Vasquez Productions is owned by Ricardo Vasquez, musician. Ricardo plays marimba along with several percussive instruments including drum set, timpani, bass drum, snare drum, bells, and cymbals. He performs both on a solo basis and with area bands. Ricardo offers live music performances of classical, seasonal and traditional melodies played on the marimba. Ricardo also tunes pianos.
Ricardo Vasquez was diagnosed with Autism as a child. Since the 3rd grade, music has been an important part of his life – he learned language, reading and math skills through musical connections. While in middle school, Ricardo began playing marimba and has since become a talented musician.
Over the past few years, Ricardo has played percussion in the Zor Shrine Band as well as the Sugar River Band and performed as a Baritone vocalist in the St. Joseph’s choir. He has also held solo marimba performances at area churches, nursing homes and fundraisers. He has been featured on Madison’s Channel 3 News and on the front page of the Capital Times Newspaper, and on October 7th, 2014 Ricardo was a guest on CW57’s Talk of the Town. Ricardo also has an exclusive YouTube performance featuring one of his favorite Latin songs, Besame Mucho
Ricardo has gotten very positive feedback about his abilities as a musician and the inspiration of his musical performance. People are often amazed by Ricardo’s abilities as a musician, given the degree that Autism has affected other areas of his life.
Since engaging in small scale promotional activities and piano tunings, Ricardo has been booking at least two performances each month, while on busy months scheduling 5-6 performances. Ricardo distinguishes himself through his talent, professionalism and charisma; never seeing his disability as a crutch but more as a gift. Never having to utilize sheet music, and barely requiring more than a week to master new songs, listeners are inspired by his abilities as a musician. His choice of music primarily classical, traditional, lounge, Latin, and Irish melodies, provide a unique combination with the instrument he plays. His repertoire appeals to many listeners and he also offers interactive “sing along” performances. For more information on his current prices, please contact us.
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Awards and Recognition
Ricardo’s tireless commitment to excellence, work ethic and amazing abilities have earned him recognition from local and national organizations, including:
2010 Entrepreneur of the Year, Runner Up
2011 Self Employment/ Business Owner of the Year
Future Horizon’s 2011 and 2013 Temple Grandin Award
July 2011 Wisconsin State Journal’s Sundays Best Featured Artist
2011 APSE Award
2015 Arc of Dane County Self Advocate Award
Whether it be at home practicing daily or in the studio recording one of his many CDs, Ricardo never lets his Autism get in the way!