Biography
I am a native San Franciscan and was born into a show biz family. My mother was a singer/dancer and comedienne, my father a Latin percussionist/guitarist and singer of the Folkloric songs of Mexico and standards of the Prez Prado Era.
I was taught in the home to sing, dance and be rhythmic at an early age. My mother taught me harmony and piano, sang with me and constantly made me laugh, which gave me a great sense of security. My father taught me Latin percussion and instilled in me a profound confidence. He used to take me to Dolores Park in the Mission District, where I was raised. We would jam on congas and bongos with many great local players. Some of these musicians have gone on to become famous, like Mongo Santa Maria, Carlos Santana, and many others.
I studied dance with Ron Lewis, Ann Marie Garvin, Joe Tremaine, Carlos Carvajal, Stanley Kahn and many other choreographers from the Bay Area and Los Angeles.
At City College of San Francisco, I studied music, dance, piano, and drama.
Theatre has always been a great love in my life. My three favorite roles are Morales, in "A Chorus Line,” and both Maria and Anita in "West Side Story.”
In the last twelve years, I have performed in "Beach Blanket Babylon," and eventually became the assistant choreographer in this famous show, which has become the longest running show in San Francisco and the United States. Here I had the opportunity to perform comedic impressions vocally of many different celebrities. It reminded me of my childhood when my mom and I used to do impersonations. My mother loved being creative and having fun with life.
We would play games practicing and conversing in different accents while imitating people like Carmen Miranda, Rita Hayworth, Cher, Betty Boop, Mae West, Ethel Merman, Judy Garland, Marilyn Monroe and so many others.
At birthday and corporate parties, weddings and roasts, I perform the styles and songs that these women made famous. My specialty and favorite is Carmen Miranda. Carmen is so colorful and I am of Latin decent, so I am right at home.
By request, I will write original lyrics to fit a special person or create a theme party with the finest ingredients of song, dance and comedic content.
Improv comedy is a great passion of mine and I practice it as often as I can in all my shows. My other professional experiences include modeling, commercials, television, print work, voice-overs and jingles. I also choreograph for corporate or private events and bands.
I created and founded my own dance company "Hot Energy".
My dance partner Adrian Bermudez, I perform and teach Argentine Tango, Salsa, Swing and all the ballroom dances for different occasions. I teach dance and will travel to any location to help you with that special dance or occasion. You will then look your best for whatever event is in the making, no matter what level you are.
The two bands I created and lead are, "Valeriana & the Cincopaters", which is a fusion of funk, soul, blues, pop and R&B, well done with a touch of Latin spice. My other band is a Latin American Jazz Combo, called, "The Swingin' Gatos". We play classic standards from the Great American Songbook in Swing, Cha Cha, Mambo, Samba and many other dance rhythms. With this group, I sing in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
The Swingin Gatos have performed at "Amante", a cozy plush nightclub in the heart of North Beach and also "Cava 22" and other clubs in the Mission District.
It is an honor to have worked with the renowned "Larry Vuckovich" for many years now. I enjoy his versatile style, his sensitive touch as an accompanist, and his incredible solo piano. Larry and I both agree that a song should be played the way it was originally written. We, as jazz musicians, can then create our own interpretation of the song. http://www.larryvuckovich.com/
I also sing with San Francisco’s hottest Mambo, Salsa Orchestra, "Tito Garcia y su Orquesta la Internacional". We sizzle!! This Orquesta can be found at salsa dancing venues in the Bay Area. http://www.titogarciamambo.com/
In the past few years, I have been singing with a fabulous Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra, "The Belasco Rowell Project," which highlights the great music of the late trumpeter, Kenny Dorham. Videos of this band can be viewed on YouTube. All the songs I sing are original arrangements by Jules Rowell and I have co-written with him as well. Most recently Bill Belasco has recreated this band now called "Belasco Aguabella" using the rhythmic and melodic arrangements by Jules Rowell. Check Appearances for up coming shows.
http://julesrowell.com/
Show business has given me an opportunity to travel the world. My travel experience includes dancing for the USO and runway modeling in Europe.
In Asia, I sang, danced and choreographed for many prestigious nightclubs, hotels and restaurants. I've also toured dancing and singing in the United States.
If you need choreography for your band, I will help you look your hottest in any style.
If I was not in the entertainment industry, I may have pursued a career in medicine, since health issues have continued to interest me since I was a child.
I thank God every day for my wonderful parents, who inspired, encouraged and assisted in my having a fulfilling and successful career. Gracias Madre… Gracias Padre
I was taught in the home to sing, dance and be rhythmic at an early age. My mother taught me harmony and piano, sang with me and constantly made me laugh, which gave me a great sense of security. My father taught me Latin percussion and instilled in me a profound confidence. He used to take me to Dolores Park in the Mission District, where I was raised. We would jam on congas and bongos with many great local players. Some of these musicians have gone on to become famous, like Mongo Santa Maria, Carlos Santana, and many others.
I studied dance with Ron Lewis, Ann Marie Garvin, Joe Tremaine, Carlos Carvajal, Stanley Kahn and many other choreographers from the Bay Area and Los Angeles.
At City College of San Francisco, I studied music, dance, piano, and drama.
Theatre has always been a great love in my life. My three favorite roles are Morales, in "A Chorus Line,” and both Maria and Anita in "West Side Story.”
In the last twelve years, I have performed in "Beach Blanket Babylon," and eventually became the assistant choreographer in this famous show, which has become the longest running show in San Francisco and the United States. Here I had the opportunity to perform comedic impressions vocally of many different celebrities. It reminded me of my childhood when my mom and I used to do impersonations. My mother loved being creative and having fun with life.
We would play games practicing and conversing in different accents while imitating people like Carmen Miranda, Rita Hayworth, Cher, Betty Boop, Mae West, Ethel Merman, Judy Garland, Marilyn Monroe and so many others.
At birthday and corporate parties, weddings and roasts, I perform the styles and songs that these women made famous. My specialty and favorite is Carmen Miranda. Carmen is so colorful and I am of Latin decent, so I am right at home.
By request, I will write original lyrics to fit a special person or create a theme party with the finest ingredients of song, dance and comedic content.
Improv comedy is a great passion of mine and I practice it as often as I can in all my shows. My other professional experiences include modeling, commercials, television, print work, voice-overs and jingles. I also choreograph for corporate or private events and bands.
I created and founded my own dance company "Hot Energy".
My dance partner Adrian Bermudez, I perform and teach Argentine Tango, Salsa, Swing and all the ballroom dances for different occasions. I teach dance and will travel to any location to help you with that special dance or occasion. You will then look your best for whatever event is in the making, no matter what level you are.
The two bands I created and lead are, "Valeriana & the Cincopaters", which is a fusion of funk, soul, blues, pop and R&B, well done with a touch of Latin spice. My other band is a Latin American Jazz Combo, called, "The Swingin' Gatos". We play classic standards from the Great American Songbook in Swing, Cha Cha, Mambo, Samba and many other dance rhythms. With this group, I sing in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
The Swingin Gatos have performed at "Amante", a cozy plush nightclub in the heart of North Beach and also "Cava 22" and other clubs in the Mission District.
It is an honor to have worked with the renowned "Larry Vuckovich" for many years now. I enjoy his versatile style, his sensitive touch as an accompanist, and his incredible solo piano. Larry and I both agree that a song should be played the way it was originally written. We, as jazz musicians, can then create our own interpretation of the song. http://www.larryvuckovich.com/
I also sing with San Francisco’s hottest Mambo, Salsa Orchestra, "Tito Garcia y su Orquesta la Internacional". We sizzle!! This Orquesta can be found at salsa dancing venues in the Bay Area. http://www.titogarciamambo.com/
In the past few years, I have been singing with a fabulous Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra, "The Belasco Rowell Project," which highlights the great music of the late trumpeter, Kenny Dorham. Videos of this band can be viewed on YouTube. All the songs I sing are original arrangements by Jules Rowell and I have co-written with him as well. Most recently Bill Belasco has recreated this band now called "Belasco Aguabella" using the rhythmic and melodic arrangements by Jules Rowell. Check Appearances for up coming shows.
http://julesrowell.com/
Show business has given me an opportunity to travel the world. My travel experience includes dancing for the USO and runway modeling in Europe.
In Asia, I sang, danced and choreographed for many prestigious nightclubs, hotels and restaurants. I've also toured dancing and singing in the United States.
If you need choreography for your band, I will help you look your hottest in any style.
If I was not in the entertainment industry, I may have pursued a career in medicine, since health issues have continued to interest me since I was a child.
I thank God every day for my wonderful parents, who inspired, encouraged and assisted in my having a fulfilling and successful career. Gracias Madre… Gracias Padre