Stage Plot - 6 Piece
Joel Stopka discovered his passion for Afro-Cuban music while studying Music Education and Trombone Performance at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. Performing with local favorites, Orquesta Antonetti and Las Figuras Del Merengue, Joel's zeal was further ignited as he was exposed to many different styles of Latin music. He feels very fortunate to have learned from such a talented group of musicians at the crossroads of intercultural exchange in the US.
In 1991, Joel moved to Chicago and was prominent in the music scene writing, producing and performing with local groups and touring artist such as: Orquesta 809 (Isla), Orquesta Sabor, Los Mantas, DLG (Dark Latin Groove), Poi Dog Pondering, Frankie Ruiz, Lalo Rodriguez, Raphael de Jesus, Cheo Feliciano, Charlie Cruz, Huey Dunbar, Cano Estremera, Michael Stuart and Jimmy Bosch.
Joel moved to Roanoke in southwest Virginia in 2005 where he quickly became the go-to musician in every local band with a horn section. He's performed on the albums, “Former Champion” (Lazy Man Dub Band), “Sure Ain’t Easy” (Half Moon) and recordings with Music Road Co and Seedpicker.
Joel Stopka has been leading, composing and arranging for his signature project, Jstop Latin Soul, along with partner Brian Mesko, since spring 2018. The group has released it's latest recording of Afro-Cuban jazz pieces; "Rumbalike" featuring the renowned New York recording artist and saxophone virtuoso, Ken Hitchcock. (1956–2022)