About Sabrosas Latin Orchestra

Meet the Band

Get to know the powerhouse musicians of Sabrosas Latin Orchestra — San Diego’s all-female salsa band.

Sabrosas Latin Orchestra - Belly Up Tavern - Onstage

Celebrating Over Five Years of Music, Community, and Culture

Sabrosas Latin Orchestra, San Diego's first and only all-female salsa band and a 501(c)(3) organization, is celebrating five years of community, music, and fun in 2024. Founded after identifying a unique opportunity to unite as female musicians, the band brings a shared love of salsa and Latin music to audiences throughout Southern California.

With a commitment to serving the community, Sabrosas partners with local schools through mentorship programs as well as organizations like the San Diego Latino Film Festival and San Diego Pride, enlivening the cultural landscape. Sabrosas is proud to have performed at venues such as Cafe Sevilla, the Belly Up, NAMM, and numerous community festivals.

Looking ahead, the band is focusing on writing and recording original music, and of course, will continue to inspire and entertain, reinforcing their dedication to bringing Latin music to audiences of all ages.

Sabrosas Latin Orchestra - 2023 Studio West

Meet the Musicians

Mariela Contreras

Mariela Contreras
Vocals

Yadisley Vasquez Fuentes

Yadisley Vásquez Fuentes
Vocals

Iliana Ortiz

Iliana Ortiz
Vocals

Elizabeth Howard
Kristen Stanton
Shirley Coggon

Elizabeth Meeker Howard
Trumpet

Kristen Stanton
Trumpet

Shirley Coggon
Trombone

Rebecca McKinley

Rebecca McKinley
Trombone

April Leslie

April Leslie
Flute, Tenor Saxophone, & Baritone Saxophone

Janet Murray Thornton - Edited

Janet Murray Thornton
Congas

Monette Marino
Tomo Osako
Justine Dolorfino-Thieman

Monette Marino
Bongos & Cowbell

Tomo Osako
Piano

Justine Dolorfino-Thieman
Bass

Work With Sabrosas

Sabrosas Latin Orchestra - Miramar College

School Visits

Sabrosas Latin Orchestra offers engaging school visits for K–12 students across San Diego, featuring live performances and education from our small combo. We introduce students to salsa and other Latin styles, covering rhythm, instruments, and history. Our visits support music classes, ensembles, and theory courses — whether as guest artists or featured speakers.

Sabrosas Latin Orchestra Belly Up April 2023 3

Sponsorships

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Sabrosas Latin Orchestra partners with local businesses and sponsors to bring live salsa music to communities, organizations, and events that may not have the resources to fund performances on their own. Your sponsorship helps us share the joy of Latin music across San Diego — and your donation is tax-deductible. 

Sabrosas Latin Orchestra - Belly Up Tavern - Onstage 2

Mentorships

As part of our mission, Sabrosas Latin Orchestra is committed to nurturing young talent and fostering a lifelong love of music in our community. We partner with local schools, districts, colleges, and universities to provide mentorship, workshops, partnerships, and performance opportunities for students across San Diego.

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