Rolando Sanchez and Salsa Hawaii

Originally influenced by his parents, Nicaraguan Rolando Sanchez became involved in music in the 1960s, when his family decided to settle in San Francisco, CA. After attending several performances by Latin rock outfits such as Malo, Azteca, Sapo, and Santana, Latin percussion became his passion. Solar, Sunsmoke, the dance-based Messiah, and the Rolando Sanchez Band were his first band experiences. In 1988, while living in Honolulu, HI, the enthusiastic musician assembled Salsa Hawaii, making their debut with the release of a cassette-format album called Rhythms of the Islands, followed by Ahora. © Drago Bonacich /TiVo