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FOR BOOKING INFOMATION CONTACT- PEPIN PRODUCTIONS-ENTERTAINMENT EXERCUTIVE-CARMEN PEPIN O(718)884-2184/Cell (347)334-8384 or e-mail papopepin@att.net ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Legendary, Master Percussionist Papo Pepin was born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. He migrated to Brooklyn, N.Y with his family at the age of two. His Father "Tono Pepin," (who later became one of the first bongoceros of a young Tito Puente in the 1950's,) taught Papo Pepin to play congas at the tender age of three. He recorded his first record at the age of six with his fathers band " El Gran Combo Haciendo Algo -Darionex." Papo Pepin moved on to study music at the Conservatory of Music in Brooklyn, while touring with his fathers band. Papo Pepin has recorded and performed with some of the greatest musicians in the history of Mambo/Salsa music. Tito Puente, Mario Bausa, Machito, Celia Cruz, Ruben Blades, Roberto Roena, Louie Ramirez, Willie Rosario, Bobby Valentin, Kako, Charlie Parmieri, Sofie Hernandez, Danny Rivera, Victor Manuelle, Willie Colon, Mark Anthony, La India. He performed with the Mario Bausa band along with the singer Graciela on the Bill Crosby Show in 1995 and later was selected to do the recording on the sound track of the movie "The Mambo Kings." He also had the privelege of recently appearing in the Jennifer Lopez production "El Cantante with actor and singer Mark Anthony." Infact, it would be easier to say who Papo Pepin has not pounded the skins with then to go through the 300-plus recordings and performances he has actually done. One of his regular jobs was to provide the percussions for "Africando Rhythms" track sessions, and he presently performs every Sunday for the passed eight years with "The Chico O'Farrell's Afro-Cuban Orchestra (conducted by Arturo O'Farrell his son,)"at Birdland NYC and ocassionally performs with The Conga Kings and Arturo O'Farrells Latin Jazz Quintet at the Blue Note in NYC. People in the know, speak about him in the same terms as the pioneers of Afro-Cuban percussion; Candido, Mongo Santamaria, Armando Peraza, Patato Valdez, and Francisco Aguabella. Papo Pepin is amongs them. He is the first "port of call," when you want the best congero for your session, single-handedly he can make any band swing. There is a whole chapter on him in Vermon Bogg's book on Afro-Caribbean music, "Salsiology." His first CD "Al Natural" is a sensational release. His second CD " Ponte En Vela ," is spectacular. Both CD's are selling like hot cakes in USA and Europe. Papo Pepin has contributed to the community by teaching percussion workshops in the Public Schools of NYC (Manhattan and the Bronx.) He has also participated in musical lectures at Hostos Community College and has performed with Dr. Ray Santos and his Orchestra at Manhattan College, and City College University of New York. While teaching percussions to the youth of his own community, as a means to keeping them off the streets and also bringing music to Cancer patients for emotional healing. He also performs for the New York City Libraries with his Mambo Swing band and Latin Jazz Quintet in order to enrich the quality of community,culture and the human spirit. Papo Pepin conducts three of his own bands. 1) Papo Pepin y su Orchestra Yimbaraco (which consist of ten or the finest musicians in New York,) all arrangments are originals. 2) Papo Pepin and his Mambo Swing (consist of seven of the finest musicians from N.Y.C.) all arrangements are original. 3) Papo Pepin and his Latin Jazz Quintet (which consist of five of NYC finest musicians,)all arrangements are originals. They perform at; Latin Quarters(LQ's,NYC) SOB's, The Best Western-West Gate Lounge, Yacht Clubs, Riverbank State Pk., Gonzalez and Gonzalez, Havana Central,Creole,108th st. Lounge, Weddings, Private Parties,out of town events and Fund Raisers. In 2004, Mayor Gulliani and Council Member Phillip Reed awarded him with a City Council Citation for his Musical contributions to the community, a service that is the life blood of the community and the city. Also, in 2008, the Bronx Brough President, Adolfo Carrion granted him a Proclamation Award presented to him by The Bronx City Council of New York Majority Leader Joel Rivera of District 15 at the 13th Annual Renaissance Festival where Papo Pepin performed with his Orchestra Yimbaraco and shared the stage with Cheo Feliciano, Tito Rojas and Choco Orta. Traveling around the States with his Mambo Swing band and his Latin Jazz bands and presently working on his fourth production, is what keeps Papo Pepin young at heart and his sound fresh and new. This innovator of rythums and beats has contributed to the human race a vibe that moves and lifts the human spirit and his beats are as strong and essentual as the human heart. He truly is a blessing to all percussionist and salseros from all around the world.
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