2008 Woodie Awards
Giving back to the community
Crystal Childress
Issue date: 11/4/05 Section: News
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They have donated hundreds of performances to various causes, some of which include The American Cancer society, Easter Seals, Neighborhood Watch, Navidad en la Communidad, the United Way, Earthquake Relief Effort, Flood Relief Effort, Earth Day Celebrations, Cinco de Mayo events, 16 de Septiembre events, Cesar Chavez events, September 11 fundraisers, various scholarship fundraisers, Su Salud Health Fair, numerous telethon efforts, community parades, various city music in the park series, United Farm Worker events, Chicano/Latino Youth Leadership functions, MECHA functions, various college and university functions, California Youth Authority, and numerous other performances for various other Latino and awareness organizations.
On Oct. 8, the MTB won Latin Artist Award, and Mike Torres Sr. won the Legend Award. The Torres family knew about Torres Sr. being nominated for the award, but it came as a surprise to Mike.
The MTB is a third-generation band. The band formed in the late 1960s. Not long after, Torres Sr. (guitar, vocals), was joined by son Mike Jr. (keyboard, bass, accordion, vocals, guitar, percussion, musical director/arranger), Martin (drums/business Manager), and his daughter, Christina (timbales, keyboard, vocal, and MTB promotions).
In 2002 MTB added Mike Torres III, who plays the trumpet, timbales, keyboard, and sings. In 2003, Mike's grandson, Mike Torres-Esquer joined. He plays the saxophone and sings. Angelo Torres-Esquer assists with the stage prep, lighting and sound engineering.
The newest member of the MTB is bassist Neal Sanchez, who was added in 2004.
The band currently has out five CD's. They include, "Only the Beginning," "Vamanos Recio," "A La Brava," "Entre Familia, Cumbias Calientes Vol.1."
Torres Sr. also teaches guitar and spanish classes during the summer to Kid's College, held at Delta College.
"Music and literature are my passion," said Torres. "They make me forget about my problems."