Los Pinguos

They came to the US from cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, Argentina, with a mixture of Latin rhythms, performed with Spanish guitars, a Cuban Tres, Peruvian cajón (box-drum) and harmonizing vocals. Vivacious and infectious, the sound of Los Pinguos has claimed fans worldwide, from their hometown to the streets of Los Angeles.

The story began in 1999 when Adrián Buono, José Agote, Juan Manzur and Juan Manuel Leguizamón formed the band to play in clubs, bars, and private parties throughout Buenos Aires. Their exciting, passionate live shows garnered a devoted fan base, inspiring the talented ensemble to pursue global attention.

So they packed their bags and headed north to the Californian shores. Newly arrived to the City of Angels in early 2001, Los Pinguos began playing at local bars such as The Latin Lounge, The Knitting Factory, Key Club, Temple Bar & Little Temple. As their popularity grew, they were invited to perform at the end-of-season party for the hit FOX show “Dharma & Greg”.

It was when they started to perform for the crowds at Santa Monica’s 3rd Street Promenade (a Los Angeles shopping/restaurant hot spot) that the band realized their potential to reach a wide and diverse audience.

While performing, they were spotted by a talent scout who urged them to audition for a new television show, “The Next Big Star”, hosted and produced by Ed McMahon of “Star Search” fame. In spite of fierce competition from more seasoned groups, and being the only Latin band to perform, Los Pinguos won the audience vote and rightly claimed the Grand Prize. Soon after this, new bassist Santiago Lee joined the group, giving Los Pinguos a strong backbone and groove to the music, new and old.

Since then, they have signed a publishing deal with Latin music heavyweight Peermusic (Juanes, David Foster), recorded four new albums –"Camino Bueno" (2002), "Serenata" (2003), “Live In Los Angeles” (2005) a live double CD on Kufala Records & “Peripecias” (2006) recorded at the famous Boat Recording Studio. They've played with such acts as Ozomatli, Yerba Buena, Charlie Zaa & Pablo Montero at the Wiltern Theatre, Paul Anka & Plácido Domingo at the Music Center of Los Angeles, Charly Garcia and famed Argentinean rockers Bersuit Vergarabat. They also appeared at the 2005 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL with female songstress Suzanne Vega. Los Pinguos’ music has appeared in TV shows such as "The Shield", "The L Word", and is featured in the Antonio Banderas & Emma Thompson film "Imagining Argentina". Most recently, they have appeared on two of the world famous Putumayo World Music compliations, “Baila!” & “Radio Latino”. For Adrián, José, Juan, Juan Manuel and Santiago, this is only the beginning.