LIVING LEGEND MASTER PERCUSSIONIST
Award-winning performer, producer, songwriter, and master Latin
percussionist with 60+ years of live performance experience.
On The Move With
CHILLIE WILLIE GROOVE
Lifetime award-winning Latin percussionist and multi-instrumentalist
CHILLIE WILLIE GROOVE
Chillie Willie Groove is a celebrated performing artist, music producer, arranger, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist whose career spans more than 60 years of powerful performances across the globe. Known for his commanding presence and soul-stirring percussion style, Chillie Willie is a Latin percussionist, drummer, guitarist, and keyboardist whose artistry blends technical mastery with deep emotional storytelling.
Throughout his career, Chillie Willie has performed nationally and internationally, including appearances across the United States and abroad in Germany, France, Iceland, Amsterdam, and Mexico. His impressive concert history includes performing with or opening for legendary artists such as Chuck Mangione, Tito Puente, Poncho Sanchez, Lionel Hampton, the Duke Ellington Orchestra (Mercer Ellington), Tower of Power, Spyro Gyra, Hubert Laws, Marion Meadows, Bootsy Collins, Jimmy Cliff, and George Benson, among many others.
60+
YEARS PERFORMING
Six decades of live performances across multiple styles.
15+
Legendary Artists
Performed with / opened for icons like Tito Puente, Chuck Mangione, Poncho Sanchez, Spyro Gyra, Tower of Power, George Benson, etc.
5+
Countries Toured
Performed across the U.S. and internationally in Germany, France, Iceland, Amsterdam (Netherlands), and Mexico.
Past Performance Highlights
Chillie Willie Groove has delivered unforgettable live performances across premier venues and respected jazz festivals nationwide and abroad. His stage history includes appearances at the Playboy Jazz Festival, Long Beach Jazz Festival, Catalina Island Jazz Festival, Sedona Jazz Festival, and the New Haven International Festival of Arts & Ideas, among others—bringing world-class musicianship and timeless groove to audiences of all ages.
International Festival of Art and Ideas
“Shake Your Body Baby” isn’t just a Chillie Willie song title, it’s a lifestyle. William Portela, aka “Chillie Willie Groove," fuses funk, rhythm and blues, soul, smooth jazz, and salsa influences into a dynamite dance floor invitation. Chillie Willie has toured with Angela Bofill, Phyllis Hyman, Tom Browne, and has opened for Spyro Gyra, Chuck Mangion, Bootsy Collins, and Jimmy Cliff, among others.
JazzZone's Society Lifetime Living Legend Award
They were looking out for people on the rise…25 years or more,” said Latin percussionist Chillie Willie Groove (Williams Portela) about garnering the Lifetime Living Legend Award (2023) from the Los Angeles/Long Beach JazzZone Society.
Chillie Willie Groove's Band at the Historic Dunbar Restaurant
That day at the Historic Dunbar the Chillie Willie Groove Band performed like they were performing on the Grammy Awards before millions of people. The members of the Chillie Willie Groove Band were seasoned professionals and icon musicians
Latest Release: It’s a Great Day (2025) — Chillie Willie Groove featuring Lennox B
🎶 Now streaming on all platforms | 🎥 Official video on YouTube
The official music video, titled “It’s a Great Day”, is available now on YouTube, and the single is streaming on all major platforms worldwide. With its universal message and infectious groove, It’s a Great Day continues Chillie Willie Groove’s legacy of creating music that speaks to the mind, body, soul, and spirit.
LATEST RELEASE
"IT'S A GREAT DAY" CHILLIE WILLIE GROOVE FT. LENNOX
Chillie Willie Groove’s latest release, “It’s a Great Day” (2025), is an uplifting, internationally relatable anthem celebrating positivity, resilience, and the power of perspective. Featuring Lennox B, the track blends Chillie Willie’s signature groove with vibrant rhythm and feel-good energy that resonates across cultures and generations.
A look into our artist portfolio
See why Chillie Willie Groove is known as a true “performance artist.” This portfolio includes select live footage, signature grooves, and featured collaborations—showcasing the sound and stage presence available for festivals, venues, private events, and special engagements.
International Arts and Ideas Festival Live Appearance Concert
William Portela, aka “Chillie Willie Groove," fuses funk, rhythm and blues, soul, smooth jazz, and salsa influences into a dynamite dance floor invitation. Chillie Willie has toured with Angela Bofill, Phyllis Hyman, Tom Browne, and has opened for Spyro Gyra, Chuck Mangion, Bootsy Collins, and Jimmy Cliff, among others. Scoot your boot to the mainstage to experience this “unconventional percussionist”
Full Concert + Interview: Tribute to Tito Puente & Mongo SantaMaria
Recorded live at the legendary Catalina Jazz Club on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles, this performance showcases the incredible 23-piece Los Angeles Mambo Latin Jazz Orchestra, led by acclaimed Music Conductor Bobby Chavez. From dynamic percussion and powerful horn lines to classic Latin jazz arrangements filled with energy and tradition, this concert captures the spirit, history, and soul of Latin Jazz at its finest.
Renowned Latin Percussionist Chillie Willie Groove
This live performance is more than music—it’s a conversation with the audience. With deep pocket, spiritual rhythm, and masterful percussion, Chillie Willie Groove delivers a feel-good experience that moves the mind, body, soul, and spirit.
Art Webb Celebration of Life | Granada All-Star Orchestra Feat. Chillie Willie Groove
Captured live, this event brings together outstanding musicians to commemorate Art Webb with music that reflects the spirit of love, remembrance, and community. From powerful arrangements to soulful grooves, the Granada All-Star Orchestra delivers an unforgettable performance filled with respect, excellence, and deep musical emotion.
Sounds of Tucson: A Local Music Documentary
This documentary highlights Tucson’s local music scene and the incredible artists helping shape its sound and culture. Please support these musicians by attending their shows, sharing their work, and keeping local music alive.
A huge thank you to every artist who contributed to this project—your talent, time, and energy made this film possible.
Directed by: Mike Nunoz & Dyan Dube
Edited by: Mike Nunoz
Cinematography: Dyan Dube, Mike Nunoz & Jonathan Bione
Chillie Willie Groove with Orchestra
Joining the orchestra is Chillie Willie Groove, recognized for his master percussion artistry and long-standing contributions to Latin Jazz and Smooth Jazz performance. With over six decades of professional performance experience, Chillie Willie adds depth, authenticity, and vibrant rhythmic power—elevating the orchestra’s sound with signature Latin percussion brilliance.
Music Tribute to Plato Jones
Chillie Willie Groove honors the life and legacy of the late Plato T. Jones with a heartfelt tribute performance at The Boondocks in Tucson, Arizona, recorded in the Spring of 2011. This special evening captured more than music—it captured memory, community, and the spirit of a true artist being celebrated through sound.
HOGGTOVEN MUSIC THEATER Interview with CHILLIE WILLIE GROOVE
HOGGTOVEN MUSIC THEATER presents an interview with Chillie Willie Groove—legendary Latin percussionist, producer, and performer. Hear his journey, musical influences, and the story behind the groove that has inspired audiences for decades.
Stream His Latest Album featuring, "That's How We Like To Roll"
Experience the energy, rhythm, and soul of Chillie Willie Groove through live performance recordings—now streaming on ReverbNation.
Stream His Latest EP featuring, "He's The Kind of Guy" On Spotify
“I don’t do gigs — I do performances.”
It’s never just music. It’s an experience. Chillie Willie Groove brings rhythm, class, and heart to every stage—connecting with audiences through timeless grooves and unforgettable energy.
