Bobby Torres Ensemble: Percussionist, Producer
Bobby Torres Ensemble: Latin Jazz, Salsa, Samba and Rhythms

Three lead vocalists in the Ensemble: Julana Torres, Karla Harris, Jessica Hollyfield-Melz.

"...a world-class ensemble..."
– Read the cover story on Bobby in Positively Entertainment

"Bobby Torres Ensemble – Latin jazz with enough flavor and spice to satisfy your body and soul's need for rhythmic harmony." – The Oregonian A&E 3/9/07

From New York City to Woodstock with Joe Cocker, through ten years of touring with Tom Jones, to forming his own Latin jazz group in Portland, Bobby's been on the music scene for over 40 years.

New! Event Planning
Plan an event with Bobby!
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Conga Drum Class
Private lessons from Bobby!
» See class


From Art Beat on OPB, used by permission.

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It's Heaven I Surmise

It's Heaven I Surmise
This CD captures Bobby's musical vision. Though we are currently sold out, you can still listen to the songs.



Click play buttons to hear the Bobby Torres Full Ensemble.
Video for demo purposes only. Do not copy. Do not circulate. Do not repost in any form.
Tip: Headset or enhanced speakers improve quality.

Calendar - Catch the Bobby Torres Ensemble - Live

 

Bobby Torres Full Ensemble Cinco de Mayo Party at Jimmy Maks Saturday May 5, 2012 at 8:00 pm features 2 lead vocalists and 5 fat horns.Cinco De Mayo Party Celebrating Latin American Jazz!!
Saturday, May 5, 2012

Jimmy Mak's
221 N.W. 10th Portland OR 97209 - downtown, close to the corner of NW 10th & Everett in the Pearl District. 8 PM to 12:00 AM. $10.00 cover.
Join our Cinco de Mayo Latin Dance Party celebrating Latin American Jazz - awaken your body and soul's need for rhythmic harmony!
Bobby’s 12– piece Ensemble features Latin polyrhythms, tasty piano licks, a synco-pulsating Latin bass, five sizzling horns, and the harmonic tones of three lead vocalists: Julana Torres, Jessica Hollyfield-Melz, and Jermaine Malone. This is a family friendly venue. Minors are welcome to join us for the first set (which usually ends at 9:30). We suggest you book your reservations in advance: (503) 295-6542. For the late night crowd without reservations, some seating does open up after 10:00 pm. Down Beat Magazine calls Jimmy Mak's "One of the world's top 100 places to hear jazz."
Fans! Especially for you, Jimmy will clear a large area in front of the stage for dancing. There will be plenty of room for you to kick it with Bobby, the Ensemble and all your friends.

 

 

Bobby Torres Ensemble plays at the Heathman Hotel Tea Room every third Friday of the month.FREE and Family Friendly!
Friday, May 18, 2012
Heathman Hotel Tea Room 
1001 S.W. Broadway, downtown Portland, OR 97205. Tel. (503) 790-7752.
Enjoy the intimate setting of the elegant Tea Room as Bobby's instrumental trio
drives the Latin beat into the heart and soul of jazz. 8:00 pm - 12:00 am.
This is a family friendly venue. No cover. Mapquest

 

 

Friday June 15, 2012 – during the day!
Bobby Torres Trio joins Morrison Child & Family Services celebration of 65 years of service to the community with live music, guest speaker Ted Wheeler and a barbeque at 11035 NE Sandy Blvd. Portland OR 97220-2553. The trio performs from 11:00 – 2:00.

 

 

 

Bobby Torres Ensemble plays at the Heathman Hotel Tea Room every third Friday of the month.FREE and Family Friendly!
Friday, June 15, 2012
Heathman Hotel Tea Room 
1001 S.W. Broadway, downtown Portland, OR 97205. Tel. (503) 790-7752.
Enjoy the intimate setting of the elegant Tea Room as Bobby's instrumental trio
drives the Latin beat into the heart and soul of jazz. 8:00 pm - 12:00 am.
This is a family friendly venue. No cover. Mapquest

 

 

 

Planning an Event?

The Ensemble can flex from
a tight trio to the full dozen
with 5 sizzling Latin horns.

Add dance instruction and/or the colorful Mirandas and your event will be underway.

Contact Bobby
Bobby Torres Ensemble live Latin Jazz Dancing Portland Oregon.

 

Wednesday, July 4th, 2012
Waterfront Blues Festival - Main Stage
DK Stuart Sextet
Bobby joins DK Stuart's Sextet in a Tribute to Etta James - an All Star event featuring Duffy Bishop, Linda Hornbuckle, Lisa Mann, LaRhonda Steele, Rae Gordon and Amy Kyes singing their Favorite ETTA JAMES songs, backed by the D.K. Stewart Sextet

 

 

 

 

Sunday, July 8, 2012
Center Street Park - Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation Summer Concert Series
15707 SW Walker Road Beaverton, OR 97006
6:00-8:00 pm Featuring Bobby's Octet.
Load in 3:00 - sound check @4:30 pm

 

 

 

 

Sunday, July 15, 2012
Sandy Mountain Festival
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Meinig Memorial Park located at 17670 Meinig Ave
Sandy, OR 97055

This 10-acre park offers a developed area as well as 5-acres of forested hiking trails. Features include a new amphitheater, restrooms, Wooded walking paths, shady picnic areas, a year-round creek, and Fantasy Forest--a fantastic handicap-accessible playground.

 

 

Bobby Torres Ensemble plays at the Heathman Hotel Tea Room every third Friday of the month.

FREE and Family Friendly!
Friday, July 20, 2012
Heathman Hotel Tea Room 
1001 S.W. Broadway, downtown Portland, OR 97205. Tel. (503) 790-7752.
Enjoy the intimate setting of the elegant Tea Room as Bobby's instrumental trio
drives the Latin beat into the heart and soul of jazz. 8:00 pm - 12:00 am.
This is a family friendly venue. No cover. Mapquest

 

Thursday, July 26, 2012
Hillsboro Community Arts
Showtime at Shute Park
7:00 – 9:00 pm
Shute Park downtown Hillsboro
799 SE 10th Ave, Hillsboro, OR 97123
Sound Check at 5:00 pm

 

Friday, August 3, 2012 in Camas Wa - pending contract - AG

 

 

Bobby Torres Full Ensemble Latin Dance Party at Jimmy Maks Saturday March 24, 2012 at 8:00 pm features 3 lead vocalists and 5 fat horns.Saturday, August 4, 2012
Jimmy Mak's
Jimmy Mak's
221 N.W. 10th Portland OR 97209 - downtown, close to the corner of NW 10th & Everett in the Pearl District. 8 PM to 12:00 AM. $10.00 cover.
Bobby’s 12 piece Ensemble features Latin polyrhythms,tasty piano licks,a synco-pulsating Latin bass,five fat horns,and the harmonic tones of three lead vocalists. This is a family friendly venue. Minors are welcome to join us for the first set (which usually ends at 9:30). We suggest you book your reservations in advance, call: (503) 295-6542. For the late night crowd without reservations, some seating does open up after 10:00 pm. Down Beat Magazine calls Jimmy Mak's "One of the world's top 100 places to hear jazz."
Full Ensemble. Fans! Especially for you, Jimmy will clear a large area in front of the stage for dancing. There will be plenty of room for you to kick it with Bobby, the Ensemble and all your friends.

 

 

Thursday, August 9, 2012 - Free and family friendly!
Couch Park Summer Concert - Join Bobby and his 5-6 piece Ensemble for this Portland Parks & Recreation Summer “Free For All” event at Couch Park in downtown Portland located at NW 20th Ave & Glisan St. Portland, OR 97209
Live Music by Bobby's Ensemble from 6:30– 8:00 pm (sound check @5:15). Enjoy live music outdoors, a free movie – TBA and free popcorn!

 

 

 

Bobby Torres Ensemble plays at the Heathman Hotel Tea Room every third Friday of the month.

FREE and Family Friendly!
Friday, August 17, 2012
Heathman Hotel Tea Room 
1001 S.W. Broadway, downtown Portland, OR 97205. Tel. (503) 790-7752.
Enjoy the intimate setting of the elegant Tea Room as Bobby's instrumental trio
drives the Latin beat into the heart and soul of jazz. 8:00 pm - 12:00 am.
This is a family friendly venue. No cover. Mapquest

 

Thursday August 23, 2012
Oregon Convention Center (parking lot) – tentative

 

 

 

Friday, September 15, 2012 - tentative

 

Bobby Torres Ensemble plays at the Heathman Hotel Tea Room every third Friday of the month.

FREE and Family Friendly!
Friday, September 21, 2012
Heathman Hotel Tea Room 
1001 S.W. Broadway, downtown Portland, OR 97205. Tel. (503) 790-7752.
Enjoy the intimate setting of the elegant Tea Room as Bobby's instrumental trio
drives the Latin beat into the heart and soul of jazz. 8:00 pm - 12:00 am.
This is a family friendly venue. No cover. Mapquest

 

 

Bobby Torres Full Ensemble Latin Dance Party at Jimmy Maks Saturday March 24, 2012 at 8:00 pm features 3 lead vocalists and 5 fat horns.Saturday, September 29, 2012
Jimmy Mak's
221 N.W. 10th Portland OR 97209 - downtown, close to the corner of NW 10th & Everett in the Pearl District. 8 PM to 12:00 AM. $10.00 cover.
Bobby’s 12 piece Ensemble features Latin polyrhythms, tasty piano licks, a synco-pulsating Latin bass, five fat horns, and the harmonic tones of three lead vocalists. This is a family friendly venue. Minors are welcome to join us for the first set (which usually ends at 9:30). We suggest you book your reservations in advance, call: (503) 295-6542. For the late night crowd without reservations, some seating does open up after 10:00 pm. Down Beat Magazine calls Jimmy Mak's "One of the world's top 100 places to hear jazz."
Fans! Especially for you, Jimmy will clear a large area in front of the stage for dancing. There will be plenty of room for you to kick it with Bobby, the Ensemble and all your friends.

 

 

Bobby Torres Full Ensemble Latin Dance Party at Jimmy Maks Saturday March 24, 2012 at 8:00 pm features 3 lead vocalists and 5 fat horns.Saturday, November 3, 2012
Jimmy Mak's
221 N.W. 10th Portland OR 97209 - downtown, close to the corner of NW 10th & Everett in the Pearl District. 8 PM to 12:00 AM. $10.00 cover.
Bobby’s 12 piece Ensemble features Latin polyrhythms, tasty piano licks, a synco-pulsating Latin bass, five fat horns, and the harmonic tones of three lead vocalists. This is a family friendly venue. Minors are welcome to join us for the first set (which usually ends at 9:30). We suggest you book your reservations in advance, call: (503) 295-6542. For the late night crowd without reservations, some seating does open up after 10:00 pm. Down Beat Magazine calls Jimmy Mak's "One of the world's top 100 places to hear jazz."
Fans! Especially for you, Jimmy will clear a large area in front of the stage for dancing. There will be plenty of room for you to kick it with Bobby, the Ensemble and all your friends.

 

 

 
Planning an
Event?

The Ensemble can flex from
a tight trio to the full dozen.

Add dance instruction and/or the colorful Mirandas and your event will be underway.

Contact Bobby

 
 


Drumming Parties Now Available!!

Ideal for birthdays, corporate events, schools...
No experience required.

Fun, entertaining, educational, and uniquely memorable. Using drums and other percussion instruments, participants in your event will play together as One, making real music composed of many interrelated parts.  Bobby will bring instruments and drummers.  He will personally guide each participant, sharing the art of connecting through rhythm.  Complete beginners to accomplished musicians will all play together as One!  Any size group. 1½ hour session; combine sessions for half-day and full day events.   Contact Bobby

Bobby Torres' Drumming Parties, Portland Oregon.  
 

Oregon Music Hall of Fame Inductee


Bobby Torres was inducted along with Terry Robb, Dan Balmer and others, into the Oregon Music Hall of Fame on Tuesday July 21, 2009. The formal ceremony was October 17, 2009 - at the Roseland Theater. More info at: www.oregonmusichalloffame.org.

 



 

Planning an Event?

The Ensemble can flex from
a tight trio to the full dozen
with 5 sizzling Latin horns.

Add dance instruction and/or the colorful Mirandas and your event will be underway.

Contact Bobby
3 Lead Vocalists: Julana Torres, Sean Holmes, Asha Memory. Bobby Torres Ensemble live Latin Jazz Portland Oregon.



Conga Drum Class

Contact Bobby for private conga drum lessons: bobby@bobbytorres.com
or call Bobby at (503) 224-9314.

Percussionist Bobby Torres is a record producer, songwriter, percussion instructor, session musician and band leader based in Portland, Oregon. Yes, the Ensemble is great for salsa dancing!

Bobby Torres Ensemble
(503) 224-9314
Call for Booking info