Sofrito Latin Jazz Quintet was formed in 2009 by flutist Tim Forster and Latin percussionist Tony Padilla. Originally a quartet, the group added a drummer in 2014 to expand its repertoire. This versatile, high energy group performs a unique blend of music including Latin jazz fusion, Afro Cuban, and Brazilian. Sofrito has performed at clubs, festivals, and private events throughout Western NY. Their current performances have been largely dedicated to the unique and extraordinary music of late great Latin flutist, Dave Valentin.

Tim Forster (flute) has performed in the Rochester area as a singer and flutist for the past 40 years. Besides Sofrito he performed, managed and recorded with his daughter jazz vocalist Madeline Forster’s quintet for 8 years, sang in The Bowties a cappella group for 17 years, and is a freelance jazz & Latin flutist for many other projects. He has co-produced 3 albums, and performed as a guest artist on several others. He also is currently a member of another Latin project, the Daniel King Band. Additionally, Tim has been the Music Director for Fairport Canal Days since 2012, and is on the Music Committee for Perinton’s Center Stage summer concert series.

Anyone who knows Tony Padilla (Latin percussion) truly appreciates his love for music & performing. He currently is a national touring artist with The Mambo Kings, performing with Symphonies throughout the US. He has shared the stage with artists such as Steve Gadd, Arturo Sandoval, Paquito D'Rivera, Lou Gramm, Randy Brecker, Sister Sledge, Bob Sneider, and many more. Tony also has performed percussion workshops for students at the Eastman School Of Music, The NYS Music Teachers Association, and various Colleges, High School and Elementary schools. As the proprietor of Primetime Entertainment Tony is active as a performer, studio session artist & educator.

Phil Lake (drummer) graduated from Berklee College Of Music in Boston, MA and is currently an adjunct music faculty member at Finger Lakes Community College in Canandaigua, NY. One of the most sought after session drummers in Rochester, Phil has performed with a wealth of western New York musicians as well as some world renowned artists including The Smothers Brothers, The Platters, Robert Merrill, Al Martino, Frank Gorshin, Al Chez, Wycliff Gordon, Randy Brecker, Jon Faddis, Eddie Daniels, Al Vizzutti, Eric Marienthal, Wayne Burgeron, and others. He is the regular drummer for the Bill Tiberio Band, having recorded 4 CD’s of original contemporary jazz music and appearing annually at the Rochester International Jazz Festival.

Scott Bradley (piano) has been a well known Rochester pianist and trumpet player, teacher, and composer for over 40 years. He performs with The Bill Tiberio Group, Miche Fambro, Swingshift, The Bossa Nova Bradley Brothers and has performed and recorded with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members Hank Ballard and Bo Diddley.

For over 40 years, Rochester bassist Peter Chwazik has performed in acoustic and electric jazz settings in concert halls, festivals, and nightclubs across Europe, Canada, and the US. With trumpeter Herb Smith he co-founded the Freedom Trio, and has also performed and recorded with a wide variety of artists of different genres, including trumpeter Don Cherry, cellist Hank Roberts, and guitarist Trey Anastasio. He performs in the Rochester area with several notable regional artists: Latin jazz quintet Sofrito, vocalists Nancy Kelly and Ronnie Leigh, saxophonists Vince Ercolamento and Seth Carper, and pianists Dino Losito and Andy Calabrese. Peter also leads his own band, Shark Riot, which features him on guitar in an organ trio setting.