Aguabella Latin Jazz Band
at Saddleback College
Mission Viejo, CA – Jazz Studies at Saddleback College is pleased to present the Aguabella Latin Jazz Band as part of their guest artist series on Monday, October 1st at 7 pm in the McKinney Theatre. After Francisco Aguabella passed away, a decision was made to keep the Band working. The Aguabella Band is composed of seven stellar musicians who are core members of The Francisco Aguabella Latin Jazz Band.
The Aguabella Band’s CD, Nuestra Era, is enjoying international airplay and critical acclaim. Raul da Gama of Latin Jazz Network calls Nuestra Era “a masterpiece”. Johnny Jazz (aka Johnny Gilbert) gives Nuestra Era “5 Stars. To quote Andy Harlow (89.1 FM Miami), “This Group smokes, sizzles and burns all at once! We know you will agree!”
Benn Clatworthy (Tenor, Soprano Saxes & Flute) now leads The Aguabella Band and has been a fixture on the Jazz scene since 1980 when he arrived from England. He has played with Cedar Walton, John Beasley, The LA Philharmonic Orchestra and countless others.
Ron Stout (Trumpet) has been a working member of the Musician’s Union since the age of 15. He recorded and/or performed with Jose Feliciano, Arturo Sandoval, Poncho Sanchez and numerous Motown greats.
Joey Sellers (Trombone) hails from Arizona and is an accomplished musician, composer and arranger. He has written compositions for Doc Severinsen, The Lincoln Center Orchestra and is the recipient of The Gil Evans Fellowship in Jazz Composition and Tommy Nestico awards. He is Director of Jazz Studies at Saddleback College, Mission Viejo, CA. Sellers has performed with such notable artists as The Lew Tabackin Orchestra, Kim Richmond, Joe Labarbara and numerous others.
Bryan Velasco (Piano) began his career touring with Celia Cruz when just 16 years old. Bryan is known as a fearless player who often employs pizzicato technique to the piano strings, while remaining thoughtful of each note played; the perfect riff within the perfect time and place. Bryan’s professional credits also include performing with Jose Feliciano, Sheila E, Airto Moreira, Los Lobos and others.
Brian J Wright (Bass) was privileged to play with Maestro Aguabella the last five years of his life. Brian has played with Lew Matthews (MD Nancy Wilson & pianist), Kotolan, Dry Martini, The Rat Pack Review and others. He has performed at The Dorothy Chandler, Museum of Latin American Art, Museum of Contemporary Art, and UCLA. He enjoys firs- call status with many Jazz/Latin and Salsa bands.
Christian Moraga (Congas) brings his spicy Chilean roots to The Aguabella Band; permeating perfectly with the Band’s Afro Cuban Latin Jazz flavors. He has performed with The Banda Brothers, Oskar Cartaya, Jimmy Bosh and some others.
Jorge Carbonell (Drums) is a native of Havana, Cuba. He is a ten year veteran of The Aguabella Band; having toured and recorded with Maestro Aguabella. His solos always elicit loud bursts of applause from the audience. Jorge has performed with Joey De Leon, Tito Puente, Frank Cano and many others.
Tickets are $10 general and $7 students/seniors. Call the ticket office at 949-582-4656, Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 4 pm or order your tickets online at www.saddleback.edu/arts.
Saddleback College is located at 28000 Marguerite Pkwy in Mission Viejo, just east of Interstate 5 at the Avery Parkway exit. Parking is available in Lot 12. Take Avery Parkway to Marguerite Parkway turn left to the third traffic light, which is Saddleback’s Marguerite entrance. Turn right into the campus and take the second left to “Theatre Circle,” turning right into Lot 12.
Located in Mission Viejo, Saddleback College provides quality higher education and training to the greater south Orange County community. Having served more than 500,000 students since 1968, Saddleback College offers over 300 degree and certificate programs to help students reach their personal, career, and educational goals. For more information, please visit www.saddleback.edu and for Fine Arts information, please visit www.saddleback.edu/arts.
Nina Welch, Fine Arts Public Information Officer
