SWPS Artist listiNg

Danny Mendoza is a percussionist, vocalist, band leader and educator based in the Seattle area. Danny comes from a family rich in musical heritage and culture and his main goal and passion are to share this rich heritage by bringing community together by way of music and dance oriented events.

Danny is a native of Chula Vista, CA where he became a self taught drummer and was part of various bands growing up. Aside from his own musical interests and projects, he was also very influenced by his father's musical taste which leaned towards salsa and other Caribbean styles. At the age of 23, he was introduced to folkloric Afro Cuban styles and began his study of the conga drum. As time has progressed, he has also added bata drums, cajon, bongo and timbales to his instrument repertoire and has also delved into the study of composition, dance, vocal improvisation and the common Afro Latino vocal style of answer and call.

Danny has studied under various teachers in Seattle and San Diego including Victor Tapia, Mark Lamson, Paul Lopez, Arturo Rodriguez and Steven Cherena. Danny is the founding member and currently leads, sings and plays congas in salsa band Elere. He is also part of folkoric group Omo Alagba and in February 2021 completed his initiation into the Afro Cuban tradition of Aa, a fraternity of ceremonial bata drumming and singing for the Orishas. Most recently Danny joined Afro-Latino funk/soul band Reposado and a brand new bolero/son project going by Desamor.