Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Daniel Peña's career as a percussionist began at the age of 8 years old, when he first learned how to play the cowbell. Coming from a rich musical legacy also helped shape Daniel's passion for music. His father, a classically trained accordionist, and Daniel's grandfather, a "tamborero" (tumbadora drum player) playing "perico ripiao" styled merengue, were great influences in Daniel's youth. Daniel's fire for music ignited into full blaze after attending Fania All Star salsa legends Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz' stellar performance in his native country, realizing that his passion for music was larger than what he intended it to be. Although Daniel used the Fania sound as his guide for percussionist training, he joined an evangelical church band while taking classes with Roberto Arias and Carlos De Leon, learning to play congas and timbales. Later on, the noted Rigo Irrizarry trained Daniel utilizing the Fania sound, creating an indelible mark in Daniel's musical training. "The great body of work that the 'Fania Sound' provides is like a university of music. It's a school of our great Latin American heritage and it is an honor to bring that love and respect I have for Fania in everything I do." Moving to Miami in 1999, Daniel played with Ana Mendez and the Rumbo del Caribe band, making many of his dreams as a musician come true. He played in the Tite Curet Alonso tribute concert alongside Fania greats Larry Harlow, Adalberto Santiago, Tito Allen, Justo Betancourt among other Fania All Star legends. Daniel frequently collaborates with another noted composer, producer and bandleader of "La Riqueña", Marlow Rosado, playing with Tito Puente Jr.'s Orquestra. Traveling the world and recording has made Daniel into one of Miami's top percussionists, playing with Jerry Rivera, Jose Alberto "El Canario", Ismael Miranda, Ray de la Paz, Charlie Cruz, Cano Estremera, Cuco Valoy, Anthony Cruz, Roberto Torres, Lebron Brothers, José Bello and Henry Fiol to mention just a few. Daniel's most recent projects include Tito Puente Jr's last album called “Got Mambo?" in 2010 and currently recording a new album with Marlow Rosado and "La Riqueña”, which will be released in 2011. In progress is also his very own album showcasing his percussion style crossing salsa and latin jazz into a unique musical fusion. Not only will Daniel be recording his sound, but the album will be written and produced by the percussion master himself. Great acknowledgment of Daniel's talent, dedication and passion for music has lead to the 5+ year endorsement by Remo®, the worldwide drumhead company. Most recently, Daniel has been endorsed by Soultone Handmade Turkish Cymbals, who has a rapidly growing roster of respected artists - from nearly every genre and style of music - with a reputation for excellence and Vic Firth, who isthe #1 stick and mallet company in the world. Out of all the Fania greats, Daniel’s biggest influence has to be the great Johnny Pacheco, for his musical legacy is what makes me want to become a better percussionist out of respect for the great musicians that are a part of the past, the present and future of Latin Music". Daniel Peña's conga will play at the beat of his audience's heart for a long time to come.