Biography

Smitty has an extensive and broadened background since his humble beginnings as a singer/performer at the young age of five. Since then, he has performed in over 100 Southern California venues as well as extensive tours through Japan, Hong Kong, Seoul, Korea, The Philippines, Australia, Mexico and the U.S. In his travels, he has found himself in other roles such as acting in television’s “Room 222” and featured in film work “The Blues Brothers” and “Fade to Black.” Smitty is also an accomplished studio musician/vocalist and has worked with such talents as Isaac Hayes, David Potter, Rufus, Carla Thomas, The Platters, The Supremes, Eric Burden and Jim Messina. His talents don’t end there…He has been a staff songwriter with London Records Company working with Al Green, Ann Peebles and The Fifth Dimensions. He opened for the Commodores, Isley Brothers, Jerry Lee Lewis, Cameo, Dionne Warwick, Kool And The Gang and Tony Tone Toni. His most recent project was the portrayal of martin Luther King, Jr. role in a musical play “Visions” that is scheduled for release in January 2010. Smitty also has just finished a pilot television show called “SANG,” for his own production company. Smitty is also the “voice’ and face of the number 1 MTV Video Starring “The Game, with the song “Dreams” released in July 2005.

Lil’ Sonny Harrison has worked and recorded with Pacific Gas & Electric, Bobby Womack, Little Anthony and The Imperials, Luther Ingram, The Young Hearts, Taste Of Honey, Edwin Starr & Mandrill. He brought his musical talents along with him touring with Star Light Pacific in Japan; U.S. also Toured with Bob Marley and Little Anthony; Southern Tour with Soul legend, Bobby Womack.

Valerie was born in Quezon City, Philippines and was raised in California. She started singing concurrently with playing piano at the age of seven. She was studying classical music under the strict training of Lara Vaisman, a famed classical concert Russian Pianist. Developing her vocal talents, she was taken under the wing of Smitty for two years before joining the United World Orchestra. She is featured on two songs from UWO's CD “Song Be” soon to be released this year. She can easily be spotted as the beautiful vocalist with a soft voice and the shortest member (Don’t laugh!)

Carlos Luna aka Charlie O, is a native of California. He attended St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland where he earned a B.A. in Literature and Philosophy. Carlos then moved to Los Angeles and eventually became a full-time freelance Trombone player, thereby reaffirming his commitment never to learn a useful trade. He plays a wide variety of music, appearing regularly in jazz, rock, swing, and especially Latin bands throughout Southern California and beyond. Carlos performs early music at Renaissance fairs and also plays occasionally in chamber music and orchestral settings. Carlos studied trombone with Dick Shearer of Stan Kenton’s band and later played in a band led by the late great Bobby Bryant. Carlos has worked at Universal Studios, (in Los Angeles), and has appeared on a number of television shows and movies, including “JAG” and “The Gilmore Girls”. Carlos likes playing with United World Orchestra because, like him, they draw their musical inspiration from many different sources and above all, “These cats really jam.”

Jeff Bromstad is also a percussionist and songwriter who began his musical career by playing on pots and pans in his mother’s kitchen in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He first performed live at eight years old, and since then has earned a degree in music from the University of Wisconsin, toured with several Midwest-based bands, and acted as music consultant/songwriter for corporate events and marketing/communications projects. Jeff’s signature sounds are Latin jazz, jazz, big band, afro-Cuban, funk, reggae, and the blues.

Ruben Yanez< Percussions> played for more than 20 years. His father was also a musician. He was the percussionist for the group REDBONE. He also played for Carl Anderson (Judas Of Jesus Christ superstar), Brenda Lee Eager, Nikki Harris, Leon N’dugu Chancellor, Vondie Curtis Hall, Freda Payne, Poncho Sanchez and many others. He studied at Los Angeles City College. He is a featured percussionist on the soon to be released CD on DreamWorks Records with Carol Stevenson. He is also an accomplished studio musician.

Andy Armenta Andy is our incognito musician. Born and raised in Anaheim, California, Andy began playing trumpet at the age of 12. Andy’s first gig at the age of 15 was with his Uncle’s Latin band. He frequented the music programs at Cypress, Orange Coast and Cerritos College. He later received a scholarship to attend the Rafael Mendez Brass Institute at Arizona State. Andy has played with many Southern California dance bands throughout the years. He also teaches privately, (when he has time) at the local intermediate and high schools. He plays on a Callichio Classic 7 trumpet using a modified Shilke 6A4A mouthpiece.

Paul E. Pate Paul is a highly trained musician currently working on his Masters degree in Music. His career consists of numerous tours with University ensembles, including a tour of China and the opportunity to perform at the Shanghai Jazz festival. He has performed with such jazz greats as Bob Sheppard, Rob Lockhart, Vince Mendosa, Bill Perkins, and so many more. Paul also teaches students of all ages and has 38 music schools in and around Los Angeles County. He is a well-respected and requested musician and we are proud to have him as a member of UWO.

Luke Miller Growing up in New York, North Carolina and New Mexico, Luke was exposed to many different styles of music. He began classical training at the age of five and played in several Rock, R&B, and new age bands throughout high school and college. Playing with the JD Hall Band, Rebbesoul, and other original projects, Luke circulated the Los Angeles and orange county music scene for many years. If you can’t find Luke on stage, then he is probably in his other office- the soccer field. His passion for music is rivaled only for his love for coaching children of all ages. Around Los Angeles, he coaches several club and high school soccer teams. Currently, He says,” I’m excited to be a part of the undeniable talent and excitement that UWO offers”. We are proud to have him also.