The BIC Center & WVBI Havana Nights Summer Gala

About Michael Eyia | Director, Guitar, percussion, lead vocals, arranger, composer

Born in Havana, Cuba, Michael (Mike) Eyia started classical guitar lessons at the age of 10 under the tutelage of world renowned Cuban guitarist and composer Dr. Leo Brower. After leaving Cuba due to the unstable political climate, Mike came to the U.S. and settled in Lansing, Michigan.  He studied music at Michigan State University and Lansing Community College. Later he became an instructor at LCC and taught various music courses over a period of about 10 years. Over time, his passion for Cuban style music persisted.

About Orquesta Ritmo

In the late 70’s and in preparation for the U.S. Bicentennial Celebration, Mike formed RITMO to introduce and educate people in a different style of Latin music. The group at the time consisted of a six piece band, as well as a 24 piece dance troupe. Mike choreographed a number of Cuban pieces including a danzon, a guaracha, cha cha cha and a conga and backed the dance troupe with his live band. The troupe traveled around the Mid West and performed for venues all over Michigan and as far south as Dayton, Ohio. The group earned a number of accolades along the way including a Tribute from the Michigan State Legislature. In 1984, the group grew to it’s current 10 piece orchestra. Throughout the years, the group has shared the stage with a number of recording artists such as Los Lobos, Salsa great Oscar D’Leon, Pete Escovido, Wycliff Gordon at the E. Lansing Summer Solstice Jazz Festival, and The Bangles among others. Mike is the director and sole active member from the original group.  Mike is also a founding member of Jazz Alliance of Mid-MIchigan (JAMM), a local organization founded to promote Jazz music in the Mid-Michigan area.