We are pround to honor these members of our community:
Eddie Ortiz & Cynthia Romero of
The Son Caribe Band
Since its debut, Son Caribe has received numerous requests to perform throughout the islands, as well as the U.S. mainland, Japan, Korea, and the Philippines. They performed as the opening band for Latin music luminaries and multi-Grammy award winning mambo king Tito Puente, international singing legend and queen of salsa Celia Cruz, and the king of Latin jazz Poncho Sanchez.
The band has participated in numerous charitable and community events throughout the islands. Among the beneficiaries have been The Hawaii Food Bank, The American Heart Association, The ALS Foundation, MDA, The Great Aloha Run, The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, The Hispanic Chamber Of Commerce, and The Hispanic Center Of Hawaii.
Son Caribe’s Quietstorm CD “Son Caribe - Salsa From Hawaii II” became a #1 Best Seller in Hawaii! A first for Latin music in Hawaii! A new CD recording is currently in the works! Most recently Son Caribe was the subject of a full one-hour television broadcast of the “Heineken Hot Hawaiian Nights”. It was the first time a Latin music band had ever been given a full prime- time live broadcast on Hawaii mainstream television! The band currently performs at events here on oahu and throughout the islands. Along with its trademark Latin music, Son Caribe also performs big band, jazz, contemporary and top 40 music.
It is the sincere desire of the Son Caribe Band to continue entertaining the listening audience with the best Latin music within its capabilities. Our goal is that the music and sound we are working to develop collectively is what you’ll remember and enjoy.
Debby Borges-Barboza
of Dream to Dance
Dream To Dance is approaching 30 years for Debby Borges-Barboza. It started in 1979 instructing with Arthur Murray's Dance Studio in Honolulu for 8 years, then over to Florida for 3 years of teaching and training, and then back to Honolulu to begin business as Dream To Dance for Latin and ballroom dancing. It is quite a pleasure for me to see the confidence, smiles and cool dance moves of once "terrified" students. Hence my belief, “My dream was to dance and if it's your dream, let's make it come true".
Judah Oschner (Da Lion of Judah)
of Aloha Rumberos
In July of 2002, Judah had a vision to put together a salsa dance group that not only danced Salsa, but incorporated Capoeira and other dance influences most notably hip-hop into their group routines. Judah has suceeded in creating his own style of salsa which is a fusion of influences from Los Angeles, New York , Cuba and Puerto Rico. Judah’s vision is to be one of the front runners in keeping Salsa dance alive in the Pacific Rim. Da Lion has over 20 years of dance experience in Hip-hop, award show principal dancer and music videos. Judah has represented Hawaii at the ESPN World Salsa championship in 2006 and 2007 in Las Vegas and Orlando. He is set to release two instructional Dvd’s with Edie the Salsafreak in the summer of 2008.