Biography of Orchestra Fuego Orchestra Fuego is a Salsa band from Tampa, Florida The group’s sound has maintained the integrity of what is referred to as “Old School Salsa or NYC Salsa”, but with a fresh twist. The blend of Afro-Cuban rhythms mixed with Nuyorican flavor sets the dance floor on fire. They perform original songs and some familiar songs with invigorating new arrangements. While the group’s main passion is for Salsa, they also perform a wide variety of other Latin music including Merengue, Bolero, Bachata and Cha-cha. Since their debut in 2014, Orchestra Fuego has ignited all types of dance floors throughout Florida with their upbeat; high energy performances. Their albums have been downloaded from Miami to Denmark and even Singapore.” Orchestra Fuego is one of the most newly sought out Salsa groups in the Tampa Bay, Ocala and Gainesville area in Florida. Event Planner, Nic Kalojiannis, comments, “We are a Country Club that hosts hundreds of special events per year that work with many different types of entertainment. Orchestra Fuego is by far the most entertaining, professional, and crowd pleasing that I have ever witnessed. The excitement from all the guests and the pure enjoyment of everyone is easily seen. I highly recommend Orchestra Fuego to all my clients and have included them on our preferred vendor list.” Nic continues, “Thank you Orchestra Fuego, not only do all the guests always enjoy your music, but myself and staff always look forward to your events.” Twelve-piece Salsa Band 02 Biography of Orchestra Fuego Orchestra Fuego started when Marcus Hernandez, piano player, and lead singer, Luis “Torpedo” Aponte, reunited in Florida several years after moving down from New York. The two performed together in the New York City scene in the late 70’s and 80’s when Salsa was at its peak. Fueled by their mutual interest in Salsa, they started performing together with other members of the original band also living in Florida. “After playing a few gigs,’’ says Marcus, “It became evident early on that the time was ripe to revive the classic Salsa sound.” These seasoned musicians perform in various entertainment venues such as parties, individual and corporate catering events, nightclubs, and restaurants. Their danceable beats bring energy and exciting entertainment to any occasion. An avid Salsa dancer, Fernando Alicea, states, “I’ve been clubbing around Tampa for some time, and I have never seen any band that comes close to Orchestra Fuego. They are hot!” Orchestra Fuego is excited about the enthusiastic fan following in Florida. Their goal is to perform throughout Florida and beyond. “We just want to get out there and share our music,” remarks Marcus. They have three albums, Encendido, Salsa Brava, and their newest, “Quemando La Pista.” Twelve-piece Salsa Band 03 Marcus Hernandez Marcus Hernandez Musical Director and Founder If Salsa music can be one of the DNA molecules, Marcus Hernandez has it in his veins. His love of Salsa led him to learning and playing the piano at a young age. In his early years as a musician, he studied under Oscar Hernandez and Gilberto Colon, and more recently with Victor Romero, an accomplished pianist. Marcus started playing in New York City during the late 70’s when Salsa music was at an all-time high. Marcus formed the Salsa group Fuego ‘77 and played at all top venues that included The Corso, Ipanema, Casa Blanca, Casino 14, and the Copa Cabana just to mention a few. Fuego ‘77 opened for mega Salsa artists such as Celia Cruz, Johnny Pacheco, and Hector LaVoe. Fuego ’77 recorded its first album in 1977 under the Alegre label which was a subsidiary of the famous Fania Records. Marcus composed and arranged eight of the ten songs on the album. In addition, Marcus performed with various popular artists such as Adalberto Santiago and Rafael de Jesus. Though Marcus has been away from performing music while pursuing an accounting career, his passion for Salsa was always simmering, but has recently been ignited by reuniting with former fellow musician Luis “Torpedo” Aponte, inspiring him to form Orchestra Fuego. Creating lively and refreshing arrangements of classic songs, as well as composing his own original music, is what he is most enthusiastic about. “Marcus has developed significantly as a musician and band leader,” comments lead singer, Torpedo. “He has everything needed to make the band successful. He is doing an awesome job and I admire that beyond words.” His passion for music coupled with his professionalism makes him a pleasure to work with. Twelve-piece Salsa Band 04 Luis “Torpedo” Aponte Luis “Torpedo” Aponte Lead Singer Torpedo credits Marcus for his inspiration as a musician. He and Marcus first met when Torpedo relocated from Puerto Rico to New York in the late 70’s. After auditioning, Marcus invited him to be the lead trumpet of his band called Fuego ’77. He recalls, “Marcus believed in me and took me to the studio to record the trumpet for his new album. From that experience, I became so passionate with performing that this was all I wanted to do.” Luis later started singing backup with many bands like Rafy Diaz, Tito Rojas, Marvin Santiago, Junior Toledo, Primi Cruz and many others. Until one-day Pedro Conga invited him to be a part of his band, La Orquesta Internacional. Since then, he’s both played and sung as part of many bands. Torpedo is influenced vocally by Axel Martinez from Pedro Conga’s band and Junior Toledo from Los Compadres. His timing, unique vocal sound, and spontaneous lyrics sets him apart from other singers. His improvisations come from his concentration of the song’s theme and keen observation of what is going on in the room, which makes his audience connected to what he is singing about. He makes it more entertaining by adding his infectious humor and vivacious spirit. When he first heard Marcus also moved to Florida, he was excited to work with him again after many years. Torpedo states, “It was like a party for me. I was so excited about this. He started me into this musical journey,” he adds, “and put me on the map of this wonderful world of music. After working with many artists and developing my skills over the years, it has come full circle now; and at just the right time to be working together again on the same path.” He looks forward to even greater accomplishments with Orchestra Fuego. Twelve-piece Salsa Band 05 Veronica Romero Veronica Romero Singer Veronica Romero was born in Chicago and raised in Puerto Rico. She started her professional career in 1997 as a backup vocalist for renowned artist Cano Estremera. Veronica shared the stage as a backup vocalist with greats like Andy Montañez, Hector Tricoche, Grammy Award Winner Lalo Rodriguez, Ismael Rivera Jr., Richy Ray and Bobby Cruz, Jose Alberto El Canario, Miles Peña, Edgar Joel, Paquito Guzman, Tommy Olivencia Jr., and many more. Her many talents, other than singing, include playing piano, guiro, pleneras (hand drums), and maracas. Veronica is co-owner of In Harmony Music School of Orlando, and Harmony Recording Studio where she collaborates in multiple recording sessions. In addition, Veronica is attractive and has a tremendous stage presence; fans love how she interacts with them. She joined Orchestra Fuego in 2016 during an audition for America’s Got Talent and moved from backup vocalist to singer. In a recently released album, Quemando La Pista, Veronica recorded as a soloist the hit track Mi Ritmo, a duet in Me Voy A Olvidar De Ti, and collaborations in Llego La Orquesta Fuego in addition to all backup vocals. Currently she is preparing for Orchestra Fuego’s 4th CD with a song titled Soy Rumbera. Twelve-piece Salsa Band 06 Awards of the Years In 2018 and beyond, Orchestra Fuego looks Forward hitting new markets with their music, especially New York City, Chicago and Carribean. With 3 albums, Encendido, Salsa Brava and their newest, “Quemando La Pista” they are even more eager to light up the dancefloors nationwide and has won best Awards of the year. Independent Music Awards in Chrismas Sonf of the Year Award from Orchestra Fuego was nominated for Best Latin Album and Latin Song of New York City. Jango Radio.com the Year Award for 2018 Twelve-piece Salsa Band 07 Work With Orchestra Fuego Marcus Hernandez, Musical Director Tampa, Florida. [email protected] “Encendido”, “Salsa Brava” & our newest released “Quemando La Pista” on these platforms:.