JULIE ACOSTA, TRUMPET

Julie “Jewls” Acosta was born in New Jersey into a Dominican family and raised in Miami, Florida where the Cuban culture dominates. Initially trained as a classical trumpeter, Jewls was surrounded by the language and music of the Caribbean and she took to that style very naturally. She has embraced the many 'dialects' of trumpet playing in NY, from Latin, to Mariachi, to Soul, to Jazz, Rock and Pop. After more than 10 years on the Latin scene she has performed with Latin greats such as the late Celia Cruz, Gilberto Santarosa, La India, Jose Alberto "El Canario", Pedrito Martinez, Ismael Miranda, Cheo Feliciano, Rey Ruiz, Los Hermanos Lebron and many more. 

Julie studied Classical trumpet at Florida International University. She moved to New York City to study classical/jazz at SUNY Purchase,  but primarily to learn from the multi-genre masters that permeate the live music scene. She is recognized for her unique ability to make almost anything swing. Julie is one of the hippest, most humble, professional, talented and natural musicians around sought after for her warm, big and edgy sound and her ability to adapt to any musical situation. Her skills shine as an arranger, lead and support section player, background singer, auxiliary percussionist, and teacher. Those who know her refer to her as a "Powerhouse". 

Julie co-leads a band with her brother singer/songwriter Giovanni Almonte. This highly progressive group of elite NYC musicians has functioned as a vehicle for her ambitious ideas to be played and heard. Their debut album “High vs Low” was released in 2009 and received acclaim from the New York Times, Latin Jazz Corner where it received a nomination for album of the year, People Magazine Latino and many more. They are currently working on a new project.

She has been part of many Cumbia, Merengue, and Latin Pop groups such as Latin Grammy nominee Cucu Diamantes with whom she sings and plays trumpet.  Julie is also a member of ' Mariachi Flor de Toloache', a successful traditional and fusion all-female Mariachi group.

Julie recently completed a 3 year tour with 15 time Grammy-Award winning Singer/Songwriter Alejandro Sanz on his World-Wide tour 'La Musica No Se Toca''. She appears on the cover of the live DVD recording of 'La Musica No Se Toca'.

Julie has most recently recorded trumpet and vocals with Dan Auerbachs (lead singer of 'The Black Keys') new project called 'The Arcs' for their upcoming release entitled 'Yours Dreamily'.