Machaka Band
Latin Funk
Machaka Band comprises highly skilled Cuban musicians who infuse a contemporary twist into traditional Cuban music. Their unique sound seamlessly blends Son, Timba, and Latin American rhythms, resulting in an exhilarating fusion that never fails to ignite the stage. Notably, they have had the privilege of performing at the Shakori Hills Grassroots, Finger Lakes Grassroots, Virginia Key Grassroots, and Carnaval on the Miles Festivals for two consecutive years, earning them a devoted following and critical acclaim. Machaka Band can bring energy, charisma, and exceptional musicality to any event. The founding members of the band are;
Fabian Alvarez
He began his musical studies at the age of 9 in Cuba. He continued studies at the “Amadeo Roldan” Conservatory of Music and graduated with honors in 1998. I n 1999 , Fabian received a full scholarship to study at the National Conservatory of Music in Mexico. In 2002, he is established himself in Miami, where he obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Flute Performance at the “New World School of the Art” in association with the University of Florida (U.F.) and Master’s Degree of Music in Performance from The Lynn University Conservatory of Music.
In 2004, he was awarded First Prize at the New World School of the Arts Concerto Competition, performing Mozart’s Flute Concerto in D Major with the NWSA Symphony Orchestra. In 2005, Fabian was the First Prize winner of the Florida Flute Fair Competition in Daytona Beach FL.
Monica Arce
She began her professional career in Havana, Cuba at the age of three. Monica recorded a famous traditional lullaby named “La Calabacita” at the age of six, a song that told all the Cuban children it was time to go to bed. She made weekly television appearances while performing in a prestigious kid’s group as one of the lead singers. She studied at Havana’s conservatory of arts, Amadeo Roldan. In the mid 90’s, she toured the world singing for the all-girl tropical band, Azucar.
In 1999, Monica immigrated to the United States, where she collaborated behind the scenes in the music industry composing, producing and performing with some of Latin America’s most successful artists and producers including Emilio and Gloria Estefan, Jorge Villamizar, Luis Enrique, Kike Santander, Willy Chirino, Tito Nieves, Roselyn Sanchez, Sergio George, Patricia Monterola, Roberto Levi and the All-Star Celia Cruz tribute band at the 2003 Grammy Awards. This has allowed her to become a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). She also worked for eight years as a singer with Alexis Valdes in his popular Television Shows, “Seguro Que Yes” and “Esta Noche Tonight”, as well as, the television show, “El Vacilón” Con Enrique Santos and Joe Ferrero.
Alexis Arce
He inherited his Father’s music name, “Pututi” when he decided to pursue his passion for music and to become a professional drummer. He left his home in Santa Clara, Cuba at the age of 15 when he received a scholarship to one of Havana’s most prestigious music conservatories, “La Ena”. He studied under the Percussion Master, Jose Luis, “Changuito” Quintana.
His career as a professional Drummer began at the age of 17. He joined “Manolin, El Medico del la Salsa”, one of the most popular bands in the country in the 90’s. In 1998, he came to the United States to work with renowned artists; DLG, Camila, Issac Delgado, Luis Enrique, Jorge Villamizar, Donator Poveda, Manuel Valera, Descemer Bueno, Gente de Zona, Amaury Gutierrez, Ed Calle and Concha Buika. In 2003, Pututi took his journey to another dimension when he joined the band of the great trumpeter, Arturo Sandoval. He toured extensively in the USA and Europe, sharing the stage with great artists such as Al Jarreau, Alicia Keys, Chick Correa, Jamie Cullum and Pat Metheny.
Pututi is a talented musical producer and composer and has collaborated with the likes of Kike Santander, Jorge Villamizar, Patty Manterola. He continues to develop new projects with upcoming talent. Pututi is a master of his instrument, not only because of his technique and experience, but for the ecstasy he provokes with his temperament and passion. His career and his art are as colorful and vibrant as he is.