Erik "Chico" Manqueros: Biography
Currently active as a radio
host and writer, this charismatic and well-respected Latin Jazz
enthusiast enjoys sharing his love for the genre. Erik "Chico"
Manqueros is the consummate professional whether on the air or
in print.
Chico as he is known to friends and family alike has had the
privilege of many years of experience behind the microphone.
He started his interest in radio and Latino music at an early
age (15) and spent his early years at KPCC in Pasadena, CA as
an engineer, co-producer and eventually as a producer and host
of his own show.
Well on the air at KPCC, Chico had the pleasure of hosting
a very popular and well supported show. Chico recalls, "I
enjoyed doing that show very much. I had the honor of doing a
very fun show. I programmed the music and hosted the show in
my own style."
During his time on the air, Chico was fortunate to meet some
of his musical heroes. "I remember meeting Poncho Sanchez
for the first time and was in awe. I mean this guy was the man.
I also had the distinct pleasure of meeting the late great Eddie
Cano, Tito Puente, Bobby Rodriguez, Bobby Matos, Pete Escovedo,
Sheila E., Francisco Aguabella, Little Joe Hernandez, Rudy &
Steve Salas (Tierra), Dr.Loco, Los Lobos, Lalo Guerrero, Adrian
Monge, Bobby Espinoza, Jimmy Espinoza, Aaron Ballesteros, Romeo
Prado, Larry Rendon, Arcelio Garcia (Malo), Richard Bean (Sapo),
Fuzzy (Adolfo) Martinez, Johnny Martinez, Don Tosti, Paul Lopez
and many other local talented musicians."
Chico gained the respect and admiration of many local musicians
due to his professional and well-presented show. He learned how
to be a broadcaster and enjoyed playing the best in Latino Music.
"I played the music that the audience would enjoy. I gave
credit to the musicians, composers, record label and anyone involved
in the production. I realized the importance of this by listening
to some of the DJís on the air at that time like Eddie
Lopez, Ray Ramos, Hector Resendez, Enrique Soto, Jose Rizo and
Rae Arroyo. I was also heavily influenced by Lionel "Chico"
Sesma. Thanks to tapes that my Pop had of the "Con Sabor
Latino show" I became a fan of Latin Music and knew that
I too wanted to be on the air."
It is worth noting that Lionel "Chico" Sesma was
a very popular Latin Music DJ in Los Angeles and was on the air
with several different radio stations. He is credited with making
Latin Music popular in Los Angeles with both his radio shows
and "Latin Holiday" events at the Hollywood Palladium.
"To me these people were my inspiration and my heroes",
says Chico. He was also a member for a few years of the "La
Alianzia" The association of Bilingual Broadcasters. He
was able to meet a lot of the radio hosts who he listened to
and had admired. The organization was comprised of all the local
Latin music hosts who were on the air broadcasters or producers.
Chico was also inspired to learn how to play music. "I
took a few flute lessons but didn't have the patience so I asked
my new found amigo and Latin Jazz legend Poncho Sanchez to give
me a few pointers and show me the basics of the Conga and Timbales.
I remember Poncho showing me the 2 and 3-point shuffles on Congas
and how to keep time and the abanicos on the Timbales. I remember
him telling me you are going to learn the right way, the authentic
way. Thank you Poncho you....don't know how much I appreciate
what you did for me." Chico played in a few bands that played
a variety of styles from oldies, cumbias, Tex-Mex, R&B, Latin
Jazz and Salsa. Chico remembers, "We played social events,
parties, weddings and all the usual casual events. Even if it
was for free we had a good time playing and hanging out.
In 1992 Chico left KPCC and had been off the air for a few
years before getting the opportunity to host a Latin Jazz show
on the American Radio Network. His Current show, "The Latin
Style of Jazz" has been on the air for the past 6 years.
It is being broadcasted to a few different radio markets through
Cable FM services and a few broadcast radio stations.
Through his devotion and love for the music, Chico was most
recently inspired and convinced to write about his beloved music.
He has written for Latin Style magazine and had the pleasure
of doing CD reviews and most recently feature interviews with
the Salsa singing group "Son by Four" and the Sister
singing team ala Selena, "Amor y Pasion."
Chico also now enjoys writing for a web-based Latin Jazz magazine
LatinJazzClub.com "I still really don't consider myself
a writer. I mean, I had to be convinced to give it a shot. I
am still learning the ins and outs but it is fun. I really like
to write about the music I love"
Having a strong sense of pride, Chico's love of music is evident
in his reviews or in his smooth delivery on the air. He is also
the proud owner of a large Latin Music collection that includes
approximately 5,000 albums and at least 3,000 CD's. He started
collecting at a young age and still gets enthusiastic in discovering
new and classic recordings. He has a strong desire to share his
knowledge and enthusiasm of Latin Jazz music with fans from all
over.
Erik "Chico"
Manqueros
The Latin Style of Jazz
10660 Victoria Ave.
Whittier,CA 90604
mailto:Emanqueros@aol.com
Sundays, Live 12 Noon - 4 P.M.
Pacific Standard Time)
CRN - Digital Networks (chnl 4)
in-studio tel: (866) 276-8255
Check out The
Latin Style of Jazz weekly playlist and read some memorable
music reviews at Chico's Latin
Jazz Place.
You can contact Erik "Chico" Manqueros
at: EManqueros@aol.com
