Award Winning Percussionist and former MDCPS Teacher/Coach Joe Collado was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY and of Puerto Rican parents. As a recording Artist, he has always contribute his original musical style (Latin Groove) with his NYC life experiences and musical upbringing. Personally witnessing and idolizing the artists from the NYC Fania Salsa era and the beginnings of Superstar pioneers in Latin Rock such as Santana, Malo, etc.. also Chicago, BeeGees, Micheal Jackson, Genesis, Earth Wind Fire, Motown Artists and others in NYC venues gave him a heart-full desire to express all those influences thru his early instrumental training and playing style. Joe contributes a life changing success when relocating to Miami, FL from the turmoil streets of Brooklyn, NY. He was then able to better himself personally toward a renewed lifetime of goals using his rediscovered multi God given talents, entering College on an Athletic Scholarship. Musically, joining forces with the fame underground Angel Canales Orchestra helped powered his path. Some in Joe's resume includes performance with the likes of Latin Superstars Giovanni Hildalgo, Herman Olivera , Henry Fiol, Tito Puente Jr, Jose Fajardo jr, Frankie Ruiz jr etc. Joe was also awarded the Best Percussionist in Miami in 2009 (MIAMI NEW TIMES) just before his debut Cd called "Solo Joe". Since then five successful additional CDs with his Latin Groove Style have been released along with the success of his personal group named, "LATIN GROOVE PROJECT"