Erik Piza
New
Jersey native Erik Piza started playing bongos at the age of five with
his father, Jose Piza. Jose also taught Erik how to play congas at the
age of six and bought him his first instrument, a pair of bongos. Soon
after, Erik began playing congas locally and jamming with friends. When
Erik reached the age of 15, he joined a local band named "Son Latino".
Erik arrived on the New York scene at the age of 16 playing congas with
Luis Damon. Since then, Erik has performed and toured with such respected
artists as Huey Dunbar, Michael Stuart, La India, Justo Betancourt, Richie
Rey & Bobby Cruz, Brenda K. Starr , and Jose Alberto "El Canario".
He also played at the Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C., for the President,
and also branched out to Pop and R&B music. He currently performs
with New York Yankee baseball legend Bernie Williams.
Erik's inspirations include his father, as well as the late Tito
Puente and Ray Barretto, Johnny "Dandy" Rodriguez, Eric
Velez, Little
Johnny Rivero, Carlos "Patato" Valdez, and, of course, the
great Giovanni
Hidalgo. "Music is something I will always love," says
Erik.
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