News in the Community

This article was written by Edgar Mendez.
It is in the May 2-8, 2008 edition of the El Conquistador Latino Newspaper.

Drawing inspiration from a diverse cast of world renowned artists such as Tito Puente, Paoli Mejias and Gilberto Santa Rosa the Milwaukee based music group “Spanglish” looks to give America a different style of music, which is something they have long
been asking for.

The group Spanglish which was formed in the Fall of 2007 is comprised of band director Ulisis Santiago, trumpist Jake Heyer, saxophonist and flutist Kenny Kunz,
lead singer and percussionist Dennis Lopez, bassist and vocalist Candido Maldonado, guitarist and vocalist Johny Marrero, drummer and vocalist Chris Mell, director and vocalist Jeno Somlai, and Bobby Trujillo on the bongos arose out of what they called music fans search for a change and for variety in the Latin music scene in America.

Their music can range from salsa or cumbia to Latin pop or funk that is sung in either English or Spanish, but often times both in the same song. One moment you may be enjoying their rendition of a cover song from say Santana or Los Lonely Boys and the next thing you know they’re belting out a Jimmy Bosch song or even an original number, all in an attempt to reach out to both English and Spanish language music fans. They say that some believe that in order to dominate the music biz, you must be limited to one style. The Spanglish band disagrees and proves it with each performance.

The variety extends past their playlist and onto the diversity of their members and their musical backgrounds. Band director Ulisis Santiago began playing professionally in 1995 with a local band called the Tropical Heat. Since then he has been a freelance musician who has played with over 10 different bands. Wisconsinites, Jake Heyer and Kenny Kunz both received degrees in the music field from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. They have been musicians for numerous years and have ties to the White House of Music, which is located in Wauwatosa. Dennis Lopez, who was born in Puerto Rico, began his career as a musician at the tender age of 13. Also a talented dancer, Lopez was a winner in the “Rumba with the Stars” for the year 2007 as well as participant in the Chicago finals for the 3^rd season of “So You Think You Can Dance”. Candido Maldonado, who received his first bass from a family member at the age of 15 has been playing with local bands since 1981. Bobby “Bongo” Trujillo is classified as the firecracker of the group who keeps things lively with his energy and extensive knowledge of the bongos.

The formation of the group Spanglish was an idea that had been passed around for the last couple years, though most of the group aside from newbies Jake Heyer and Chris Mell had been friends for quite some time. To ensure an equal voice in the group Santiago asked each musician to bring two songs that they would like to play. They happily obliged and what emerged was the exiting mix of music they feature today. The culmination of the groups practice and hard work came when they played their first gig on Valentine’s Day of 2008 at La Casa Vieja in Milwaukee.

If you weren’t one of the lucky ones to catch that show or one of their following concerts don’t worry. There will be plenty of chances to catch up with Spanglish this summer. Their next show will be at Mona’s in Milwaukee on Cinco De Mayo, followed by appearances at Con Safos in McFarland on May 31^st, the Shank Hall in Milwaukee on June 6^th, and two days later they will be performing at Our Lady of Peace Festival in Milwaukee. If you’re one of those music fans whose been yearning for some new life in the Latin music scene, the group Spanglish has brought it in a big way. Now all that’s left is for you to come out and experience it for yourself.

Pick up the June/July 2008 issue of ¡Aquí! Milwaukee. The Spanglish Band is also featured and quoted in the magazine. You can see the listing at www.aquimilwaukee.com

Here is an article written by Griselda Aldrete:
With a little less than a year since it's inception, Spanglish Band is already making waves in the local Latin music scene. This band crosses cultures by playing a variety of English and Spanish songs in their performances. With regular monthly performances, check them out at www. spanglishband.com.