PICANTE

PICANTE is a traditional yet modern World-Latin-Jazz music ensemble that consists of:

(Click here to listen to PICANTE. You'll be re-directed to MySpace.)

Click here to listen to PICANTE.

PICANTE is traditional in the sense that it plays traditional Afro-Cuban rhythms such as the Son Montuno, Rumba, Cha-Cha, Mambo, Comparsa, & Guaguanco. Puerto Rican rhythms such as Bomba and Plena. Brazilian rhythms such as Samba, Bossa Nova and Capoeira. Jamaican Reggae, Dub, and Ska and so many other world rhythms and stylings. But it's also modern because it applies modern Jazz changes & techniques to those rhythms.

PICANTE is also a very well disciplined but yet laid back and easy to work with backing band having worked with Grammy Award winning saxophonist Carlos Averhoff formerly of Cuba's premier Jazz & Latin fusion Band IRAKERE in addition to backing other local artists.

One thing is for sure though, the music produced by PICANTE is guaranteed 100% danceable. Picante is available for all occasions and has dates still open & available. Please contact Rudy Membiela for booking PICANTE for your next event, clinic, or backing your next live or studio project.

Rudy Membiela

PICANTE (L-R) Rudy Membiela, Chris Davis, Mani Bances, Carlos Cornier, Rob Block, Rich Conti, Paul 'P.C.' Cotton

Clients have included:

City of Chciago/Mayor's Office of Special Events
Hot House
Rumba
Cafe LaGuardia
Cafe LaGuardia West
Columbia Yacht Club
Lincoln Square Chamber of Commerce
District 84 School District PTA
Jazz on a Sunday concert series
City of Evanston
Chicago Botanic Gardens
Uncommon Ground
Amor Montes de Oca
The Old Town School of Folk Music
Rhythm
Carlos Averhoff
Lincolnwood Public Library
Morton Grove Public Library
David Chavez
Colby Beserra
Funkadesi
Paddy O'day
Michele Daspin
Robert and Myrta Cruz
Robert Engel
Angel Sales
Misericordia Heart of Mercy
Vine Tastings