Amandla Poets - African

Amandla Poets combines Amandla (power) with Poets (writers of words in meter) and was coined by the band founder and leader, Dumile Vokwana, a native of Guguletu township bordering Capetown, South Africa. Music has always been a thread of communication and reinforcement that unifies a people actively involved in an effort to control their own destiny. Bolstered by the support of the international community, a whole new history opens its doors to the world, the building of a new home for all South Africans - "Makube Njalo" ("Make It So"), as translated from the Xhosa language of South Africa.

Nijerian Brothers - African

The Nigerian Brothers put together their memories of traditional West African folk music, Palmwine tunes, and high life songs, bringing them to life with their harmonious voices, African guitar stylings, and hand percussion instruments. Together, they recreate the sweet, lilting sounds of their earliest village memories. This gentle but rhythmic music is a special treat for those who seek an authentic African sound.

Bongo Beach Band - Caribbean

Bongo Beach Band brings a tropical wave of musical excitement to events. Powered by the fun and funky rhythm section, highlighted by shimmering steel drums and dynamic vocals, this band delivers. Bongo Beach Party coverts all your dance favorites from Bob Marley and the Wailers to The Police.

Caribbean Allstars - Caribbean

The Caribbean Allstars are undeniably one of the pioneers of the San Francisco Bay Area World Music scene. This talented ten piece ensemble of musicians began joining together their musical forces and international backgrounds during the early 1980s. With geographical roots that range from Jamaica, Trinidad, Tobago, South America, West Africa, and the USA they truly possess a cultural legitimacy to back their international sound. After more than a dozen years of playing together as a performing band, the Caribbean Allstars have honed their skills and have built a solid base of support throughout the Western united States.

Caribbean Rhythms - Caribbean<

Caribbean Rhythms is a Steel Drum Band comprised of five gifted musicians who hail from the Caribbean, Europe, and the United States. They have continued to carry on the rich musical culture of the Caribbean and has added other musical forms such as Jazz, Pop, Contemporary and Classical. Wherever they play the audience is captivated by their entertaining musical performance. Caribbean Rhythms is available for parties, weddings, special events, clubs and concerts.

Harmonics Steel Band - Caribbean

For over 13 years the Harmonics Steel Band has warmed the hearts of the Bay Area music lovers and party goers with the scintillating sounds of their steel pans and their Caribbean rhythms. The Harmonics deliver a full range of musical sound truly exemplifying - the True Spirit of the Caribbean.

Native Elements - Caribbean

Native Elements is a collective of musicians and singers who have been performing professionally in different settings for over a decade. The culturally diverse music scene of the San Francisco Bay Area has fueled their creative flow from the start. After explorations with Rock, Funk, Blues, and R&B, Native Elements has set their repertoire firmly in the roots-reggae tradition. They combine their colorful influences into an amalgamation of positive, vibrant music that speaks from the heart.

Pan Extasy - Caribbean

Hailing from The Caribbean, Ashton & Pan Extasy has enjoyed continued success since its inception. They have performed throughout the USA as well as in many Asian locations, including Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Japan, and Dubai. They have built a reputation as one of the most enthusiastic, energetic and entertaining bands on the International dance circuit. They perform a wide variety of Caribbean music, Reggae, Soca, and Calypso that is accessible across all age groups and musical tastes. These seasoned musicians combine their talents to provide great music and entertainment. Their sound is fresh and exciting enhanced with a touch of steel drum, keyboards, guitar, bass, and drums, along with superior vocals, that keeps their public coming back for more! They combine outstanding showmanship with charm and talent which inevitably energizes audiences everywhere they perform. Ashton Craig, leader and steel drum virtuoso, insures a stellar performance and has always aimed to please.

Maikai Gents - Hawaiian

The Makai Gents Featuring The Mysterious Miss Mauna Loa will call you back to the islands with our classic sound of hapa haole Hawaiian music. Combining vintage songs played with traditional instruments such as ukulele and steel guitar along with the captivating hula dance of The Mysterious Miss Mauna Loa, our music will transport you to an enchanted evening under a bright moon on a secluded beach beside gently lapping waves sheltered by a swaying palm tree as you swoon to our romantic crooning. Our lilting melodies will call you to the shimmering shores of Hawaii and evoke the spirit of the islands' golden yesteryears.

Tropical Vibrations - Island

Tropical Vibrations moves audiences with their sizzling island rhythms of Calypso, Reggae and Soca. The group has won the 1993 San Francisco Carnival Best Music Award and has appeared with James Taylor. Being on of the San Francisco Bay Area's hottest bands, Tropical Vibrations have a varied repertoire of music for all occasions!

Bella Ciao - Italian

Bella Ciao plays and sings everyone's Italiano favorites, from the late 50s, including Nessuno, Tintarella di Luna and Tu Vo Fa L'Americano to today's hottest Italian-American hits, including the Pasta Song, Blue Italian Skies, and Monica from Monaco, in a fun-filled show that has everyone living la dolce vita. Mix the music together with their unique song stylings, vocals in English and Italian and a colorful look, and you have the makings of a mambolicious party band that brings out the Italian in all of us.

Murasaki Ensemble - Japanese

Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Murasaki Ensemble blend acoustic instruments from around the globe to create a musical experience unlike any other - elements of traditional Japanese music, Near Eastern rhythms and improvisational jazz converge, producing a sound that is extremely vibrant and innovative yet still manages to sound familiar. The Murasaki Ensemble's sound is built upon excellent musicianship and a unique ability to combine traditional instruments in exciting ways. Intricate Near Eastern Percussion fuses with the jazzy sounds of upright bass and acoustic guitar, providing a framework for the group's musical explorations while koto and flute add texture, punctuating the rhythm with enticing melodies. Blending old with new and East with West, the Murasaki Ensemble strives to present a new listening experience - exploring traditions of the past with an ear towards the possibilities of the future.

Daniel Maya - Spanish & Flamenco

Daniel Maya is known for his unique brand of pulsating, energetic music, best described as "Acoustic Groove". He studied Flamenco guitar in Spain with a family of Gypsy performers, and has a B.A. in Music from SF State University. He has performed widely throughout the San Francisco Bay area, has had lengthy engagements at the Four Seasons Clift Hotel, The Palace Hotel, and the famed restaurant "Michael Mina" at the Westin St. Francis Hotel. He has also performed at many wineries in Napa, Sonoma and the South Bay, including Robert Mondavi, Cuvaison, Artesa, Clos Pegase, Far Niente, Byington, Viansa, Sterling and Niebaum-Coppola. He and his group "Tocar" have appeared at the S.F. Jazz Festival, S.F. Performances, the North Beach Jazz Festival, and the San Jose Jazz Festival. Daniel Maya has recorded 3 CDs of original music, "Echoes of Paradise", "Mano a Mano", and "Flamenco Bridge", as well as a CD of Classical guitar, "Leyenda".

Dr. Loco's Rockin Jalepeno Band - Latin

Since 1989, Dr. Loco's Rockin' Jalapeno Band has been playing a rich melange of mestizo and mulatto styles in celebration of the diverse origins of their Mexican-American musical heritage. Based in San Francisco, this award-winning band transmits the joy inherent in this music and the pleasure they feel making it.

Eric Jarmie - Classical & Spanish Guitar

Eric Jarmie specializes in the performance of Spanish flamenco and classical guitar music throughout the San Francisco and Monterey Bay Areas. A favorite among those who love the ambiance of Spanish guitar, Mr. Jarmie performs at private events including weddings, receptions, dinners, corporate events and parties. For musical entertainment guaranteed to add a touch of class to your next private event, capture the passion and elegance of Spanish guitar music with Eric Jarmie.

Guitarras y Congas - Flamenco & Gypsy<

Martin Cohen leads the popular group Guitarras y Congas. The band includes classical musicians from the San Francisco Symphony as well as Latin artists from many well known bands. The Group plays the popular style known as "rumba", music which was popularized by the Gipsy Kings. The band performs extensively in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Juan Escovedo - Salsa

Juan Escovedo has collaborated with ten other distinguished musicians to create Juan Escovedo's Salsa Groove. When ensemble musically converges, they produce a uniquely sultry and soulful form of Salsa that seductively prods listeners into rhythmic motion. Juan Escovedo is undeniably a musician of complexity, style and originality. His artistic achievement and creativity flow from his fervor for life, his rich musical heritage and his passionate commitment to his art form.

Julio Bravo y su Orquesta Salsabor - Salsa

Julio Bravo y su Orquesta Salsabor has been together for over five years now. This group of dynamic musicians has created a flavor all its own. Beyond the talent of each individual member is a unique blend of vocal style unlike other salsa bands in the Bay Area. Performing contemporary salsa hits, Merengue, Boleros and traditional classics, as well as Latin Jazz is becoming the leading trend, with weekly performances in the Bay Area's major events, private parties and grand opening presentations.

Malo - Latin

Malo is back, ringing that hot, driving, wailing Latin Funk n' Roll home to The City where it and most of the band members were born! Today, the Malo sound is just as memorable, but even more finely arranged and drilled. It has a distinct San Francisco identity by the blending of Latin beat and lyrics with screaming, delicate electronic guitar work. The whole sound of malo is mature, a product of the years doing rock with a heartfelt and soul generated music the group sees as being identified with The City. You just wanna dance with them.

Mariachi Ortega - Mariachi

Mariachi Ortega performs for both Hispanic and American audiences and have earned a reputation for one of the most requested strolling Maraichi Bands in the Bay Area. Mariachi Ortega interprets the festive, romantic, music from south of the border. They create a blend of unique traditional Mexican folk and international music. It's always a great fiesta with Mariachi Ortega!

Orquesta Gitano - Latin Mix

Northern California is blessed with many Latin-influenced musical ensembles. Too many of the bands play it safe, however, revising old standards. Orquesta Gitano bucks that trend. Formed 17 years ago in Santa Cruz by bandleader and percussionist Bosco "El Gitano", the group plays salsa and much more. Gitano calls it "salsa fusion", which is, among other things, an amalgam of Afri-Latin forms. "We combine Puerto Rican and Cuban salsa," Gitano says. "There's a difference between the two. Cuban salsa is roots; Puerto Rican is more straight-ahead. Cubans tend to use the trap drum set, while Puerto Ricans use the bongo and conga configuration."

Voz do Brasil - Latin Mix

Voz do Brasil is a group whose musical roots are Brazilian, jazz and pop filtered through the rhythms of Brazil, Africa, Central America and Europe. They are dedicated to adopting the traditional styles of Brazilian, American and European music and blending them into fun, danceable and exciting sounds.