Maria V. Velez (Manager)

Jose -  was born and raised in Cayey, Puerto Rico. It was there that he learned to sing and play the guitar at the tender age of nine years old. Not long after that, he started performing salsa and merengue music with many bands in Puerto Rico.  Afterwards he enlisted in the US Air Force in 1980. He began playing trumpet  with the Air Force Band in Denver, Colorado. While in the military he  formed and directed salsa bands in many places such as; Fayetteville North Carolina, Ramstein Germany, Torrejon Spain, Homestead Florida. He arrived to San Antonio in 1993. He sang with several groups before deciding to start his own band, Orquesta Tropicante, in 1996. We are very proud to be part of this orchestra, and  working with very professional musicians to  bring you the best of salsa music in San Antonio Texas. Thank you for your support and

"God Bless You" 

Orquesta Tropicante is a unique and creative eleven-member Salsa and Latin Jazz band. The name "Trop-Picante" is comprised of two words: tropic and picante, meaning "tropics" and "spicy hot." This name represents their musical style, which features a blend of Afro-Caribbean dance rhythms, along with contemporary jazz. The result is an exciting dance orchestra with a unique style and music that is both traditional and original. The group consists of professional musicians living in San Antonio, brining together a multitude of cultural influences. Orquesta Tropicante, since its inception, has worked in most of the top nightclubs of San Antonio, Austin and Corpus Christi. The band was also featured in many Salsa  Festivals in San Antonio area, The 2003 Hispanic Media Awards Ceremony. The band was nominated for Univision Premios a la Musica Latina in the category of Best Salsa / Merengue band in San Antonio and Austin.  The band performed at  The Riverwalk Fiesta Parade    Fiesta Oyster Bake    American Institute of Architects    Texas A&M University    Home of Dance Therapy    United Stated Hispanic Chamber of Commerce   League of United Latin American Citizens LULAC    The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA)    Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)    Puerto Rican Heritage Society    The March of Dimes    National Hispana Leadership Institute    San Antonio Youth Centers   

Backed- up renowned international singers such as:   Lalo Rodriguez  El Cano Estremera  Luigui Texidor Guianko  Hector Tricoche  Luisito Carrion  Marvin Santiago  Ray Sepulveda  Rafu Warner  Paquito Acosta  

It took a lot of hard work and effort to put these superb musicians together in one group, to bring you true music from the Caribbean. Orquesta Tropicante will bring you the very best of salsa, merengue, cumbia, bolero and latin jazz in an exciting and professional way. We feel proud and privileged to present:

"La Orquesta Tropicante"