Latin Heat

Traditional Latin Music of Cuba and South America. Comprised of members of the group Solazo, which is endorsed by the Virginia Commission for the Arts. They play high energy Latin music and traditional folkloric music. They play songs in the styles of Salsa, son montuno, cha-cha-cha, Latin rock, el bolero, etc. All these elements make Latin Heat a unique and versatile group that will make you dance and feel the real Latin experience.

Presenta un variado repertorio de musica latina, pasando desde el son montuno, el cha-cha-cha, la salsa, Latin rock, el bolero, etc. Todos estos elementos hacen que Latin Heat sea un grupo unico y versatil que te hara bailar y sentir la veradera experiencia Latina.

Vladimir Espinosa - percussion / vocals Vladimir is currently at Hollins University as a Hollins Dance Accompanist and Musician in residence. He is a musician and dancer originally from the city of Havana, Cuba. His specialties include Latin and Afro-Cuban styles. He graduated from the ENA (Escuela National del Arte) in Cuba in 1985. He has taught at both ENA and the Casa de Cultura in Havana. He has worked, performed, taught, and choreographed for many companies such as: Caribeño(Cuba), National Folklorico de Cuba, Koral y Esmeralda (Ecuador), Compania National de Danza en Ecuador, Orilé (Cuba), and Rojo Oscuro (Ecuador).As a performer he has traveled extensively throughout the US, Europe, Central and South America. In 1994 he served as the Artistic Director during ceremonies in conjunction with the election of the Queen of Ecuador, in Quito. He has played and toured with many musical groups such as Pueblo Nuevo (Ecuador) and Havana Express (Cuba). Vladimir has recently toured the east coast with Solazo, conducting workshops for a variety of high schools and universities. Most recently, he has toured with Sandra to area universities for workshops and performances.
	Francisco Aranda - Percussion /Timbales Born in Chile, Francisco “Pancho” Aranda, has been playing congas, timbales, batas, claves, etc. with Solazo since 2001. He has played and studied with Vladimir Espinosa. His lifelong emersion in Latin sounds combined with his youthful passion for percussion, add extra energy and heat to Latin Heat’s already captivating music.
Miguel Benitez - Guitar / Vocals Originally from Clorinda, Province of Formosa, in northern Argentina Miguel began studying music at a very young age and was performing publicly by the age of 14. During the early part of his career he worked with “Estampas Gauchas”, a folkloric group of musicians and dancers. Here he played music and danced “The Malambo” which he still currently performs with Solazo in theater settings. Later he toured Bolivia, Paraquay, Peru and Ecuador performing with “Vocal Cuatro”. In 1978 he decided to stay in Ecuador, and became a very popular soloist folk singer for many years. Here he met Kike and they began working together. In 1986 they joined with Pepe to form “BARRO”, a popular Latin rock band which became a hit across the country. Kike and Miguel, who frequently also perform as a duo, currently have their own CD available, “Kike & Miguel”
	Kike Rodriguez - Guitar / Vocals Originally from Chile, Kike began singing as a child and won the “Festival de Cantantes” (Festival of Singers) in Santiago at the age of 12. He began his public performing career from the age of 14-16 as he toured Chile & Peru with “Tierra Joven,” a young group of folkloric singers. In 1975 he was invited by “Alma de America” to Ecuador to record an album. His talent was so well received that he was then invited to join the group permanently. It is here that he met Miguel Benitez, and began performing in concert settings with their own group ”Alma”, and also as a very popular duo. With incredible vocals and harmonies they currently have their own CD available, “Kike & Miguel”, which consists of popular traditional South American folksongs. In 1986 his fame was permanently established while performing as the lead singer for the well known Latin rock group “BARRO” (described above). Kike and Miguel, who frequently also perform as a duo, currently have their own CD available, “Kike & Miguel”
Jeff Hofmann - upright and electric bass Jeff is the newest member of Latin Heat. Coming from a varied background of styles, Jeff brings a driving, hypnotic pulse to the group. He has toured throughout the country with different groups, and is currently a much sought after studio session bassist in central and southwestern Virginia.