Frank Perez
Photos by Chris Ortiz (above) and Rob Daniels (below)
Matt Lewis
Born in Ongar, Essex, Matthew began learning trombone with his father aged 5. He then went on to study with David Whitson at the Junior Royal Academy of music. During this time he was a member of the National Youth Brass Band and the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.
Chuck Powell
Chuck Powell has had a long career of playing music which started in 1998 playing the tuba and then learning the trombone in 2001. After graduating from HS, Chuck enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and played for the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band from 2007-2010 in Okinawa Japan. After traveling and performing in Asia for three years, Chuck moved to NYC January 2011 and took time away from music to focus on school and professional salsa dancing and teaching. Shortly after joining the NYPD in 2015, Chuck began freelancing Professionally in the salsa music scene after studying, performing and being mentored by “El Trombonista del Barrio,” Willie Alvarez. From there Chuck was introduced to lead vocalist Captian Alex Cedillo and joined La Jara Band in June 2017. While playing with La Jara Band, Chuck had the opportunity to perform with his greatest idol, Willie Colon. After a few years with La Jara, Chuck decided to take his music abilities to…
