Dennis Hernández

Dennis Hernández is a Havana-born trumpeter and bandleader who created and directs Conjunto Amalia, a New York ensemble devoted to the classic Cuban conjunto sound. Built around a front line of trumpets backed by conga and bongó, the group revives the golden-age repertoire of the 1940s and 1950s, moving through guaracha, mambo, cha cha chá, bolero, son montuno, pilón, and mozambique. Hernández leads the band from the trumpet chair, shaping arrangements rooted in the tradition of Havana's mid-century dance orchestras. Conjunto Amalia has performed across New York at venues including S.O.B.'s, the Bronx Music Hall, the David Rubenstein Atrium, and Lincoln Center, where the group appeared as part of the Legacies of San Juan Hill festival.