About
Artist for the Ages
Louie Cruz Beltran blends Afro Cuban rhythms with jazz, Latin jazz, pop and R&B influences. Louie is an entertainer at heart – a bandleader who is also a superbly skilled conguero, timbalero and vocalist.
In his early career Beltran performed with great artists such as Ray Baretto, Mongo Santamaria, Tito Puente, Francisco Aquabella, and Jorge Claudio. Recently he has shared the stage with legends Natalie Cole, Gladys Knight, Stevie Wonder and Smokey Robinson.
In venues large and small, Louie always connects with the audience with humor, solid musicianship and dazzling percussion work.
Standout Performances
Louie recently performed on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. through the Smithsonian Institution to represent Latin Jazz for Jazz Appreciation Month, followed by a sold out show at famed Blues Alley in Georgetown. He shared the bill with legendary singer Vikki Carr to a standing ovation and sold out house at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. At the Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl Louie made a huge impact. To quote Richard Ginell of Variety “the Louie Cruz Beltran Jazz Ensemble was the unexpected triumph of the day.” Chris Walker, writing in JazzTimes Magazine said Beltran “seized attendees attention with percolating percussion, stimulating chanting choruses and searing brass arrangements.” Louie wowed the large crowd at the Sunset Jazz Festival (formerly the Concord Jazz Festival, ) showing his versatility with dynamic rhythm and vocals and sharing the bill with jazz stars Boney James, Patrice Rushen, and Eric Marienthal. Louie captivated young and old alike with is interactive theatrical/musical show during the final week of the Los Angeles Philharmonic/Hollywood Bowl Summer Sounds Series.
What the Media is Saying
OC Weekly
“Louie and his band are stunners, mixing Afro-Cuban rhythms and R&B influences that will move and dazzle you….passion for performing."”
Latin Beat Magazine
“Louie shines as a bandleader, composer, lead vocalist and seasoned percussionist.”
Performing Arts Live
“…percolating percussion, catchy refrains and fiery arrangements..”