Joe Collado Bio

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. Joe has been playing percussion since his preteen years. Known mostly for his tasteful and rhythmatic playing, Joe credits his percussion schooling from the countless rumba jams in the streets of New York City and witnessing all the greats bands during the Fania Allstar era. Relocating to Miami, FL after graduating from John Jay HS in Brooklyn, Joe played Intercollegiate basketball at Miami Dade CC then returning to play for Queens College, NYC. He majored in music his first two years in Miami Dade CC and polished his percussive skills under master teachers such as Johnny (JC) Conga and Hector (Pocho) Nesciosup. Creating his own playing style he eventually took his skills to another level after graduating with a BA in Health/PE with a minor in music.

 Joe has shared the stage with the greatest of percussion such as Santana's Jose "Chepito" Areas and Master percussionist, Giovanni Hidalgo just to name a few. His band repertoire includes Salsa stars such as Eddie Palmieri's Herman Olivera, Henry Fiol and the famed underground Angel Canales Orchestra as well as other stars. Presently Joe is playing steady with local South Florida bands such as Galo Rivera/Santana Tribute band and his own group, The Latin Groove Project and others as well. He also serves as a full time Dade County Public School teacher that musically curtails his availability and commitment to perform with many top traveling artists, but still always finding time to play on demand. You can spot Joe playing with various known Salsa, reggae, Latin Jazz, Latin Rock and cover groups all over South Florida