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

Hi Ian, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I wanted to be able to make my own gigs rather than always be waiting for others to call me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I love playing all types of percussion, and especially leading my band that plays traditional and contemporary Cuban music from the Son/Trova and folkloric styles. We’re unique because not everyone plays music directly from Cuba, and I also love studying in Santiago de Cuba so I have a direct line to master musicians with whom I play.
I got here through a lot of hard work and making connections with different musicians, leaders, and professionals. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s fun.
Overcoming challenges have happened just through perseverance, staying patient, and asking for help when necessary.
So many lessons along the way. The biggest ones are to be thorough, take my time, and be true to the art form.
I want the world to take part in my journey and experience the music and art I make with me.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would go to Barton Springs or Lake Travis to be more secluded. I love food like Hai Ky in Austin, or fancy places like Uchiko.
I also love pastry places like la Patisserie and coffee from Desnudo Coffee or Epoch.
We would check out Cidercade for fun old games, see a movie and food at Alamo Draft House.
See bands at venues like the Continental Club and we could go to the Wildflower center. There’s one more thing I was thinking and I can’t remember right now! It was probably good.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m thankful for all of the executive directors and industry professionals that have mentored me along the way, and continue to do so, like Celia Hughes at Art Spark Texas, Sarah Rinner at YMCA of Greater Austin, Shirlene Justice, education pioneer in Austin, and others like the former executive director of the Austin Symphony, Anthony Corroa.

Website: allrhythms.com

Instagram: @sofritoysumelao or @allrhythms or @ianafry

Facebook: @sofritoysumelao

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZVjcxU3a7hXVrkIWfMPoBw 

Image Credits
Sammy Foster Maikel Alberto Salazar Need to research one person’s name… will let you know

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.