Orlando Ríos

Cuban percussionist and vocalist known as Puntilla (La Havana, December 26, 1947 - New York, August 12, 2008). Orlando Ríos came to New York in 1980 from Havana, Cuba, where he was a professor at Escuela Nacional Del Arte. Since coming to New York, he has performed with such musicians as Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Dizzy Gillespie, Michel Camilo, Michele Rosewoman, and [a1226511]. He and his group Nueva Generación have performed at Symphony Space, SOB's, Lincoln Center, and World Music Institute, in addition to being a part of many productions at the Caribbean Cultural Center. As a master of the various Cuban musical folkloric forms and teacher and mentor to many New York-based folklorists, Ríos is the foundation of the Yoruba-based religious community, providing the music for ceremonies and celebrations. In addition, Nueva Generación has been a forum for many young aspiring folkloric musicians.