Episode 25 - Gerardo Contino (Lead Latin singer for the Max Weinberg Orchestra)

Classically trained and with years of experience in Cuban and American salsa, jazz, and big orchestra bands, the Havana-born Gerardo Contino is a multi-talented singer and songwriter. He created the band Los Habaneros in 2012, which has gone on to become the "Best Band in Manhattan" (WNYC/NPR), and "Best Cuban Dance Band" (NY Latin Culture Magazine).

Gerardo is also the lead-Latin singer for the famed Max Weinberg Orchestra, and lead vocalist for the Larry Harlow's Latin Legend's Band. Los Habaneros released their debut album, Somos Latinos, in 2013 to very high critical acclaim. He has toured internationally and in their hometown, NYC, they have performed in Brooklyn Academy of Music, BB King Blues Club, Subrosa, Sounds of Brazil (SOBs), Le Poisson Rouge, The Bronx Museum, Subrosa, Live at the Gantries, Roulette, Gonzalez y Gonzalez, Taj, and many others. With the Max Weinberg Orchestra, he has performed at The Rainbow Room, Rockefeller Center. With his own projects, Gerardo has toured in Italy, France, Spain, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, Venezuela, Mexico, Peru, and Canada. He has played in international festivals of salsa and jazz such as: Toulouse Festival, France; Latin American Festival of Milan, Italy; Festival Fiesta, Rome, Italy; Festival of Munich, Switzerland, Copenhagen Festival, Denmark; Salsa Festival of Verona, Italy, Time Out New York Afro-American Roots of Maracay, Venezuela. Gerardo has also shared the stage with such artists as Oscar de Leon, Roberto Roena, El Gran Combo, La India, Los Van Van, Xiomara Laugart, Carlos Varela, Alexander Abreu, Frank Fernandez, Osdalgia, Giovanni Hidalgo, Kelvis Ochoa, David Torrens, and Jose Armando Gola. Gerardo is a recipient of the 2015 and 2014 Lower Manhattan Cultural Council grant for Manhattan Community Arts Fund. Gerardo is endorsed by Gorilla Ears, is an active member of Musicians on Call, and was a performer at the Kennedy Center for the Arts.

Recently, Gerardo has also embarked on a career in theater. He is currently working on a new musical theater project set in late 19th century Cuba.

https://www.gerardocontino.com/