Lisette Santiago is a percussionist, vocalist and composer from Brooklyn, NY. At age nine, Lisette was accepted into The Metropolitan Children’s Opera and later received both classical and jazz vocal training at LaGuardia H.S. of Music and Art and Columbia University’s joint program with The Juilliard School. Versed in Latin percussion, Lisette was first recognized as one of a handful of female Batá players in the U.S.- studying and performing with Cuban legends such as Amelia Pedroso, Pancho Quinto and Jose Luis “Chanquito” Quintana. Lisette also thrived in New York City’s Brazilian music scene. As a band member of “Beat the Donkey,” Lisette performed with award winning, Brazilian musician Cyro Baptista. Lisette has recorded and performed with artists such as Cyro Baptista, Jeremy Pelt, Ron Carter, Billy Drummond, Bill Cole, Warren Smith, Alex Blake, Vernon Reid, etc. She has played throughout the US and Europe and in notable venues such as Madison Square Garden, Radio City Hall, Dizzy’s Club CocaCola and The Kennedy Center.
