Israel Maldonado

I have been a musician for hire and have been performing professionally for over three decades. At the age of seven, I was part of Banda Infantil del Dif, a children’s orchestra in my hometown of Tijuana, Mexico. At age ten, I began to train in classical guitar. Shortly after our family moved to the U.S., joined the drum line at Carlsbad High School. During my college years at Palomar College and San Diego State University, I joined guitar ensembles.

Throughout the years, I have been fortunate to open for many popular Latin, blues and rock acts, including Nikka Costa, Los Amigos Invisibles, Ivan Lins, Sergio Mendes and Charlie Hunter. In addition to live performance and D.J'ing events, I also offer private and semi-private music lessons.
In 1996 was my first club gig at Café Sevilla playing percussion for Sambrasil I got to play with the best musicians right away. Over the years, I have accompanied several popular San Diego bands, bringing different genres of Spanish, Brazilian and English music, gypsy guitar, salsa and timba to local clubs, restaurants and events. In addition, I spent two years touring the country with Agua Dulce before returning to San Diego and creating my own group. These days, I use my vast musical experience to bring a blend of Latin and modern music to San Diego events specializing in corporate events and Weddings.