Alex Acuña, percussion

Born: in Lima, Peru

First performance experience: by age 10 when he began playing in local bands. By age 18, Alex had been chosen by bandleader Perez Prado.

Has performed with: artists such as Elvis Presley, Diana Ross, U2, Sir Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell, Al Jarreau, Ella Fitzgerald, Roberta Flack, Seal, Tracy Chapman, Sheryl Crow, Whitney Houston, Roy Orbison, Carlos Santana, Herbie Hancock, Christina Aguilera, the London Symphony, Sergio Mendes, and many others.

Recorded film scores with: Alan Silvestri, Mark Isham, Marvin Hamlish, Hans Zimmer, John Williams, Lalo Schifrin, and numerous others.

Awards and honors: include a Grammy™ nomination for “Best Traditional Tropical Latin Album” in 2000, a 2002 Latin Grammy™ nomination, the Emeritus MVP Award from the National Academy of Recording for the Arts and Sciences, and named Best Latin/Brasilian Percussionist by Modern Drummer’s readers poll five years in a row.

As an educator: Mr. Acuña has provided instruction at schools throughout the world including the Berklee College of Music (Boston) and UCLA.

Critical acclaim: “Alex Acuña is the epitome of the world music percussionist, to whom no style is a stranger” — Los Angeles Times

Web site: www.alexacuna.net