Ricardo “Tiki” Pasillas, percussion

Born: in Oakland, California

Introduced to music: at age 8 by his mother who arranged piano lessons and guitar lessons for him

Education: won a scholarship to attend a summer session at the Berklee College of Music, Boston

Has performed or recorded: with Marc Anthony, Ricky Martin, Carlos Santana, Michael Jackson, Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Chick Correa, Destiny’s Child, Pete Escovedo, Justo Almario, War, Branford Marsalis, and Juan Pablo Torres, to name a few

As an educator: Mr. Ruiz has taught drum and percussion classes at the Musician’s Institute (Hollywood) and currently on the music faculty at Pasadena City College.

Awards and honours: In addition to a Grammy™ nomination, he has received the Latin Stylist Award from the Musician’s Institute.