Cuban Music from Miami – About PALO!

In 2003, PALO!’s leader and founder Steve Roitstein invited his fellow musicians to join him in an improvised musical experiment combining Cuban music with Latin Jazz and Funk beats. After years of successfully producing artists such as Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Ricardo Montaner, Cheo Feliciano, Oscar d’ Leon and Willy Chirino, Roitstein decided to form his own band. “My dream behind PALO! is to share the joy of music and culture with the world.” says PALO!’s leader, producer, pianist and beatmaker.

PALO! received a nomination for a Grammy and a Latin Grammy for their album PALO! Live. The band was named Miami New Times Best Band 2012 (Readers’ Choice) and Best Latin Band 2014.  PALO! is a featured act in clubs and live music venuesfestivalscorporate events, and private events throughout the world.

Afro-Cuban Funk

PALO! plays their own style of Cuban music they call “Afro-Cuban Funk”. Just think “funky, jazzy salsa”, or better yet, listen to some of their music.

The New York Post proclaims:

“Afro-Cuban Funk is Cuban music for the new generation. And the leader of the sound is the Miami based band PALO!”

Virtuoso Musicians

PALO!’s catchy original songs have always featured extraordinary musicians. The current lineup includes the incredible vocals of charismatic Cuban singers Miriam Martinez, Dannah Santiago and Julio Cesar. The scorching percussion of Dayron Gallardo and Otto Santana punctuate the performances with Cuban fire. Latin Jazz saxophonist Aldo Salvent brings an electrifying unpredictability to every song. Bandleader Steve Roitstein fuses these elements with a foundation of edgy, unforgettable rhythms.

Founding members of PALO! include Leslie Cartaya (lead vocals), Ed Calle (sax), Philbert Armenteros (percussion, vocals), and Raymer Olalde (percussion, vocals).

Some of the PALO! story was told in two award-winning PBS documentary films:

Culture & Education

In addition to creating and performing music, PALO! loves to do workshops, master classes, clinics, panels, and cultural seminars.