Papo Santiago y Orquesta Infraverde
(773) 209-7864 infraverde@sbcglobal.net
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Chicago, Illinois
"Boricua como el Coqui"
Ponce, Puerto Rico
Plaza de Ponce


Papo Santiago started his musical journey in Ponce, Puerto Rico, the birthplace of
some of the most celebrated musicians in Latin music history, including: Pete "El
Conde" Rodriguez, Hector Lavoe, and Papo Lucca. Santiago pursued a degree in
music at Universidad Interamericana, San German, Puerto Rico. Before completing
his studies, he was recruited to play baritone sax with "La Terrifica" by its
bandleader Joe Rodriguez. "La Terrifica" spun off from "La Sonora Poncena" in the
early 70's and paved the way for Santiago's incursion into the world of salsa. The
band's international acclaim took Santiago to the demanding salsa public of
Venezuela, Colombia, Peru and New York among others. After forging his musical
reputation, he became a sought after musician, sharing the stage with upper brass
of Afro-Caribbean music, including "Fania All-Stars", "La Sonora Poncena", "Ismael
Miranda", "Marvin Santiago", Pete "El Conde" Rodriguez, Carlos "Cano" Estremera,
Henry Fiol. Lalo Rodriguez, Eddie Santiago, and Nino Segarra.
Along the way, Papo Santiago has demonstrated an uncanny ability to take on new
challenges, and become a bona fide bandleader. After mastering the saxophone
and all its variants, he honed the craft of flute playing with Banda Municipal de
Ponce 1985. Santiago moved to the city of Chicago in the late 1980's where he
found himself having to carve a niche in the city's music circles. It didn't take long for
his talents to be recognized by the top tier of local musicians, including Orquesta
Yambu, Ases del Merengue, Joe Rendon and friends, La Tira and Cuatrisimo.
Cuban flutist Jose Fajardo dubbed him "the child prodigy" after discovering his
skills on the instrument while touring the Windy City. Santiago went on to join the
experimental jazz ensemble Kalinda. The group's first recording "Kalinda Kaliente"
was named in 1997 by the Chicago Tribune as one of the year's ten best in the Jazz
category.
Santiago's exploration as a professional singer was a natural step in his evolution
as a fully rounded musician. His sonero attributes are founded in the legacies of
Ismael Rivera. Luigi Texidor, Marvin Santiago, Isaac Delgado, and "El Tiburon"
Morales.. In his improvisations, he combines street-wise sense of humor with a
unique approach to rhythm and swing. Santiago stands as an icon of the
harmonious fusion of classic influences with the most innovative trends in tropical
music.
On February 21, 2004 Santiago made his debut as a bandleader in Chicago's 1st
Tribute to the Improvisational Singer, where he shared equal billing with Richard
Martinez, lead singer of the Grammy-nominated Truco y Zaperoko. Santiago's
newest project is the culmination of a life dedicated to the integrity of progressive
musicianship and the preservation of the sonero tradition. His copy written songs
not only demonstrate his ability to sing and play numerous instruments but also
compose.
Jose "Papo" Santiago
Papo Santiago's Bio
PAPO SANTIAGO Y ORQUESTA INFRAVERDE
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ELOQUENCE
Imagination, Faith, Freedom and LoveJoy fashioned a child
The people rejoiced with such exuberance
All beings paused in their orbits
Gratitude and praise were unto the child as sustenance
She flourished
Moving with the ease of grace and bravery
Aroused their wonder
When she breathed, possibilities emerged
Her presence felt as laughter's lingering satisfaction
Each person understood in their own way
Appreciating, absorbing, appreciating
Gaining permission to be
Submitting to Artistry's allure
Devolving, leaping from flesh
Floating fluently
Living eloquently
Claiming their birthright as wellsprings of goodwill
Artistry honored her parents with medleys, passion and hope
Likewise, performers, designers and lovers bestowed gifts
Christened with her name
Each child destined to be a savior
So the multitude
Once rivulets seeking sanctuary along hardened earth
Became as sweet milk drawn from a supple, bountiful breast
Thus, their days were nourished
Art inspiring Life
Art inspiring Art
"Usiku"
Thank 's for your continued support.
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