Dennis Guevara
Tell us about you and your work
Dennis Guevara was born in Trenton, NJ. Guevara began his musical studies in piano at the Boys Harbor Conservatory of Music. He later graduated from Mercer County Community College and the City College of New York with a degree in Music Performance. Guevara has performed with various Jazz, Latin Jazz, World Music, and Salsa artists and is also a runner-up winner for Cover Band 2011. He worked as Artistic Director at AMLA Conservatory of Music in Philadelphia, PA, and was invited to teach at The Kimmel Center of Performing Arts as Bandmaster for the Summer Jazz Camp. Dennis currently works as Musical Director for Pablo Batista's Latin Jazz Ensemble and World Music artist Nina Rodriguez. Dennis recently joined urban dance band FSU (Funk Salsa Urban) as piano player and keyboardist.
Dennis is also an award-winning composer with a piece that he developed alongside percussionists Pablo Batista and Victor Pablo for a competition at The Kimmel Center for The Performing Arts and a grant from the Pew Center for Arts and Heritage.
Dennis is Nord keyboards, Sequential Circuits, Gruv Gear, JHS pedals, and Temple Audio Pedalboards artist.
Dennis is currently working on completing his first solo album which is a combination of contemporary Latin Jazz and a fusion of R&B with Neo-Soul. The record features some awesome musicians such as trumpeter Nicholas Payton, drummer Chris “Daddy” Dave from Maxwell, Pablo Batista, and bassist Michel Labaki to name a few of the special guests.
What inspires you?
My inspiration is channeled to everyday situations. I could hear a bird sing or a construction worker banging and come up with melodies or ideas. My number one inspiration in life has always been my parents; two immigrants that came to this country in search of their American dream. My mother was born in Ciales, Puerto Rico and my father in Caracas, Venezuela.
What does community mean to you?
I am a strong believer in giving back to the community and teaching as many people as possible by sharing the art of Music and communication. Showing everyone that music is a universal language that builds bridges no matter what part of the world you are from or what language you speak.
Favorite film
A Clockwork Orange
Favorite song
“I’m still standing” by Elton John
Favorite place
My favorite place is sitting in front of a piano or keyboard and performing without worrying about the number of people listening.