Samba Bamba

 Run for the maracas, get out the cocktail shaker and prepare to be "samba-sized." SAMBA BAMBA, the wacky, "Sergio Mendes meets the B-52's" 8-piece Latin-flavored, retro crazy band is back after a two year hiatus at Martyrs' on Monday, December 11 beginning at 8 pm. The evening will celebrate the release of the 20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition of the band’s 1997 debut recording, LUST FOR SAMBA. This special performance will feature a full evening of Samba Bamba, showcasing material from the new 2-disc CD release which contains remixes of the band’s entire 1997 release, a never before released track and a special second disc of previously unreleased material recorded in 1995 with Samba Bamba’s original vocalist, Kirsten Gustafson (aka Goostie). The CD and download cards for the anniversary edition of LUST FOR SAMBA will be available at the performance. In addition to a celebration of Samba Bamba’s “greatest hits,” the band will offer their unique, spicy twist on a sprinkling of traditional songs of the season. The evening will also feature a special guest appearance by KIRSTEN GUSTAFSON as Goostie. Gustafson, renowned jazz singer and former Atlantic Records recording artist, will join Samba Bamba onstage during the performance.Samba Bamba was formed by RICHARD KNIGHT, JR. as an homage to the music of Sergio Mendes & Brazil '66. Knight, a comedic performer known to audiences for his work with the Annoyance Theater and TV's "Wild Chicago," portrays the band's front man Monty "Sugarloaf" Mattachine, renowned vocalist JEN ZIAS portrays Lupe Lowenstein, Samba Bamba's lead vocalist and VICTOR SALVO is Lindo McCartney, the group's colorful backing vocalist. These three "live cartoon characters" front five of the area's top musicians, SCOTT STEVENSON (musical director, keyboards), STEVE DOLLINGER (guitar), RANDY HENRY (bass), ALEJO POVEDA (percussion legend), and GERALD DOWD (drums aka the busiest man in show business). Together, SAMBA BAMBA has been musically making love to audiences since their debut in 1994.Expect a lot more than moldy fruitcake at the wackiest holiday party you'll attend this year. 

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