René Avila

René Avila is an educator in both the public and private school systems, as well as a basketball coach for middle schoolers. He is also a band leader and bass player for an Afro-Cuban jazz ensemble in addition to his traditional Cuban Charanga Orchestra "Charangueo." Both of his projects perform at various venues and festivals in the Chicago metropolitan area.

René got his start in playing string bass during his early years and later as a cellist during his musical studies in college. Besides teaching general music, he also teaches violin, cello and guitar at The Puerto Rican Arts Alliance. 

As a musician, René was influenced by legendary Chicago radio icon Victor Parra, originator and host of "The Mambo Express" radio program, which focused on traditional Cuban music and its evolution to the US. Since then, René has studied and researched Cuban music, and is a very serious and passionate advocate of this music. He enjoys sharing it with others on Mambo Inn and through his bands' performances, keeping the tradition alive.