Founder & Band Leader

Musical director of the Mambo Jazz Kings. He is the glue that Art Lopez is the founder and keeps the act together and the driving force behind this entertainment package. On stage he is the lead/rhythm guitar player. Art has played with many bands throughout his life. He started off playing the drums at an early age but in high school made the switch to guitar. His local mentors growing up were, “The Boogie Kings” and “The TSU Tornados.” Arts style of direction and influence for the Mambo Jazz Kings has ome from none other than the great Tower of Power.  Art lays down a sweet and smooth melody that keeps the audience groovin every time the band takes the stage!

Now a Houston resident , Brad is originally from Chicago, Illinois.He graduated from VanderCook College of Music, in Chicago, earning the degree Bachelor of Music Education. In addition to professional musician work, Brad is also a private lesson teacher with the CyFair Independent School District. 

During college, Brad held the positions of principal trumpet and lead trumpet with the VanderCook College Of Music Symphonic and Jazz bands.

Since 1969, Brad has been active as a trumpet player with numerous Chicago and Houston area bands, for various private and public music performance engagements, including a performance at one of the 2009 Presidential Inaugural Balls held in Washington, DC.

Brad maintains busy performance and teaching schedules, and among Houston area bands he has performed with as lead trumpet are “Echoz”, “Twist And Shout”, “Midlife Crisis”, “Funksion”, and “The Mambo Jazz Kings”, as well as working as an on-call professional trumpet player.

Brad’s primary musical influence is Doc Severinsen. He currently performs primarily on Scodwell Standard / Las Vegas and Benge trumpets.

Theodore “Ted” Ludwig, III, born in New Orleans began playing saxophone professionally at the age of 12. Ted graduated from Loyola University, while in college he toured with Wayne Cochran and the CC Riders and Ray Charles. Ted has performed with Cannonball Adderley, Herbie Hancock, Ike and Tina Turner, Jerry Lee Lewis and many other artists. Ted has also performed on various television shows such as All-American College show, Midnight Special, In Concert (Saturday Night Live) to name a few.     Ted’s style and passion for Rhythm and Blues, Jazz and Rock came from his deep roots in New Orleans. Ted plays Alto and Tenor saxophone with the full soulful sound from his years of experience and musical influences.  

Guitarist Fritz Shiring is originally from Pittsburgh, PA but has lived in Houston for over 25 years. Having enjoyed music with friends in high school and afterwards, his love for music was rekindled when he moved to Houston. Starting out jamming with new friends, he eventually ventured out to the local blues scene open mike jams. After meeting and playing with numerous local musicians, it eventually led to offers to join several bands. At one point he was playing over 50 gigs a year. His signature artists are Carlos Santana, SRV, Eric Clapton, Joe Bonamassa, Steve Cropper, Jimmy Hendrix, Johnny Guitar Watson, Joe Pass, BB King and Jeff Beck. A strong believer in blues, jazz, rock and funk he continues to learn and enjoying playing guitar. Looking forward to a new start with the Mambo Jazz Kings! ..

Welcome Back!  Ron Davis is back with the band for the 2nd time.  Ronnie is an experienced, well-versed veteran of piano and musical keyboards and is back with the Mambo Jazz Kings.

A Houston native, Ronnie was born with an inclination for music.  Attending Kashmere High School, Ronnie was always enthused with the trumpet and piano.  While attending Kashmere HS, Ronnie was fortunate to study music from the renowned music instructor, Conrad O. Johnson.  Ronnie has a love for Jazz and other related music genres.

Ronnie also is a proud veteran of the United States Army and served proudly with an Honorable Discharge. (served during Vietnam Era and Desert Storm)

Beyond the music, Ronnie' life is harmonized by the love of his life, his wife of 27 years or more of companionship.  Together Ronnie and his wife built two strong and loving families, blessed with four adult loving children.  Amidst the melodies of life, Ronnie has found harmony in the beautiful symphony of love, support and unity.  Performing with several bands in the Houston area, Ronnie is now a 2nd time member of the Mambo Jazz Kings.  Approaching his golden years, and a member of the “American Federation of Musicians”, Local No. 65-699, these are all Blessings Ronnie will always be thankful for.

Ernest Gonzalez Jr., was born with talent and is gifted with an ear for music. As a toddler Ernest would sit on the high chair and bang the table with the baby spoon, Ernest enjoyed sitting on the floor and bang on pots. Ernest had a passion for music, drumming, piano and trumpet. Ernest is very self motivated and diligently practice playing the drums for hours. By the age of four years old Ernest would sit on his father’s drum set with the headset hanging over his ears for hours. Ernest self taught himself to play the drums and never took drum lessons. At the age of six years old Ernest enrolled himself for a talent show at “Life Tabernacle Church”. Ernest received a standing ovation and won 2nd place music trophy after he played a drum solo to the song “Can’t stop the Music” by Lanny Wolf. Ernest attended “Christian Academy” and was elected to the youth drummer for the chapel services. I, joined the “Falcon’s School Band” and played the trumpet, and drums. By the age of seven years old I then began taking piano lessons for 5 years and took part in playing at several recitals and received several piano pins award. Ernest received numerous music achievement awards recognition for: First Division Band,  Most Talented, Excellence in Band, special recognition for Service in Chapel, and Outstanding Musician for Worship Ministry given by “Gulf Meadows Church”. In my early teens I was accepted to join the church orchestra and went on tour with the church music group to play at various churches. As I, became of age and venture off drumming for various “Country Music Artists”, ‘Motown Bands” and “Tejano Music”. I had the privilege to play for Governor Rick Perry reception party in Austin, Texas and performed for the “Welcome Back Soldier” from Iraq with Sinbat in Savannah Georgia, Mathew Knowles father of (Beyonce Knowles) contract Ernest Gonzalez to go on tour with the Music World Entertainment Theatrical Productions in October 31, 2003 through December 07, 2003. In February 28 and 29, 2020 I was requested to play at the Rodeo for “Rewind Texas” band at the LoneStar Cowboy tent. In addition I got to sit in with Clay Walker (County Artist), Johnny Gill (R&B Motown), and Ali Wooder (Temptation). As a drummer I enjoy playing all kind of music such as Motown, R&B, Country, Salsa, Tejano, Reggae, and Jazz