Becoming a great session player, and writing hit songs.
Music
Movies
Matrix,Happy Gilmore,Chris Rock specials, 8 mile
Television
Chris Rock Specials, Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Family Guy, Simpsons, South Park
Books
Only sheet music....
Heroes
My Father who raised me by himself, All my Teachers, Dr. Lee Secard Jazz Director The Colburn School, Dr. Bobby Rodriguez UCLA, Hector Lavoe and Undefeated Heavyweight World Champion Rocky Marciano.
About me: Hi my name is Zak Astor, and I am 16 years old. I am a Senior at Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (Music Department) which is a Grammy Signature School, and I am in the Nationally recognized Jazz Studies Program which in 2006 received The Gold Award from The Grammy Foundation. I am also a member of The Colburn School Legendary Monday Night Jazz Band, and The USC Los Angeles Youth Jazz Ensemble. My instrument is Piano. As a toddler my first and only toys were a Xylophone, Keyboard, Guitar and Drums. I began taking Classical Piano lessons before the age of 4, and my first public performance was at age 6. I have been playing and performing ever since in anonymity. I was often called a child prodigy and thats something that goes along with getting a younger start and leads to alot of opportunities and exposure. I turned from Classical Piano to Salsa Piano at the age of 9 and added Jazz at the age of 10 when I became the youngest member ever of JazzAmerica at The Skirball Center in Los Angeles. By age 13 I was already playing on the Salsa Nightclub Circuit in Los Angeles. I have won alot of amateur level Awards, Competitions and Scholarships, including, but not limited to the Semi Finals of The Music Center Spotlight Awards, Dolo Coker Jazz Competition, The LA Jazz Society Bill Green Mentorship, The Valley Cultural Center Music Competition, and Outstanding Musicianship Award at The Reno Jazz Festival 2009, but I have also been robbed, and passed over on a few occasions for not having the right look, complexion, polish or clean cut image that the Judges wanted. I am now seriously training and developing my vocal talents. I currently play Salsa Piano for the best Salsa Bands in the Los Angeles Area, and I am also the Bandleader of "Latin Music Power" my own Salsa Band. I have performed at LAPD Special Events, The Disney Concert Hall, RED CAT, Dorthy Chandler, Catalina Bar and Grill, Jazz Bakery, Luckman Fine Arts Complex, Greek Theatre, Madrid Theatre, Alex Theatre, Covina Center for The Performing Arts, Olvera Street, The World Stage, Playboy Jazz Festival, Sweet and Hot Music Festival, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Granada Night Club in Alhambra, El Cid Night Club, Mamma Juanas Night Club, The Mayan, Stevens Steak House, Reno Jazz Festival, and numerous other venues. I will be working on my first CD in the Summer of 2009. I have nothing else going in my life, and there is nothing else that really matters to me.
Who I'd like to meet: I would like to meet Salsa Piano Greats: Larry Harlow, Eddie Palmieri, Papo Lucca, Playboy Mogul Hugh Hefner, Rap Star Jay-Z. People that have passed on that I would have liked to meet: Franz Liszt, Charlie Palmieri, Frank Sinatra, Bruce Lee, Rocky Marciano and the best cantante, Hector Lavoe! SALSA FOREVER!
Thank you for sharing your Zak Astor Space! I would love to come to one of your gigs someday! I love classical music and Latin Jazz, and Latin Soul, etc! I love a lot of music, as profile describes! I wish you peace, love, and harmony. Sindie Beat
Great to hear from you and thank you so much for inviting me to be one of your MySpace site!! Things at Grossmont college continue to be busy! Please keep in touch!
Come and enjoy an evening of cultural dances from different regions of the world.
October 23rd, 2009 Casa Torres Banquet Hall 455 San Fernando Mission Blvd. San Fernando, CA 91340 Buffet style dinner between 7:30-9:30pm Performances begin at 8:00pm
Hey Zak... keep me posted on any rehearsals for the band. Im still interested for sure! Hope youre having a good day and if you're not doing anything later you should come down to Universal Citywalk for the the big summer concert. It's outside and free. Matt will be playing and ill be one of the singers
hey zak... i got your email yesterday and checkout out the links. you all sound great! I hope to be in touch with you soon and start rehearsing with your band soon. Ciao
hey Zak! I was blown away by your band's performance. You guyt sound great . Keep up the outstanding work and dedication you are putting yourself in it. Much love.
Happy New Year, Zak-A! We hope that you will check out Benny's latest CD, "Let's Hear It For Love," and pick up your copy today either in stores or on iTunes!!!
Also, get back to your rock roots with Benny's rock label mates, Saints Of The Underground's debut CD, "Love The Sin, Hate The Sinner" and Crash Kelly's CD "One More Heart Attack", both in stores and on iTunes now! Please help spread the word!!!
Thanks for supporting Benny Mardones and please check back to see when he'll next be performing in your area! Rock on!!!
