Alma de Candela (Soul of Fire) (Salsa, Bachata, Mambo, Latin Jazz, Merengue, Bossa Nova; Samba, Boleros, Danzon, Afro-Cuban, Cha-Cha, and more!) Alma de Candela is a Latin music experience not to miss! Their shows are full of rhythmic sounds, percussion, and dancing. 

Their song book is steeped in traditional Cuban folk music, 70's Nuyorican Salsa (Fania All Stars), Latin Jazz, Bachata, Merengue, Latin Soul, and Modern Salsa.

Alma de Candela has been a featured headliner for many festivals, including Jazz Carolina!, The Spartanburg International Festival  and The Make-A-Wish International Wine Festival. The group brings a surprising energy to corporate parties and weddings. People of all backgrounds appreciate the joy they bring to the music, regardless of whether they understand the words.

With the addition of optional dance lessons, they get everybody up and moving on the dancefloor!

Alma de Candela band members are also available for clinics and workshops in K-12 schools and colleges/universities.

Kim Carroll – Vocalist

Kim Carroll studied flute and choral music as a youth. During a trip to Latin America in 1994, she was introduced to the rhythms of Salsa and Latin music, and she began her study of world music.  While living in Boulder, Colorado, she worked with both Naropa Institute World Chorus and a West African drum and dance group and learned more about African, Caribbean, and Brazilian music. 

Tony Christopher, Percussionist

Tony Christopher has been teaching percussion for over six years. He attended North Greenville University, and will finish his degree in music performance at Musician’s Institute in Atlanta, GA.  He is a well-known and respected session musician and studio player.

Monty Craig - Guitarist/Bandleader

Grant Cuthbertson - Bassist/Latin Percussionist

Grant Cuthbertson is a Bassist/Latin Percussionist from Asheville, NC. He holds a degree from UNC-Asheville, where he studied jazz performance with Tim Haden.  Throughout the years he has played with many jazz and Latin groups and taught bass lessons.  For the past ten years, Grant has focused his attention to Latin music and directs and arranges for the Asheville-based Latin bands Nuevo Montuno and Ahora Sí. 

Charlie Parker, Flute, Flugelhorn, Trumpet, and Soprano Sax

Charlie Parker is one of South Carolina’s most well-known jazz musicians. With any instrument, Charlie’s solos reflect his creativity and musical genius. He performed with the 246 SC National Guard Army Band for 20 years. Charlie has been the band director at JL Mann High School and Stone Academy, and was on the faculty at USC Upstate and Clemson University. He is on the faculty of North Greenville University as the director of the big band. Charlie is well-known throughout the state because of his 30 years running Parker Music Company.  He received his undergraduate degree in music education from Newberry College, and his master’s from the University of South Carolina.

Ryan “Manito” Wendel, Percussionist

Ryan Wendel owns Manito Percussion and makes custom, hand-crafted congas.  He has taught percussion workshops in many schools.  He plays congas, bongos, cajón, percussion and sings vocals.  Current and former bands include Orquesta Grogus, Moyuba Drum Ensemble (leader), Tambou Fou, Danse Danbala, Two Fisted Cool, and Velvet Jones & the Sex Appeal.  Ryan has studied percussion in Cuba several times. In 2010, Ryan published an instructional DVD covering traditional Cuban drumming.