Rafael Ramirez is a fourth generation native San Franciscan of Hispanic decent. He was raised in San Francisco's Mission District, in the heart of the city, which is home to many Latino cultures. He considers himself very fortunate to be raised in such a musically creative and diverse community. Rafael first started his Latin percussion tutelage under Alex Mendez at age 12. Alex schooled him on the basics of Afro-Cuban drumming, Jazz & Samba, and provided life lessons as well. Rafael studied with Alex from 1963-68. He was also in the San Francisco's Boy's Club of America Concert & Marching Band (1962-64). Rafael also gained experience while performing with his uncle, Angelo Devencinzi, and The Guadalupe Native Sons of Golden West Mixed Drum Corps, from whom he learned the basic thirteen rudiments of mallets and played tenor to snare marching drums (1964-66). He studied diligently with master Nigerian percussionist Kwaku Daddy at San Francisco State University in 1974. Rafael was Musical Director of Arco Iris, an Afro-Cuban Comparsa Dance troupe comprised of 72 members that participated the 1981 & 1982 San Francisco Carnaval Festivals. Sargent Ramirez was an active member of the 159th National Guard Army Concert Band, Big Band, Marching Corps and Dance Ensemble Bands (1990-93). He was a Latin Percussion, Inc. endorsee on June 16, 1988. Rafael performed as a drummer for Afro-Haitian dance classes (1994-98), and also was a Core Member of Escola Nova de Samba, a Brazilian dance troupe in which he played surdo drums (1997-99). Rafael has performed with Producers & Artists: Michael 'Narada' Walden, Bill Greene, Taj Mahal, Jorge Santana, Coke Escovedo, Pete Escovedo, Randy Jackson, Mike Carabello, Troy Luccetta, Mickey Hart, Richie Havens, Richard Bean, Ray Gardner & Chalo Edwardo. Today he is very honored to be performing and recording with such musical artist as Mic Gillette and Ray Vega. Currently, Rafael feels fortunate to be involved with many group projects & bands, including Stars For The Future Giving Back, The Puro Bandido Band, Safari Ensemble, Sapo, Jeffrey Chin Projects, Fazz, Wavelength, Orchestra Actualidad and Latin Jazz Ensemble, Ruben Salcido Project, The Carmen 'Milagro' Band, Felix and Friends, Pomelo. Rafael leads his own Latin Jazz ensembles; Alta, a mambo-jazz ensemble; and Roux, a Latin Jazz trio. Rafael is featured in the November 2004 issue of Latin Beat Magazine. The article features West Coast Latin Percussionists. He appears with John Santos, Orestes Vilato, Jesus Dias and editor Orlando Ramos. Rafael was a voting member of NARAS & LARAS. Rafael sends you "Rhythms from the Heart"! e-mail: Reach4Rafael@yahoo.com Mobile (415) 823-6693