Music in the Park 2023

Bennett Roth is a pianist, emcee, and songwriter from the Bay Area. At age 7, he began playing piano and immediately became enamored with the likes of legendary jazz pianists Dave Brubeck, Thelonious Monk, McCoy Tyner, and Bill Evans. Starting as a teenager, he also found a love for hip-hop and began honing his craft as a lyricist, recording artist, producer, and live performer. A sought after pianist and performer in the Bay Area, Bennett has performed on multiple occasions at San Jose Jazz Summerfest and Winterfest, SoFA Street Fair, Yoshi’s, Shoreline Amphitheater, Great American Music Hall, Cafe Stritch, Herbst Theater, Black Cat Jazz Club, The New Parish, and The National Black Theater Festival to name a few. His discography includes his full-length album “Grown” (2022), the duo album “After You” (2015) alongside guitarist Mason Razavi, “The Bad Ones” self-titled debut (2016), with 6 credited compositions, and “Put It Out” (2019), a 4-song hip-hop and jazz-influenced project. As a music educator, he has taught at Valley Christian High School, San Jose State University, Cogswell Polytechnical College, Stanford Jazz Workshop, and currently serves as Music and Creative Arts Director at The Riekes Center in Menlo Park, CA and Adjunct Faculty in Jazz Piano at West Valley Community College. In addition to performing his own music and leading his own bands, Bennett appears frequently with The Illiance, Amy D, Jonah Melvon, Greysmith, Mason Razavi, The Bad Ones, Lilan Kane, Tracy Cruz, Maya Victoria, and more.

Arturo Garces is a DJ and producer hailing from San Jose, California, where he has been immersed in the vibrant dance music scene since childhood. As the son of a collector of funk, soul, and disco records, Arturo was exposed to the roots of house music from an early age and these early influences are evident in his works as a DJ and producer today. With a solid collection of tracks under his belt, Arturo has helped define the unique and emerging Silicon Valley sound, which seamlessly combines the driving beats and energy of techno with the soulful, deep melodies of house.

In addition to releasing tracks on both established and underground labels like Robsoul, Cross Section, Henry Street Music, and Oomph, Arturo is also the label manager for three prominent labels: Jump Recordings (a house imprint based in San Jose), Beat Bum Music (focused on deep jackin beats), and Resource Records (a techno label). Arturo's passion for dance music extends beyond his own music, as he holds a Tuesday night residency called Rhythm Ritual at The Continental, a popular venue in downtown San Jose.

With a strong foundation in dance music and a dedication to his craft, Arturo is an up and coming artist to watch. His unique approach to blending different genres and his commitment to supporting and promoting the music of others make him a vital member of the dance music community.

Eddie House - A Deep Disco/Soul/Funky/Tech House n' Boogie music fanatic. Eddie House comes from an upbringing of Classic Soul, RnB, Jazz, Rock, Pop, Hip Hop and House influences. Engraved in his soul from generations prior he's always had an "itch" for a groove. A San Jose (SF Bay Area) native you can find him regularly at Rhythm Ritual, an ongoing weekly party in San Jose SOFA District feat. local and world talent who stand behind the movement of DANCE MUSIC!

Eric Rangel, a multi-talented percussionist/vocalist, has been performing & recording music for the past 20 years. He is a native to San Francisco and is currently residing in the Bay Area.

Starting his career at the age of 15 playing at local tourist attractions & parks, he became efficient in playing many percussion instruments; the timbales being his forte. Eric began performing with small Puerto Rican combos A.KA. "Jibaro Bands" and eventually with the bigger orchestras.

Eric has crafted his musical ability to become one of the most sought after percussionists in the Bay Area's Latin music scene. In addition to performing and touring with some of the Bay Area's finest musicians, he is also a percussion instructor. For the past 10 years, Eric has been teaching music classes & workshops in schools, cultural centers, as well as private instruction. Having been exposed to various cultures, Eric has taught across the U.S. and in some European countries.

He has been fortunate enough to perform alongside some of the worlds' most renowned artists such as Tito Puente, Dizzy Gillespie, Pete, Coke & Sheila Escovedo, Carlos "Patato" Valdez, Francisco Aquabella, Orestes Vilato, Ray Obiedo, Freddie Hubbard and most recently Mickey Hart. Along with these accomplishments, he is a member and currently endorsed by the Latin Percussion Music Group.

At the present time, Eric Rangel is leading his own band "Orq. America" with some of the best local talent the Bay Area has to offer. He has always had the desire to do his own project. Rangel hopes to be in the studio soon recording the music he has grown up with, by doing this he hopes to keep the spirit of his music alive for all to listen to and enjoy!

Arturo Garces is a DJ and producer hailing from San Jose, California, where he has been immersed in the vibrant dance music scene since childhood. As the son of a collector of funk, soul, and disco records, Arturo was exposed to the roots of house music from an early age and these early influences are evident in his works as a DJ and producer today. With a solid collection of tracks under his belt, Arturo has helped define the unique and emerging Silicon Valley sound, which seamlessly combines the driving beats and energy of techno with the soulful, deep melodies of house.

In addition to releasing tracks on both established and underground labels like Robsoul, Cross Section, Henry Street Music, and Oomph, Arturo is also the label manager for three prominent labels: Jump Recordings (a house imprint based in San Jose), Beat Bum Music (focused on deep jackin beats), and Resource Records (a techno label). Arturo's passion for dance music extends beyond his own music, as he holds a Tuesday night residency called Rhythm Ritual at The Continental, a popular venue in downtown San Jose.

With a strong foundation in dance music and a dedication to his craft, Arturo is an up and coming artist to watch. His unique approach to blending different genres and his commitment to supporting and promoting the music of others make him a vital member of the dance music community.

Eddie House - A Deep Disco/Soul/Funky/Tech House n' Boogie music fanatic. Eddie House comes from an upbringing of Classic Soul, RnB, Jazz, Rock, Pop, Hip Hop and House influences. Engraved in his soul from generations prior he's always had an "itch" for a groove. A San Jose (SF Bay Area) native you can find him regularly at Rhythm Ritual, an ongoing weekly party in San Jose SOFA District feat. local and world talent who stand behind the movement of DANCE MUSIC!

Manny Martinez has been a staple in the SF salsa scene for over 25 years singing for Louie Romero's Mazacote, Azabache, Jesus Diaz y su QBA, Josh Jones, Vibrason, La Rebeldia, Los Mocosos and various other great Bay Area bands. 2023 marks Manny's solo venture singing mostly original tunes as well as some classic covers.

Arturo Garces is a DJ and producer hailing from San Jose, California, where he has been immersed in the vibrant dance music scene since childhood. As the son of a collector of funk, soul, and disco records, Arturo was exposed to the roots of house music from an early age and these early influences are evident in his works as a DJ and producer today. With a solid collection of tracks under his belt, Arturo has helped define the unique and emerging Silicon Valley sound, which seamlessly combines the driving beats and energy of techno with the soulful, deep melodies of house.

In addition to releasing tracks on both established and underground labels like Robsoul, Cross Section, Henry Street Music, and Oomph, Arturo is also the label manager for three prominent labels: Jump Recordings (a house imprint based in San Jose), Beat Bum Music (focused on deep jackin beats), and Resource Records (a techno label). Arturo's passion for dance music extends beyond his own music, as he holds a Tuesday night residency called Rhythm Ritual at The Continental, a popular venue in downtown San Jose.

With a strong foundation in dance music and a dedication to his craft, Arturo is an up and coming artist to watch. His unique approach to blending different genres and his commitment to supporting and promoting the music of others make him a vital member of the dance music community.

Eddie House - A Deep Disco/Soul/Funky/Tech House n' Boogie music fanatic. Eddie House comes from an upbringing of Classic Soul, RnB, Jazz, Rock, Pop, Hip Hop and House influences. Engraved in his soul from generations prior he's always had an "itch" for a groove. A San Jose (SF Bay Area) native you can find him regularly at Rhythm Ritual, an ongoing weekly party in San Jose SOFA District feat. local and world talent who stand behind the movement of DANCE MUSIC!

Orquesta Timbalero was founded in 2003 by timbal player Richard Martinez.  Richard started playing salsa music in the 1970’s with Orquesta Fango and was one of the musicians who started the salsa scene in San Jose.  Back then it was a challenge as salsa was mainly played in the San Francisco Area.  As you can see now, the salsa scene has come a long way since then.  After moving from San Jose to Modesto, Richard founded Orquesta Timbalero and has played and performed with known artist as Pete Escovedo, Mario Flores Latin Jazz performing in the first Salsa Festival in Modesto.  Since then, Orquesta Timbalero has been playing all over the Bay Area with its unique repertoire of hard salsa or “Salsa Dura” with some of the Bay Area’s best musicians and vocalists. 

Orquesta Timbalero members are:

Richard Martinez- Timbales/Band leader, Joe Ruelas- Congas, Frankie Valentin- Bongos, Rolph Johnson- Trumpet, Lorenzo Perez- Trumpet, Kenny Williams- Trombone, Anthony del Barrio- Piano, Charlie Montoya- Bass/vocals, Carlos Ramirez- Bass/vocals, Luis Argueta- Lead vocals/hand percussion, Nestor Guzman-Lead vocals