Rico Monaco Band

Rico is an award-winning guitarist, songwriter, producer, and band leader. He has led his band (as large as 17 pieces) with great success to shows in Paris, France, New York City, San Francisco, Washington DC, Dallas, Salt Lake City, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and many other concert locations. He has performed onstage with legendary performers such as Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony (of Van Halen) multiple times. RM has opened numerous shows for them and many other National Acts. He also has led RMB w/Special Guest Tito Puente Jr. in performances all over the world performing Rico’s arrangements of Tito Puente songs, classic remakes, and RMB original songs.
LATEST RELEASE: Live In Pembroke Pines 15 song concert video album was released 10-29-21 and videos for each song have been released every week. This release is available on ALL music and video platforms. Landing Page for some of the most popular platforms: (link hidden)

January 14, 2022: Rico was honored to be a featured artist at the Rise & Shine Grand Opening Celebration concert for Steinmetz Hall at Dr. Phillips Center For The Performing Arts. The show featured the most talented artists of many disciplines and Rico’s musical contribution led to one reviewer in the Orlando Sentinel to proclaim; “the cultural fusion section of the show was easily the best part of the show..” Rico kicked off that medley with a passionate and blazing guitar solo. The Steinmetz Hall is already known as one of the best modern designed, world-class acoustic and architectural concert halls.

Rico Monaco & his band are serious musicians who won a National Battle Of The Bands sponsored by Cabo Wabo & Hard Rock Café. I personally chose them & have had the pleasure of jamming with Rico on many occasions at the Cabo Wabo Cantina. From Van Halen to Santana Rico Rocks! Sammy Hagar

Rico Monaco is a consummate musician of the highest standards. He’s a monster onstage. Michael Waggoner, Gibson Guitar Corporation

Band Members

Guitar, Lead Vocals: Rico Monaco
Lead Vocals: Zoraida

Drums & Percussion:
Jessie Caraballo (of Marc Anthony’s band), Chris Valentino, Alberto “Cuquito” Reyes,

Bass Guitar: Army Zerpa, Joselito Castro

Keys: Eduardo Salomon, Danny Escobar, Lisandro Codecido

Percussionists: (Congas, Timbales, Aux. Percussion)
Daniel Ortiz, Anthony Velazquez Lugo

Horns: (horns)

Trombone: Dean Dukes, Jamie Gonzalez, Garrett Gauvin Caraballo

Trumpet: Marco Rivera, Elton Reyes (RIP), Carlos “Bertito” Garcia

Awards
2013 Best Latin Act – Rico Monaco Band Best Of Orlando 2013 Awards
(The band stopped entering Orlando Music Awards due to winning Best Latin Act 8 times and to give others an opportunity to get some recognition).

2012 Best Latin Act – Rico Monaco Band Best Of Orlando 2012 Awards

2011 Best Latin Act – Rico Monaco & Sol Sons Best Of Orlando 2011 Awards

2010 Best Latin Act – Rico Monaco & Sol Sons

2010 Gibson Opening Act Winner – Rico Monaco & Sol Sons (opened the show for Tears For Fears and were the highest voted original act)

As voted by the readers of the Orlando Weekly:
2008 Best Latin Act – Rico Monaco & Sol Sons (with an original release)
2006 Best Latin Act -Rico Monaco & Sol Sons
2004 Best Latin Act -Rico Monaco & Sol Sons
2003 Best Latin Act -Rico Monaco & Sol Sons

Hard Rock Café/Cabo Wabo Tequila 2002 National Battle Of The Bands Champion (as chosen by Sammy Hagar & Michael Anthony of Van Halen)

2002 Jazz In Orlando Awards:
Musician Of The Year – Rico Monaco
CD Of The Year – Rico Monaco & Sol Sons
Band Of The Year – Rico Monaco & Sol Sons
Song Of The Year – “Tell Me” by Rico Monaco & Sol Sons