to his solo career he is also part of 3 collectives:  Flow Karibeno, The Boundary Band and  Abrazos Orchestra. The eternal evolution of Inti and his creativity makes it impossible to classify him in a specific genre. Instead, his listeners are encouraged to be always ready for something innovative and unique. Inti says, “I consider my self a citizen of the universe and my sound should embrace all that represents and more!”.
Ricardo Ortiz |   Composer  |  Vocals  |  Bass
	Ricardo Ortiz has been writing and performing music for the past twenty years in Puerto Rico, New Orleans, and New York City. Born and raised in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, he is an accomplished artist who, since the age of seven, has been playing and composing music while experimenting with different styles and rhythms including Rock, Latin, Funk, Blues, and Bossa Nova. Mr. Ortiz has been performing and musically directing throughout New York City for the past ten years. He has also taken his poetry and music a step further by writing and directing a 16mm short film entitled "Young Man in Manhattan". He conducted, arranged and produced the music for the rock opera called, "The Eggmobile" which has been performed at various Off-Broadway venues and was presented at the Teatro Raul Julia del Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico. He has performed one of the leading roles for the SEA produced ACE & HOLA Award Winning Show for Best Musical, A TRES VOCES. Most recently, he wrote La Batutera, a Spanish opera in pre-production and has been performing it throughout New York City and Puerto Rico.
Travis Antoine  |  Trumpet
	Travis Antoine is a trumpeter that was born and raised in Brooklyn New York. He has always been surrounded by music and never stopped loving it. Travis was introduced to the trumpet at age 5. Later on Travis attended prestigious programs such as the Julliard map program, Manhattan School of Music College Prep, the Monk Institute program where he learned how to play various styles of music. During those years he began studying with Wynton Marsalis. Also at a young age Travis shared the stage with artist such as Wycliffe Gordan, Walter Blanding, Bobby Watson, Wyclef Jean, Jimmy Heath,etc. Travis attended LaGuardia High scool in NYC. While he was there he got the chance to play at many festivals and performed for Mayor Bloomberg on two occasions and for Hillary Clinton. He then continued his studies at New School University for Jazz and Contemporary music. Travis now resides in NYC where he performs on a daily basis at numerous venues.
David Cutler  |  Educator  |  Bass
	David Cutler was born and raised in New York City. Son of a guitar playing father and a song writing mother, he was encouraged to pursue music from a young age. As a teenager, David found himself playing in rock and funk bands with his friends, but it wasn't until his father bought him an upright bass that he became interested in pursuing music as a life long profession. With that pursuit in mind, David attended The Conservatory of Music at SUNY Purchase College, where he had the privilege of studying with such world renowned musicians and educators as Kermit Driscoll, Arturo O'Farrill, Hal Galper and Todd Coolman, among others. Since graduating from Purchase, David has continued his pursuit of music and has been lucky enough to perform around the world as well as locally with artists such as Sweet Georgia Brown, Randy Johnston, Arturo O'Farrill and many others. David is also a devoted educator and believes that passing on ones knowledge of music is part of the responsibility of being a musician.
Uma Karkala    |  Flute  |  Sax  |  Violin  |  Vocals
	Uma Karkala comes to the New York City music scene as a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and composer. Being involved in the jazz scene she has had the privilege to perform and/or record with various jazz greats including Benny Powell, Junior Mance, Reggie Workman, and the Ellington Band. As a versatile musician she has performed outside her world of jazz. These artists include Michael Bolton,Kim Sozzi N’Dea Davenport (of the Brand New Heavies) and M’schell N’Dengocello. Uma has also worked on various commercials and studio recordings both in the US and in Europe. She is currently working on a 2nd album with her guitarist, PJ Cotroneo. Uma received her Bachelor of Jazz Performance from the new School University in May 2001. Uma’s commitment to education has kept her very bust teaching in and out of schools. She has taught for the New York Archdiocese for numerous years. In addition to teaching, she is planning to attend Lehman College in the fall to pursue a Master’s in Music Education. Because of her diversity both instrumentally and musically, Uma has become an astounding musician that brings a new and exciting energy to any music scene.
Antonio M. Rodriguez  |  Percussion
	Soon!
Amaury Acosta  |  Drums & Percussion   |  Composer
	Born and raised in New York City, Amaury Acosta was exposed to the authentic sounds of Afro Cuban music and jazz. At age 10, Acosta began studying privately with master drummer Alex Garcia. He was award a scholarship to Boys Harbor Conservatory of Music in New York City where he studied with David Oquendo, Johnny Almendra Ramon Rodriguez. He Attended Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High School where he studied with Victor Lewis, and Pedro Martinez. He later attended the Queens Conservatory of Music. He now is pursing his Bachelor degree at the prestigious New School University for jazz and contemporary music. Amaury has performed professionally since a young bright age of 14. He has played and/or recorded with Candido Camero , Paquito D’Riverra, Wynton Marsalis, Ray Mantilla, Bobby Sanabria, The Curtis Brothers, Sean Jones, Michael Rodriguez, Xiomara Laugart, Laisi Fernandez, Pedrito Martinez, Cachao, George Cables, John Hicks, Arturo O’Farril, John Benitez, Reggie Workman. Besides being a sideman, he's also the leader of 3 musical projects, Ropa Vieja, (U)nity, 3rio. He is actively performing and recording in New York City, and has strong composition skills.