THE MUSICIANS:

Each member is an accomplished player in his own right and has played/shared stages and recorded with numerous top professional bands, having at least 18 plus years experience of playing in clubs and concerts from coast to coast.

And when the audience hears En Vivo, the dance floors are instantly filled, making you want to ask for more…

Not pictured at this time:  Andy Gonzales, Bass Player

Who We Are

Rich Cravalho-                                       Frontman; Lead Guitarist and Lead Vocals

A Bay Area brewed guitarist and vocalist known for his unique style and versatility. Rich has played with many hot bands, such as TNT, Paris by Night, Lava, Race and Rhythm, Ms. Taylor P Collins, Hitsville along with En Vivo *(see below). 

Rich's influences include such guitar greats as Carlos Santana, Larry Carlton, Al DiMeola and Steve Lukather to name a few.

His skillful guitar playing and smooth vocals add a rich texture to the sound of En Vivo (formerly known as Amigos), which he co-founded in 1994.

Chuck Contaxis- Percussions/Congas

Chuck started playing latin percussion instruments at the age of 8.  He was highly influenced by his father, George Contaxis Sr. His father played with such musicians as Sal Gurerro and Pete Escovedo.

Chuck played in his first band at the age of 14.  He co-founded En Vivo* (formerly known as Amigos), with his brother Johnny and Rich Cravalho in 1994.  Chuck has also played with many other local latin bands, R&B and Blues bands.

Chuck’s sound and style is highly influenced by Tito Puente and all of the old salsa musicians.

Dan Pereira- Drums

Dan started playing drums at age 10. taking lessons at Tempo music at south shore in Alameda and studied with David Garibaldi of Tower Of Power.

Dan continued his early musical journey playing in the Alameda High Jazz Band. He entered his first rock-n-roll band at the age of 15 and embarked on a road tour at the age of 23 where he toured Canada and the United States.

Dan returned to the Bay Area and joined a band called Hooker where he played with them for 5 years.

Dan then joined the En Vivo * Band in 1994 as one of the original musicians and has been there ever since.


Andy Gonzales- Bass Player

Is the Bass player that ties the band together. His Bass playing adds a constant driving force to the band. Andy's 28+ years of experience include playing in Full Show Bands- “Dale Van Horne & Ocean Drive” and the band “Sassi” on the east coast that included opening shows for Jerry Lee Lewis, Terri Gibbs, Bellamy Brothers, Johnny Rivers and Chubby Checker. Playing in the Atlantic City Casinos, Rockingham Motor Speedway, and Charlotte Motor Speedway. He also played in notable rock and blues bands- “BFD” and Marshall Law on the west coast. He is also the bass player for his church and is very involved there. His influences are Paul McCartney, Mars Cowling, Stanley Clarke.

When the band “Amigos” formed more than 17 years ago, Andy was the proud original bass player. After 10 years with Amigos, Andy took a leave to focus on another great endeavor- HIS BEAUTIFUL FAMILY.   HE IS SO HAPPY TO RETURN HIS EN VIVO Family.  With his enthusiasm on stage, Andy is a definite audience pleaser and rounds out the complete package of  EN VIVO.

Humberto "More" Prieto- Percussions/Timbales

More started playing at the age of 14, on couches, buying his first pair of timbales at 15 with money from his first summer job. He started playing in a high school band "Latin Spice" with local neighborhood kids. At 18 he played with his first all original band named Mirage where he played for 4 years.

It was this experience that he developed a real sense of drum history, theory and an appreciation of trap drums and other world drums and percussion.

More went to Merritt College with Carlos Federico and then studied with Luis Romero (Willie Colon's percussionist).

More has been in local bands such as Los Ramblers de Nicaragua, Heavy Load, Inspiration, the Classics, Cantera, La Ventana, Lava and En Vivo*.

More has shared the stage with many greats: Gran Combo, Luis Enrique, Eddie Santiago, Los Chica de Can, Jose Enrique, Cheyenne, Jose Chepito Areas, Marc Anthony and Carlos Santana. He's also shared the stage with R&B bands such as the Gap Band, Alexander Hamilton and Benton Wood.

Mark Okimoto- Keyboards

Mark has been playing keyboards and performing in the Bay Area music scene for over 20 years.

He has played with a wide variety of bands, including En Vivo* (Latin rock), Race and Rhythm, EC Scott (R&B), the Straightjackets (Motown and oldies) and the California Beach Boys (Beach Boys tribute) to name a few.


Mark's musical influences include Earth, Wind and Fire, the Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Prince and Joe Sample among many others.