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Monica Espinoza performs as one of the lead
vocalists with the 6-8 piece dance band 'Night Rhythm' featuring
Monica and Bryan.
Monica Espinoza's first gig was sitting in
with the jazz trio (led by her mom on piano) at Cesar's Cafe
(owned by her dad) in Jacksonville, FL. People soon needed a
reservation to hear the little seven year old sing. She sang
at the summer jazz festivals including the St. Augustine Jazz
Festival and recorded Kermit the Frog's "Rainbow Connection" for
the United Way. She became a local sensation and after a United
Press International article published throughout the country,
gained the attention of the 80's show, "That's Incredible!".
She was soon featured on the program as the "Youngest Veteran
Jazz Singer."
At 10, Monica's band "Monica & Company" was the
house band at the infamous "Buddy's Raw Bar" in Gainesville,
FL. 50's musician Bo Diddley took notice and produced her first
video and recording. At 13, she performed for the United Nations
Conference on World Hunger in Miami, FL and was the soloist for
the nonprofit organization "Jazz Crusade to End World Hunger." That
summer, Monica was chosen as the vocalist
for the touring group "Young Broadway Stars." They
were the headlining act at the American Embassy's July 4th
celebration in Switzerland and performed extensively throughout
Switzerland
and Florida.
Monica received a scholarship to study at the University of Miami
Jazz School and was a featured soloist in the school's jazz vocal
group which won an honorable mention from Downbeat Magazine.
Monica worked with the 12-piece Latin American band, "Shajar" and
teamed up with Night Rhythm vocalist Robin McKelle to form the
band "Planet Groove" playing throughout South Florida.
In 1997, Monica accepted a scholarship to study at Berklee College
of Music. She formed the band "Drivin' South" which
performed around Boston and New York including the Chelsea Piers
Octoberfest attended by more than 10,000 people. Drivin' South
also toured throughout Europe (see poster online) and was the
featured entertainment for the winter ski season at the famous
Eden Hotel in Arosa, Switzerland. Back in Boston, Monica continued
to record local radio/TV jingles and was a regular performer
on the Boston cruise ship "Odyssey".
In 2001, she moved to San Francisco to record with the original
roots band "Dry County". She also worked with "Bay
Boogie," a 12-piece disco show band complete with costumes
and choreography. After the birth of her son in 2002, Monica
is glad to be back in Boston teaming up again with vocalist Bryan
Barros in Boston's hottest group, Night Rhythm.
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