- Mambo Street congas and percussion -

Angel "Cacho" Galindo

Masterful percussionist and spirit of Mambo Street, he hails from Jalisco, Mexico and has lived in the Mission district for as long as he can remember. At a young age, Cacho was introduced to the conga drum by his uncle, Sal Nuñez, a prominent and respected conguero in the late 60's.

While attending Mission High School, Cacho would hear the siren call coming from Dolores Park right across the street: men, young and old, playing timbales, congas, and bongos. Their seductive sounds and African rhythms became his inspiration and soon he too would join them.

By his late teens and early twenties, Cacho was quickly becoming a much sought after percussionist not only for his great musical ability, but his responsible and energetic attitude as well. He played with some of the best bands in the Bay Area delving into the cumbia scene as well as salsa. In the mid-70's, Cacho joined a popular cumbia band called, "Anaconda" where he met future Mambo Street co-founders, Rudy Ramirez and David Mercado.

It was evident even back then that the chemistry between Cacho and David was something to be envied. As they played, they spontaneously traded licks back and forth as well as worked out intros and breaks with incredible precision.

When Cacho was asked by David Mercado to join Mambo Street in January of 1998, he jumped at the opportunity saying "Hey, so long as the fun doesn't turn into a job." So far, so good.