December 1st, 2000 - "Mayatel Christmas Convention" - Orlando, Florida - It is wonderful to be involved in an event in which the company the party is for just increased its value by over 4 times!  To say the least they were ready to party and they continued to want more late into the night.  Rico Monaco & Sol Sons "Latin-rocked" them silly.  Thanks to Renaldo and Ileana for inviting us to share this special night with them.

News.... November, 2000 - Rico Monaco & Sol Sons have been getting some airplay on Real Radio 104.1 on the "Philips Phile" hosted by the very prominent radio personality, Jim Philips. The band won "band of the day" during the first week of October with the song "Mongo, Songo, Cha-Cha, Bailar" on this 3pm to 7pm talkshow which showcases Florida bands. The band beat out some of the most well known Florida bands on their winning day.  Jim Philips received a copy of the CD sampler demo the band just recorded and immediately put it on the air to great reviews!  Thanks for the support Jim and crew! Keep up the good work and thanks for the continued airplay.

November 10th, 2000 - Coral Bay - Melbourne, Florida - What a great setting for a night of Latin-rock from one of the very best bands in Florida.  In the open air by the beautiful river is an inspiring place to perform and listen to Rico Monaco & Sol Sons.  The brand spankin' new originals "Tell Me" and "You Are The One" made their debut to the clearly enthralled audience.  The band was invited to appear back at Coral Bay and a date will be announced soon.  The management and staff was blown away by the band.  Add them to the growing list of people in Florida who know what the rest of the world will soon find out;  RM & Sol Sons are a fantastic multi-talented, elcectic, ground breaking, group that is going to be recognized internationally.  Thanks Coral Bay!

November 5th, 2000 - "Calle Orange Festival" - downtown Orlando, Florida. The band took the stage in front of an estimated 10,000 people directly in front of their stage and left them yelling for more. The show was another in a long line of events in which Rico Monaco & Sol Sons proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are ready to be a "major" band. The huge crowd was at fever pitch when the band performed the unofficial Puerto Rican anthem "Preciosa." The band proved again that latin audiences love their unique blend of styles. What a great day in downtown Orlando!

November 3rd & 4th, 2000 - The Mile - Vero Beach, Florida. - An excellent show Friday was followed by an even more impressive one on Saturday. The new originals "Elena Mi Carino" and "Sanctuary" were big hits with the enthusiastic audience. Rico and the band heard from many in attendance that they sound like a band about to "make it." The next step is about to be taken. To answer the question that is most often asked at RM & Sol Sons shows, "Can I buy a CD of your music?," the band will be recording in the next few months and releasing a CD soon after.  Thank you all for your very positive comments and interest!. - An excellent show Friday was followed by an even more impressive one on Saturday. The new originals "Elena Mi Carino" and "Sanctuary" were big hits with the enthusiastic audience. Rico and the band heard from many in attendance that they sound like a band about to "make it." The next step is about to be taken. To answer the question that is most often asked at RM & Sol Sons shows, "Can I buy a CD of your music?," the band will be recording in the next few months and releasing a CD soon after.  Thank you all for your very positive comments and interest!

October 14th, 2000 - "Hispanic Heritage Festival" Hemming Plaza - downtown Jacksonville, FL. - Rico Monaco & Sol Sons blew away this audience with their unique brand of Latin-rock. The band performed immediately before Hector Tricoche, the headliner. Approximately 5000 people watched RM & Sol Sons tear up the stage and leave with the people screaming for more!

October 5th, 2000 - "Clematis By Night" - Outdoor concert in the park in downtown entertainment district of West Palm Beach, FL. - There is one statement that only a select few bands hear at every gig they play. The following statement was repeated numerous times at this great show attended by over 2000 people!   "THIS IS THE BEST BAND EVER TO PLAY HERE!" Now, you may think this surprised the band. Happy, yes - surprised, no.  This band hears this at every gig they play!  They are definitely onto something very special!  It was a hot humid night without any rain in sight and the band increased the temperature on Clematis Street from the opening song until the last thunderous note which was followed by continued screams for more!  The band introduced for the first time in concert the tremendous ballad "Sanctuary." Freddy (Velvet) Sepulveda's vocals were warm, powerful, and emotional throughout the show and shined on this ballad that many predict will be a "smash" hit.  Together, Mike (DrummerMon) Mehesan on drums and Barry Williams on bass laid down a groove that kept the audience moving all night. Dimas (The Professor) Sanchez and Carlos (C-Los) Hernandez provided Latin percussion fireworks that left the crowd mesmorized. Pete (The Scientist) Buddenbaum was incredible on the keys. Rico Monaco is just simply one of the best guitarists at channeling pure emotion through his instrument and proved that all night.   There is a spirituality in Rico Monaco & Sol Sons' performances that can only be coming from above! We love you West Palm!

News.... October 1, 2000 - "Trip To NYC"- A two week business trip to New York City produced some very interesting developments.   Veteran producer, Paul Leka (3 No. 1 songs and 17 gold/platinum records), invited Rico to stay at his Music Mansion to spend some time going over material and discussing the band's future. The visit was productive and Paul may be involved in a future Rico Monaco & Sol Sons recording.  Meetings with attorney Robert Rosenblatt, webmaster/SonicTonic Productions CEO Patrick Hicks, and contractor A.J. Grasso proved productive as well.  Many industry types in New York City are raving about the CD sampler that Rico hand delivered to them. They are anxious to hear the next fully produced CD!  So are we!

News.... September 21, 2000 - The band has just finished recording and mixing their 5 song CD sampler with Latin music engineering guru, Juan "Pericles" Covas. The basic tracks were done at Full Sail Recording Arts and the overdubs and mixing were completed at Phat Planet Studios. Working with Juan was tremendous for the band. His vast experience working with most of the greatest Latin artists including Tito Puente, Ricky Martin, Marc Anthony (who he received Grammy winning recognition with on the CD "Contra La Corriente" ), Giovanni Hidalgo, Willie Colon, Luis Enrique, Jerry Rivera, etc. showed in his work ethic and abilities. The CD demo sampler features the songs "Mongo, Songo, Cha-Cha, Bailar," "Sanctuary," "Elena Mi Carino," "Naked Eye," and a cover of the unofficial Puerto Rican national anthem "Preciosa." Everyone who has heard the demo is incredibly impressed and excited to see the next step which will be a full length-properly funded CD.

September 3rd, 2000 - Tabu - Orlando, FL. - A great night to be remembered was had by everyone in attendance. La Banda Loca from the Dominican Republic opened the fundraiser for Anthony Suarez (Circuit Judge Candidate) with a hot Meringue set 45 minutes long. Rico Monaco & Sol Sons took control of the stage at 10:00 PM and raised the temperature in the room another 20 degrees!  The highlight of the show was the unofficial Puerto Rican national anthem "Preciosa." Freddy Sepulveda literally blew the audience away with his tremendous vocal treatment of that song. Rico and Pete shined on the original instrumental composition "Elena Mi Carino." Dimas and Carlos laid down the 'law' with this predominately Latino crowd paying close attention to their percussion performance. Mike propelled the train as it rolled down the tracks. This was especially important because this was 'Downtown Orlando.'  The band showed the other 'so-called' clubs next door to Tabu that Rico Monaco & Sol Sons is the BEST band in Orlando - PERIOD!  Good luck in booking them. Thanks to Ann, George I, George II, John, Mark, and all the great staff at Tabu!  Good luck to Tony Suarez!

News.... August 30, 2000 - The band will be going into the studios with Juan Covas (Grammy Award winning engineer for Marc Anthony) at Full Sail Recording Arts to do some pre-production work on 5 to 6 original songs. They will be in the studio with Juan for a group a sessions in the second week of September. The train is steamin' down the tracks and nothing can stop it now!

August 18th & 19th, 2000 - The Mile - Vero Beach, Florida. - . - The people of Vero Beach never cease to amaze Rico Monaco & Sol Sons!  They are great!  The band debuted one of their new originals, "Naked Eye" for the first time on friday to an enthusiastic response.  The beach was beautiful as usual and the music carried the night!  Thanks to all at the shows including the kind staff at the Mile.

August 12th, 2000 - The Mile - Vero Beach, Florida. - Success comes in many forms.  When Rico is saying goodnight and the club manager comes up to the stage and asks the band if they will PLEASE, PLEASE come back next Friday and Saturday - you know you did a great job.  When the audience was asked if they wanted the band to return next weekend, they screamed with approval.

August 6th, 2000 - The Latin Quarter, Universal Studios Citywalk - Orlando, Florida. The band rose to the occasion in this Latin cultural icon of a club at Universal Studios Citywalk. Freddy Sepulveda drove the audience wild with his tremendous vocal performance of the unofficial Puerto Rican anthem "Preciosa." Rico and Pete Buddenbaum performed at a fever pitch as the rhythm section, Mike kept feeding the fire.  Dimas and Carlos blazed through the set with their ferocious chops and style. The audience was screaming loudly and dancing joyously by the end of the show!  Thanks to Geoffrey, Javier, Jakob, Madilyn, and the rest of the wonderful staff at LQ.

August 4th & 5th, 2000 - The Atlantic Grille, Vero Beach, Florida - It was a beautiful weekend as the band continued to build their audience in Vero. Many of the new T-shirts were sold. The band kicked "major" butt as usual and turned many in attendance into true "RM & Sol Sons" fans!

News.... July/August 2000 - The new night club "Tabu" in downtown Orlando contacted Rico about using the services of Carlos and Dimas in their front room to jam with a DJ. The result has been a tremendous success. Carlos and Dimas have helped create a vibe when people enter and leave this upscale night club. Howie D. of the Backstreet Boys is part owner of the club and has stated that he loves the work that Carlos and Dimas are doing in that room of Tabu. You can see Carlos and Dimas perform there on Thursday through Mondays when RM & Sol Sons are not performing elsewhere. Thanks to all the great people at Tabu!

July 20, 2000 - Rico Monaco & Sol Sons have recently done some backup work for singer Pollyanna Dorough (sister of Howie D. of the Backstreet Boys ). They were happy to help and enjoyed the shows in which she came and sang her 4 original songs.

Recording Update 7/20/00 - The band is continuing work on their latest original tunes for the upcoming recording. Due to the usual contractual discussions and delays the recording may not be completed until early 2001 (February or March). This does give the band more time to write and choose the best material to "make their mark" on the music industry with their first major label quality release. Word has it the recording will be done in Connecticut, New York, Florida, and possibly on Prince Edward Island in Canada (near Nova Scotia). Get ready for an amazing set of songs!  They are choosing from over 35 original songs plus their 8 new songs and a few classic covers!

July 14th, 2000 - Disney World Contemporary Hotel Convention Center - National Minorities Suppliers Convention - A perfect multi-cultural event for a multi-cultural band. Thanks to Victor Cora for booking the show!  We look forward to the Festival in Jacksonville promoted by Victor on Oct. 14.  The people at the convention were incredible!   They treated the band with tremendous respect and showed their appreciation all night.  By the last song everybody was up in front of the band movin' and groovin.' Freddy, Dimas, Carlos, Mike, Pete, and Rico had a great time and it showed on stage.   Thanks to all the wonderful people in charge of the event!  See you all next time.

July 9th, 2000 - Otters Riverside - The skies opened up and rained down early in the show.  Afterward they cleared and the band played an hour and a half first set!  It was a great day by the river in front of the pool again.   It was crazy at the end of the show as the audience got up in front of the band and demanded an encore!  They were dancin' and losin' themeselves in the music which is the biggest compliment a band can receive from an audience.  See you guys in October!

July 4th, 2000 - Dr. Phillips High School Stadium - The Dr. Phillips July 4th Celebration (benefit for the DPHS Drama Club) sponsored by the Rotary Club.  Brenda White and the White Boys opened the show and put on a fantastic R&B display. Then RM & Sol Sons came out "guns a blazin'." Freddy Sepulveda was incredible on many tunes but his version of "Bleed" sent a hush over the crowd. "Second Nature" was on high for the finale. The band was then joined by Pollyanna Dorough for her 4 song set of original material. The song "Fly To Heaven" is a beautiful song which is dedicated to her sister Caroline. "Andale Mi Corazon" has the latin groove that got the audience moving. With Pollyanna, her backing vocalists, her dancers, and Sol Sons there were 14 people on stage! They closed out the show with a rousing' version of "Oye Como Va."  Thanks to Frank Clear for organizing the event and being great throughout.

June 30, 2000 - Rico Monaco & Sol Sons are in the middle of pre-production work on 8 new original songs and 1 surprise remake of a classic hit from 1972 which reached #16 on the Billboard Top 40.  Reports are the new material is "tremendous."  The band is rising to the occasion, knowing that it is all on the line with this next recording.  The master recording sessions will take place within the next few months.

Also - Check the new July issue of Connections Magazine out of Orlando containing a feature full page article on Rico and the band.

June 25, 2000 - "Lupus 2000 hosted by Howie D. of the Backstreet Boys" at the Groove, Universal Studios Citywalk.   Sol Son percussionist Carlos Hernandez got a call from Tito Puente Jr. to perform with him at this benefit show.  Carlos performed magnificently as usual and Tito is interested in singing on a track of the next R.M. & Sol Sons CD.   Howie and his foundation put on a wonderful event which included the following artists among many upcoming artists - Howie, AJ of the Backstreet Boys, Pollyanna Dorough, Debbie Gibson, Barry Williams (Greg of The Brady Bunch), Tito Puente Jr., RPM, O-Town (the new boy band featured on the ABC television show "The Making Of A Band"), etc....   Thanks to Tito, Gabriel Martinez, RPM, and crew for inviting Rico and Carlos.   Great Show!

The band was featured on WJRR's "Native Noise" program hosted by D.J. on sunday night 5/7/00. He played "Second Nature" and talked about how good the band was at the "Cinco De Mayo Festival" at Rio Bravo. Thanks D.J. and we've got a feeling WJRR will be playing alot more of Rico Monaco & Sol Sons in the future.

Go to www.OrlandoSentinel.com for a feature article in the Sunday, April 16 Orlando Sentinel on the band. Go to section K "Orange Extra" page K-8 "Impacto Section" Headline reads "Latin group looks to make own mark."    Click here to go directly to the story.  Thanks to Jamie Anderson for a well written story.

June 11th, 2000 - Otters Riverside - The day started out with much needed rain for central Florida which was not the best thing for this outdoor show.   But as usual the skies cleared and the band "blew away" all in attendance.  Thanks goes to Juan Covas for making it out with his lovely family to catch the show.  Juan has received a Grammy for his engineering work with Marc Anthony.  He was extremely impressed with the band.  Thanks to Rick and the staff at Otters. We will see you again on July 9!  This is a great venue to see the band in with the swimming pool, barbecue, restaurant, and boat dock.   Life is great!

June 2nd & 3rd, 2000 - The Atlantic Grille, Vero Beach, Florida - "I wish these guys played here every night of the week" one patron was heard saying as she stepped off the dance floor and up to the bar.  She obviously discovered for the first time what many folks are starting to realize - Rico Monaco & Sol Sons are 'The Real Deal' when it comes to 'smokin' Latin/Rock.  Freddy's voice keeps getting stronger and stronger.  Rico & Pete continued to dazzle the crowds - especially on Friday night, where there just seemed to be musical magic being created with each song.  As always, the best rhythm section in Southern Florida (Dimas, Carlos, & Mike) delighted fans by doing what they do best - playing their hearts out.

May 12, 2000 - The Legendary Station - According to one important Orlando music industry insider "the good word is out about Rico Monaco & Sol Sons."   It was obvious on this night because many Orlando industry types showed up to see the band. Of course the band did not disappoint. From the powerful intro before "Flames Over Barcelona" to the end of "Second Nature", Rico & Sol Sons showed why this band is on the way UP!  Freddy Sepulveda continues to gain confidence and comfort with the material.  His voice sounded incredible over the Latin Rock sounds of the band.  C-Los and The Professor were hot on the Latin percussion as always.  Rico and Pete provided fireworks throughout.  Mike anchored the band well.  The good people at the Legendary Station treated the band very well.  The train keeps steamin' down the tracks towards "Hitsville!"

May 5th, 2000 - Rio Bravo "Cinco De Mayo Festival" - WOW! 101.1 WJRR's Billy The Janitor and D.J. hosted the show and were extremely impressed by the band. It was a spectacular evening for the whole band. As they gained a few hundred more inspired fans, they poured more gas on their musical fire. The music, the food, the great people, and the staff at Rio Bravo were excellent. Somehow this type of outdoor show just seems to be a perfect fit for Rico and the band. The word is getting out in Orlando. Time will tell the story. It should be an adventure over the coming months.  How many great gigs can a band have?  The new additions to the band have truly lifted the band to the next level. Freddy and Rico are beginning to interact well onstage together. This is only the start.  It is truly exciting to see the look on people faces when they see the band for the first time.   A fellow party goer was heard to say "I was told Rico and the band were great but I didn't know they were this great!"

April 28th & 29th, 2000 - The Atlantic Grille, Vero Beach, Florida - The great people of Vero Beach were witnesses to the tremendous amount of talent, energy, focus, and spirit of RM & Sol Sons.  Friday was fantastic.  Saturday was even better after a glorious day on the beautiful Vero Beach shore. Freddy Sepulveda shined in only his second and third shows with the band. Dimas (The Professor) and Carlos (C-Los) blew the audience away with their latin percussion onslaught.  Pete (The Scientist) was his usual red hot key master. Mike laid down the grooves admirably.  Rico was lifted by the band and in turn carried the audience to "a higher plane" (as his song Second Nature states).

April 22nd, 2000 - The Melbourne Arts Festival, Melbourne, Florida - - You know your doing something right when you sell all of your CDs before the middle of your set is finished!  This being Freddy Sepulveda's debut with the band turned the show into an exciting preview of the major things to come.   Freddy and the rest of the band SMOKED!  The festival was huge covering many city blocks in downtown Melbourne and the audience was large.  Estimated people watching the band, 2000.  Video of the show hints at one thing... If you want to be able to say "I saw those guys at this bar or show before their first major release"  then get out soon to one of the upcoming shows because it is happening.  Thank God!  It's in his hands!

March 24th & 25th, 2000 - The Ashley, Stuart, Florida - - The power of Rico Monaco & Sol Sons was on full display on both nights.  As Rico stated during the first set on friday, "It's not about us up here alone.  It's about the energy that you (the audience) create with us in this room.  I'll tell you I think with the vibe in here tonight this is about as good as it gets!  This is why we play music.  Thank you very much for all your love and support!"  The Ashley was indeed alive with the great sounds of RM & Sol Sons this weekend.  The band sold every CD they brought to the shows and took some orders for more.  As many of the people in attendance remarked, this band is incredible!  Thanks to Carlos Hernandez for his great percussion work this weekend.  He will be performing on a regular basis with the band.  With Dimas and Carlos together on bigger stages it's truly amazing to see.  Pete, Mike, and Rico kicked ass with their unique "Latin/world Rock style."

March 11th, 2000 - Dante's, Orlando, Florida - - Walking into one of the newest clubs on the Orlando scene, you never really know what to expect when you pass through the door - but what many pleasantly surprised music fans discovered this Saturday evening was a huge sound that surrounded the intimate setting of this premiere club like they have never heard before.

March 9th, 2000 - The Station, Orlando, Florida - 'Blown Away' is just about the only phrase that comes to mind when trying to describe the intensity of the show that Sol Sons put on this evening. This is ShagDaddy adding in his own two cents - It's been awhile since I had seen Sol Sons live, and what a treat this show turned out to be.  This current lineup that Rico Monaco has assembled is a force to be seen and heard.  Even though I've thoroughly listened to the Sources CD - their live show is where they shine.  From the first note to the last, The Station was rocking with an infectious groove that couldn't keep anyone standing still.  This particular venue with it's pro sound system helped RM & SS capture the essence of what a live show is all about.

February 18th & 19th, 2000 - The Ashley, Stuart, Florida - The Ashley in Stuart is always a great gig for the band.  The beach was warm, tranquil, and replenishing.   After a day on the beach, the band had a "hot" night on Saturday with an explosive performance.

February 4th & 5th, 2000 - The Atlantic Grille, Vero Beach, Florida - Vero Beach continues to show its love and appreciation for the band.  Highlights include the new original songs "Mongo, Songo, Cha-Cha, Baila," and "Feel."   The word is definitely out in "Dodger Town."  Thanks to all in attendance.

January 28th, 2000 - Downtown Friday, Vero Beach, Florida - The skies were threatening and the temperature was cooler than normal - but as the band opened up the show, none of that mattered.  In fact, the weather improved seemingly as the music heated up the whole downtown area of Vero Beach.  The band was in high gear by the middle of the first set and audience was loving it.  There were little children dancing, teens, and adults up into their golden years rockin' out to the latin-rock sounds of RM & Sol Sons.  The band sold all of the CD's on hand and promised to bring more to the Atlantic Grille on Feb. 4 & 5 in Vero.  Vero Beach is fast becoming a favorite place for the band.  With the large crowds and tremendous response in only 2 visits this is more than a trend.  There are many positive things beginning to happen for Rico and the band.  Contacts are lining up and the next "batch" of original songs are getting rave reviews from audiences.  Good things are coming and everybody is invited for the trip!!!  Thanks, Vero Beach!

Januray 14th & 15th, 2000 - The Ashley, Stuart, Florida - Another great weekend for the band in beautiful downtown Stuart.  The audiences are always great and the band gives it all to them.  What a great weekend!  The new song "Mongo, Songo, Cha-Cha, Baila" made its debut on friday to rave reviews.  What a great groove!  Many more new songs will be added over the next month or two!   See you soon!

January 11th, 2000 - House Of Blues, Orlando, Florida - Digginlillies and then Sidecar opened the show.  Both bands were excellent.  They set the table for Sol Sons very well.  The House Of Blues was again a tremendous atmosphere for the eclectic sounds of Rico & Sol Sons.  The crowd, many who had not seen the band before, were moving and grooving with the band.  The style of the band seems have become "in vogue" with the success of Santana and other latin artists.  But Rico has been mixing styles in this way for years.  This is an obvious advantage right now and the audience was loud with appreciation on this January night.  They burn, they soothe, they heal....that's RM & Sol Sons.  Some bands are meant for the big stage and bright lights.  The staff at H.O.B. was again very professional and great to work with!  Thanks!