Rico Monaco & Sol Sons is a red hot rock Latin band with world influences from Orlando Florida. They have performed around the world and released 4 CDs including the 2 disc special edition DVD/CD "So Alive from the Sunshine State" which features live in the studio performances, live in concert from one show, and beach scenes to add the Florida vibe. This band has won many awards including the Hard Rock Cafe/Cabo Wabo Tequila National Battle of the Bands as chosen by Sammy Hagar & Michael Anthony of Van Halen. Their shows are an explosive celebration of life Rock/Latin party that moves the body and soul! Go to the website for much more info, pics, and links to videos at www.ricomonaco.com. Great press & quotes at the bottom of this page.
Awards
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
As voted by the readers of the Orlando Weekly!
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
Great Venues Played:
Mundo Latino Festival with Tito Puente Jr. in Paris, France
NBC Universal Studios Citywalk Orlando, FL
World Center Marriott, National League Of Cities Conference Orlando, FL
“Black & White Ball” with Tito Puente Jr. in San Francisco, CA
Disney's Dolphin Resort for IBM Worldwide Convention
Cabo Wabo Cantina in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico with Sammy Hagar, Smashmouth
Le Bar Bat & Arlene Grocery Nite Clubs in New York City
Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City, Utah
Hard Rock Hotel Orlando with Loverboy
Jackie Gleason Theatre in Miami, FL
Hard Rock Live in Orlando,FL
Tampa Bay Convention Center, Tampa, FL
House Of Blues with The Wailers in Orlando, FL
TD Waterhouse Center for Orlando Magic Halftime and Pregame
Jacksonville Coliseum in Jacksonville, FL
First Friday Mall At Millenia, Orlando, FL
Press & Quotes (sample)
“Rico Monaco & his band are serious musicians who won a National Battle Of The Bands in 2002 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 and Sol sons, what can I say. Hands down the best band I have worked with in years. A sound very unique and can truly play the great music from Santana to Tito Puente. I get great pleasure every time we hit the stage together and jam. "Es un Descarga Tremenda!" TITO PUENTE, JR.
“Carlos Santana has nothing on Rico Monaco. We are very fortunate to have such a talented musician and band in the Orlando area. I close my eyes when he plays and it is awesome. Go see him peform live and you will be amazed!”
Patricia James (on air personality) on the air on WLOQ 103.1 Orlando
“The band’s new CD is an absolute winner. Loaded with dance-worthy world beat bounce, potential crossover cuts capable of infiltrating a variety of listener formats and top notch instrumentation.” Orlando Weekly
“This band is nothing short of stunning. From start to finish, the tracks display the stellar guitar work of Monaco.” Conections Magazine
….“featuring Rico Monaco, easily one of the best guitarists in the area. The collective basks in the glory of outstanding musicianship. The results are documented on a stunning, self-titled album released this year. Orlando Weekly Music Awards issue
"You may know their music already. If not, get to know it because he’s the guy just described ... an amazing and talented guitarist who plays great shows consistently, puts all of his energy into delivering entertainment, is professional, has good business sense, works hard, and appreciates his listeners and fans." -Jazz in Orlando
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