Percussionist Miguel Vega & His International Latin Orchestra performed locally as long-time house band at the Celebrity Lounge – continuing through 1963 when the club became known as the New Celebrity. They also performed at Harold’s Club on North Charles, Club Continental on Howard Street, Cy Bloom’s Place in The Alley, and many union gigs. Throughout the ‘60s Vega and his group could also be seen at the Latin Casino (before it became a rock club), El Caribe, Bunny’s Place, Leonardo’s, and as house band at the V.I.P. Lounge…
In 1952 while in New York Vega was offered the opportunity to play bongos for Latin bandleader Xavier Cougat. At the time he was starting a family in Baltimore and declined the offer. He and his group continued to play the local club circuit.
Photos courtesy of Tony Vega
During the ‘60s Miguel Vega’s International Combo featured Miguel (who ran his own barber shop at the New Howard Hotel) on timbales and vocals, his brother Jose Vega on Congas, Ashton Fletcher (who later played with Bobby Vinton, Frank Sinatra, Donny & Marie, Aretha Franklin, Neil Diamond…) on bass, and Helmut Licht (piano). Jose Vega was later replaced with Andre Breckenridge on congas.
Miguel Vega circa 1961 – from Bernie Lit’s Playboy weekly
The group recorded at Flite Three Studios and released a 4-song 7” EP record on Vega Records in 1965. A single on Dome Records circa 1967 or 1968 featured vocalist Phyllis Pearson and songs written and arranged by Helmut Licht.
Breckinridge also led his own combo, Los Tremendos who played in various clubs in Baltimore and Washington… Fletcher continued to perform with many artists including groups led by Greg Thompkins, Paula Hatcher… Licht went on to form his own Quartet that was later known as Fresh Wind, and Scorpio Rising…
Vega’s son Tony Vega (see bio) followed in his dad’s musical footsteps becoming a locally well-known and highly regarded multi-instrumentalist.
1965(EP) Vega 2203 Cuando Calienta El Sol / Salta Perico b/w Mia A Ver Quien Es / El Peletero
196* Dome 4016 It’s All Over / Happy Calypso
