Afro Cuban and Latin percussionist Louie Cruz Beltran will present a FREE solo percussion program at the El Segundo Public Library on Saturday, June 7 at 2:00 pm.  See the flyer PDF here.

This free program is an informative and interactive exploration of Afro Cuban and Latin rhythms, that explains their origins and how they made their way into today’s music.  Using humor, a wide variety of authentic and unusual instruments, and a deep understanding of percussion styles, Louie delivers an uplifting message of empowerment through the arts. 

Please call the Reference Desk at 310-524-2728 for more information.

About Louis Cruz Beltran 

Beltran began his formal music education while attending Bakersfield City College in the early 1970's. He played with the Bakersfield Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Doc Woods and later worked as a percussionist on "The Writer's Album" as a member of the Cal State Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Charles Argersinger.

In 1978 Beltran joined the group Starfire and toured throughout the United States, Europe, Scandinavia, the Middle East, and Africa. In 1979, Beltran became the studio percussionist for The Sylvers. With them, he recorded such hits as "Boogie Fever" and "Hot Line."  He then joined the group on their tour of Southern California that same year.  During the early 1980's Beltran expanded his resume to include acting. He worked in theater with Luis Valdez and then with the Bilingual Foundation of the Arts with Carmen Zapata and Henry Darrow.  He also appeared in movies and in the television series Scarecrow and Mrs. King. 

Beltran toured the southwest United States with the reggae band O.P. Stylee in the early 1990s, opening for bands such as Steel Pulse, Third World, Aswad, Eek-A-Mouse and Edgar Winter.  He has been a bandleader of long standing in clubs and other performance venues. 

Beltran has performed with artists including Ray Baretto, Mongo Santamaria, Tito Puente, Gladys Knight, Stevie Wonder and Smokey Robinson and Pete Escovedo, to name but a few.