About Iris
Behind the music.
From long-standing collaborations to her own songs, Iris’s work extends across recordings, concert performances and education.
Recordings & original work
Collaborations.
Original songs.
Iris’s recording collaborations with Israel “Cachao” López and Andy García include Cuba Linda and the GRAMMY-winning ¡Ahora Sí!
As a bandleader and songwriter, she develops her own repertoire through Dos Palabras, “Mi Ochún,” “Vete Por Donde Viniste” and “Pecado Bendito.”
Performance
A life on stage.
Iris performed at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024 with Andy García & The CineSon All-Stars. Her appearances also include Catalina Jazz Club, the 41st Imagen Awards, LACMA, The Music Center, Soka Performing Arts Center, San Jose Jazz Summer Fest and Calle Ocho.
Her tributes to Celia Cruz with Havana Secret Orquesta carry a Cuban musical legacy into the present. Film and television credits include Original Sin, The Lost City, How to Be a Latin Lover and Cane.
Education
Sharing the tradition.
Iris’s teaching includes the Afro-Latin music program at California State University, Los Angeles, and the World Music program at Los Angeles College of Music.
For workshops, residencies and educational programming, contact Oscar to discuss a program suited to your institution.
For presenters
Bring Iris
to your stage.
Concerts, festivals, cultural programs and education. Contact Oscar Merino to discuss repertoire, ensemble configuration and the right format for your audience.