Gustavo & Friends

Born in Barquisimeto, Venezuela to a Cuban father and American mother, Gustavo came to South Florida and was initially trained in classical music. Following graduation from high school, Gus was awarded a scholarship to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he focused on World Percussion/Arranging and graduated in August, 2002 with a major in Professional Music. Gustavo has a broad knowledge of percussion instruments from around the world.

Gustavo's most noteworthy achievements include: competitive re-qualification for scholarship award throughout studies at Berklee; Service as co-producer/director of the Berklee College of Music World Percussion 2000 Conference Opening Ceremony; and Finalist in the Thelonius Monk Hand Drum Competition. This resulted with performances in Washington D.C. for secretary of state Madeline Albright, many world-renowned percussionists, musicians and other dignitaries. Gustavo performed with the band Insight for the Stanford University Jazz Workshop, in which they presented a percussion clinic, a Jazz Master Class, and a Latin Jazz performance.

He has performed in regional jazz festivals, including the San Jose Jazz Festival, and the 19th Annual International Jazz Festival, Havana, Cuba. He has played with many artists and influences including: Danilo Perez, Gary Burton, Nelson Gonzales, Giovanni Hidalgo, Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez, Jonny Conga, Alex Cuba, Dave Valentine, The Susie Hansen Band, and Karmina to name a few.

Gustavo currently performs at B.B. King's Blues Club in West Palm Beach with Orquesta de la Playa, a large Salsa band consisting of 13 great musicians.