Eric Velez is one of the most respected Latino percussionists of his generation. He is of Puerto Rican descent, and was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. Eric learned to play congas, bongos, and timbales at the young age of three. His first musical performance was with Grupo Fascinacion at the age of sixteen. At the age of seventeen, Eric played with Eddie Palmieri and in 1993 made his first recording with Marc Anthony for the movie soundtrack œCarlitos Way and joined his band.
His experience varies from recordings to touring with such stars as Eddie Palmieri, Tito puente, Kip hanrahan, Celia Cruz, Jennifer Lopez, and Marc Anthony.
And for the past 26 years he has been touring the world with Marc Anthony. Eric is also a teacher at the Zagaria music academy in south Florida.