Israel Maldonado is a San Diego musician who has been performing professionally for over three decades. His career started at the age of seven, when he and a group of friends played in a band, called Banda Infantil del Dif, in his hometown of Tijuana, Mexico.

At age 10 he picked up the classical guitar. Shortly after, his family moved to the U.S and he moved on to percussion when he joined the drum line at Carlsbad High School. He began performing with guitar ensembles during his college years at Palomar College and San Diego State University.

Israel Maldonado Music was established in 1996 with Israel's first club gig at Cafe Sevilla in San Diego. Over the next few years, he played with many popular San Diego bands, bringing Brazilian music, gypsy guitar, salsa and timba to local clubs, restaurants and events. He spent two years touring the nation with Agua Dulce before returning to San Diego and forming his own group.

These days, Israel Maldonado uses his vast musical experience to bring a blend of Latin and modern music to San Diego private and public events.

Throughout the years, he has opened for many popular Latin, blues and rock acts, including Nikka Costa, Los Amigos Invisibles, Ivan Lins, Sergio Mendes and Charlie Hunter.