The name AZTLAN, is originally derived from the Greek word ASLAN, whiches means "the Lion of Judah", which in represents Jesus Christ (REV. 5:5). The group started in 1993, as a four piece band. Dedicated in helping the poor, homeless, the sick and especially children with terminally ill diseases.

The History of Aztlan, the band has close ties to Santana. In the early days of Santana, there were three performers that were with the original Santana Group Coke Escovedo, Pete Escovedo and Victor Pantoja. These three guys were in classic recordings with Santana, “No One To Depend On”, “Black Magic Woman” and many other songs that were part of Santana’s early success. In the early 70’s they ventured out and started a group called Azteca. Azteca had a 17 year old kid named Neil Schan on guitar from Journey, Tower of Power’s horn section, and other fabulous musicians. There were a total of 25 musicians in this band. After the second album they disbanded. In 1984, Coke Escovedo, the founder of Azteca, passed away on July 13th 1986. In 1994, his son Paris Escovedo resurrected the group with help from Victor Pantoja, Ray Carrion and Pete Perez. The name of Azteca was reborn! Pete Perez, the founder of Nation of Aztlan, toured with Azteca and later with the guys from Tierra, Redbone, Hiroshima, members of Earth, Wind, and Fire and other great artists. Pete felt he wanted to give more and Aztlan was born. At first the group consisted of only four musicians the late great Steve Medrano, Steve Gutierrez, Stave Campos and Pete Perez. Now, the group is 18 musicians strong. In a sense we are Santana’s offspring. Victor Pantoja helped Santana, Azteca and Victor was a big part in forming this group. We love him so much; we call him “Papa” from time to time. Pete Escovedo sits in with us, we call him Uncle Pete. Through the years there has been a lot of copy cats, some who even try to use the name but there will only be one “Nation of Aztlan”.

Through the years this band became, in a sense a group of "Ambassadors of Goodwill", performing and raising money for A.I.D.S. Project Los Angeles, Victims of Nicaragua and Honduras Hurricane and Special Olympics. The band also raised monies for fellow musicians for burial expenses. The band received an "Humanitarian Award" at a recent benefit for Children Services of West Covina. They recently performed for the City of Montebello for "Montebello on the Move", a benefit to raise money for a new pool for the kids of Montebello.

The range of talent from this group has performed at venues such as the House of Blues and the HOP in Los Angeles. The Boat in San Francisco, the Bola Room in Mexico, and several shows in Denver, San Antonio, Memphis, Miami, Orlando and Panama City.

As word got out, more and more caring and dedicated musicians wanted to become involved. The recent band is assembled from All-Stars of Latin and non-Latin recording groups. This band has become prominent and respectable amongst its peers and the public. Each show consists of numbers from their own respectable groups such as AZTECA, EL CHICANO, MALO, TIERRA, WAR AND SANTANA. Each song performed features, at least one of the members in the actual recordings. This group has the best of the best in the industry, from vocals to well diversified musicians. They can play Latin, Salsa, Top 40, beautiful ballads, and even original tunes. The Nation of Aztlan gives a well-balanced sound, with plenty of talent and experience. The band is working on two CD projects to hit both the American and Latin markets. Eventually when the CD's are released portions of the proceeds will be donated back to the children of "Tuesday Child".

For more information: Toll free (800) 806-2871