Cachi Velez – Percussion

Philip "Cachi" Velez, Percussionist/Recording Engineer.  Cachi was born and raised in New York City, and has been playing percussions for most of his life.  Cachi was taught the art by a great percussionist, his father, Phil "Pipo" Velez. Before realizing the significance of what he was taught, Cachi started in the music industry by singing back-up vocals and dancing/choreography for Lagosa Records, whose artists, to name a few were Monet, George Lamond and Nu-flex.  Realizing how much he loved music, Cachi obtained a Degree in Audio Engineering/Sound Recording from Mercy College/CMA.  Since then, Cachi has produced two albums Sonido Bestial Feat. DJ Dynamite (recorded in P.R.) and Rude Boyz NY, which was recorded at Mucha Madness Recording Studio Inc., located in the Bronx.  Mucha Madness Recording Studio Inc. is owned by Cachi and his younger sister, Lailany "Mucha" Ruiz-Betancourt.  Cachi has worked hard on becoming the percussionist that he is today.  Playing Congas, Bongos and Timbales, Cachi has been fortunate enough to play venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center's Merkin Concert Hall Theatre, Cami Hall, Palladium, CBGB's, SOB’s, The Copacabana, 116th Street Festival, Univision Television, Telemundo Television, The Knitting Factory, The Laugh Factory, Nuyorican Poets Café (both in NY and Puerto Rico), Studio 54, Roxy's, and many other clubs and lounges throughout the Tri-State area. Cachi has also played and recorded with very exciting bands and singers such as Willie Colon, Frankie Negron, Yomo Toro, Angel Lopez of Son By Four, Joey Williams of The Blind Boys of Alabama, Ayanna Del Valle, Cynthia Castro, Mental Notes, Den of Wolves, Richard Holly, Roberto Vazquez, Emergency Service, and occasionally sits in on some sets with Grupo Latin Vibe. Cachi is currently currently performing with his own band, “Cachi & Friends” every Friday at Caridad & Louie’s Restaurant in the Bronx. He is also playing with The Dirty Boogaloo, Edwin Vazquez, Klein Blvd, and Lily Vasquez. Cachi is currently signed to CueZone Records.