Band

members
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MEMBERS

Arnaldo Rivera &
His Bentetú Band

Arnaldo Rivera is the leader of the Bentetú band. It has existed in some form for over 15 years with various musicians who excel in Latin Afro Caribbean music. Currently there are ten members ranging from vocals to percussion, horns to guitars. Each member is a professional musician and enjoys music in all it’s forms. This music is rooted in rhythm and percussion giving a joyful danceable latin vibe.

Arnaldo Rivera Portrait Photo

Arnaldo Rivera

Vocals/ Guitar / Piano / Flute

Arnaldo Rivera plays several instruments: guitar, piano, flute, and percussion among others. In Bentetú he is the piano player and vocalist. He has a degree in music from the University of Puerto Rico, has a masters in education, spent 3 years as a music teacher and around 15 years as the director for Bentetù. He has played in several bands in the US and Puerto Rico.

Band Members

David Oliver

Bongoes / Tambora / Dominican Guiro / Congas

David specializes in Dominican Tambora and Guiro. He was born in Puerto Rico and raised in Willimantic. David has played in several local Salsa and Merengue bands for more than 25 years .He specializes in Merengue and Salsa rhythms. Has played with the band for more than 10 years.

Paul Tanner

Bass Guitar / Upright Bass / Vocals

Paul is very disciplined and dedicated to his instrument. He is a serious musician and his enjoyment and enthusiasm is palpable when playing this kind of music .

Brian Oliveira

First Trumpet

Michael Rentz

First Trumpet

Sarah Nedwick

Second Trumpet

Jim Lendvay

First Trombone

Jan Jungden

Piano & Flute

José Llanos

Conga & Vocals

Cesár Rivera

Light Percussion & Vocals

Ronald( Ron) Acosta

Tenor & Baritone Saxophone

Efrén Figueroa

Trombone

Efran Figueroa has played in bands since 1976. He joined the 5th Army Band in 1981 and performed in joint events with the San Antonio Symphony. In 1985 he played with a ten piece Salsa Band whiled stationed in Germany. He has had the fortune to enjoy performing music with highly talented musicians in the past, learning from the best. Has an immense experience playing this kind of style of music and has played with the Bentetu for more then 8 years.