Wendell Rivera

Paying Tribute to Afro-Cuban and Tipico Puerto Rican Music

Percussionist, Composer, Producer, Band Leader, Educator

Rivera, a leading ambassador of Latin Jazz, an invigorating sound that incorporates Afro-Caribbean grooves with the free, melodic, and harmonic elements of progressive jazz. Rivera’s Latin Jazz Ensemble has been the cornerstone of Latin music in the Western New York/Niagara Falls region for more than two decades. 

As a percussionist, he has performed with artists as diverse as Aretha Franklin, Arthuro Sandovar, Ben Vereen, Dave Valentin, Bob Mintzer, John Patitucci, Ralph Irizarry, Yomo Toro, Tito Gomez, Oscar Hernandez, and Humberto Ramirez.

In the year 2000, Rivera was inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame, an award that recognized his achievements and musical contributions to the Western New York area.  

Photographer: Lee Hoffman

Musician: Wendell Rivera with Amanda Martinez

Event: Tralfamadore Cafe, Buffalo New York 2015

Wendell Rivera ©2016