Yelba

Rank #1 Spring, TX Dance / Latin / Pop

About

Members: Roy Heaton - Bass, Jerry Sanchez - keyboards, Jimmy Morado - drums.

Sounds Like: Gloria Estefan, Adele, Karen Carpenter, Norah Jones, Eva Cassidy

Bio: Nicaraguan-born Yelba came into this world with a gift for harmonies and a joy for entertaining. She learned to play the guitar by imitating her father strumming as he sang folk tunes to his 5 children. The gifted family was invited to perform in Pittsburgh, PA for Roberto Clemente's Memorial Ser... See Full Bio

More Info

Status

On way to Varnett School for a special Cinco de Mayo show for the kids! I've got Roy, Jerry, Rangel, Gerardo and Memo! It's the dream team!

Press

“Yelba heats up the stage with an energetic Latin twist! Nicaraguan-born Houstonian, Yelba Heaton, has an unusual name indeed. “It’s like ‘the heat is on’ — ‘Heat-on,’“ she said with a laugh, but it’s a name to remember. Heaton, known as Yelba to her fans, is going places.”

— By Kim Hogstrom / contributing writer, Here!

“INTERVIEW WITH LATIN SINGER YELBA Yelba & Latin Fire is a variety band that, with 10 years of performance, has established itself in Houston, Texas, as well as surrounding areas. SMAG caught up with Yelba Heaton, singer for the Latin Fire band, after her performance at Freedom Over Texas in Houston. Yelba talks about her recent nomination for a Houston Press Music Award, past performances in and outside of Houston and three summer spots she’d love to visit.”

— Smez, Volted Magazine

“Woman finds harmony in her music Yelba Heaton performs as lead vocalist for band Occupation: Lead singer of her band, Yelba and Max Cat. Community connection: Lives in The Woodlands Fast fact: Heaton is a mother of five, including 13-year-old twins. Quick quote: "Music has always been a dream of mine. It's a real passion." For more information: www.yelba.net If love is a universal language, and music is a close second, The Woodlands resident Yelba Heaton is definitely multilingual.”

— By KIM MORGAN CHRONICLE CORRESPONDENT, Houston Chronicle Faces in the Crowd

“Rock You like a Hurricane The Press Music Awards Showcase brings a category-five storm of tunes Yelba Best Latin Nicaraguan-born Yelba plays both sides of the Latin ballad/salsa street. Working with jazz guitarist Mark Towns on her debut CD, Recuerdos, Yelba favors the "Bésame Mucho"-type boleros but easily swings into a salsafied version of "Hotel California" or a Peruvian-tinged "Tamalito." She comes by the stylistic range naturally. Her musical background is a mixed bag that includes Nicaraguan and Peruvian traditional music, Mexican ballads, merengue, light jazz, salsa, classic rock and even a little country-western thrown in for good measure. The result is kind of like Vikki Carr meets Eydie Gorme and Karen Carpenter over at Loretta Lynn's house. Purists cringe, but her fans love her. -- O.F.A. Mercury Room, 5 p.m. ”

— O.F.A., Houston Press

“There are two sides to Latin artist Yelba. The versatile singer can vamp through merengue numbers at Houston's tropical nightspots. At the city's quieter venues, she pours her heart out on romantic boleros. "I have two different branches," Yelba explains. "The first one is very romantic and emotional. I've been known to make ladies in the audience tear up, because I sing Spanish tunes like Bésame Mucho with a lot of feeling. The second side is the super-charged side that makes people sit up and go 'wow.' That's what Tamalito and other salsa songs like De Que Callada Manera and Hotel California do." The songs Yelba describes can be found on her upcoming debut album, Recuerdos, due in May. She collaborated on the CD with flamenco/jazz guitar wonder Mark Towns. "Mark and I are a really good pair," she says, "because he picks songs based on the quality of the music, and I pick them based on what the song says, so I can interpret it and feel really good about what I'm saying."”

— Ramiro Burr, Houston Chronicle

“Houston and nearby cities plan music, parades and, of course, fireworks Country singers Billy Currington and Sara Evans headline Freedom Over Texas, the city's largest July 4th celebration. Local bands include Yelba and Latin Fire, Chris Crump, Ira Perez and Tony Henry.”

— By Syd Kearney, Chron.com

“FREEDOM OVER TEXAS Also scheduled are locals Yelba and Latin Fire, Chris Crump, Ira Perez and Tony Henry, along with patriotic exhibits and a kid zone.”

— Joey Guerra, Houston Chronicle Music

“The 2011 Houston Press Music Awards Nominees Best Latin Band Yelba Best Female Vocalist Yelba”

— JazzHouston Administrator, Jazz Houston.com

“Ray Wylie Hubbard to headline festival in Greenville Sept. 16-18 "We're proud that the festival continues to serve as a draw for the bicyclists and their families," said Greenville Tourism Director Milton Babb. "In fact, the largest number of cyclists ever, about 2,000, are expected due to some enhancements in the race. But music is playing an increasing role in the success of the festival." The main Bud Light Stage will be located at Lee and Oak Streets, facing east. The Blandelles take the stage at noon, followed by European Ensemble (a four woman string quartet), Josh Davis (award-winning teen Elvis tribute artist), the Vince Lujan Project (Jazz/Blues band from Denton), Back Porch Mary, Jonathan Jeter and the Revelators, Yelba and Latin Fire (Latin cross-over band from Houston) and headliner Ray Wylie Hubbard.”

— Milton Babb, Greenville Chamber of Commerce

“Yelba's Variety Band to perform in concert”

— by Cody Tucker, Ultimate Kingwood

“Yelba’s Variety Band returns to Keller Williams concert “Yelba had such a great response when she performed at our concert last October that we decided to bring her back this season,” said Roland Duhon, Keller Williams Northeast Marketing Committee chairman. Yelba Heaton is a Latin music vocalist and guitar player who can sing a beautiful Spanish ballad, a romantic jazz set or a fun disco tune with equal energy and charisma. Yelba’s Variety Band was nominated Best Latin Band Traditional by the Houston Press Music Awards 2010. The band has a varied repertoire, including Top 40, rock, R&B and jazz in addition to Latin music.”

— By From Community Reports, Humble Observer

“The versatile singer can vamp through merengue numbers at Houston's tropical nightspots. At the city's quieter venues, she pours her heart out on romantic boleros.”

— Jordan Graber, 29/95 Music

““Tenth Annual Paws Gala: “The Wonderful Wizard of Paws The Tenth Annual Paws Gala: “The Wonderful Wizard of Paws", hosted by the Galveston Island Humane Society, will kick off Saturday, September 18 at 7pm. With Frank Billingsley (Chief Meteorologist, KPRC-TV Local 2) as Master of Ceremonies and entertainment by Yelba & The Max Catz. OZ came to life last month as the Wonderful Wizard of Paws set out to break records and raise much needed funds for the Galveston Island Humane Society's new shelter. ”

— Galveston humane.org, Galveston Island Humane Society

“Pat Green, Cowboy Mouth, Little Big Town & a diverse music lineup at "Freedom Over Texas" PATRIOT STAGE TIMES BAND FORMAT 4:15 to 5:15 Yelba & Latin Fire Latin 5:45 to 7:15 Houston Funk Factory R&B, Funk 7:45 to 9:15 Cowboy Mouth Rock”

— Sherry Jane Cook, Examiner.com

“It’s that time of year again for the 8th Annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Universal at Market Street. One of the area’s most popular cultural events “Fiesta Universal” celebrates Latin heritage and culture with authentic Mexican food, Latin music, dancing and fun for the whole family! The celebration kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with a variety of Latin entertainment. Watch a performance by an Aztec Indian dance troupe, sing along with an 8-piece Mariachi band and dance to the music of Yelba & Latin Fire—nominated in 2010 by the Houston Press as the Best “Traditional” Latin Band.”

— Woodlands Resort.com

“Hispanic Chamber set for Fiesta Universal “We love performing at this event because of the involvement of the crowd, particularly the children,” said lead singer Yelba Heaton, a resident of The Woodlands. “They express themselves without holding anything back when they hear good music. They dance and sing along with us, and their smiles are better than a million bucks.” Heaton said they perform a variety of music, including Latin, disco, country, rock and roll and R&B. “If love is the first ‘universal’ language,” Heaton said, “music has to come in a close second.””

— KIM MORGAN, CHRONICLE CORRESPONDENT, Chron.com

“HMNS Hosts Mixers & Elixirs Tonight Yelba and Latin Fire perform steamy salsa, merengue, and cumbia, that'll have you dancing wildly. Then, in a blink of an eye, they'll switch to smooth jazz and beautiful Spanish ballads that'll bring a tear to your eyes. A salsa instructor will also be on hand to teach some smooth moves in between the band breaks.”

— Monica Danna, Houstonist Arts & Events

“With mariachis, merengue and a tamale-eating contest, the Montgomery County Hispanic Chamber will throw a fiesta for Cinco de Mayo at Market Street. The fourth annual festival is expected to draw more than 3,000 visitors, doubling the attendance from last year. The entertainment lineup includes a mix of mariachis from Houston's Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts; professional salsa and merengue dancers from the Arthur Murray Dance Studio, soon opening in the area; and the Yelba y Latin Fire jazz band, voted one of Houston's best bands for 2006.”

— LAURA ISENSEE, Chron.com

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Songs

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Play "Hotel California"

Hotel California

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Play "El Tamalito"

El Tamalito

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Play "Fields of Gold"

Fields of Gold

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Play "Mercy - short demo"

Mercy - short demo

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Play "Le Freak - short demo"

Le Freak - short de…

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Shows

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Fri
Apr 5

The Club at Carlton Woo…
The Woodlands, 77382, US | 6:00pm
The Club at Carlton Woods
The Woodlands, 77382, US
Fri Apr 05 6:00pm
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Yelba's Trio! While others might be content to follow the lead of the ordinary, you have always looked above and beyond to something better. Carlton Woods is country club lifestyle refined. This private golf community is built around world-class Jack Nicklaus Signature and Tom Fazio Championship golf courses, providing the backdrop for The Club at Carlton Woods, a pre-eminent social community with clubhouses, spa, pool and more.
Fri
Mar 1

The Club at Carlton Woo…
The Woodlands, 77382, US | 6:00pm
The Club at Carlton Woods
The Woodlands, 77382, US
Fri Mar 01 6:00pm
- Show Details
- Tickets
Details

Yelba's Trio! While others might be content to follow the lead of the ordinary, you have always looked above and beyond to something better. Carlton Woods is country club lifestyle refined. This private golf community is built around world-class Jack Nicklaus Signature and Tom Fazio Championship golf courses, providing the backdrop for The Club at Carlton Woods, a pre-eminent social community with clubhouses, spa, pool and more.
Thu
Feb 21

Kirby's Steakhouse - Th…
Spring, TX, US | 7:30pm
Kirby's Steakhouse - The W...
Spring, TX, US
Thu Feb 21 7:30pm
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Continuing the legacy of Dallas’ Original Steakhouse, Est. 1954, Kirby’s Prime Steakhouse in The Woodlands, Est. 2004, is an Award Winning Restaurant featuring Mid-Western, grain fed, aged Prime Beef. Kirby’s also offers Fresh Seafood, daily Chef Features, and a spectacular collection of New and Old World wine housed in an impressive cellar of over 4,000 bottles. Kirby’s boasts a trendy jazz bar and lounge featuring live music on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. Guests can choose to dine lakeside under the moonlight, or enjoy a glass of wine in the lounge, hand-selected by our certified Sommelier, Scott Griffin.
Thu
Feb 21

Monnalisa Lounge
Houston, TX, US | 7:00pm
Monnalisa Lounge
Houston, TX, US
Thu Feb 21 7:00pm
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Posh Plates and Chic Drinks at Monnalisa Bar Sip in style with this European-inspired bar in Houston featuring an outdoor lounge and adjacent pool. Serving specialty wines, cocktails and a delicious light-fare menu, for the perfect lounge and fine dining experience in Houston, Monnalisa bar stuns its guests with an alluring ambiance, which includes a dreamy starlit ceiling and a central fireplace as the bar’s focal point. Monnalisa bar pleasantly spills onto an open-air courtyard, overlooking the plaza, with a infinity pool, draped cabanas, luxe loungers and custom lanterns for an unparalleled and relentlessly chic Houston nightlife experience. Should the views of Monnalisa Bar’s fabulous guests and the brilliant interiors and exteriors of our lounge not be enough, Monnalisa also affords glittering views of the CITYCENTRE’s central plaza. So, enjoy a view from the top with that martini.
Sat
Feb 16

CROW'S CANTINA
GALVESTON, TX, US | 9:30pm
CROW'S CANTINA
GALVESTON, TX, US
Sat Feb 16 9:30pm
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Yelba's Latin Fire! Crow's Cantina Bar and Grill is an excellent place for people watching, drinkin', and fun. Crow's has become well known to locals and cruise ship passengers for some of the best live music on the Island, and for its excellent Strand location, literally steps from the Cruise Terminal. Crow's great staff is dedicated to making sure your visit is enjoyable as it is unforgettable.

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Videos

Yelba at House of Blues singing Corazon Espinado

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Store

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All I Have to Do is ...
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Crazy
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Come Away with Me
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Comments

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Angie Beck
It was such a honor for me and such a blast to get to share the stage with you! You are a beautiful, talented, natural performer who captures the heart and soul of every per...
JMOYA
Great work and performance, much respect.
Mo Bic
Cool stuff - like me, https://www.facebook.com/mobicmusic The Album "MEIN BLICKWINKEL" now obtainable at Amazon and Musicload . You will find the link on my hom...
Quan Chi
Great sound & wonderful feel. Keep doing you.
Skyhouse
Thanks for the inspiration! Peace, SKYHOUSE
Eddie Ray Franks Jr
Wishing you the best with your music and have a great day. Eddie Ray