Musician, drummer, musical director and producer, Adolfo José Luis Rodríguez “El Puma”, De La Paz Ensemble, Miami Symphony Orchestra through the University of Tasmania, where he is investigating new rhythmic thinking and sonic opportunities for the hand drummer. In 2016, Adam led the Newcastle Conservatorium Percussion ensemble to victory at the Australian Percussion Eisteddfod. He has performed with guitar virtuoso Bruce Mathiske, John Paul Young and the All Stars, Australian Jazz legend Andy Firth and many more.Īdam is the Cohort Leader of Percussion and lecturer at the University of Newcastle Australia. In 2003, Adam completed a Bachelor of Music in orchestral percussion. Throughout his earliest years, the snare drum was his primary instrument, as he was awarded the Australian National Snare Drum Champion in 1998. He performs regularly with prominent Australian artists, writes articles, records for major record labels, and has directed award winning ensembles. He resides in Phoenix, playing with various West Coast salsa bands and with his band, Abel Valentino & Salsation.Īdam Manning is an experienced educator, published performer and passionate composer. Although he plays various styles, including straight ahead jazz and Latin rock, Valentino’s main focus is as a salsa and Latin jazz timbalero. He performed with the Brazilian band Zum Zum Zum for President Reagan during the Hispanic Heritage Awards in Washington, D.C. Valentino has also been a guest with Larry Harlow and Willie Colon, Poncho Sanchez, and Malo. Over the years, Valentino continued to be a guest with Tito Puente's band, the final time being at Centennial Hall at the University of Arizona in 1998. His longstanding friendship with Tito Puente began in 1976 at the Casino Ballroom in Tucson, Arizona, when he was invited to perform with Tito Puente's band.

A self-taught percussionist, Valentino began his professional career at 14 years old with the Pete Robles Orchestra. Growing up in a Puerto Rican household in Arizona, he delighted in the sounds of Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, and Ismael Rivera. Fascinated by the complex and mysterious religious nature of Afro Cuban music, Abel Valentino has spent his life immersed in the study and performance of that dynamic, spiritual percussion.

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