CONGAS
SEAN ZUNIGA
A San Francisco native, Sean grew up in the Mission / Bernal Heights section of the city. A lifelong salsero, Sean's interest in percussion started long before his Father gave him his first conga at the age of 12.
In the late 60's and early 70's his family would often play the Fania All stars, Celia Cruz, Johnny Pacheco, Eddie Palmieri, Tito Puente, Ray Barretto, Joe Cuba, Cal Tjader, El Gran Combo, Willie Colon, and Hector LaVoe. Sean came from a family line with a history of talented musicians including legendary jazz vibraphonist, the late Bobby Hutcherson.
Sean was not the first conguero in his family. His uncles Richard Ramirez RIP & Tony Zuñiga taught him his first chops on conga. In the early years Sean studied great congueros such as Mongo Santamaria, Tata Guines, Ray Barretto, Carlos "Patato" Valdez, Johnny Rodriguez, Eddie Montalvo, Armando Peraza, Milton Cardona, and Francisco Aguabella to name a few.
Sean has also studied with legendary Bay Area percussionists Edgardo Cambon and John Santos. He got his first break at the age of 16 when he was invited to play with Leroy Rodrigues Y Los Isleños at the Puerto Rican Club in San Francisco. Sean has shared the stage with many greats including Maelo Ruiz, Lalo Rodriguez, Ray De La Paz, Ray Sepulveda, Tony Vega, Van Lester, Mel Martinez, Michael Stuart, Hector Rey, Doug Beavers, Jimmy Bosch, La India, Carlos Cascante, Chino Nunez, as well as with many of the local salsa bands in the San Francisco Bay Area. Sean is married and has two sons.