Bio

movie and recording popularity in the USA with the "Buena Vista Social Club." Has helped ignite the sizzling sounds of "Luna Llena." "Luna Llena’s" Traditonal Cuban music takes us back in time. "Luna Llena’s" intoxicating rhythms invites you to dance, and is equally enjoyed by the more laid back listener or serious salsa dancers. The close knit vocal harmonies, the rhythm pulse of the conga, timbales, and the unique sound of the traditional spanish guitar, and Cuban Tres is sure to please any occasion. ‘ "The lively compositions are surely to please any age audience." ....North County Times, Waldo Nilo. The amazing treat of "Luna Llena" is the amount of energy and sound of this sextet delivers, that is often compared with that of larger bands. "Guaranteed to get you up dancing as a full SALSA orquestra would." ..."Smooth Jazz"98.1.fm, Melissa Sharpe "I love this band." Chris Springer ksdsjazz 88.3fm "Luna Llena" Romeo Carrido-Timbales, Backround Vocals Ricky Carrido-Congas, Backround Vocals Joaquin Gonzalez-Guitar, Lead Vocals Jeff "Sly" Simon-Bass Jimmy Woodard-Guitar, Backround Vocals Nathan Mills-Trumpet, Trombon Elizabeth Meeker-Trumpet, Backround Vocals {Romeo Carrido, Timbalero. Born in Stockton, Ca. Raised in Orange and Los Angeles county's. Romeo's older brother Louis Carrido already performing in nite clubs took his younger brother Romeo under his wing. At 11 years of age played professionally backing up singing groups such as Sonny and Cher, The Drifters, and Coasters in Los Angeles. His older brother formed the Latin group La Tribu. La Tribu recorded for the Orfeon Label made numerous T.V appearances.Opened shows for Willie Bobo, Mickey Laurie, and to many more to mention. Spent years performing throught N. California playing Brazilian Samba, Mainstream Jazz, and Afro-Cuban Jazz.Romeo has studied and performed with such artist as; Ed Marshall, Ed Moore, Jesus Diaz, Edgardo Cambon, Rafael Ramirez, Michael Spiro, David Garibaldi, Noel Jewekes, Pharoah Sanders, Ed Kelly, Flip Nunez. Romeo currently teaches Conga, Sax, Flute, Bass, Piano, and Drums. Currently co-leading Cuban Salsa group called "Luna Llena" with his son Ricky Carrido. Romeo Carrido endorsed by Toca Percussion.} {Ricardo "Ricky" Luis Carrido Conguero. has studied Brazilian percussion and conga as a student of his father, Romeo Carrido, as well as Afro-Cuban traditional music since the age of three. He often presents workshops focusing on Afro-Cuban folklore for the San Diego School District and teaches at the Oceanside Museumof Art, and Palomar College. Ricky has performed and/ or recorded with such artists as Chuchito Valdez, Pete Escovedo, Larry Harlow, "Mr Bongo" Jack Constanzo,Bruce Cameron's Latin All-Stars, Jimmy Patton, Bradley Leighton, Ron Igarta, Mark Lamson, Silfredo La O Vigo. He is currently working on a recording project and several upcoming television performances with Luna Llena, which he co-directs with his father. He Joined Agogo Afro-Cuban Drum and Dance in summer 2007 as its newest member. Ricky is a Kaman Artist and is Endorsed by Toca Percussion.} {Joquin Gonzalez, Lead Vocalist, Guitar. Born in Guadalajara Jalisco, Mexico. Joquin's first contact with the Afro-Cuban music was when he was a kid watching the classic old mexican movies. As a natural consequence, little after, Found a new passion with Silvio Rodriguez, Noel Nicola, Pablo Milanes, Vicente Felili, and many other lords of the "Nueva Trova Cubana." Joaquin adapted to there styles. By 1980's Joaquin was apart of of the Pineros in Guadalajara performing Fania music to the people with tapatio musicians like Antonio Huerta "El Nino," Hector Aguilar, and Humberto Felix. The motor that impulses his work is the influence of the great soneros Beny More, Hector Lavoe, Tony Camargo. Currently Joaquin is apart of the band Luna Llena where you can hear his talent as a sonero and guitarist} {Jimmy Woodard, Guitarist, Tres Cubano. Originally from South Texas has established himself in the San Diego area for the past 20 Years as a guitarist with his band "The Swingin Kings." Jimmy has backed up such artists as Big Joe Turner, Jimmy Witherspoon, Mama Thorton, Bo Diddley, Charley Musselwhite, and Lowell Fulson. The past five years Jimmy Whose mother was born in "El Cristo" Cuba has devoted himself to cuban music learning to play the Tres Cubano, Puerto Rican Quatro, and Son Cubano on his guitar.} {Jeff “Sly” Simon, Bass Guitar: A classically trained pianist, Sly taught himself to play the bass at the age of 14. At age 15, he joined the musicians union and began playing the bass professionally. Sly’s experiences are diverse, and he is comfortable in all styles from Bebop to Hip Hop. Sly has performed with The Staples, The Temptations, Ben Vereen, Natalie Cole, George Benson, Tommy Flanagan, Clark Terry, and many others. He has performed for several nationally know stage shows, such as The Wiz and Once On This Island. He has performed on many studio recordings and countless radio jingles. Sly is currently playing in the San Diego, CA area with several talented recording and performance artists. Not one to sit on his past accomplishments, Sly continually broadens his musical scope into areas of Cuban and Brazilian music.} {Nathan Mills, Trumpet, Trombone. Began playing trumpet at age 8 with instruction from father/Trombonist Richard Mills. Started performing professionally with Dad's combo at age 13. In 1984-Present in the San Diego area Nathan has Performed in many Local bands and freelance situations including 4 years as lead trumpet/music director of big time Operator (3 time SDMA winner) Also: Buddy Blue, Black Mambo, Unsteady, Mambo Meshugana, Rollo, Shelle, Michele Lundeen, Kokopelli, Color, Mosaico, Jazzooty, Fabulous Ultratones, Jump Jones, Pacific Brass and Electric, Detroit Underground, Ruse Collective Orquestra. Nathan is Currently Performing with: Big Daddy Orquestra (MD), Luna Llena, Swingin` EZ Big Band} {Elizabeth Meeker received a Bachelor of Music from Boston University and a Masters in Music from Yale University, and has studied and performed with many great musicians . She is a versatile trumpet player, performing salsa, mariachi, and classical music. She has taught piano, trumpet, music theory and music history at two schools for the arts.}