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BAND MEMBERS
Indira Corales
Vocals, Flute
Indira Corales is a multi-talented musician who sings world music and plays classical flute with the verve and passion of her upbringing. Indira is a native of Santiago City, Chile. She was brought up in a highly musical family, both of her parents are popular latin- american musicians. Growing up, Indira studied ballet at the Teatro Municipal de Santiago and flute at the Instituto Escuela Moderna de Musica (Santiago). After high school, Indira moved to the U.S.A. to continue her education. In Pittsburgh, P.A. Indira studied at Carnegie Mellon University for a B.A. in flute performance and education certificate. While in school Indira joined local latin band Orquesta Tropical as one of their lead singers. As often happens her life took an unexpected turn-she suffered physical problems impacting her ability to play her beloved flute with such intensity. With that, Indira started focusing on a teaching career and performing mainly as a vocalist. She is currently pursuing her studies at Duquesne University for a B.A in Spanish, while freelancing as a singer with several world music ensembles in the city of Pittsburgh- a presence she has maintained for over a decade.
Joe Herndon
Trumpet, Vocals, Percussion, Leader
Joe holds degrees in music performance and music education from Slippery Rock University as well as a master’s degree in music from Duquesne University. In addition to performing with Azúcar Joe performs regularly with the Billy Price Band, Bo Wagner’s “Let’s be Frank” show, the Three Rivers Jazz Orchestra, Pittsburgh Musical Theater, the Pittsburgh Broadway Series, and the Civil Light Opera. Joe has also performed with legendary talents such as Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra Jr., Franki Valley, and the Temptations to name a few.
Steve McKnight
Trumpet, Vocals, Synthesizer, Musical Director
Steve finished his masters degree in jazz performance from McGill University in Montreal in 2004. Since finishing his degree Steve has moved back to Pittsburgh to take on the job of Music Director for Azúcar. When Steve is not performing with Azúcar he can be found with some of the top acts in the Pittsburgh area including No Bad Ju-Ju and Resounding Brass as well as numerous national acts. Steve McKnight is also a graduate of Slippery Rock University. Steve is also a member of Resounding Brass.
Chris Hemingway
Alto and Tenor Saxophones
Born in Florence, SC and now living in Pittsburgh, PA Christopher has been a student of James Houlik at the NC School of the Arts and Duquesne University. In 1999 Christopher was a concerto competition winner at Duquesne, performing with the DU Symphony. He also performed as a soloist with the Pittsburgh Symphony. Christopher is an active freelance jazz musician in Pittsburgh, performing with the Roger Humphries Big Band, and the Al Dowe quartet. Chris is currently a member of the New Century Saxophone Quartet.
Kevin McManus
Trombone
Kevin McManus is one of Pittsburgh's most in demand Trombonists. He holds music degrees from Penn State University and Carnegie Mellon University. Having spent years on the road touring with various Broadwway musicals has prepared Kevin for any musical challenge ahead of him. Kevin is happy to be the newest member of Azúcar.
Eric Suseoff
Guitar
In addition to playing in Azúcar and leading his own Latin Jazz ensemble, Salsamba, Eric has played with every notable jazz musician in the City of Pittsburgh, including Eric Kloss, Frank Cunimondo, Gene Ludwig, Pete Henderson, Dave and Maureen Budway, Sandy Staley, Kenia, Roger Humphrys, H.B. Bennett, Harold Betters, Walt Harper, Nathan Davis and many, many others. His sparkling work can be found on the recordings of Standard Care, On Call& Christmas '95 featuring Dr. Howard Gendell. Singing lyrics by Lou Tracy, Opie Bellas featured Eric playing a Susoeff original, "Here I go Again'" on her album Once Upon A Time. Recent CD releases have included February Regrets by saxophonist Don Aliquo Jr. and Missing You by vocalist Donna Peck. Visiting jazz legends Dizzy Gillespie, David Amram and Roger Williams have all hired Eric for their appearances in Pittsburgh.
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Brian Stahurski
Bass
Brian Stahurski has earned a reputation as one of Pittsburgh's most versatile musicians. He has performed locally with the Pittsburgh Ballet Orchestra, Civic Light Opera's Broadway Series, The Wheeling Symphony, Dave & Maureen Budway, The Balcony Big Band, Jeff Bell, Benny Benack, Sandy Staley, Modern Times, Joe Negri & Billy Price, to name a few! Brian recently returned from two years of touring with jazz trumpet legend Maynard Ferguson and his Big Bop Nouveau Band, playing at jazz festivals, clubs, and Universities in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. In addition to numerous local recordings, Brian has recorded with vocalist Michael Feinstein on "Big City Rhythms" and with renowned vocalist Diane Schuur on "Swingin' for Schuur". Both recordings are on the Concord Jazz Label.
Dave Glover
Timbales
David Glover is the Assistant Professor of Percussion at Slippery Rock University. Dr. Glover has played with a wide variety of artists including, Arturo Sandoval, Joe Williams, Phil Woods, Bob Brookmeyer, Peabo Bryson, and Bill Watrous. He can be heard on recordings from, The Wash, Latin Attitude, The University of Texas Jazz Orchestra, the acoustic jazz quartet Odd Man Out (Viewpoint Records), and the upcoming debut release from The Three Rivers Jazz Orchestra (SeaBreeze Records). Dr. Glover performs exclusively with SABIAN cymbals and Pro-Mark drumsticks.
George Jones
Congas
George Jones is the most in demand conga player in Western Pennsylvania. From salsa, to African music, to Latin Jazz, or big band George is the man. When not performing with Azucar George can be seen playing with Salsamba.
Jose Moran
Bongos Vocals
Jose Moran hails from Puerto Rico and has been playing latin percussion his whole life. Jose has played in many bands in Puerto Rico, New York City and now in Pittsburgh with Azucar. His sense of authentic Pueto Rican style and rhythm helps keep Azucar Grooving for the dancers all night long. |
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