chillie474975 + Musician in Queen Creek, AZ

SEEKING

ABOUT

reach me on at chilliewilliegroove
William Portela, Chillie Willie Groove, was born into a musically inclined family. His father was a well-known Latin percussionist in the New York salsa scene and whose Mother was a singer. In fact, while Chillie was in his mother?s womb, his father would play Latin rhythms to mother?s womb while baby Chillie kicked and moved her stomach with excitement!
In first grade and throughout high school, music was dominant in Chillie?s life. He then was later selected to go to a unique music high school, Education Center For The Arts. Chillie went to Shenandoah Conservatory of Music and played marching drums with the United States Army Band. Chillie has played with countless salsa bands, smooth jazz bands, funk bands, soul rhythm and blues bands, and now gospel bands. He has also toured Germany, France, and Luxembourg.
Chillie Willie Groove auditioned to open up for Lionel Hampton and Duke Ellington Bands, in which he was granted the exclusive privilege of being chosen among 63 other bands for the sole opening act! Chillie Willie Groove toured all over in the 1980?s with Angela Bofill, Phyllis Hyman, Tom Browne, and also opened up for Spyro Gyra, Chuck Mangion, Tower of Power, El Gran Combo, Marion Meadows, and Poncho Sanchez. Major highlights in Chillie?s music career came when he met and played right beside Tito Puente at the Brian Alden Jazz Festival in Connecticut.
He is a member of ASCAP; Gospel Music Association; Nashville Songwriter Association; Songwriters Guild of America; and National Association of Musician Network; and Tucson, Arizona ?Tammy? recipient.
Chillie Willie Groove has now been signed to Tate Music Group as a well-rounded, multiple style, Christian artist with funk, rhythm and blues, soul, smooth jazz, and salsa influences - a lifetime goal. William is committed to his God-given talent, and to his Heavenly Father who receives all the praise, honor, and glory.

Screen name:

chillie474975

Member since:

May 18 2012

Active over 1 month ago

Level of commitment:

Very Committed

Years playing music:

45

Gigs played:

Over 100

Tend to practice:

More than 3 times per week

Available to gig:

6-7 nights a week

Most available:

Nights

Influences

Tito Puente, Spyro Gyra, Grover Washington, Ruben Blades,
Roy Ayers, Earth Wind & Fire, and many more

EQUIPMENT

Generation II Bongos, Giovani Congas, Tito Puente multiple Timbales, all latin percussion accessories, ludwig drum kit

MUSIC