Hugo Ochoa Bass Guitar Hugo Ochoa was born and raised in the heart of San Francisco’s Mission District in the 70’s - at the height of the Latin salsa explosion. Hugo was Greatly influenced by the melting pot of Latino diversity found in San Francisco at the time. He was also molded by the New York Salsa styles of Sal Cuevas, Oscar De Leon and Bobby Valentine. Hugo has performed with various bay area show bands such as Vicio, Combo Universitario, Los Ruddys, La Movida and Fiesta Brava. Hugo brings with him the Tumbao that keeps the Sapo Guapo drive alive. Mike Cherry Trombone, Vocals, Percussion Mike has been playing trombone for 25 years and has performed with The Paul Martin Big Band, Alive Music Orchestra and Billy Browning Big Band. Mike's low-end superior tones adds the final touch to the Sapo Guapo horn section. Augie Chukuma Piano, Electronic keyboards While becoming blinded from early childhood Measles, Augie attended regular schooling with his brothers until it was imperative that he be transfered to a school for the blind. At age nine he began piano lessons, and, concurrent with standard schooling, completed the Piano Performance Training Program of the Royal Schools of Music, U.K. Whether playing classical piano, solo piano renditions of popular songs and dance music, on, or off-stage, Augie is equally at home at the traditional piano and electronic keyboard. In addition to MIDI Sequencing and Hard Disk Recording, Augie enjoys bicycling, canoeing, horseback riding and skiing. According to Augie, "What I love most in life is PEOPLE, GOOD PEOPLE." Mike Rios Electric Guitar, Cuatro, Vocals Mike has performed with such groups as Alma Del Barrio and Caesars Latin All-Stars. Mike's astounding cuatro and electrifying guitar playing add the true autenticity this group has achieved. Mike is also known world-wide for his murals, and, more recently, the explosive CD cover for Carlos Santana's Supernatural. Juan Alejandro Composer and Lead Vocals, Co-Founder Juan has been in the entertainment buissenss since 1980, doing everything from competing in the international competition for composers, O.T.I., creating jingles for various companies, and lead vocals for Israfel Records. Juan’s talent and truly enlightened spirit are here with Sapo Guapo on thier musical Journey for all to enjoy. Jeremiah Voit Trombone Jeremiah was born and raised in Fairfield, CA. After returning from a European tour with the American Music Ambassadors, Jeremiah attended Solano College and recorded an album with the SKA/Jazz group The Irradicats. Jeremiah has had the opportunity to play with such varied groups as the pacific Jazz Orchesta, Delbert Bump Organ Big Band, The Guy Arrostuto Septet, Generation Gap, East Bay Mudd, The Time Bandits, The Soul Captives, and The Horns of Pray. JB Ramirez Lead and Backup Vocals A laid-back style and natural soul are all hallmarks of JB Ramirez's vocal sound. Born the twelfth of fifteen children in Fairfield, California, JB grew up listening to all kinds of music. As such he has performed in a variety of musical situations since high school and has fronted some of the area's most noticeable bands, such as Section G, and the Time Bandits. He brings his experience and enthusiasm to Sapo Guapo to continue on his musical journey. Ron Mesina Congas, Bongos Ron is a self-taught musician that grew up in the Mission District of San Francisco playing music with the likes of Raul Rekow and John Santos in Dalores Park in the mid 70's. Ron has performed with various groups such as George Santana, Mystique, Latin Safari, and, now, Sapo Guapo. Melvin Brito Composer, Arranger, Producer, Music Editor, Saxophonist, Keyboardist Having studied classical saxophone in high school, Melvin went on to Berklee College of Music in Boston with the intention of mastering the saxophone. While at Berklee, he pursued a different path and studied composition. His tenacity for music excellence and always pushing the boundary of any style of music earned him a degree in Film Composition. He then continued to write and arrange various materials for indie films, commercials, Pop and R&B bands, church bands, dance companies and local talents. Well versed in the styles of Pop, R&B, Jazz, Funk, Theater, Orchestral and Latin, Sapo Guapo is pleased to have this prolific composer, producer and arranger as its keyboardist.