Conjunto Alegre which means: Happy Band, was created by Aquiles Montas in September 1987 after breaking way from his previous latin band with his friend Pedro Beltran Ritmo Tropical in January 1984. Aquiles brought vocalist Manuela Figueroa, Rogerto Cruz and percussionist Amador Marcano.

Since then Alegre has been performing at festivals such as Rose Festival, Cinco Mayo, Salsa en la Calle, Mt Hood Jazz, Mayors Ball, Eugene Celebration, Salem Art Fest, Seattle Folklife, Victoria Brittish Columbia and many more plus most Universities in Oregon and Washington.

Conjunto Alegre has been selected to represent the NW Latin Music by sharing the stage with Many International and local acts such as: Tito Puente; Guilberto Santa Rosa; Oscar de Leon; Gran Combo; Grupo Niche; Oro Solido and many more. Has won many awards as Best Latin Band by the US Army 1994 and Best Latin Song at the Portland Mayors Ball and the Musician Association 1998. And selected to perform for Cirque du Soleil 1999 in Portland and 2000 in Seattle.

What make Conjunto Alegre different from other latin band in the NW is the variety of music styles they play, such as: Salsa from Puerto Rico and Cuba; Merengue and Bachata from the Dominican Republic; Cumbia from Colombia and El Salvador/Mexico; Chachacha and also many songs in English.

Montas love for the music shows on stage with his high energy playing his instruments, directing the band, dancing, communicating with his singers on stage and must of all the connection with the audience involvement, giving them the atmosphere of being in the Caribbean Islands.

He has also been the promoter of latin music in Portland, helping other musicians start and support their groups as they break away from Alegre Such as singers: Manuela Figueroa, Edwin Vasquez, Iisa Perez, Javier Tavares, Douglas Cruz, Familia Martinez, Oscar Herrera.
Also creating the first group of DJs, dance instructors, dance groups.

You can look for Conjunto Alegre in the summer park concerts bringing the best out of young audience.