SISSIE DAVIS

George “Chino” Valdes, drums/founder of Bandolero - born and raised in Mexicali, Mexico from a very musical family, Chino joined The Jets and 7 Saints as a teenager. He moved to Tijuana and formed Imperial Beats, one of the best bands in Mexico. He moved to San Diego and joined Sticky Fingers and played all around San Diego including the naval bases. He has worked with the Chantelles, The Coasters, The Drifters, Rosie & the Originals, Manolo Munoz, and the Art Laboe Production. Chino received recognition as a well-known drummer in Mexico is regarded as one of Mexico’s rock era legends.

Raymond Francisco, keys and vocals - As a teacher & a church Organist, Raymond utilizes the classical music foundation given to him by his father who was his mentor. At ten years of age, his father claimed that Raymond always change his assigned pieces to suit his taste. At age 15, he had his first professional job as a soloist in a gourmet restaurant. He was then exposed to the Manila’s entertainment night life by his brother Maestro Rudy Francisco. Raymond performed in many of the venues on Manila’s Dewey Boulevard where all the top caliber musicians are found.Raymond received an award for his solo organ performance at a program honoring the former First Lady Imelda Marcos. After finishing his college studies, Raymond toured with a show band in West Germany, East Berlin, Switzerland and Vienna for over two years. His career included many years as a performer in Japan, where he performed in three separate clubs each night. He was also hired to provide documentary music for a National Television Network, NHK-BS2.In the 1980’s, his career shifted to composition. His hit songs “Parang Panaginip Ka” and “Nasingitan” were recoded by Rico J. Puno. Raymond was hired by Farquar Industries in California to write two theme songs for their movie “Stick of Death” recorded by Dulce Amor.Raymond studied at Julliard and the Manhattan School of Music in New York.

Jesse Michel, guitar/bass/vocals - born and raised in San Diego, Jesse grew up in a musical family and began his musical career at the age of 15. As a guitar and cello player, he's been playing for local bands and orchestras for many years. Further honing his innate musical abilities, he attended San Diego State University, school of music. He has also performed in musical theater productions including The Wiz, Fame, Bye Bye Birdie and The Sound of Music. He performed as a recording session musician with Joan Baez during the seventies. During that time he also shared the stage with Ed Shaughnessy, drummer for the Tonight Show, and also with the late composer/trumpeter Don Ellis. He has played with Colour, the Oceanside Society Orchestra and other groups.

Bojie Del Rosario, guitar/vocals -

Sissie Lopez Davis, vocalist - born and raised in the Philippines, Sissie has been singing and performing since she was five years old. A self-taught musician, she became a scholar at the University of the Philippines’ Conservatory of Music, majoring in Composition at age 16 without any previous formal music training. She joined a number of the Philippines’ well-known international touring choirs and traveled the Philippines and the United States extensively. Sissie has a degree in Business and Management and is currently a Vice President of Human Resources at a financial institution. A seasoned Vocalist, Sissie has fronted for a variety of notable stars from the Philippines and opened for Howard Hewett and Evelyn King in San Diego. Sissie has performed at venues such as 4th and B; San Diego Civic Center and Performing Arts Centers; Pala, Viejas, and Sycuan Casinos; and Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach, to name but a few. As a member of local pop groups Quiet Storm and Makai, Sissie has performed at venues such as Humphrey’s by the Bay, Jimmy Love’s, Rock Bottom, and numerous other San Diego locations. Sissie garnered awards as vocalist in both Ventura County (R&B Vocalist of the Year) and San Diego vocal competitions. Sissie has also performed as a resident vocalist for various military and non-profit charity events in Ventura and San Diego counties.

Other Players:

Ramon Avila - keys, vocals -

Cesar Romero, keys/co-founder of Bandolero - born and raised in Mexicali, Baja California, Cesar started his music career at age 14. He moved to Tijuana in the late 60’s and became part of the Avenida Revolución’s “Golden Years” era as a member of the Imperial Beats and Sammy’s Group. In the mid-70s he moved to San Diego and joined Sticky Fingers playing disco and 70s music. In the 1980s, he moved to Las Vegas where he joined his first Latin band.

Lupillo Cruz, guitar -

Raul Valdes Ramirez, bass - born in Durango, Mexico, Raul moved to Tijuana in the late 50s and entered the seminary for priesthood as a youth. It was there he discovered his vocation for music as he delved into Gregorian Chant. In the early seventies, he entered INBA, Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes (National Institute for Fine Arts), in Mexico City. After returning to Baja California, he dedicated some time participating in singing competitions, winning awards in the city of La Paz. As a bass player, he was part of the music scene in Tijuana, playing with groups such as Caliz, America Nova, The Flicks, Moonlights and Los Dug Dugs. He is currently retired from teaching school, and now spends his time teaching guitar privately, and dedicating time to Brazilian music.

Ruben "Amigazo" Hernandez - bass

Roy Robinson - conga