Eduardo Martínez Arvilla (Eduardo Palo Cuero) was born in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, a city rich with African, Spanish, and aboriginal cultures and traditions. His studies in Afro-Colombian drumming began as a young boy, immersed in his city’s oral history and music. He learned drumming and gaita from some of the most respected masters of the tradition, including Estefania Caisedo, Singer (Cantadora) and Songwriter, and two of the most famous and respected Afro-Colombian drummers, Paulino Salgado (aka, Batata III) and Encarnación Tovar. He attended Escuela de Las Bellas Artes where he honed his skills as a master musician. He is a professional percussionist, gaitero and workshop leader, and has traveled around the world representing his country and culture. He has toured with Ballet Nacional de Colombia as well as with many famous artists including, Petrona Martinez, Totó La Momposina, Justo Almario, Chelito de Castro, Checo Acosta and won a Grammy as a studio musician for Carlos Vives. Although based in Los Angeles, Eduardo continues to travel back to his homeland to be nourished by his ancestral roots. Eduardo has dedicated his career to performance, investigation and teaching.