The Alma Villegas Latin Quintet/Quartet
Alma Villegas' lustful voice brings you an exquisite and passionate selection of Latin styles and flavors. From the bouncy feel of “Perfidia” and “Quizas, Quizas” to the passionate tango version of “Besame Mucho”, the smooth and sultry bossa nova “Waters of March” and the salsa sound of “Mi Tierra” or “Oye Como Va”, these tunes have captured hearts and entertained internationally for decades.
Alma Villegas started her professional music career by performing with some of Seattle's most popular Latin music bands including Cambalache & Yerba Buena. This experience prompted her to create a band that offered a more diverse selection of music focusing on the traditional bolero (Latin ballad) and cha-chas, mid-tempo Latin jazz standards, a variety of Cuban rhythms and bossa novas.
The Alma Villegas Quintet features Alma Villegas on vocals, Ben Verdier on keyboard, Ricardo Guity on Congas and Bongo, Matt Dressler on Timbales and Steve Okimoto on bass. Depending on the occasion and the style of music desired, the size of the band can be flexible and can be offered as a trio, quartet or quintet.
Their first CD was released in June of 2006 and received an overwhelming response sending their audiences in an excursion of Latin soul and tradition. Sample the beauty that exists within each country's interpretation of their Latino culture and Sabor through the magic of music.
The Alma Villegas Quartet/Quintet has performed at various local venues including: Dulces Latin Bistro, Experience Music Project, Serafina on Eastlake, Mixtura in Kirkland, St. Clouds, Misto Café, Mamey's Cuban Café, Madrid, Julia's on Broadway, The Tractor Tavern, The Triple Door's Musicquarium and Jazz Alley. In addition, the band has taken part for many years in area festivals such as the Northwest Folklife Festival, The Bite of Seattle, Fremont Summer Festival, The Tacoma Ethnic Fest, Vashon Island Strawberry Festival and more.