B A N D B I O S
Serina Tapia began her love of singing at the tender age of 12. With her father’s guidance she started an all girl’s group by age 14. Her passion for music only grew as she joined her father, the late Leroy Tafoya of Mighty Quick and broadened her musical genres. She performed rancheras, cumbias, soul, and R&B at various parties, weddings, and other special events.
Pueblo, CO was just the beginning, as they opened for bands such as, Little Joe y La Familia and La Differenzia. Mighty Quick relocated to Taos, NM, where five cd’s were recorded and Serina showed her vocal ability in the studio on the cd titles “Porque Te Fuistes” and “The Real Deal”.
Serina displayed her writing ability in 2005 when she recorded a 3 song rock demo with her late husband, Jerome Tapia of Chrome. A full 12 song cd followed all written and arranged by Jerome and Serina.
Since her return to Pueblo she has expanded her talents by challenging her vocal range through various styles of music. She has sang for many events, including the Colorado State Fair, Festival Fridays, Latin Jazz and Salsa Soul Party. She joined the Tejano band Bad Habitz of Pueblo, Co in December 2014. Serina yearned for more vocally, and formed her own band with drummer Eric Cruz in 2016, naming it Sonrisa meaning smile in Spanish in memory of her late father Leroy. Sonrisa specializes in all genres of music; Energetic, Emotional and Fun, Serina leaves her vocal impression on all who come to listen and watch her perform.
Serina Tapia
Lead Vocals
Lead guitarist and vocalist Joe Greene has been engaged in the music scene since elementary school. Recognizing his passion early on, he formed his own band as a teenager. He yearned for more and played as many of the local scenes to perfect his eminent guitar playing throughout much of the 90’s.
Joe later attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston Massachusetts, where he learned to perfect his God given talent. Going through a year of training he took his string skills to the next level and established his own personal style to layout the foundation as an innovative musician.
He took a full time job with show band Panama City Beach Florida Clutch in December of 1999. The 9 piece show band toured for 250 days out of the year. But in 2004 Joe took on another tour with fellow musicians from the East Coast up into Maine throughout 2005 making his way to Salty’s by The Sea and working for the beach bar until it closed.
Joe stayed busy working at the five star Holiday Inn resort in Panama City Beach until 2015. His musical journey has led him to Colorado where he has settled in the small town of Boone in July of 2016.
Joe has since joined the band Sonrisa and given a whole new inspiration to the group. He has only brought heart to the band with his soulful sound and fiery style. He continues to amaze crowds when he demonstrates his considerable talent as a musician.
Joe Greene
Lead Guitar/Vocals
Bassist, Lewis Taylor started his music career in the 1980’s in the city that never sleeps, also known as the big apple. New York City would be the place his music roots would be planted and grow. He worked with recording artist Mark Truth and The Liars and established his sound and love of music.
In time as the music went on, he travelled to Virginia where he played in a blues band called Red Hot Blues and learned new ways to incorporate his own style. Looking for new adventure he relocated to Florida where he co-wrote and produced his self-titled cd “Billy Bongster”, which can still be purchased online today at CD Baby.
Lewis since has laid his musical foundation in Pueblo, CO. He has added his funky soul and energetic style to the new band Sonrisa. His fun loving spirit captures the feelings of all who watch and listen to him perform.
Lewis Taylor
Bass
Michael Vigil, newcomer to the live music scene has been with the group since the start of Sonrisa. He plays congas, timbales and all other percussion to give Sonrisa its unique sound.
Mentors who have helped mold his sound have been local percussionists here in Pueblo Co. One of his inspirations is Ramon Ayala, Mexican accordionist and songwriter.
Michael hopes to venture out musically experimenting with keyboards and accordion to advance his music experience. He has put a lot of heart into furthering his musical destiny and challenging himself for new and improved sound. With his passion and determination he will go far on his musical journey.