Biographies
Benny Cruz
Emerging Latino singer, songwriter, arranger, producer
Benny Cruz is gaining global recognition, having experienced tremendous regional
success in the northern and Midwestern United States as a solo artist and as the
director of his
award winning band. Benny has earned praise as the
'Ambassador of Latin Music' from fans and peers alike. His ability to
uniquely blend many forms of music: rock, alternative, pop, salsa,
merengue, cumbia, banda, cha-cha, mambo, jazz and heartfelt ballads which tug at
human emotion combine to provide a breathtaking, awe-inspiring and highly
charged live performance. His uncanny ability to emote; to touch his fans
- the masses with his live performance and music is a testament to the
remarkable relationship with fans of all ages.
Benny Cruz is dedicated to the presentation of Latin
music to the general public in an effort to maintain and enhance the knowledge
of audiences the world over. Through this dedication, Benny offers various Latin
Music Workshops which incorporate styles and elements of music that are found in
many of his songs.
Benny Cruz has opened for Tito Puente, Texas Tornadoes, Ricky Smith y la Movida,
La Sombra and performed together with John Tesh. He has performed in
Canada and Mexico; appeared on television, radio, MTV and on the stages of
Detroit's Fox Theatre, State Theatre, Pontiac Silverdome, Tiger Stadium,
Comerica Park, Cobo Hall, Hart Plaza, Chene Park, Majestic Theater, Masonic
Temple, Cranbrook Theater, Meadowbrook Theater, Renaissance Center, Phoenix
Center, Motor City Casino, Chrysler Arts, Beats & Eats Festival, Latino
World Festival, Puerto Rican Festival, Fiesta Mexicana Festival, Festival
Latino, Mexicantown Festival, Unity in the Community Festival, La Raza 25th
National Convention and the Detroit Institute of Arts just to name a few. The
Cruz Brothers performed during the 2006 Superbowl Events at the Detroit
Winterblast on February 3, 2006.
AWARDS:
- 'Best Vocalist-World Music' Benny Cruz
Detroit Music Awards 2005
- '2004 Hispanic Lifetime Achievement Award'
Michigan Hispanic Caucus
- 'Best Vocalist-World Music' Benny Cruz
Detroit Music Awards 2003
- 'Arts & Entertainment Award' Benny Cruz and Mauro Cruz
Instituto Cultural Latino Americano 1998
- 'Best Salsa/Tropical Band'
Midwest Tejano Music Award 1996
- 'Best Salsa/Tropical Band'
Midwest Tejano Music Award 1995
- 'Best Salsa/Tropical Band'
Midwest Tejano Music Award 1994
- 'Best Tropical Song: Mi Negra-ra'
Tri-State Music Award 1994
- Spirit of Detroit Award 1993
- 'Best Tropical Song: La Gasolina'
Tri-State Music Award 1992
***Click Here for the beginnings of The Cruz Brothers Band***
Mauro
Cruz
opened the musical palate of
Mauro. His guitar influences were Carlos Santana, Jimi
Hendrix, and Tony
Iommi (Black Sabbath). Soon afterwards the musical guitar influences
spread to Al Dimeola, Wes Montgomery, Earl Kugh, Chet Atkins, and whole panacea
of other great guitarist. Although Mauro has been involved in music most
his life, the real life world dictated for him to acquire a formal education -
so Mauro applied himself to the point of getting a teacher certificate and
teaching in Detroit. He didn't stop there he went on to acquire a Masters
in Education and then Educational Specialist Degree, and is now a principal in
the city of Detroit.