Multi-percussionist, Conguero
Born in South Texas, Rudy started drumming at a very young age. His musical studies started with rhythm guitar and eventually latin. Studying the Latin percussion greats extensively, he saved up money to buy his first set of congas and almost immediately was forced on stage by musician and DJ friends. Shortly after his introduction to Latin percussion, he started playing professionally with world groups Ghandaia, Grupo Fantasma, Brownout, Ocote Soul Sounds, rock, Brazilian, funk, flamenco, Son Jarocho and Latin Jazz projects in the Austin, TX area.
Rudy has played in more recent days with Golden Dawn Arkestra playing some of the biggest shows and festivals in Texas. Rudy accompanies DJ Manny & Chorizo Funk from the Peligrosa DJ crew that is famous for the cumbia-tronica movement in TX. Quimbata’ — his most recent endeavor — is best described as La música de la Rumba Afro Cubana con Fusion, Funk y Jazz.
Rudy freelances with multiple artists of all genres, and he also plays AfroCuban style Bata drums from the beautiful Yoruba tradition. Currently studying in the lovely tradition of mentorship through playing guiros and singing for the Orishas (Afro-Cuban/Yoruba deities). Playing with groups of Cuban, Mexican, Brazilian, Colombian backgrounds for 18 years professionally has given him the knowledge to share his art through drumming.
Rudy currently tours with the world renowned Hip Hop dance group Havikoro, of which he’s been a member for 17 years. Havikoro is a group competing and teaching internationally, from Houston, TX and was recently inducted into Rice University’s Texas hip hop historic archives. Dancing with Havikoro has given him the opportunity to teach dancers the importance of Latin percussion in funk music.
![Waco Cultural Arts Fest & [254] Dance Fest](http://lannaya.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/11014947_10106716265387200_6942093694455470886_n-1-85x85.jpg)
