Real Cuban music.
Music That Moves Crowds
Led by vocalist Lianet, Aché Tropical brings the heat of Havana to every stage: salsa, son, cha-cha-chá, mambo and bolero, played live with the passion of a night in Old Havana. Based in Asheville, performing across the Southeast.
What Our Clients Say
“The music and experience was incredible: Real Cuban sound, played with so much talent and heart.”
— Robert and Svitlana Eadie @ Slava Cafe
“Our wedding reception felt like a private festival; their three-hour set had every guest on the dance floor from the first note to the encore.” — Former Client
— Former Client
Meet The Band
Lianet Gomez
Born in Cuba, Lianet grew up dancing. In Sweden she trained in ballroom, discovered her passion for son, cha-cha-chá, salsa and rumba under Cuban salsa champion Yassell Lopez, and studied musical theatre for three years. She went on to perform in London, including at Floridita in Soho, then led a Latin band in Boise and sang with the Miami trio Lagniappe House. Now in Asheville, she founded and leads Aché Tropical, bringing the music and spirit of Cuba to every stage.
Luis E. Ramirez
Singer and trumpet player Luis blends Latin jazz, salsa and world music. Born in Roxbury, Massachusetts and raised in the Bronx, he grew up immersed in Latin music through his father, salsa singer Luis Alfredo Ramirez. He founded A Latin Movement to bring seasoned and emerging musicians together and keep salsa and Latin jazz alive. ¡Que viva la salsa y el Latin jazz!
Kessler Watson
Asheville-born multi-instrumentalist Kessler taught himself guitar at 14, then traveled the U.S. busking and studying classical, jazz and world music. For the past decade he’s focused on Cuban music, cumbia and salsa. He sings and plays guitar, bongos, maracas and güiro, bringing rhythm and joy to every performance.
Ozzie Jr. Orengo
Born in the Bronx into a musical family, Ozzie moved to Asheville when his father, Ozzie Sr., and uncle Reuben formed the Orengo Band, which helped bring Latin music to the mountains. He began playing professionally at 14 with Con Clave, Eta Carina and Nuevo Montuno Salsa Orchestra, and his range on drums has led to work with Motown artist Sidney Barnes and bluegrass favorites Sons of Ralph. Now based in Winston-Salem, he remains part of the Asheville music scene.
Julian Bonnet
Born and raised in the Caribbean paradise of Puerto Rico and has been playing saxophone over 20 years. He loves to play and explore multiple music genres. Julian has collaborated and recorded music with multiple very talented musicians in Puerto Rico and also in Asheville where he has been living with his family for the past 5 years. Being a father is his biggest blessing and playing music is one of his biggest passions.
Mariano Blanco
Bass player from Nicaragua with over 25 years of performing, recording, and touring across the Americas and Europe. He has collaborated with many of Nicaragua’s most respected artists, and since 2000 has been a key part of the Latin music scene in North Carolina. Retiring end of 2026.
Your Questions, Answered
Do you travel for performances?
Absolutely. We regularly perform at venues across the South Eastern United States Our travel logistics team coordinates transportation, lodging, and equipment shipping to ensure a seamless setup wherever your stage may be.
What equipment do you provide for live shows?
We supply a full backline—drums, guitars, keyboards, amps—as well as a high-end PA system and stage lighting. If your venue prefers using in-house gear, we work closely with onsite engineers to integrate our setup smoothly.
Book Aché Tropical
Ready to bring the sound of Havana to your next event? Reach out for a free consultation and let’s create a live experience your guests will never forget. Follow us on social for upcoming shows and performance highlights, and hit “Sign Up” to join our newsletter and stay in the rhythm.
