"Their cadence is so sensual that it's virtually irresistible!"

-Enrique Fernandez, Miami Sun Sentinel

At the first note, you’ll want to jump out of your seat. Orquesta La Moderna Tradición transports you to an era of sensual danzones and swinging cha-chas—the music of the Havana social clubs of the 1950s. The only band of its type in the United States, the 12-piece ensemble captures the romance and style of a memorable era in Cuban dance music.   

Violins and flutes weave lilting melodies against the backdrop of driving Afro-Cuban rhythms. The orchestra’s repertoire ranges from traditional ballads to the latest salsa and songo hits to surprising twists: you should hear their spin on the old church tune “Golden Slippers.” As one critic put it: “Imagine a blend of Tito Puente and a tango, and you'll begin to get an idea of the power and beauty of this music.”

The Orquesta’s equally diverse personnel have honed their talents in the worlds of jazz, salsa, flamenco and classical music. They include:

              Tregar Otton (Musical Director), born in the Marshall Islands, is a founder of Orquesta La Moderna Tradición. A performer and composer since age 16, he has worked closely with Juan Carlos Formel and the legendary New York charanga groups Orquesta Broadway and La Típica Novel as well as with Maestro Kent Nagano in the acclaimed Berkeley Symphony. A violinist with Orquesta La Moderna Tradición, he also composes the band’s original music.

Michael Spiro (Congas), is an internationally recognized percussionist, recording artist, and educator, known specifically for his work in the Latin music field. He has recorded or performed with Jose Luis “Changuito” Quintana, Gilberto Gil, Ella Fitzgerald, and many sterling jazz and Latin artists. In addition to a seven-year apprenticeship with Francisco Aguabella, he has studied annually in Cuba since 1984 and trained at G.R.E.S. Portela, the famous Escola de Samba in Rio de Janeiro.

Carlos Caro (Timbales) was born in Havana, Cuba and played with Grupo Clave and Opus 13. In 1993 he immigrated to Mexico City, where he was a member of 40 Grados, La Ley, La Rumbantela and other Cuban music ensembles; and recorded a work in the danzon style with the Mexico City Philharmonic. Caro recently was voted “Best Bongocero of All Time” by Timba.com.

Ramon Estevez and Eduardo Herrera  (Vocalists) represent the best of Cuba and Venezuela. Cuban-born sonero Estevez has recorded with Celia Cruz, Ismael Miranda and Hector Lavoe. Herrera has shared stages with Los Van Van, Larry Harlow, Fajardo, Yomo Toro, Afro Cuban All Stars, Bamboleo and many others.

Orquesta La Moderna Tradición has performed at some of the most prestigious festivals and venues in the United States, including Lincoln Center’s Midsummer Night Swing, San Francisco Jazz Festival, and the Smithsonian Institution—their tours have taken them from Alaska to El Paso and abroad. Their two recordings, “Danzonemos” and “Goza Conmigo,” which illustrate the breadth of their talent.