Lilliana is a multi-talented singer, songwriter, percussionist, and actress living in the Los Angeles. Born into the legendary De Los Reyes family she has a natural inclination for rhythm making. Originally a self-taught musician, Lilliana honed her skills at the prestigious Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California. In addition to performing in the Los Angeles area, she is currently touring throughout the world with ten-time award winning artist, George Benson.

Damon mentions Tom Tom Magazine as well as the Hit Like a Girl contest.

Happy Birthday to Vinnie Colaiuta who is 64 years young (as of Feb 5th).

Gig Alerts

Damon is playing the Brooklyn Bowl on Valentine’s Day with the Atomic Funk Project for the “Divas of Soul” show.

Then at the Rockwood Music Hall (stage 3) on Feb 15th with Margot Bingham (and other special guests)

He is a special guest playing with Morgan James at the FTC Stage One theater in Fairfield, CT on Friday the 28th of February.

Marcos is playing with the Torres Trio at Tablao in Norwalk CT on Thursday the 13th

He is playing at Murphy’s Law in Bridgeport, CT with Karibe Mambo on the 14th of Feb.

At the Copacabana Times Square on the 16th with Eddie Torres.

He is playing at Casona in Hartford, CT with Manolo Mairena on Feb 21st.

And, back at Rockwood Music Hall with Jeremy Bosch on Feb 28th.

The Thrill is Gone tribute to B.B. King concert will be held on Feb 16th and 17th at the Capitol Theater. There are tons of performers backed by a house band of Steve Jordan, Pino Palladino, Issiah Sharkey and more!

March 14th at the Stern Auditoroium, Angelique Kidjo presented by Carnegie Hall.

Educational Spotlights

Check out upcoming “Day of Percussion” events, the 2020 international percussion ensemble competition, as well as the 2020 composition composition contest (with cash prizes).

Rig Rundown/Social Soundbyte

Check out “friend of the show” Marcelo Woloski and his set up with Snarky Puppy. Thanks to Axel Fagerberg for alerting us that this video exists.

Martin Cohen released his new book (available now on the Congahead website). This book is full of photos and historical stories about how Martin founded the Latin Percussion company with a camera and a dream. The book is in BOTH English and Spanish.

There were plenty of “friends of the show” at the book signing for Martin’s book.

Iconic Recording

Some of the names Marcos drops for checking out Cuban rumba groups are Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, Yoruba Andabo, Clave Y Guaguancó, and Los Papines.

The song chosen for the iconic recording is called “Rumba con Amor” by Yoruba Andabo.

Music News

Music Supervisors to Watch: 10 Tastemakers Soundtracking Today’s Top Shows and Films - Article

Damon mentions the DIY Musician Conference where you can learn about Sync Licensing, Spotify Playlisting and so much more! - Conference Details

Press Release: House of Representatives Passes PRO Act, Set to Devastate Independent Contracting and Small Businesses Nationwide - Article

The song leading into the interview is called “Don’t You Worry About A Thing” written by Stevie Wonder, with Lilliana singing and playing percussion.

Lilliana De Los Reyes Interview

The interview starts with Lilliana talking about her taking Spanish classes to master the language.

Marcos and Lilliana get into a conversation about being Hispanic/Latino and also feeling like you belong.

Great women singers were the driving force for Lilliana continuing music after her parents split, and musical theater helped keep her motivated through high school.

After high school and community college, Lilliana attended USC’s Thornton School of Music. Damon asks about what were the requirements for her audition.

Damon brings up the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, which is now the Herbie Hancock institute of Jazz.

One of the things Damon and Lilliana talked about at the LP dinner was the new car she just got. They also talk about the things drummers and percussionists have to think about with the right car for hauling gear and outfits to be able to play and also set-up and move gear.

Lilliana mentions the lineup for the Ray Charles tribute she just did.

Lilliana talks about how women have to think about what they wear and that same standard isn’t always extended to men and doesn’t change how the music sounds. Damon mentions how Billie Eilish wears baggy clothes so her looks aren’t as big a focus as the quality of her music.

Lilliana mentions the riggors of touring and things she has to consider traveling so much.

Damon and Lilliana talk about groove vs flash, especially during solos. Here is one of Damon’s favorite groove solos with audience participation by the late great Gaylord Birch.

Damon brings up social media with Lilliana and the constant struggle between wanting to go “off the grid” vs feeling the obligation of posting constantly.

Lilliana talks about photo etiquitte with celebrities.

Lilliana uses Latin Percussion instruments, Vater Drumsticks and Roland Electronics.

You can follow Lilliana on her Website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

The song leading out of the interview is called “Get It Right” by Joey Dosik.