What is the one thing that inspires you as a performing artists? I must say none other than, Love . So many emotions are surrounded around the subject of “love”. So many ways of expressing in words; however, there is something about just a few words, combined together, thru music that can really touch some one wether, sensually, romantically, and even sadly ..... The magic of rhythms, I find, is that words aren't always necessary. The power of tempos, rhythmic patterns, beats, accents, and dynamics of beats combined and played from the heart can also bring out the same passions of love in all the various emotions.

How did you first became interest in music? When I was very small, my older brother would bang on the dinner table and we would drive my Mother nuts with drum cadences we created. My “older” sister had a boyfriend who I will never forget, and I'm sure he still remembers me since I was a tough little chaperone. They wanted to be “alone” and he knew how much I loved drums and beats. He sat me in a closet size room with Reel to Reel tapes, behind a full drum set, colored, spinning, lights and handed me some sticks. That was the day I fell in love with the power and meaning behind rhythms and how the hear beats to “it” . From there on I found myself interested in groups such as Chuck Mangione, George Benson, Spyro Gyra, Gato Barbieri, Crimson King, but then I also love, K.C. & The Sunshine Band, Funk Groups like War, Tower of Power. The more styles I go to know through the years and understand how powerful rhythms were and how they can trigger my emotions, the more I became interested in seeing how this was done.

Who where some of your first musical influences? My Mother is responsible for my influences. As far back as I could remember, we'd clean the house and she'd play all these dramatic songs from Juan Gabriel, Sandro, Armando Manzanero, Dyango, Olga Guillot, Julio Iglesias but also Los Sobrinos del Juez, Los Angeles Negros, Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Beny More, and in the meantime, I would never miss a show of Donny & Marie OR Tom Jones. I was glued to the television when these shows were on and hypnotized completely for that hour. Since we were majorly poor and I was the youngest, left alone often to entertain myself, I started to play all of her records and then dug into the 45's that came with this very old fashioned record player that must've weighed a thousand pounds and was given to my Mom. Remember those? Inside there was Barry Manillow, The Osmonds, The Partridge Family, Nazareth, The Allman Brothers, Led Zeppelin, Melissa Manchester, that song “Everybody was Kung Fu Fighting”, Louie Louie, The Jacksons, and then some Motown, like the Spinners, Gladys Night, Stevie Wonder, old Elvis songs, Barbra Streisand, Frank Sinatra... the collection was incredible and I wish we had kept it. So, I have to say, my Mother was the biggest influence and she didn't realize she was contributing to my menu of styles.

How would you describe you musical style? I have had tremendous pleasure in being able to be in various performing bands that cover all styles including rock, funk, pop, country, jazz, latin, reggae. My style...? Mmmmm.....world beat, with latin, funky, mojito flavoring. Mmm...don't know if I can put it into 1 or 2 words.

Just before you go on stage for a performance, what is going through your mind? My greater power, God, and thanking him for the skills he provided me to communicate through music the joys & sorrows, of life and love. No other thought. How thankful I truly am for bringing such beauty into my life and allowing me to share it with others.

What is it about your music that you want your audience to understand after a performance? That we can express ourselves beautifully and communicate without wars. That we are all the same, and we all chase peace and love because in reality, that really is all that matters as I can see when I look at a crowd of people, all ages, with the same, common, smile and joy at that moment, in the same room, while hearing that song, or dancing that dance, or just bopping their heads. For that particular moment, nothing matters, only how good we feel inside and all the love we are fortunate to have and give to one another. I want them to feel uplifted and want to celebrate life.

What are some of your favorite things to do when you're not performing music? Something that inspires me tremendously is nature and the ocean, and every opportunity I get, I go find spots that are close to the ocean which is why I love living in South Florida. I love my quite, down time. I find that the sun and ocean are extremely invigorating for me and fill me with great energy. Have to have my sports and outdoor activities as well which stimulate me and challenge me. I have a photography addiction that I can quit and don't want to. I love to capture those beautiful moments, sceneries, babies, old people as these things I find also very invigorating to me.

At this stage in your music career, how would you describe your inner-musical artistic spirit? One that loves to uplift the others thru music. Heal the moment and bring light into the room, into their hearts.

Looking into the future, what are some significant things you aspire to accomplish as a performing artist? I am in the process of laying down some tracks of a solo cd of “electronica” style songs I am intending on releasing in the future (no date set). I am also venturing out as a performer and getting to know more of the great talents right here in South Florida while looking to explore new venues and continuing to develop my craft.

What is your best advice to young inspiring musicians that want to pursue a career as a performing artist? Learn how to play an instrument and try not to get too involved in the “computer” side of music and sounds. Listen to old recordings and artists. Although technology is there to “enhance” us as artist, there is something about computers that can take away and create barriers in your creativity and expressions. Play what inspires you so you can play with passion and heart while realizing your limits and applying your tools wisely. And most of all, have fun and if you ever don't, then reach within and re-invent yourself but don't give up and make sure you are ALWAYS having fun.