Celebrating 5 Years of Sabrosas Latin Orchestra
As Sabrosas Latin Orchestra marks its 5th anniversary, we reflect on a journey filled with music, community, and joy!
Founded in 2019, our band had humble beginnings: several women who were aware of each other as musicians, dancers, and Latin music enthusiasts got together to play Latin tunes. From those early rehearsals, word began to spread. By the summer of 2019, we had put together a full ensemble and were starting to play at local events and festivals.
Just as we were catching our stride in early 2020 and making more bookings, we—and the rest of the world—had to put our dreams on hold; however, our connection and commitment never wavered. When it was safe to do so, we began rehearsing outside, and gradually in the spring of 2021 we began to perform for the public again.
Fast forward to 2024 and numerous gigs later, we continue to expand our vision and are proud to be where we are today. We are now a non-profit organization 501(c)(3) organization, and we are even more committed to serving our community! Sabrosas partners with local schools through mentorship programs as well as organizations like the San Diego Latino Film Festival and San Diego Pride. We are proud to have performed at venues such as the Belly Up, NAMM, and numerous community festivals.
Looking ahead, we are focusing on writing and recording original music, and are dedicated to our mission of bringing Latin music to audiences of all ages.
Sabrosas Latin Orchestra Through The Years: 2019-2024 and beyond
Reflecting On the Last 5 Years
On this special occasion, we asked our band members to share their thoughts and feelings about what being a part of Sabrosas means to them:
Janet Murray Thornton: "I’m so proud of the growth that’s taken place in the last 5 years!"
Monica Saenz: "Being a part of Sabrosas Latin Orchestra has encouraged me to go beyond my comfort zone."
Shirley Coggon: "I love playing salsa with all of the talented women in Sabrosas."
Justine Dolorfino-Thieman: "I am so thankful for this band and the community we've created together."
Tomo Osako: "Sabrosas made me realize that we can achieve the unthinkable when we put our efforts together!"
Elizabeth Meeker Howard: "I'm very grateful for how Sabrosas has helped me better connect with people through our shared love of salsa."
Monette Marino: "The coolest thing about being in this band is that we are so supportive of each other."
Mariela Contreras: "Sabrosas keeps inspiring and motivating me to grow as a musician and as a human being!"
Yadisley Vásquez Fuentes: "I'm so grateful to be a part of this band. What an incredible group of ladies!"
April Leslie: "Playing great salsa and Latin music with these ladies is a blast!"
Rebecca McKinley: "Even though I'm new to the salsa world, this group has welcomed me."
Iliana Ortiz: "Being a member of Sabrosas Latin Orchestra has been a transformative journey."
Kristen Stanton: "I love playing trumpet and collaborating with my fellow women musicians."
Thank You For Your Support!
We are incredibly grateful for the support that has brought us to this milestone. Our journey is not just about music; it's about building a community that celebrates diversity, empowers women, and shares the joy of Latin music with people of all ages and backgrounds.
Here's to the first 5 years of Sabrosas Latin Orchestra, and to many more years of music, community, and fun. Thank you for being an essential part of our journey.