Hometown: Lorain, Ohio
Felix Rodriguez is a really talented singer with a very melodic voice and will play an important role in Grupo Fuego. While growing up in the city of Fajardo, Puerto Rico, Felix developed his musical skills singing at church and in musicals. Later in life, he gains more experience by doing background vocals for several artists. He moves to Lorain, Ohio in 2003, and starts singing with some of the local bands, including "Merenpower". He then joins Grupo Fuego in the summer of 2009 with the departure of Tito, and feels that one of his dreams became a reality.
Felix Rodriguez - Vocals
Richard Rios - Vocals
Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
Ignacio "Nacho" Miranda - Vocals, Guitar
Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
Julio Rodriguez - Musical Director, Piano
Hometown: Parma, Ohio
Founder and Director, Julio Rodriguez has seen Grupo Fuego grow from an idea to a dream come true. Rodriguez, founded Grupo Fuego in September of 1999 with the purpose of taking a local scene Latin Music band into the next level. "There has always been good Latin Music bands and great musicians in the city of Cleveland, but they never get the exposure they deserve because they live in a small music market for Latin Music". Coming from a musical family, Rodriguez started his musical development back in Puerto Rico by being part of the church choir at the age of 12, where he starts vocal and harmony learning, and, later in high school, starts playing the keyboards for a church band called Marcos 11:13. At the age of 18, moves to Cleveland, Ohio, to attend Cleveland State University on a baseball scholarship. In 1995, reccomended by a friend, joins Tempo Boricua where he started learning the piano skills for Merengue and Salsa rhythms. In 1996, graduates with a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering. He continues playing with bands like Los Boyz del Merengue and Voltaje 220 during the late 90's, where he gained experience as a piano player, background vocalist, and composer. One of his biggest dreams came true in 2004, when Grupo Fuego recorded their first album, which included many of his compositions. "Our first musical production has opened more doors than what we expected. Working with Freddie Mendez as a producer was a real honor and great learning experience for me and for the band." Currently works at Tatman Associates, Inc. as a Structural Engineer.
E-mail: julio@grupofuego.com
Founder and Director, Julio Rodriguez has seen Grupo Fuego grow from an idea to a dream come true. Rodriguez, founded Grupo Fuego in September of 1999 with the purpose of taking a local scene Latin Music band into the next level. "There has always been good Latin Music bands and great musicians in the city of Cleveland, but they never get the exposure they deserve because they live in a small music market for Latin Music". Coming from a musical family, Rodriguez started his musical development back in Puerto Rico by being part of the church choir at the age of 12, where he starts vocal and harmony learning, and, later in high school, starts playing the keyboards for a church band called Marcos 11:13. At the age of 18, moves to Cleveland, Ohio, to attend Cleveland State University on a baseball scholarship. In 1995, reccomended by a friend, joins Tempo Boricua where he started learning the piano skills for Merengue and Salsa rhythms. In 1996, graduates with a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering. He continues playing with bands like Los Boyz del Merengue and Voltaje 220 during the late 90's, where he gained experience as a piano player, background vocalist, and composer. One of his biggest dreams came true in 2004, when Grupo Fuego recorded their first album, which included many of his compositions. "Our first musical production has opened more doors than what we expected. Working with Freddie Mendez as a producer was a real honor and great learning experience for me and for the band." Currently works at Tatman Associates, Inc. as a Structural Engineer.
E-mail: julio@grupofuego.com
Jose "Moye Tambora" Ramos - Tambora, Bongoses
Hometown: Brooklyn, Ohio
"Moye", like we call him, is the backbone and leader of the percussion section. He has been with Grupo Fuego since its beginning stages and forms part of the strong base and leadership of the band. Moye started his musical journey at the age of 6 practicing and learning with percussion instruments back in Puerto Rico. At age 10, joined Grupo Mixto, a band of some of the best young musicians from different towns of Puerto Rico. He moved to Cleveland in 1993 looking for a better future. Gained experience as a "tamborero" with bands like Invasion Secreta, Los Boyz del Merengue, and Voltaje 220 from mid to late 90's. Recording the first album and playing at the "Fiestas Patronales" of Yauco, Puerto Rico, have been experiences that he'll never forget.
E-mail: moyetambora@grupofuego.com
"Moye", like we call him, is the backbone and leader of the percussion section. He has been with Grupo Fuego since its beginning stages and forms part of the strong base and leadership of the band. Moye started his musical journey at the age of 6 practicing and learning with percussion instruments back in Puerto Rico. At age 10, joined Grupo Mixto, a band of some of the best young musicians from different towns of Puerto Rico. He moved to Cleveland in 1993 looking for a better future. Gained experience as a "tamborero" with bands like Invasion Secreta, Los Boyz del Merengue, and Voltaje 220 from mid to late 90's. Recording the first album and playing at the "Fiestas Patronales" of Yauco, Puerto Rico, have been experiences that he'll never forget.
E-mail: moyetambora@grupofuego.com
Jimmy "Jimmito" Rivera - Guira
Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
"Jimmito" has been with Grupo Fuego from the beginning of the band. Back then, we used to call him "the kid", but he has grown into a man and has developed into a strong "guirero". Started his musical career playing with Los Boyz del Merengue in the late 90's where he gained much of his experience. He is a really loyal musician of Grupo Fuego, and expects to be with the band for a long time. He loves percussion instruments, merengue music, and pitbulls.
"Jimmito" has been with Grupo Fuego from the beginning of the band. Back then, we used to call him "the kid", but he has grown into a man and has developed into a strong "guirero". Started his musical career playing with Los Boyz del Merengue in the late 90's where he gained much of his experience. He is a really loyal musician of Grupo Fuego, and expects to be with the band for a long time. He loves percussion instruments, merengue music, and pitbulls.
Wilfredo "Peluche" Gonzalez - Congas
One of Grupo Fuego founders, "Peluche" is currently servicing our country overseas with the US Air Force.
E-mail: peluche@grupofuego.com
E-mail: peluche@grupofuego.com
Luis Capeles - Congas
Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
"Luisito" is the son of Victor Capeles, director and founder of the band Invasion Secreta from Cleveland. It was in that band where he learned the skills of percussion instruments at an early age. He has developed into a strong congas player and came into the band to substitute Wilfredo "Peluche" Gonzalez, who had to go on active duty with the US armed forces in 2006. This young man has a bright future as a percussionist and Grupo Fuego is happy to have him on board.
"Luisito" is the son of Victor Capeles, director and founder of the band Invasion Secreta from Cleveland. It was in that band where he learned the skills of percussion instruments at an early age. He has developed into a strong congas player and came into the band to substitute Wilfredo "Peluche" Gonzalez, who had to go on active duty with the US armed forces in 2006. This young man has a bright future as a percussionist and Grupo Fuego is happy to have him on board.
Emily Sierra - Alto Sax
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
Grupo Fuego met Emily while opening for Victor Manuelle in the spring of 2004 in Cincinnati. At that time, they were looking for a strong sax player to lead the horns section, and found in her exactly what they were looking for. Emily has a Bachelor's Degree in Music from the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music (2000), and a Master's Degree in Music from The University of Cincinnati (2003). Her vast performance experience started in 1989 by playing for El Grupo de Edita Robles back in Puerto Rico. Emily really developed her live performance skills during the 90's playing for many bands including: Grupo Mua, Grupo Skndalo, Grupo Pa' Gozar, Los Reales del Merengue, Las Sirenas, Alto Voltaje, Junny Ramos, Ronny Soler, Ashley, Las Nenas del Swing, Grupo Kon Kon, Jessica Cristina, Grupo Sarao, Gilberto Santa Rosa (special participation),and Los Pequeños Gigantes. Before moving to Cincinnati, she played for Grupo Mayombe from 1999-2000. Emily has also done musical recordings for several artists. Currently, she is the lead saxophone performer for The Mother of Christ Church in Cincinnati, a private music instructor, and musical director for Cincinnati's Legend Vega. It is an honor for Grupo Fuego to have Emily as part of the family.
E-mail: emily@grupofuego.com
Grupo Fuego met Emily while opening for Victor Manuelle in the spring of 2004 in Cincinnati. At that time, they were looking for a strong sax player to lead the horns section, and found in her exactly what they were looking for. Emily has a Bachelor's Degree in Music from the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music (2000), and a Master's Degree in Music from The University of Cincinnati (2003). Her vast performance experience started in 1989 by playing for El Grupo de Edita Robles back in Puerto Rico. Emily really developed her live performance skills during the 90's playing for many bands including: Grupo Mua, Grupo Skndalo, Grupo Pa' Gozar, Los Reales del Merengue, Las Sirenas, Alto Voltaje, Junny Ramos, Ronny Soler, Ashley, Las Nenas del Swing, Grupo Kon Kon, Jessica Cristina, Grupo Sarao, Gilberto Santa Rosa (special participation),and Los Pequeños Gigantes. Before moving to Cincinnati, she played for Grupo Mayombe from 1999-2000. Emily has also done musical recordings for several artists. Currently, she is the lead saxophone performer for The Mother of Christ Church in Cincinnati, a private music instructor, and musical director for Cincinnati's Legend Vega. It is an honor for Grupo Fuego to have Emily as part of the family.
E-mail: emily@grupofuego.com
Tim Coyne - Trumpet
Hometown: Ravenna, Ohio
"Noel Quintana was kind enough to recommend me to Julio Rodriquez during the summer of 2004 when Julio was looking for a lead trumpet player for his band, Grupo Fuego. After one rehearsal with the band, they asked me to join. Again, I said yes. Playing Latin music is fun, exciting and a challenge - and I love a challenge! We played several dates around the region that summer and had a blast doing it! Playing with Fuego has opened other doors for me, as well, with other Latin bands around
Cleveland."
"Noel Quintana was kind enough to recommend me to Julio Rodriquez during the summer of 2004 when Julio was looking for a lead trumpet player for his band, Grupo Fuego. After one rehearsal with the band, they asked me to join. Again, I said yes. Playing Latin music is fun, exciting and a challenge - and I love a challenge! We played several dates around the region that summer and had a blast doing it! Playing with Fuego has opened other doors for me, as well, with other Latin bands around
Cleveland."
Kenny Robinson - Trumpet
Hometown: Detroit, Michigan
Robinson graduated from East Detroit High School in 1986 and attended Wayne State University on a full talent scholarship and has been featured in numerous TV and radio commercials as well as having performed and recorded with the Lake St. Clair Symphony, Rochester Symphony, Ann Arbor Symphony, Warren Symphony, Michigan Opera Theatre, Livonia Symphony, Musica Sacra, International Symphony, Moody Blues, Harry Belafonte, Jerry Lewis, Frankie Ruiz, Lalo Rodriguez, Sponge, ICP, Snoop Dog, Josh Bramhall, Spyder Turner, The Temptations, The O’Jays, Reggie Watkins, A-List, and Grupo Fuego.
Robinson graduated from East Detroit High School in 1986 and attended Wayne State University on a full talent scholarship and has been featured in numerous TV and radio commercials as well as having performed and recorded with the Lake St. Clair Symphony, Rochester Symphony, Ann Arbor Symphony, Warren Symphony, Michigan Opera Theatre, Livonia Symphony, Musica Sacra, International Symphony, Moody Blues, Harry Belafonte, Jerry Lewis, Frankie Ruiz, Lalo Rodriguez, Sponge, ICP, Snoop Dog, Josh Bramhall, Spyder Turner, The Temptations, The O’Jays, Reggie Watkins, A-List, and Grupo Fuego.
Carlos "Charlie" Alicea - Trumpet
Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
Charlie joined Grupo Fuego in 2006. He has been a local trumpet player for many years and brings all his experience to the band. He started his musical education back in Puerto Rico when he became a member of the Arroyo Municipal Band while attending high school. He moves to Cleveland in 1970. In the 70's he played with Cleveland bands like Roberto y Su Tumbao, Los Fantasticos, and Ya Mas among others. He continued playing in the 80's with Orquesta Sentido adding more experience to his musical resume, then, retires from the music scene a few years to concentrate on work. In the 90's he played with Tumbao Antillano for a few years. Currently, he also plays with Orquesta Ahi Nama', which features Cleveland veteran musician Frankie Lopez. Alicea works for the Cleveland Board of Education.
Charlie joined Grupo Fuego in 2006. He has been a local trumpet player for many years and brings all his experience to the band. He started his musical education back in Puerto Rico when he became a member of the Arroyo Municipal Band while attending high school. He moves to Cleveland in 1970. In the 70's he played with Cleveland bands like Roberto y Su Tumbao, Los Fantasticos, and Ya Mas among others. He continued playing in the 80's with Orquesta Sentido adding more experience to his musical resume, then, retires from the music scene a few years to concentrate on work. In the 90's he played with Tumbao Antillano for a few years. Currently, he also plays with Orquesta Ahi Nama', which features Cleveland veteran musician Frankie Lopez. Alicea works for the Cleveland Board of Education.
