With natural talent and formal musical training, Eli is one of the youngest multi-instrumentalists in Colorado, specializing in the Latin genre..
He was originally inspired to play music by his grandfather, who was also a musician, to play music, at a very young age.. His first formal training was with a guitar; his passion for music eventually evolved to other instruments, such as percussion. including, bass and Latin percussion. Eli took private lessons in guitar and percussion for several years before getting accepted and entering in to the Denver School of the Arts, as a Percussion major. He was later accepted into the world renowned Berklee College of Music, in Boston.
During his 7 years at the Denver School of the Arts, Eli became well versed in performing various genres of music. He had the opportunity to study immensely various orchestral percussion instruments. Second to percussion, he played guitar and bass in the Jazz and Mariachi bands.
In high school is where he developed a passion for Latin music. His passion eventually led him to focus on Latin music and he was afforded the opportunity to study percussion under LP Artist and longtime Tito Puente percussionist, Jose Madera. Eli also studied at the Roberto Ocasio Camp in Cleveland, OH, under multi-grammy nominated, percussionist Bobby Sanabria. Eli began playing bass and percussion professionally and has done so since the age of 14.
During Eli’s professional career, he has opened-up for and play alongside professional artists and local acts, such as Karl Perazzo, Peabo Bryson, Charles Neville, Los Mocochetes, , Eric Trujillo, Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts-Latin Ensemble, Farruko, Elvis Crespo, Oro Solido, Mariachi Vasquez, Tono Rosario, Xtreme, Adam Stigall Band, Toby Love, Jerry Rivera, Oscar Deleon, The Rumberos, Anthony la makina, Sol Kidz, Bori, Angel Lopez, Fulanito, Daniel Valdez, Molina Y su mambo, Jessica Hernandez and the Deltas, Mala Fe, Fruko y sus tesos, Alex Marley, Trayce Chapman, Iamsu!, A Boogie and Curren$y.
Eli continues to be a well sought after multi-instrumentalist. He has lent his talent to various venues, festivals, community events, T.V and Radio shows in Colorado, New Mexico, Ohio, San Francisco and New York. He currently resides in Denver, CO where he continues to play drum set, Latin percussion and bass for various projects and professional recordings. He is a member of BMI and plans to branch out to writing and producing music, to add to his long list of musical accomplishments.
“I Love Soultone Cymbals and the way they complement my sound” -. They are the highest quality cymbals that I have ever played, and I am proud to be endorsed by this brand.”