WHO ARE WE?

Led by multi-percussionist Gabriel Cerna, Yambambo is composed of 3 powerful latina singers backed by an 8 piece band of musicians from different backgrounds but together for the same “rumbon de calle”.

“Las Poderosas”

Las Cantantes

Cristela Gonzalez de Panama, Desiree Negron de Puerto Rico, Grecia Rodriguez de Peru.

The three of them bring a fire to the front of Yambambo that is untouchable, unapologetic and contagious. 

  • Las Cantantes
  • Desiree Negron
  • Cristela Gonzalez
  • Grecia Rodriguez

“Los Vientos”

The Brass Section

Erik Esvelt and William Ward on trumpet with Zach Halasz on trombone.

The three of them bring their expertise and experiences to blare those notes into your heart and soul. 

  • Los Vientos
  • Erik Esvelt – Trumpet
  • William Ward – Trumpet
  • Zachary Halasz – Trombone

“Los Rumberos”

The Rhythm Section

Composed of Court Crawford on bass, Joel Rosa on congas, Aman Almeida on piano, Walter Angulo on bongo and Gabriel Cerna on timbales they bring the heartbeat of the music to your ears.

 

  • Los Rumberos
  • Gabriel Cerna – Director/Timbales
  • Joel Rosa – Congas
  • Walter Angulo – Bongo
  • Aman Almeida – Piano
  • Court Crawford – Bass

OUR DIRECTOR

Being the youngest in the band, Gabriel Cerna is a latin multi-percussionist who has been playing music since the age of 7. As the son of one of the first members of Orquesta Cambalache, Gabriel got his start at a very young age and was always surrounded by salsa.

​

He got his start in the musical scene through his dad (ex-percussionist Orq. Cambalache) when Gabriel would be taken to the local Guitar Center with his dad as a toddler to play simpler rhythms such as clave or maracas. In his childhood Gabriel studied under Monica Rojas where he learned more about his Peruvian roots through the cajon and various other Peruvian percussive instruments, from there he broadened his musical vocabulary through his teen years under mentors like Todd Zimberg and Jesse Whitford (drumline, jazz, swing, mallet work, stick work) as well as his brief move to Peru to dive further into the world of latin percussion where he started his study of the timbales and salsa.

He currently sits at the top of Yambambo at 24 years young with many styles and instruments under his belt but maintaining the drive to keep learning with a fire in his eyes and a drive to continue the tradition of those before him.