Julian Veracruz

- "Singer "  Julian was born and raised in central Texas.  He began singing and playing piano at the age of four.  As he grew he continued to develop his musical knowledge by exposing himself to as many different types of music as possible.  Everything from Rock to Tejano music, it all had a profound impact on shaping his vocal delivery and style.  Known as "El Rookie" by his band mates, Julian is both the newest and youngest member of Tropicante.  At twenty years old he is just beginning his career, but he plans to leave his mark on the Latin music world by putting everything he has into every single note he sings.
 

Felix H. Rodriguez

- "Singer/Bongo/Composer" Felix grew up in Ponce, Puerto Rico, where he learned to play "Rumba" from the street scene. By the early age of nine he performed with different  "Salsa Groups" . Felix went on from there to play, compose and record with La Predilecta Band in San Antonio Texas.  Felix  participate in "Battle of the bands" in 1995, 1996, and 1997 representing the Fort Sam Houston BOSS Program with this band. He has performed as percussionist and singer backing some of Salsa's great singers such Cano Estremera, Hector Tricoche, Luigui Texidor, Marvin Santiago, Junior Gonzales  and others with Orquesta Tropicante. 

Orlando Medina

- "Timbales" Born in Rio Piedras, P.R. Orlando started learning timbales at the age of 9. Moving to Bayamon, P.R. in 1977, he had the opportunity to play at many parties in the area and sharpen his skills. Joining the Army in 1982, he played with different orchestras, such as  "La Fuerza latina" in Hawaii (1985-1989), "Latin Fire" in Virginia (1990), "Latin Sound" and "Latin Power" in Ft Campbell (1996-1998), "La Clave Tropical" in Korea (1999), in which he recorded a CD and competed with them in the Army's "Battle of The Bands" winning first place as best percussionist. In 2000-2001, he played with Al Delory y su Mambo 98, a band with several gold records and a two-times grammy winner. Arriving in San Antonio in August 2001, he joined La Orquesta Tropicante, and has been a valuable asset to the band ever since.

Jorge Flores

- "Percussionist" Jorge was born in  Juncos, PR. At the age of 9 started playing bongos in "parrandas". Stayed interested in percussion, learning from his older cousins, who played professionally with different salsa bands in Puerto Rico and Chicago. By the time he was a senior in high school, he had played bongos with two local bands. Later he added congas and timbales to his skills. He has performed with many salsa and jazz bands in Colorado, Texas, Alabama, and Korea. 

Paul Valero

- "Piano" Paul was born in San Antonio, TX, and began playing piano at a very young age. He attended the University of Texas in Austin, majoring in music. Paul has been playing professionally for many years and has become one of the most sought after musicians in south Texas. He demonstrates a high level of proficiency in many musical styles, such as in Country, Tejano, Latin Jazz, and Salsa.

Robert Perez

- "Bass"  Robert was born and raised in New York City, and began playing bass at the age of 15. He was influenced by the classic salsa sounds emanating from New York at that time, and as a result, became proficient in salsa music. He has become a highly requested and sought after salsa musician, backing up some of the most famous artists from Puerto Rico in recent years.

Edward David

- "Saxophones/Flute"  Born in Denver Colorado. Attended Colorado State University and received numerous jazz performance awards and has been playing professionally with various jazz groups ever since.

Ricardo Vega

  - "Trombone"  Ricardo is the music director of the band. His expertise and knowledge is a great assess to the band. Original from Puerto Rico, Richie has played with  well renowned bands that has led to his experience. His background goes deep into the Conservatory of Music in Puerto Rico to the US Army Band.

Rudy Estrada

- "1st Trumpet"  Rudy Estrada Started his musical career as a student at SouthwestTexas State University in San Marcos, Rudy studied
trumpet with Dr. Kieth Winking and his late idol, jazz legend Martin Banks. An ex Navy Band Musician, Rudy has played with other trumpet jazz greats such as Clark Terry, Roy Hargrove, Willie Thomas, and Marvin Stamm. Saxophonists Dick Oatts, & Wes "Warmdaddy" Anderson, & drumming legend Ed Shaugnessy of the Tonight Show band. In other realms of music he has performed with R&B greats such as the Temptations and the 4 Tops, country legend Kenny Rogers, Actor/Comedian Regis Philban and Salsa singers Van Lester, Miles Pena. El Cano Estremera to name a few. Rudy has performed in countless Festivals including the IAJE (International Association for Jazz Educators), the W.C. Handy Jazz Festival, Hot Springs Jazz Festival and the Latino Americando festival in Milan, Italy. While living in Italy Rudy was able to spread his voice, in jazz, to countries like Spain, Russia, Belgium, Romania, Estonia and Iceland bringing his musical taste to a new audience. Rudy is now in the process of attaining his bachelor's degree in Jazz
Studies at Texas State University in San Marcos.
 

Larry Dean

- "1st Trumpet"  Larry Dean is from Copperas Cove, Texas where he began playing trumpet at age 10.  He attended Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, TX and studied with both Jack Laumer and Dr. Keith Winking.  Also, he studied with the late Armando Ghitalla (Rice University and former principal trumpet of the Boston Symphony) in 1998.  He has performed with The Austin Symphony, Austin Lyric Opera, and the Mid-Texas Symphony.  Larry is also called on to play in brass quintets, jazz, and Latin ensembles throughout the Austin/San Antonio corridor.  Since, 1998, he has been a founding member of the rock band Inda’groove (formerly Blu Funk Junction).  Currently, Larry is a musician in the 323^rd Army Band, Ft. Sam Houston, TX.  In 1997, he was a finalist in the International Trumpet Guild’s Mock Orchestra Audition competition in Goteberg, Sweden.