We had the good fortune of connecting with Angelucho Bermudez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Angelucho, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
I still enjoy performing after 50 years in the business. I’m still strong physically and mentally. God has blessed me to stay very active at my age, and I still have the passion and drive to continue to perform.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I had plenty of challenges trying to establish my brand in a city that still wasn’t exposed to the Cuban style music in the late 70’s. It existed but was very limited. It wasn’t easy, but I stayed persistent and continued to play my style of music. It took a while, but it did happen. At the present time, Houston is a major market in the Latin music scene. It has grown immensely. As for lessons learned, I can say that one should firmly believe in what you do, and stick to it, no matter what the obstacles may be.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I have been a Houstonian since 1968, when I arrived from Cuba. I am very familiar with the city; having seen it grow and develop over the years. Being in the industry, as well as a being a foodie myself, I have several restaurants to recommend. For great steak, Brenner’s and Pappas Bros.Steakhouse, Chez Nous a hidden jewel for French cuisine, the Original Ninfa’s in the Second Ward and El Tiempo for good Mexican/American food, Barbecue Inn for family style home cooking and of course, for Cuban food, Cafe Piquet Cuban Cuisine, which is one of the first Cuban restaurants established in Houston.

I think visitors may enjoy a stop at the Galleria to ice skate and shop or a drive through the River Oaks area or a visit to
China Town, with several restaurants and a variety of small shops, offering a great Oriental experience. I would also recommend a visit to Herman Park, as well as the nearby city museums. Miller Outdoor Theater, located in the park, offers many cultural and musical events all year long. Old Town Spring, NASA and San Jacinto Monument are all great, historical places for people to see. Finally, our sports franchises: Houston Astros, Houston Rockets, Houston Dynamos, all three in Downtown Houston, have great venues to catch a game or visit. Toyota Center, home of the Rockets, also hosts major concerts and events all year long. Houston Texans have NRG stadium as their home, on the south side of Houston, near the infamous Astrodome, once referred to as “the eighth wonder”. All are great venues to catch an event or just to tour. If you visit Houston in late February through mid-March, one should experience the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. It offers all sorts of food, rodeo events, shopping, a huge carnival, and of course, top musical acts for the nightly concerts, in conjunction with the rodeo event itself. It is a great Houston tradition and family event.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Celia Cruz was my inspiration and mentor in my youth. I had the privilege of meeting and performing with her and maintaining a relationship for many years. I am grateful for that friendship, both personally and professionally.

Website: https://www.angeluchocopacabana.com

Instagram: Angeluchos CopaCabana & copacabanaangelucho

Linkedin: Angelucho CopaCabana La Candela

Soundcloud: AngeluchosCopaCabana

Facebook: AngeluchosCopaCabana

Youtube: Angelucho CopaCabana

Other: Currently performing at Monarca Modern Mexican Kitchen “GUS” Speakeasy Thursday nights 8pm-12am 26400 Kuykendahl.

COPA Latin Tapas Saturday nights 8pm-12am 110 Vintage Parkway.

Image Credits
Evi Marchany

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.