Carlos Hernandez and his Banda Tropical had a traditional Cuban pig roast this February to celebrate their 15th anniversary.  The Banda Tropical’s seamless harmonies, perfect timing and lively instrumentation reflect their 15 years of being together.  Check out a small portion of their huge repertoire!  It varies from bachata to bolero, son to salsa, cumbia to cha-cha-cha, and guaguanco to guajira.  Duos, trios, quartets, quintets or all eight, this group can do it all!

Carlos Hernandez Mulen is teacher, leader, mentor, composer, musician and politician.  A graduate of a formal musical education, his specialty is voice.  The result of this training is a group that has developed both their musicianship and their choral abilities to the max. 

Reinaldo Nelson Suarez  (Churi) has the grittiest voice of the group. In 23 years he has sung with various groups as both lead singer and backup.  His distinctive voice demands that you wake up and take notice.  When it comes to the rumba, Reinaldo’s ability to improvise is reminiscent of the famous rumbero Carlos Embales.

Enrique Romero Suarez  (Kikito) is the percussionist’s percussionist.  His 23 years of musicianship can be heard in the complexity and deftness of his touch on the bongos.  Though he mainly is content to stay in the background, his grounding personality makes him a patient teacher.  And when he smiles, he lights up the room!
 

Mario P. Lopez Nicles is the jester, the comic of the group.  His stand up comic routines between songs are legendary and he is the emotional lightening rod of the group.  Mario has been performing since the 1970’s and his clear, strong voice holds them all together.  His specialty is Cuban traditional music. 
 

Jose Carlos Lopez Rodriguez     is a serious musician.  He is one of the best percussionists in Baracoa and has mastered the tumbadoras.  A certified music teacher, his patient, calming manner helps him greatly when he teaches percussion.

Yaroldis Sabo Capdesuner  

looks like an angel and sings like one, too!  His angelic looks, curly hair and sincere manner make him the “sweet but sexy” member of the group.  Not just a pretty face, he is an accomplished soloist and the lead singer.

Joelmis Matos Sanchez  

is a versatile bass player.  Like a studio musician, Joelmis is experienced in many different genres of music, from Afro-Cuban traditional to Latin jazz.  In addition, he harmonizes with a strong, clear voice.  He’s a well rounded, accomplished musician.

Geissie Y Arias Diaz, singer, hails from Santiago.  He has been with the group for 2 years now and adds a big city sophistication to the chorus.  

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