LA Plena is a group that is dedicated to the performance, development, and preservation of the Puerto Rican Plena and Bomba. Created in 2005 by saxophonist/composer David Urquidi (founder of the latin-ska band Yeska, and former sax player with Poncho Sanchez 2003-2005), LA Plena is the first plena/bomba ensemble in Los Angeles. Using traditional instruments such as, panderetas, guicharo, cuatro, accordion, and barriles, LA Plena presents an authentic representation of Puerto Rican folk music. In addition to plena and bomba, LA Plena also performs "Musica Jibara", which includes the seis, and aguinaldos. The group is comprised of some of the best and accomplished musicians in the Los Angeles area. Collectively, they have performed with Eddie Palmieri, Tito Puente, Ray Barretto, Cortijo, Celia Cruz, Ruben Blades, Ismael Rivera, Mongo Santamaria, Mon Rivera, Pete "El Conde" Rodriguez, Candido, Willie Colon, Oscar DeLeon, Papo Lucca, La Lupe, Machito, Hector Lavoe, Cano Estremera, Jose Fajardo, Grupo Folkorico Experimental, Juan Luis Guerra, Giovanni Hidalgo, Francisco Aguabella, Ernie Andrews, Ry Cooder, Joe Cuba Sextet, Joey Defrancesco, Linda Hopkins, Julio Iglesias, Hugh Masekela, Ismael Miranda, Andy Montanez, James Moody, Tito Nieves, Don Omar, Johnny Pacheco, Charlie Palmieri, Paulina Rubio, Jimmy Sabater, Poncho Sanchez, Jimmy Smith, Steve Turee, and Dave Valentin. LA Plena is available for live performances, concerts, clinics, workshops, and private events. For more information or booking contact David Urquidi:
[email protected]
