As a child, he played his mother's pots and pans as drums. At 15, he practiced on apair of used timbales he managed to buy himself, and learned as much as he could by watching all of his favorite Latin musicians. Several years later, while helping a friend who was a roadie for artist Rudy Regalado of Rudy Regalado y Cheverre, Juan was able to learn even more by watching Rudy Regalado, and other musicians such as Kevin Ricard, Michito Sanchez, Tiki Pasillas, Poncho Sanchez, Justo Almario and Cachao perform on stage. Juan Carlos went on to improve his talent as a percussionist by studying with local musicians and taking various percussion and Latin percussion classes at LACC and Glendale Community College.

Juan Carlos has played with such musicians as Octavio Figueroa of Octavio Figueroa y La Combinacion, Paul Lopez - trumpet/composer/producer, Bill Keis - producer/composer, Solo artist- Michele Jusko, Walter Segundo of Walter II Y Rumbaney, Ricardo Lemvo y Makina Loca, Angel Lebron Y Su Sabor Latino, TitoPuente Jr. and Carlos Quintana Y Su Orquesta Caney to name a few. Although Juan Carlos had played with various local musicians, it seemed that he found his niche in the year 2000 when he was introduced to Orquesta Guayao through a mutual friend. Also in that year, Juan Carlos was approached by Timba, and was offered an endorsement with the company. After accepting, he signed a two year contract, and to date he remains an endorsee of Timba. Today, in addition to teaching student’s minor percussion and playing with various groups and artists around town, Juan Carlos maintains his passion of playing hard salsa with Orquesta Guayao. Juan Carlos has also taken on new andexciting responsibilities of percussionist with The Alex Arndt Band and Son DelAlma as well as starting “Rushin’ Spaghetti” with fellow musicians and friends



Juan Carlos has had the privilege of performing at the following venues:

Café Sevilla ClubSalsa

Century Club

Cohibas Nightclub& Lounge

Conga Room

Coppacabana

Cuban Bistro

El FloriditaRestaurant

FlorentineGarden’s

Highland Grounds

JC Fandango's

Knitting Factory,The

Los Angeles Convention Center

Mayan, The

Mama Juana's

Molly Malones

Monsoon Cafe

Pig'n Whistle,The

Quiet Cannon Banquets

Rumba Room, The

Salsa Club 2000

South Village,The

Sport’s Mans Lodge

Stevens Steak and Seafood House

Temple Bar

The Granada

The Key Club

The Mint

The Tropicana

Viper Room, The

VIVE Latin Asian Fusion Dining & Lounge

World Famous Lighthouse Café