Musicians Bio
Carlos Elizalde - Lead Vocals / Songwriter
At age 22 Carlos was fronting a band called Tulsa and at this early age was recognized for his abilities to captivate the audiences with his singing, dancing and stage demeanor. At 25 he formed a pop band and played all over the Bay Area while also managing some local acts and producing live concerts with national acts. At 36, Carlos needed to be back on stage and jumped into the Latin scene which was starting to boom. In the last few years Carlos has showcased himself with some top local bands, The Yardies, Mirage, Bautista, and Cantera. Also in 2002 he met up with John De La Cruz, and a partnership with some incredible song writing was born. What evolved was the heart and soul from two top bands (Cantera and Bautista) using the top members to form the new project "la Ventana". Carlos is writing more than ever, and is excited about this new project. If you haven't experienced the excitement of Carlos entertaining an audience then you need to!
John De La Cruz - Lead Guitar / Songwriter
John's first introduction to music began at home. Born to a multi-talented family of musicians he learned early traditional Mexican music standards. Over the years he has continued to hone his skills as a guitarist and songwriter. His passion for music, especially the guitar has him continually exploring new musical concepts. John has had the opportunity to share many musical emotions/feelings and the stage with numerous artists such as; Sheila E, Pete and Coke Escovedo, Top percussionist Tony Flores (Bobby Womack), Richard Bean (Sapo) Jorge Santana, Michael Walde, Sheka Chan, Mary Wells, guitarist Joaquin Leviano and War to name a few.
Gary DiGrazia - Congas / Bongos / Manager
Gary has been around music for 40 years, starting out as a Bass player with the Golden State Recording Artist "Rear Exit". He co-wrote the band's hit "Excitation" and has shared the stage with Neil Diamond, Sons of Chaplin, THEM, Roger Collins and many others during the 60's and 70's. His love for percussion led him to the congas and bongos while studying under Michael Carrabello (Santana) and Edgardo Cambon (Candela). Since 2001 he has played with "Double Take", "Cantera" and "Bautista". Gary has always remembered what Michael Carabello told him, "Keep the Beat. It Counts".
Mio "Timbalero" Flores
Mio has over 30 years experience playing percussion with some of the top Bay Area Bands. Since 8 years old "Mio" has been playing and gaining the respect of all the major Bay Area Latin Musicians. His energy and perfect timing has lifted the "la Ventana" Band another notch and we welcome him with open arms. This busy percussionist plays with many bands through the Bay, but will be concentrating on "la Ventana" as he has become inspired by our original music and new sound which is unlike any other Latin band. Mio's musical influence has come from Tito Puente, David Garibaldi, Magno Santa Maria, Buddy Rich and his older brother, Tony Flores ("El Mastro"), a Bay Area percussion legend. Mio has had the pleasure and honor to perform and work on stage with: Cal Jader, Sheila E, Joe Cano, Tierra, Coke Escovedo, Richard Bean (Malo/Sapo), Michael Cooper and Phelton Pilate of "Confunkshun", and War. Mio has played with Bay Area Bands: "Mystique, Rene Escovedo's "Con Panna", Mike Torres Band, Pete Escovedo Orchestra. Mio adds the third piece to "la Ventana's percussion section, making it into one of the Bay Area's top percussion section...
Ray Uribes
Ray was born and raised in the Bay Area and was drawn to music at a very early age. He played clarinet in his elementary school orchestra at age 7 and gravitated to guitar at age 10. Early in his teens he started helping out friends who were playing in garage bands and eventually started playing Bass Guitar when he was 16. After developing his skills as a Bass Player with a variety of Bay Area bands he moved to the Los Angeles area. Ray then spent a couple of years touring the country with several cover bands, returning to the Bay Area in 1992. He has played with numerous local acts including Carmen Milagro, The Zarate-Pollace Project, Native Sons, Roadside Attraction, Caravanserai-A Santana Tribute and toured with recording artist Michelle Shocked
Blaine Hoopes - Hammond B-3 Organ / Sax / Flute / Vocals
Blaine studied Jazz at Westminister College in Salt Lake City, Utah, and has performed, impromptu with Bobby McFaren, Charlie Daniels, Pure Prairie League, Johnny Taylor, Sergio Mendez and Stephen Stills. Blaine has recently settled in the Bay Area following a successful tour of the South Pacific with the New Zealand based Ska band "The Managers". Blaine brings many talents to "la Ventana."
Jose Angel Amador - Piano / Vocals
Jose is a 2O year Latin Piano veteran, he studied at Casa De La Cultura, Mexico. While in Mexico he played with top Mexican bands (Aguas, Calientes Mexico, La Raza Band, La Tropicalisma, and Organization Musical). Formally trained at Casa De La Cultura, Jose also has production credits for the Mexican band, Guerreros Tel Amore. Jose is adding the Latin punch to la Ventana.
Bobby Gaviola - Drummer
Bobby "Boy" is a recent addition to the "La Ventana" Band. Bobby began his musical career in 1968. Playing with numberous bands in the 70's and 80's. He was picked up by Richard Bean (Suavecito fame) from "Malo" to form a super group "Sapo". They were signed to Bell Records and the rest was history. Bobby toured with the likes of Average White Band, Stevie Wonder, Blood Sweat and Tears, Herbie Hancock and Paul Simon. During this time, Bobby met his mentor David Garibaldi from "Tower of Power" and studied with David and the late great Tony Williams. Bobby has done drum clinics for high schools and colleges, music scores for television and radio commericals and films. He has recorded/performed with: Pete Escovedo, Shelia "E", Chuck Mangione, Paul Jackson, Mic Gillette, Raul Rekow and Karl Perazo (Santana) Poncho Sanchez, Neal Schon and Jorge Santana. Bobby is looking forward to the musical journey with LaVentana...they will be a force in the "Music World"