Mayela
Carrasco
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
TICO
SANTOS
PERCUSSION, DRUMMING
Aimee Zawitz
STILT DANCING
Ceasar
Cruz
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Will
MARTINS
PERCUSSION, DRUMMING
TIOMBE
WILEY
SAMBA, AFRO-BRAZILIAN,
AFRO-LATIN - PRINCIPLE DANCER
Jose
carrasco
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Man
STAFF & TEACHING ARTISTS
Mayela Carrasco, Artistic Director e. mayela@locoblocosf.org
Jose Carrasco, Managing Director e. jose@locoblocosf.org
Cesar Cruz, Program Coordinator
Will Martins, Percussion Instructor
Tico Dos Santos, Percussion Instructor
Tiombe Wiley, Dance Instructor / Principal Dancer
Aimee Z, Stilt Dancing Instructor
JOSE CARRASCO is a co-founder and original Executive Director of Loco Bloco. He has devoted over 30 years to serving Brown and Black youth and their families through cultural arts and wellness programs. Before returning to lead Loco Bloco in 2020, Jose also served in leadership positions at community serving organizations around the Bay - Good Samaritan Family Resource Center, Be the Change Consulting, Central American Resource Center and Youth in Arts.
CESAR CRUZ is the son of Mexican immigrant parents, Cesar was born and raised in San Francisco and after receiving a B.A. at SFSU, joined the Loco Bloco staff as a part time volunteer coordinator and administrative staff. Cesar also works full time as a Leadership Specialist at Willie Brown Middle School.
WILL MARTINS is a highly accomplished international percussionist and drummer, performing with renowned
artists around the world. Dedicated to building the musical community, Will has contributed to the musical education of both children and adults in the form of leading percussion classes, workshops, and private lessons. With his formal
education and technical training in various musical styles, Will has the ability to collaborate with many different acts and artists, contributing not just live musical talent but his skill to record and produce tracks for publication.
TICO SANTOS (Antonio) grew up in Salvador, Bahia Brazil, practicing Capoeira since childhood, eventually gaining the title of Instructor. He also trained in percussion and played with Afoxe Bomboxe, Onaye and Afoxe Black. Antonio arrived in the Bay Area in November of 2017. He currently works as a teaching artist with Get Empowered and Oakland Conservatory of Music. He currently performs with Bay Area Brazilian bands including Sambada.