CONEXIÓN is available as a full band or quartet!
No matter the size of your event – CONEXIÓN Salsa Live Band shows up in the right line-up. Either with the full power of all six musicians (also available in an even larger formation, e.g. with an expanded brass section), or in a smaller version as the quartet CONEXIÓN – De Cerca, perfect for smaller and more intimate events such as private celebrations and parties at a café, lounge, or bar.
With the salsa music of CONEXIÓN – De Cerca („De Cerca“ = „Up Close“), you can experience the relaxed spirit and soundtrack of the cafés and bars of Old Havana – authentic and pure. The Caribbean, feminine vocals of Mayelis are framed by the rhythmic-melodic play of the piano and the softly pulsating sound of the congas.
CONEXIÓN – In Full (6 Members)
Mayelis Guyat, Cuba – Lead Vocals
Daniel Stawinski, Germany – Piano, Vocals
Sergio Gomez, Colombia – Bass, Vocals
Jörg Bücheler, Germany – Posaune, Vocals
Robby Geerken, Germany, Cuba – Congas, Vocals
Hardi Barnewold, Germany – Timbales, Percussion
CONEXIÓN – De Cerca (Quartet)
Mayelis Guyat, Cuba – Lead Vocals
Daniel Stawinski, Germany – Piano, Vocals
Ernesto Zamora Rojas, Cuba – Flute, Vocals
Hardi Barnewold, Germany – Congas, Percussion
CONEXIÓN PLUS
Mayelis Guyat, Cuba – Lead Vocals
Daniel Stawinski, Germany – Piano, Vocals
Sergio Gomez, Colombia – Bass, Vocals
Jörg Bücheler, Germany – Posaune, Vocals
Nicole de Zabala, Germany– Trombone, Percussion
Chucho Palma, Venezuela – Percussion
Robby Geerken, Germany, Cuba – Congas, Vocals
Hardi Barnewold, Germany – Timbales, Percussion
Hardi Barnewold
Timbales, Percussion, Director – Germany
Hardi has lived in Berlin for many years. After completing his studies and spending several years as a freelance musician, he founded the drum school “drums and more.” Before Hardi discovered his love for Cuban music and founded Conexión, he worked at renowned theaters such as the Schauspielhaus Bochum, Theater an der Ruhr, Neuer Tanz Düsseldorf, and Neuköllner Oper, and performed in numerous bands, orchestras, and projects (Atemgold 09; Bazar Bizarre Compagnie Felix Ruckert).
„Rhythm is it!“
Mayelis Guyat
Vocals, Percussion – Cuba
Mayelis was born in Cuba. From an early age, the ‘Lady from Guantanamo’ toured, first in Cuba alongside the most renowned salsa artists and later in Europe, for example with the musical ‘Paradise Road’. She has collaborated with artists as diverse as Master Leiva (Sur Caribe) and Max Raabe (Palast Orchester). She has performed at events including the famous Montreux Jazz Festival.
Just like her great role model Celia Cruz, she constantly infects the audience with her energy and zest for life.
„Son is the most sublime way to delight the soul.“
Daniel Stawinski
Piano, Vocals – Germany
Daniel received training in both classical and jazz piano and studied at the Hanns Eisler Academy of Music. Having caught the salsa bug whilst at university, he immersed himself in the Cuban piano style and was soon playing with numerous salsa groups in Berlin. In 2005, he moved to Paris, became part of the cosmopolitan Latino scene, played in numerous salsa and timba projects, and accompanied well-known salsa singers such as Tony Vega, Ray de la Paz and Orlando Watussi.
„Salsa ist pure Lebensfreude!“
Sergio Gomez
Bass, Vocals – Cuba
Sergio, a.k.a ‘Checho’, comes from Cali, the capital of Colombian salsa.
He studied guitar and double bass (classical and jazz) and as a professional musician, he works on various jazz, Latin and world music projects. He has played alongside Samuel Torres, Daniel Puente Encina, Circus Radio Show and Rodrigo Santamaria.
“Shut up and play.”
Robby Geerken
Congas, Vocals – Germany
Robby is from Berlin, where he studied at the renowned Jazz Institute. Robby has accompanied numerous international artists in the jazz and Latin genres during their performances and CD recordings, including Steve Swallow, Hans Glawischnig, Airto Moreira, Flora Purim, Changuito (Los Van Van), and El Goyo. Robby is deeply knowledgeable about Afro-Cuban folklore.
„Ich mag den direkten Bezug meiner Congas und des grooves zu den Tänzern.“
Jörg Bücheler
Posaune, Vocals – Deutschland
Jörg studied jazz trombone in Hanover. After completing his degree, life took him to Vancouver for two years, where he played regularly with the “Orquesta Tropicana.” Since 2010, the trombonist and arranger has lived in Berlin, where he works on various projects in the fields of jazz, swing, pop, Latin, and theater. Jörg has collaborated with Lyn Collins, Clyde Stubblefield, and many others.
„Mich fasziniert die ganze Lebensfreude, welche Salsa und die ganze karibische Musik umgibt.“