Yerba Buena was formed in 2002 by eight local musicians.  Their mission statement was to showcase the composers of Baracoa.  With this unusual repertoire they showcased their talents in festivals from Holguín to Guantánamo, Tunas, and Moa.  The intent was to spread the word about the musical treasure chest that is Baracoa.

The public has responded and Yerba Buena is one of the most popular groups around. They have brought their music to such festivals as the Festival of the Lighthouse or La Farola.  (La Farola is the name of the serpentine mountainous road that connects Baracoa with the outside world) and the Water Festival.  Each gala for the anniversary of the city of Baracoa will find Yerba Buena one of the star attractions.  Yerba Buena is a fixture at El Patio del Artex and at the Casa de la Trova (see calendar and Google map).

Alberto Muguercin Isogar (Betico) - Percussion and director
Betico’s first musical group was The Indomitos.  He was with this group for two years, from 1972-74.  He then joined the group Nueva Formas in the city of Moa. 

Moving to Baracoa in 1984, he joined the Orquesta Juvenil de 70 and with this group made four national tours of Cuba.  The most prestigious festival he has participated in was the International Festival in Veradero. 

Manuel Gonzáles Caballero - Singer, tres player and technical director
Manuel graduated from Art Instructor’s school in 1977 and to this day continues to work in the same school as a guitar teacher.  In 1985 he became a professor of the guitar as he graduated from the National Centre for Professional Artists.

His first group  was Grupo Granma.  This band opened the door to participate in various festivals all over the country.

In 1990 he joined Orquesta Juventil del 70 as a full professional.

Hugo Leyva Cerúlea - Clarinet
Hugo graduated from Professional Music Instructor’s School with a specialty in the clarinet and saxophone.  Now  he is both  a musician and professional teacher of these instruments.  He is also an integral member of the Municipal Band of Baracoa. Like a lot of young musicians in Baracoa, he has “cut his musical teeth” in Orquesta Baracoa.  Hugo was one of the founders of Yerba Buena and he has been with the group since 2002.

Eugenio Faez Silot   -Bass
Eugenio graduated from Art School in 1977.  As a budding professional he was a part of the group Merecen for six  years.  He also joined Group 467 and played with them for seven  years.  With these two groups he travelled Cuba, participating in lots of festivals and state occasions.  Eugenio has also been a part of the now defunct Afro-Cuban folkloric group, Yambu Akale.  Since 2002 he has been with Yerba Buena.

Luis Neris Carratala (Lobaina) - Singer, percussion and piano
Another Orquesta Baracoa alumunus, Luis was the Orquesta’s pianist in 1992.  With the Orquesta Baracoa he participated in various musical events, one of which was the annual Baracoa Childrens’ Festival.  Since 2002 he has been a vocalist for the group Yerba Buena but still he maintains his prodigious piano skills.

Geraldo Cardoza Talabert (Piki) - Singer, percussion, (guiro).
In 1990 Piki started his musical career as an amateur with the group Merecen.  The next group he joined was La Idea.  From there he moved to the Sexteto Tropical, and there he stayed for 9 years.  Piki participated in various musical competitions in the 90’s and now you will find him with Yerba Buena as the principal singer.

Emilio Barceldy Portu - Percussion
Emilio has graduated from music school at an intermediate level with a specialty in percussion.  He is a serious classically trained musician and a composer as well.  Emilio has won many prizes in musical competitions.  He also was a member of Orquesta Baracoa from 1999 to 2009.  Today you will find him as the Director General of the Municipal Band of Baracoa.  In addition to these duties, he contributes to the technical preparation of the group Yerba Buena which he joined in 2007.

Fabricio - Violin
The newest member of Yerba Buena, this skilled young violinist has brought an energy and enthusiasm to the group that is infectious.  He has come through the ranks and graduated from music school in 2000.

Musical Repertoire

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