Soulful pop piano and djembe groove with West African fire. Male and female voices soar with Afro-Latin heart and passion. Dance party with global flavor!

Our Band:

“Latido,” the Spanish word for heartbeat, drives the rhythm of our music — an encounter of percussive grooves, infectious melodies, and rich harmonies. This vibrant sound emerges from the dynamic synergy between Stefan Paolini’s pop-infused piano, and Lamine Thiam’s West African djembe and traditional songs. Both are heavily involved in the songwriting process, their hands dance together, Stefan conjuring harmonies and Lamine weaving in ancestral rhythms, whispering echoes of forgotten tales,

To this foundation, Xiomara adds her voice with melodies inspired by Spanish bolero and salsa, telling stories of love, longing, and evolution. The sound expands further as Vinnie’s electric guitar adds rock fire and echoes of his Italian heritage, while Elisa’s voice, born of soul and dance, offers a graceful counterpoint. Jessica’s harmonies add power and depth.

Each element, distinct yet inseparable, builds upon the other, blending into a groove that defies definition. It’s a global fusion, woven from threads of Africa, pop, and Latin soul, pulsing with the vibrant heartbeat of Latido. Come dance with us, let your heart join the rhythm!”

Bios:

Stefan Paolini is a NYC-based singer, pianist, arranger, and educator who has taught and performed professionally for over 20 years. His influences include Western classical, rock, metal, pop, jazz, Latin, Hindustani, and West African musical traditions. He has performed at such diverse venues as Le Poisson Rouge, Joe’s Pub, Webster Hall, Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, and Minton’s Playhouse, as well as across the United States and Canada.

Lamine Thiam is a world-renowned dancer, choreographer, teacher, drummer, and actor from Senegal who specializes in cultivating West African Dance and maintaining his traditional homeland dance forms. His specializations are in dance art forms Sabar, Djembe, and Bourgarabou. Lamine is currently working in the play “Mandela” about Nelson Mandela, the untold story. He also teaches West African Traditional Dance at SUNY Purchase College.

Xiomara Niño is a music educator, songwriter, and journal artist originally from Bogotá, Colombia. She has been a music educator in New York City public schools for 13 years, and has served as choral conductor for the Washington Heights Youth Orchestra. She has performed in several choirs and enjoys creating engaging performances with her students. She plays guitar and piano, and is passionate about using music to connect with others and create a more beautiful world.

Elisa Toro Franky is a professional dancer, teacher, choreographer, and bilingual voiceover artist from Colombia. She is currently based in New York City, where she performs as principal dancer with FJK Dance. Elisa has also toured nationally and internationally, and has performed at some of the most prestigious dance venues in the world, including Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival and Battery Dance Festival. In addition to her dance career, Elisa is an experienced educator and has worked as Program Director of Accent Dance NYC, where she helped provide access to dance in underserved communities. She is also a passionate singer and has recently joined the band Latido as a vocalist.

Vincent Lo Verme is a professional guitarist, composer, arranger, music teacher and human rights activist from Queens, NY. He is a classically trained guitarist with a strength in improvisation and has performed with musical ensembles such as the Queens Guitar Society and The Kyle Tucker Band. He is also the creator of Marching Band Ng Bayan (a Filipino percussion ensemble). He has performed for a variety of charitable organizations such as Walter Kaner, the Arts on Third Festival, the Clearwater School Festival, and numerous engagements with NYCHRP (New York Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines). Vincent is passionate about bringing peace, unity and community through music with a concentration on social consciousness and artistic excellence.

Jessica Bauch is a New York City native, classically-trained soprano, conductor, and member of several renowned musical ensembles in the city including the NYC Labor Chorus. She spent most of her career teaching voice and conducting children’s ensembles in public schools before moving over to a current legal career where she serves on the Special Victims Bureau for a local DA. She has performed in some of New York City’s most prestigious venues including Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and Bryant Park as both performer and conductor. She has recently joined Latido as a vocalist and is excited to create more joyful and inspiring music.