Today we’d like to introduce you to Manny Cepeda.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
After retiring from the US Navy Music Program in 2004, I set my goals in San Diego, got married, and purchased a condo in Little Italy. I did this intentionally because I wanted to be in an area where the arts are supported, and Little Italy was the ideal location. I started my Afro-Cuban/Latin band as a small trio, performing at private parties, weddings, and receptions. The popularity of the band grew to the point that I needed to expand the band’s size so I could perform at larger venues and include corporate events and concerts/festivals in the area. We are credited for being a band that attracts large audiences (English, Latin, and Caribbean), and we have helped businesses and malls get customers. I created a business model called “Salsa Under the Stars” where a large audience comes to dance outdoors. This model has benefited places such as The Headquarters Seaport District, North County Mall, Little Italy Piazza, and many other businesses that need foot traffic. My latest project was the creation of an eighteen-piece Mambo band. This group is gaining a lot of popularity in places such as the La Jolla Baker-Baum Concert Hall, for their Christmas Open House, and the Quartyard in downtown San Diego, where we performed our latest concert to a sold-out audience. I have trained many young musicians from San Diego, helping them improve their performance and expand their repertoires. Overall, I am delighted how I grew my business from a small trio to an 18-piece Mambo Orchestra. I continue to grow and feel proud to provide my services to the greater San Diego area.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Life has always been challenging; without them, we can improve. My only struggle was finding musicians who understood my idiom (Salsa Music). In the early 2000s, the most popular performing groups were Mariachis and some Techno music acts. I knew the market for Tropical music was here, but I needed to find where they were. I joined the House of Puerto Rico in Balboa Park, which helped me establish connections. In 2006, most of my sound equipment was stolen. Still, fortunately, an excellent sound company from the East Coast helped me acquire the basic sound equipment needed to continue performing and generate enough funds to pay for the new sound system, my musicians, and my business.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am known in San Diego as the “music healer!” That means that many of my fans come to dance and get spiritual energy from my performances. Whether I’m playing solo or with my 18-piece band, I see the joy in the people who dance to my music. I had a few couples tell me their marriage or relationship was on the rocks. They started coming to my “Salsa Under the Stars” event, and they began socializing with each other again. Another fan tells me she gets charged with energy watching us dance and have fun. I also teach at Grossmont College, which offers the same type of ensemble that I do. It gives me joy to see young players improve and become proficient in their instruments, thanks to my original charts, which they perform in our semester concerts. What sets me apart from others? My devotion and love for my craft. I consider my talent to come from a higher being, and I thank God for the gift He has bestowed on me.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Professionalism, punctuality, credibility, and a strong business attitude. To be successful in business, you must know how to treat your customers and how to achieve their goals with what you provide. Never be late! That’s one quality that defines the attitude of a good business person, and last but not least, say what you mean and mean what you say!
Pricing:
- One-man Solo $300.00 per hour
- Quartet $700.00 per hour
- Sextet $900.00 per hour
- 9-piece Salsa Band $1200.00 per hour
- 18-piece Mambo Band $3500.00 per 90-minute show
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mannycepedamobile.com
- Instagram: @mannycepeda1
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MannyCepedaOrchestra
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manny-cepeda-6a10b861
- Twitter: https://x.com/Ceped69380Manny
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mannycepeda1
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/manny-cepeda-orchestra-san-diego
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/mannycepeda
- Other: https://www.mannycepeda.com
Image Credits
Robin Dior Cepeda and Manny Cepeda.
