~ LOUIE CRUZ BELTRAN ~ was born in Bakersfield, California and now resides in Los Angeles. He has crafted a musical career upon the soulful sounds of his ethnic American background and flavored it with contemporary R&B, Jazz, Latin Jazz and Salsa. Steeped in music from early childhood, Beltran's first memories recall his mother singing gospel music, Mexican and Caribbean folk tunes. As early as the third grade, Beltran was playing bongos and learning the guitar.
The early recordings of artists such as Ray Barretto, Mongo Santamaria, Tito Puente, Ray Armando, Poncho Sanchez, Francisco Aquabella and Jorge Claudio sparked Louie's interest. Captivated by the Afro-Cuban and Puerto Rican rhythms of these artists, he chose to pursue the art of percussion, specializing in the timbales, congas, bongos and Bata. "The beauty of Afro-Cuban music stole my heart," Beltran said. "I was born to play congas. I am a rumbero." It has been an honor for him to have shared the stage with most of these great artists.
A prolific songwriter and lyricist, Louie was honored with the placement of his composition "Pan Con Dignidad (Bread with Dignity)" in the compilation series "Who's Who of Composers." Beltran also toured the United States, Europe, Scandinavia, the Middle East and Africa with the group Starrfire – an R&B/Latin Jazz ensemble.
In addition to performing regularly at popular venues such as Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood and the Ford Amphitheatre Hollywood, the LOUIE CRUZ BELTRAN LATIN JAZZ ENSEMBLE has headlined many music festivals throughout the West Coast including the Beverly Hills and Pasadena Playboy Jazz Festivals. He also had a guest appearance with Santana at the Gibson (Universal) Amphitheatre and headlined Santana’s VIP show. He recently performed at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas. Louie was introduced by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa for the Mayor's CommUNITY Day of Service Celebrations, and was also the entertainment for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's birthday party at the Governor's private residence. Louie performed for the Border Governor's Conference at Universal Studios/Hollywood's Globe Theatre. When former Secretary of State George Schultz was honored at a private dinner party, LOUIE CRUZ BELTRAN LATIN JAZZ ENSEMBLE performed for Mr. Schultz and his guests.
LOUIE CRUZ BELTRAN’s new CD, “LIVE AT THE FORD” was recorded on a warm Southern California night at an outdoor venue before an enthusiastic, sold out crowd. It captures all the excitement of a live LOUIE CRUZ BELTRAN performance. The John Anson Ford Amphitheatre is a prestigious Hollywood venue that is operated by the Los Angeles County Arts Commission. You can feel Louie’s rapport with the crowd. He is more than a gifted Latin Jazz bandleader, he is an exceptional showman. Legendary Hollywood publicist Warren Cowan, who has worked with A list stars from Elizabeth Taylor to Elton John to Tom Cruise said, “…he looks like a movie star and he and his music have passion, warmth, feeling, inspiration, and a danceable groove that is truly infectious.” You can purchase “LIVE AT THE FORD” at CD Baby or you can check out his website at WWW.LOUIECRUZBELTRAN.COM . Also, look for other added videos in our blog
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"A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he is to be ultimately at peace with himself. What a man can be, he must be."-
Thursday Nov 26th, THANKSGIVING NIGHT - The Granada will be open for Salsa Dancing! Plan Ahead, Call Your friends! All Ages Welcome! I'll be playing along with DJ Charllie & DJ Martin todays hits & yesterdays favorites! Salsa Classics, Salsa Dura, Cha Cha Cha Bachata and more until 2am!
Salsa & Bachata Every Wed nights at Ambiente Night Club 45 S Garfield BLVD Alhambra CA 91801 Dj Kenny spining the best in salsa & bachata ladies in for free before 11pm for more info call kenny 323-373-7915 or Angel 424-243-1085 (LASD)
Salsa House Party tonight Open Bar all night ! 7810 Gililland ave Bell Gardens CA 90201 Sun Aug 30th 2009 . Music by Dj Veneno playaing Salsa , Bachata , Hiphop and more !!!
~~~Hug Me Til I Hug U Back~~~ ~~~Trust Me Til I Trust U Back~~~ ~~~Watch Ur Front Cuz I Got Ur Back~~~ ~~~Any True Friend Would Get This Back~~~ ~~~Pass This On To All Ur True Friends~~~ ~~~See How Many U Get Back~~~ COURT ORDER!!! You are accused of.... crawling into my HEART... And hijackin my SMILES... With your CUTENESS... HOW DO YOU PLEAD..... GUILTY?!?! YOU are sentenced... TO BE MY FRIEND FOR LIFE!!!!!! NO BAIL...... ;o) Send this to all your friend's... Including ME!!! IF YOU GET 10 BACK......!!!!!!!! YOUR FRENDSHIP IS WORTH KEEPING !!!
Thanks for the add...I found you this is your long lost cousin-Ernie's daughter...I am planning a trip out there in August and I am going to try and catch one of your shows...I would love to hear you...I remember when I was little and you would always show up and bring your bongos and get everyone moving...Hope to talk to you soon..
Hey Louie, I used to love watching you and your cousin play at Cheney's! I guess I'm one of the few that can say, "I knew you when..." Keep up the great work! :)
