ORESTE ABRANTES - BONGOS

A native of the South Bronx born of Cuban/Puerto Rican parentage, percussionist/vocalist Oreste Abrantes started studying Afro-Cuban/Latin percussion at the age of 3 at the legendary Boys And Girls Harbor in East Harlem, NY. Today he has become one of the most in demand players on the scene. Also a talented vocalist, he is frequently called upon to sing lead or background vocals both live and in the recording studio.

Oreste has become a noted leader in the salsa scene directing his own ensemble, Kidd Ore Y Su Orquesta. The orchestra has been featured in numerous venues such as Lincoln Center Mid Summer Night Swing, Summer Stage NY, Carnegie Hall, and out of the United States in places like the French Caribbean.

He is a featured performer live and on recordings with Pablo Mayor’s Folklore Urbano, Chris Washburne’s SYOTOS, Gabriela Anders Los Dukes, Aurora Flores Y Zon Del Barrio (with whom he toured France), Eddie Muñiz’s Swing Sabroso, Willy Torres Orchestra, and now the multi-Grammy winning Spanish Harlem Orchestra. His versatility as a percussionist and vocalist has also been featured with various folkloric ensembles such as Danza Fiesta and Milteri Tucker Concepción’s BOMBAZO Dance Company

Oreste is also the conguero of the multi-Grammy nominated Bobby Sanabria Multiverse Big Band where he is also featured as a lead vocalist alongside multi-Grammy winner Janis Siegel, Antoinette Montague, and Jennifer Jade Ledesna. The orchestra’s new critically acclaimed double CD recording, VOX HUMANA, was recorded live at NYC’s Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola and was nominated for the 66th Grammy® Awareds in 2023.