Percussionist Carlos Almeida, originally from South America, grew up listening to and performing Brazilian music. Once settling in Silicon Valley, he toured the U.S and Canada with the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum & Bugle Corps, winning a DCI championship. He established himself as a percussion instructor arranging music and teaching high schools in Santa Cruz and Cupertino.

He has performed throughout Europe with the Mike Cohen Sextet, as well as recording with the Black Tie Jazz Orchestra for the sound track of "Swing -The Movie." He is a veteran of musical theater, doing hundreds of shows in pit orchestras throughout the bay area. He has opened for Natalie Cole and Tony Bennett. He was also Carol Channing's (of Hello Dolly Fame) touring drummer.

Carlos is the leader of the jazz ensemble "Jazz By Design" , corporate event bands "Silicon Vibe" and “Hip Affair”, co-leader of the contemporary Jazz Orchestra Full Spectrum, and owner of Silicon Valley Music agency .