Author: Michelle Laflamme

Music Commissioner Nelson Martinez

Bio

Updated bio coming soon!

Music Commissioner Sullivan Peraino

Bio

Sullivan is currently the Director of Executive Relations at the Santa Fe Opera, working to bring the joy of live performance and classical music to northern New Mexico. Having entered arts administration from the travel industry, Sullivan has a keen appreciation for how experiences, like opera, can generate tourism, fuel local economies and drive job creation.

In 2020, Sullivan worked at the center of the Santa Fe Opera’s efforts to weather the first season cancellation in its 63-year history. During this time, the importance of relationships with government leaders, public health experts and peers in the performing arts became paramount. The opera joined a coalition of music organizations to share information and discuss best practices in preparation for reopening, resulting in shared successes and celebration as the arts collectively returned to the stage in 2021. Sullivan centers this spirit of collaboration in her work as a member of the Music Commission – uniting musicians, performing arts organizations and venues across the state to meet the challenges of the future.

Music Commissioner D’Santi Nava

Bio

D’Santiago “El Brujo” Nava, a native of Santa Fe, brings an interesting blend of rhythmic sounds of his indigenous culture, childhood love of classic rock, classical guitar training, and all eras of blues. D’Santi Nava’s forte is classic rock, nuevo flamenco, blues, and latin music from all eras. Nava has been a musician for over 40 years, being self taught from the age of 7, guided by his brother Daniel Nava, studied with Craig Dell, Willy Chills, and most recently with Roberto Capocchi. D’Santi has a unique Amadeus quality in composing several original songs and a gifted ear capable of memorizing several songs daily. D’Santi Nava is an integral part of the music scene with the Nava’s for several years, The Tangents for 18 years, Collective Measures, Double D, Los Esmitz, Several private gigs with Guitar Shorty, among nationwide and worldwide talent that live in New Mexico part time. He completed a 13 state jam tour in 2013 through the midwest. In 2014, a 6 Southern state jam tour ending with musician friends in Key West.  In 2015, he jammed with one of the best South Texas Rocking Band name 4Known and a dream come true to sit in with Ozomatli.  In 2016 he returned to Key West where he jammed with Larry Baeder and Bill Blue.  August 2017, he sat in with the Iguanas at the Railyard in SF, NM.  August-September 2018, he toured in Canada. December 2019 he toured in Mexico City.

 He currently is lead guitar with Shelley Morningsong; Underground Cadence, a cover band playing Rock, Blues, Funk; Una Mas, a Latin Rock band sharing Santana music among favorite Latin songs; Brujo Trio sharing his original Nuevo Flamenco songs, duo with local vocalists. He is currently expanding his Solo repertoire. Main influences range from Santana, Hendrix, Jesse Cook, Los Indios, Lila Downs, Strunz and Farah to the Gypsy Kings. D’Santi Nava believes playing music brings healing to the soul! “Music is Healing and with each note I heal.”~D’Santi Nava

Music Commission Chair Carlos Medina

Bio

Carlos Medina is a singer, songwriter, actor and comedian; born in Las Vegas, NM, grew up in the village of El Coruco. 

Music Commissioner Mary E. “Busy” McCarroll

Bio

Updated bio coming soon!

Music Commissioner Derrick Lee

Bio

Updated bio coming soon!