Roberto Ocasio?s musical career began in the mid 1960s. By the age of ten, he was playing concerts, and at age 12 played for Vice President Hubert Humphrey?s presidential campaign. Roberto was a self-taught musician on the guitar until that early age when his musical training began at the Cleveland Music Settlement, then School of Fine Arts. Today he plays eight instruments from woodwinds to percussion and keyboards.

After his Cleveland upbringing, he moved back to his New York City birthplace where further musical education included piano, theory and harmony at the Third Street Music Settlement before heading to Boston Berklee College of Music to be schooled for three years in arranging and composing. Returning to Cleveland, he continued to train at Cuyahoga Community College while recording, teaching and playing in local bands, which later led to performing throughout the United States with various musical groups.

While maintaining the heavy performing schedule, Roberto teaches and strenuously promotes knowledge of Latin music and its roots-taking his talents to schools, universities and community programs. In 1997, he was named ?Outstanding Musician and Community Leader? by the Puerto Rico Society of Cleveland and Puerto Rican Cultural Ethnic Festival.

Winner of the 2002 Free Times Magazine ?Best Jazz Band? Award, Roberto Ocasio?s Latin Jazz Project the band has also been recognized for two consecutive years as one of the top five best jazz bands in Northern Ohio. All music is composed and arranged by Roberto, including the group?s first CD Algo Para Ti (Something Just For You) a presentation of eleven songs.

Official Web Site: www.latinjazzproject.com