Bandleader, music director, arranger, and lead vocalist of 14-piece band Charanga Habanera, David Calzado has played an essential role in the evolution of modern Cuban music. Although he was forced to reorganize the group in 1997, Calzado has continued to be one of Cuba's most influential musicians. Under his leadership, Charanga Habanera was chosen as the Most Popular Band in Cuba in 1998 and 1999. Calzado was born into a musical family. His maternal grandmother was a musician who encouraged him to play violin as a youngster. He first attracted attention as violinist for the ...