MUSE • Musicians United for Social Equity

Biography

Diego Retana is a guitarist residing in New York City. Originally from Washington DC, He is active in both New York City and the greater DMV/Baltimore area.

In 2015, Diego graduated from Towson University receiving a Bachelor of Music with a focus on jazz/commercial performance. While at Towson University, he studied jazz guitar with Dr. Shawn Purcell and classical guitar with Michael Decker. Diego enjoys and is highly skilled in playing many genres of music including jazz, funk, rock, classical, and other popular styles. He regularly performs in musical productions, weddings, recording sessions, and events/parties in the greater Baltimore, D.C, and Annapolis areas. He played guitar in Baltimore Center Stage’s 2019 production of “Miss You Like Hell,” and most recently played guitar and banjo for The Kennedy Center’s 2022 production of “Show Way.”

As a performer, Diego shows off his capabilities not only as a guitarist but as a singer as well. His range allows him to easily transition between stylings of a variety of artists, from the classic crooners Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra, to the king of pop, Michael Jackson, to more contemporary artists such as Justin Bieber. This allows Diego to cater his performances to be enjoyed regardless of age or background.

Due to his regular work in musical theater Diego also routinely plays the mandolin, ukulele, and banjo. He also recently formed an Irish folk band, The Pilgrims of Deep Run, in which he plays mandolin, banjo, guitar, and Irish bouzouki. As a bandleader, he has led all kinds of groups from alternative rock bands, to jazz combos, guitar ensembles, and experimental/fusion bands. As a side-man he routinely accompanies singers, and violinists for wedding ceremonies, cocktail hours, and happy hours, as well as playing in full bands for wedding receptions, bar gigs, and other private events.