Francisco Aguabella
Photo by Orestes Matacena

Legendary Conguero Francisco Aguabella has enjoyed an extensive musical career and has delighted many audiences with his masterful and powerful rhythms.

Aguabella has performed with Katherine Dunham, Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaria, Frank Sinatra, Eddie Palmieri, Cachao, Lalo Schifrin, Cal Tjader, Peggy Lee, Nancy Wilson, Poncho Sanchez, Bebo Valdes, and numerous others. Francisco's love of music transcends genres as he has also performed and recorded with rock legends Carlos Santana, Three Dog Night, Paul Simon, and the Doors. He is a recipient of the National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts (among numerous other awards).

Aguabella is featured in the documentary, "Sworn to the Drum" by filmmaker Les Blank, and is the subject of "Aguabella," currently in production, directed by actor/filmmaker Orestes Matacena. Besides leading his own Latin jazz ensemble, when the opportunity arises he performs as a guest with the Conga Kings. Aguabella teaches Afro Cuban drumming at UCLA.

Francisco Aguabella's passion and fire on the conga drums are absolutely contagious and not to be missed!

Bay Area Latin Jazz All-Stars includes bandleaders John Calloway (flute), Jesus Diaz (percussion), John Santos (percussion), Wayne Wallace (trombone), David Belove (bass), Murray Low (piano), David Flores (drums), Orlando Torriente (vocals) and surprise guests.