Maritzaida

Maritzaida was born and raised in the small coastal town of Isabela where she developed a deep love for the arts and her native country of Puerto Rico. As a blended family, she was largely brought up by her abuelos who inculcated a deep love for music, especially the classics of their times. At a young age, Maritzaida was introduced to the work of one of Puerto Rico's most famous female authors, Sylvia Rexach, and became enthralled with bolero music through songs like Alma Adentro and Matiz De Amor.

Maritzaida's artistic journey brought her to Virginia where she auditioned and won a position as a singer for U.S. Air Force Bands. This experience gave her the opportunity to explore and perform a wide array of genres while performing in different ensembles all over the U.S. and the Asia-Pacific while living in Japan. Serving in the military allowed for unique experiences, but it did not afford a connection with Latino and Hispanic culture nor growth in artistic or musical expression. The rigidity and stress of the military environment deeply affected Maritzaida's relationship with art and ultimately, herself.

After years in a path of healing and musical resdiscovery, Maritzaida reconnected with the music of her upbringing alongside her husband, AJ Weibe, a former guitarist for U.S. Air Force Bands. Each song has a place in history inherent to Latin culture. The pieces of bolero music speaks to how she sees herself in this world as a Hispanic, Latina, Boricua, U.S. Air Force veteran, woman, lover, wife, and individual.