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Santa Cruz Latin Collective is one of the Central Coast’s most exciting and authentic Latin music ensembles, delivering a powerful blend of Salsa, Latin rock, and Afro-Cuban rhythms rooted deeply in Bay Area history. The band delivers high-energy, dance-driven performances that honor the pioneers of Latin music while presenting a bold, modern sound for today’s audiences.Drawing inspiration from iconic artists such as Santana, Malo, Sapo, Azteca, Fania All-Stars, Eddie Palmieri, and Willie Colón, The Latin Collective combines driving percussion, searing electric guitar, vibrant horn lines, and dynamic bilingual vocals into an electrifying live experience that resonates across the Bay Area and beyond.
The group was founded by guitarist Oscar Estrella and timbalero Jimmy Palafox, who assembled an exceptional lineup of seasoned professionals and next-generation talent. Estrella, a Cuban-born guitarist who came of age in San Francisco’s Mission District, is a founding member of the pioneering Latin rock band Sapo and a former member of Malo, placing him at the very heart of the original Latin rock movement.
Jimmy Palafox is a well-known Bay Area percussionist, bandleader, and arranger, recognized for his work across Latin rock, salsa, and blues-influenced projects. A Santa Cruz native, Palafox has performed and collaborated with members of several pioneering Latin rock bands, and has worked extensively with Latin rock tribute projects and salsa ensembles, helping preserve the sound and spirit of this music for new generations. His energetic timbales work and deep knowledge of Latin music history are central to the Collective’s sound and vision.
The Latin Collective frequently features special guest appearances from some of Northern California’s finest Latin musicians, creating a live show that is both authentic and unpredictable. Each performance celebrates community, culture, and the enduring legacy of Latin music on the West Coast.
The members of the Latin Collective include:
Jimmy Palafox - Timbales and Percussion
Tom Bartolero - Congas
Fred Ramirez - Percussion
Aki Starr - Vocals
Art Antonio - Lead Guitar
Jordan Brysk - Bass
Victor Bejarano Jr. - Drums
Aidan Santa Cruz- Keyboards
George Demarest- Trumpet
Location: Midtown Block Party Friday's-
1111 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA
FREE SHOW!!!
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Event Venue
1111 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062-2105, United States
Tickets
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.
