PALO! is a Cuban Salsa and jazz group from Miami, Florida.

PALO!
Background information
Also known asgopalo
OriginMiami, FL
GenresAfro-Cuban Funk, world Cuban Music, Salsa, Jazz
Years active2003–present
LabelsRolling Pin Music
MembersSteve Roitstein
Miriam Mar
Julio Cesar Rodriguez Delet
Aldo Salvent
Dannah Santiago
Otto Santana
Dayron Gallardo
Past membersLeslie Cartaya, Raymer Olalde, Ed Calle, Philbert Armenteros

Background

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In 2003, PALO!’s leader and founder Steve Roitstein invited his fellow musicians to join him in an improvised musical experiment combining Cuban music with Latin Jazz and Funk beats. After years of successfully producing artists such as Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Ricardo Montaner, Cheo Feliciano, Oscar d’ Leon and Willy Chirino, Roitstein decided to form his own band. “My dream behind PALO! is to share the joy of music and culture with the world.” says PALO!’s leader, producer, pianist and beatmaker.

PALO! received a nomination for a Grammy and a Latin Grammy for their album PALO! Live. The band was named Miami New Times Best Band 2012 (Readers’ Choice) and Best Latin Band 2014. PALO! is a featured act in clubs and live music venues, festivals, corporate events, and private events throughout the world.

Afro-Cuban Funk PALO! plays their own style of Cuban music they call “Afro-Cuban Funk”. Just think “funky, jazzy salsa”, or better yet, listen to some of their music.

Virtuoso Musicians PALO!’s catchy original songs have always featured extraordinary musicians. The current lineup includes the incredible vocals of charismatic Cuban singers Miriam Martinez, Dannah Santiago and Julio Cesar. The scorching percussion of Dayron Gallardo and Otto Santana punctuate the performances with Cuban fire. Latin Jazz saxophonist Aldo Salvent brings an electrifying unpredictability to every song. Bandleader Steve Roitstein fuses these elements with a foundation of edgy, unforgettable rhythms.

Some of the PALO! story was told in two award-winning PBS documentary films:

Miami Boheme (Emmy, Telly and Aurora Award winner) Ivy League Rumba (Aurora Award winner, Emmy-nominated)

Culture & Education In addition to creating and performing music, PALO! loves to do workshops, master classes, clinics, panels, and cultural seminars.

Members

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Recording Members

Discography

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Singles

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Awards

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Grammy Awards

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2015 PALO! Live Best Tropical Latin Album[2] Nominated

Latin Grammy Awards

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2014 PALO! Live Best Contemporary Tropical Album Nominated
2013 Leslie Cartaya Best New Artist Nominated

Emmy Awards

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2014 Miami Boheme Documentary – Cultural (Suncoast Chapter) Won

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Steve (31 May 2018). "PALO! Anuncia el lanzamiento de "La Habana Buena (Live)"". PALO! - Miami-based Afro-Cuban Funk Band (in European Spanish). Retrieved 26 August 2023.
  2. ^ "Awards Nominations & Winners". 30 April 2017.
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