In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month being celebrated during September, various unique and creative members of our communities will be featured below for your review. Their artistry will feature what magic can happen when combined our cultures are combined together!

ORQUESTA DEL SOL - is Japan's first Latin/salsa group. This 11 piece band features 2 male vocal/percussionists, pianist, bass player, three percussionists, 2 trumpet players and 2 saxophone players and formed in 1978 under the leadership of Masahito "Pecker" Hashida (vocal/percussionist). They have created a large following for Latin music in Japan and led the way for groups such os Orquesta de la Luz and the all women group Chica Boom. Purchase their music by clicking HERE.

OZOMATLI - represents LA's cultural diversity and political struggles, and through their music, a global message of unity. In the Aztec language, Ozomatli translates as monkey. This monkey personifies dance, passion, & is the orchestrator of the sounds of the jungle. Their music is undefinable by current categories, their eclectic hybrid of "raw and fresh" sound & is defined by its members' musical traditions from around the world. They have played throughout the world from grass roots benefits to 50,000 seat stadiums while being involved with communities and political causes. One of their members is Jiro Yamaguchi, who plays the tablas, bongos and percussion, was trained in the Indian classical music via New York City & Japan. Purchase their music by clicking HERE.

LA CARPOOL - represents a unique blend of Latin / Salsa & Contemporary music. It's the realized dream of the 4 principal members of the group to combine Salsa Music with English lyrics for a Latin & American audiences. The group is made of the following: Faith, the Filipina Hawaiian princess (who worked with Jon Secada, Luther Vandross and Deborah Cox), Frank Garcia (who played with the Geffen Records group Oxo), Rick Ryan (co-writer of CSN&Y's Shadowland) and Jack Gold (writer of the Latin Pop hit "Like They Say in LA") combined their Asian / Hispanic forces to take the latest Salsa / Pop sensation to the next level. Purchase their music by clicking HERE.

KEANU REEVES - He was born in Beirut, Lebanon when it was a thriving cosmopolitan city. His mother, Patricia, was British, his father, Samuel was a Chinese Hawaiian.