MUSICIANS

Jesse "La Clave" Pitts

Jesse Pitts, is a two time Latin GRAMMY nominated drummer/percussionist, composer, producer and clinician who is widely respected throughout the United States as a multi-dimensional musician that captures the hearts of the audience with his drumming. His groovy feel, versatility, and passion for drumming make him one of the most influential drummers in the country.

Jesse has a passion for educating and has given workshops and clinics at the University of South Florida, the University of Tampa and Lee University in Cleveland TN.

Jesse has performed at the Low-Country Jazz Festival in Charleston South Carolina, the Clearwater Jazz Festival in Florida and many others across the United States. He has performed with local and international artists such as Giovanni Hidalgo, Jim Walker, Lannie Battistini, Dave Cleveland, Bobby Roman, Late Night Brass, Airto Moreira, Symphony Howlett (American Idol Finalist), Jeremy Rosado (American Idol Finalist), Nicole Yarling, Charlton Singleton, Jose Valentino Ruiz and has opened for Jonathan Butler.

Jesse is an international award winner including ten Downbeat Student Music Awards. Jesse has recorded on fifteen albums for various artist and released his solo album ''Genesis'', and two co-albums, “A Traveler's Journey” and “Remembering”, with artist Jose Valentino Ruiz. Jesse was nominated for a Latin GRAMMY Award for Best Latin Jazz Album in 2015 for his participation with the album,”I Make You Want To Move”, by Jose Valentino & The Latin Jazz Ensemble.

Besides being the leader and drummer for Alacris, Jesse tours with Jose Valentino and Late Night Brass. He is currently attending the University Of South Florida majoring in Bio-med. His endorsements include Bosphorus Cymbals, Anchor Drums, Pig Hog Cables and Beato Drum Bags.

Cienna Alida

Cienna Alida is a national award winning artist whose throwback, soulful sound and powerhouse performances have made her one of the most in-demand vocalists in the Tampa Bay area. Her talent has gained her recognition from national and international artists and fans alike.

Cienna was born in Massachusetts and raised in a small suburb just outside of Boston. Her family, having roots in Brooklyn, New York, introduced her to the sounds of Motown, R&B, Jazz and Gospel. Cienna was heavily influenced by the sounds of Celine Dion, Anita Baker, Nina Simone, Mahalia Jackson, and Whitney Houston.

Cienna has performed at the Low-Country Jazz Festival in Charleston South Carolina, the Clearwater Jazz Festival in Florida and many others across the United States. She has performed with Jim Walker, Charlton Singleton, opened for Jonathan Butler and toured with Jose Valentino Ruiz. Between 2014 and 2016 she won multiple singing competitions at the local and national level. Cienna has recorded for various artists and released her first single “ I Can't Explain” in 2016.

Cienna graduated from the University of South Florida with a Masters in Public Health and is currently pursuing her Medical degree at the University of South Florida.

Bruno G. Miranda

Bruno Miranda is a Brazilian-born pianist, composer, musical director and a two time Latin GRAMMY nominated artist and audio engineer. His talent possesses a strong technical foundation rooted in Classical music, a rhythmical prowess influenced by Latin and African genres, and a passionate sensitivity grounded in Jazz and Gospel music.

Bruno moved to the United States in 1999 to study at Berklee College of Music. While at Berklee, he became an apprentice under Jetro Da Silva, musical director for Whitney Houston at the time. Bruno also worked as the musical director for the legendary Christian recording artist, Dr. Ron Kenoly from 2005 to 2009.

Bruno has directed bands in over twenty nations, performed and directed in national iconic venues, such as the Madison Square Garden, the L.A. Cathedral, Anaheim Convention Center and the L.A. Coliseum. Currently, Miranda collaborates extensively with Latin Grammy nominated artist Jose Valentino Ruiz, which has opened up opportunities for live performances in Jazz Festivals such as the Low-Country Jazz Festival in Charleston, SC, among many other venues. This opportunity also provided him with a nomination for the Latin Grammy Award as Mixing Engineer for the album “I Make You Want To Move” at 16th Latin Grammy Awards in 2015.

Bruno holds a Bachelor of Music from Berklee College of Music and a Master’s of Science in Music Technology from Indiana University. Brunio is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Music Education at the University of South Florida.

Sam Martinez

Sam Martinez was born in New York, and started his musical career in his late teens. He quickly showed an aptitude for music and began gigging and touring within his second year of playing. Combining his New York influence, Puerto Rican heritage, and world travelling experiences has made Sam one of most complete bassists around today. Some of Sam's musical influences include Abraham Laboriel, Tommy Sims, and Jimmy Johnson among many others.

Sam has traveled and played internationally in over 20 countries, including Azerbaijan, Thailand, China, Japan, and many countries in South America. He has worked with Hosanna/Integrity Artist Bob Fitts, and international artists such as Chang Chen-Yen, where Sam played and co-produced Chen-Yen 2014 Golden Melody Award album of the year “I am Ayal Komod”.

Recently Sam decided to work on a Masters in bass performance at the University of South Florida. In his first semester he collaborated with other USF students to win several Downbeat Music awards, including Latin and Blues Group. Sam has also played and co-produced the theme and ending credits song of Jackie Chan’s last directed and produced movie, CZ12. A true entrepreneur, Sam has achieved all this while simultaneously running his own successful business. Family man, businessman, missionary, and musician; Sam Martinez is a man of many talents.