Mexico City-born bassist Saúl Sierra has performed with Latin music royalty including Poncho Sanchez, Paquito D’Rivera, Arturo Sandoval and Giovanni Hidalgo. A Berklee College of Music graduate who earned the Outstanding Performer award, he’s been a vital presence in the Bay Area scene for 25 years.

Since moving to San Francisco in 1999, Sierra has been a member of leading bands including The John Santos Sextet, Bobi Cespedes’ band and Dr. Loco’s Rocking Jalapeño Band. He’s a founding member of Vission Latina, The VLTrio and El Tren Trio, which he co-leads with Carlos Caro, Julio Perez and Marco Díaz. His extensive collaborations have ranged from Zakir Hussain and Peter Erskine to Charlie Musselwhite and Pete Escovedo, among many others. His most recent album with the Saúl Sierra Quintet, 2024’s Caminos, features an eight-part suite based on a single melody arranged in styles from across the Americas, from Uruguayan candombe to Mexican son jarocho, with guests including John Santos, Braulio Barrera, Edgardo Cambon, Jackie Rago and Anthony Blea.