Los Cochinos is an established Latin Rock and Soul band, said by many to have been “passed the torch” from Carlos Santana as one of the few original Latin Rock and Soul groups that continue to create and perform new music.  Founded along with Alfonso’s brother Ron Portillo (keyboards), who left the band in 2019, Los Cochinos has grown from a local favorite into a respected force in Northern California’s music scene.

Led by guitarist, songwriter, and creative visionary Alfonso Portillo, the band’s identity is shaped by Alfonso’s expressive guitar work and emotional storytelling, supported by a lineup of seasoned musicians who bring power, groove, and authenticity to every Los Cochinos show.

Los Cochinos has developed a large and loyal following and has released two albums, most recently Patricia, a heartfelt tribute to Alfonso’s mother.  The album reflects the emotional core of Los Cochinos—music that honors family, culture, and the people who shape us. With themes of love, resilience, and legacy woven throughout, Patricia has resonated deeply with fans and introduced the band’s sound to a new generation of listeners.

Their musical style blends Latin rhythms with rock, soul, and jazz elements — a dynamic, energetic, and infectious sound inspired by legendary bands such as Santana, El Chicano, War, and Tower of Power.

The band has performed with El Chicano, Malo, Ozomatli, and many other notable artists, earning recognition throughout the U.S. and internationally.

The Band

• Alfonso Portillo – Founder, songwriter, lead guitarist

• Donald “The Professor” Osborne (Etta James) – Keyboards

• Ric Alexander (Tony! Toni! Toné!) – Saxophone & flute

• John Marin (Jorge Santana) – Vocals, percussion, saxophone

• Daniel Martinez – Vocals

• Fauss Gamulo – Bass

• Raj Gopal – Rhythm guitar

Latin Percussion Section

• Tomas Montano (Carlos Montano Band / George Lopez Tour) – Timbales

• Miguel Martinez – Congas

• Lorenzo “Lonnie” Macon – Drums, vocals, multi‑instrumentalist

Their ballad “Feel the Same” from their debut album continues to receive radio airplay across Northern and Southern California, solidifying the band’s reputation for heartfelt songwriting as well as high‑energy performance.

Come experience Los Cochinos live and see why audiences across generations fall in love with their music. Listen on Spotify, Apple Music, iHeartRadio, and all major streaming platforms.

Reviews

"Best Latin Rock band in the San Francisco Bay Area!"

Jeff Trager, Frazier Trager Presents!

Jeff has over fifty-three years in the music business, from promoting records and concerts to producing and managing.  Jeff has worked with The Rolling Stones, Linda Rondstadt, The Eagles, Curtis Mayfield, Ray Charles, The Gap Band, Pavarotti, The Bee Gees, Moody Blues, Joni Mitchell, Kool & The Gang, Gap Band, Lenny Williams, Rick Stevens and Ike & Tina Turner, among others.  

"Los Cochinos, a critically acclaimed Latin Rock band known for their energetic live performances and catchy original songs, will be showcasing their exceptional musical talents and original songs at the highly anticipated Latin Rock on the Dock music festival, July 27, 2024, which is expected to draw in a large crowd of music enthusiasts and fans" 

Dr. Annie Rodriguez, Booking agent for Los Cochinos and CEO-Promoter at Latin Rock Inc.,Legacy

"Two great SF Latin Rock bands take the stage this Saturday, each with a slight twist on the genre. Puro Bandido take all the classic elements, the driving percussion and wailing distorted guitar, but give it a high-energy R&B backbeat-like Santana , but faster. Los Cochinos take that same percussion-heavy Latin groove and screaming guitar lines, but slow the tempo way down to smooth soul territory. Members of each band have performed and recorded with Santana at some point in their careers. It shows in their incredible chops"

A.D., Metro Silicon Valley Magazine

"SF Carnaval-Here is a partial list of this year's performing bands, as they are well worth mentioning for those out-of-towners wanting to know what is happening in the San Francisco Bay: Los Cochinos"

Chuy Varela, Latin Beat Magazine/KCSM Radio

"Los Cochinos are a newer group but have been rapidly climbing the ladder and being mentioned alongside all of the legends. The only way a new band can do that in such a short time is by being dynamic. That's what Los Cochinos are...DYNAMIC!"

Arturo Gastelum, Old City Entertainment

"All three bands are great, but the band that genuinely speaks to me is Los Cochinos. They remind me of the days when I used to go to see the Paladins and The Blazers at the Palamino in LA. I hope people come out for this show because this is the groove that just makes people feel good!"

Stephanie Daulton, Urban Music News

Follow Los Cochinos

Want info on Los Cochinos performance dates, CD releases and merchandise? 

Follow us below...