THE TOLUCAN TIMES & CANYON CRIER
By Terry Richard-Sederholm
A master percussionist, acclaimed composer, recording artist and instructor, Beltran has also entertained audiences with world-renowned guitarist Carlos Santana at The Gibson Amphitheater at the Universal City Walk. In his youth he participated in political demonstrations with civil rights and labor leader Cesar Chavez, while studying at the Conservatory of Percussion in Paris. Hard to believe in his first band, he was a self-proclaimed hippie following The Rolling Stones and Iron Butterly! With acting in his genes, his brother is "Star Trek" - Voyager's Robert Beltran, he has worked with Carmen Zapata, Luis Valdez and Henry Darrow among others. Captivated by the Afro-Cuban beat, he chose to pursue the art of percussion, specializing in the congas and timables. "The beauty of Afro-Cuban music stole my heart," Beltran said, "I was born to play congas. I am a rumbero." Now being compared to the greats, Xavier Cugat, Desi Arnaz, Tito Puente and Perez Prado, his 10-piece ensemble performs a repertoire of music from Brazilian style and Afro-Cuban rhythms, blending R&B, Salsa, Reggae, Latin, Rock and Jazz. Co-producer of his new CD, "It's My Time," Peter Michael Escovedo, son of Pete Escovedo and brother of Shelia E., simply states, "How can one man be so talented, dedicated to his music and humble? It must be a gift from God."
Represented by the prestigious Corniche Group, Louie Cruz Beltran and His Latin Jazz Ensemble will be welcoming in the "2007th New Year" at the Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills. Be ready for an evening of exciting music and dancing that will shake your rhythmic soul!
