Trained by King Marong, Ray Pereira and various other African master percussionists, Brendan has traveled and lived in West Africa for over two years, including 7 months training in Ghana with Nee Odi of the Kusun and Wala traditional ensembles. In between flights to Africa, Brendan has also toured Australia, learning with Ghanaian band Nil Tetteh Tetteh and the Kusun Ensemble, performed with Brahim Benim and his Moroccan ensemble, in Japan with Iconfusion at the Folk Rhythm and Life Festival with Gungu Giri and various venues with South of the River Gospel Choir.
Big on Impact, BiG on Fun, BIG on originality and big on confusion! "You mean they're not real?, they look real?" Made by one of Melbourne's most innovative puppet builders, these loveable miniature marvels are fully articulated with individually operating legs, waging tails, blinking eyes and chewing mouths. All mechanisms are concealed providing that extra wow factor. And as for the camels.....
Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin is an Aboriginal Elder of the Wurundjeri people. Joy has been involved with Aboriginal issues for 30 years and is Chairperson of The Australian Indigenous Consultative Assembly. She has held executive positions across various sectors of government.
The Kinja (meaning 'my home') sound is an ethereal blend of Indigenous Australian and Celtic inspired moods. Sarah and Ron feel that Kinja’s music unites their heritage. “People tend to be touched by hearing two musical cultures coming together and it seems to move people on that level … If we do Danny Boy we often find people feel homesick, and that makes them think more about what it is to be Australian and about belonging in this country.” (Country Style Magazine, October 2006)
Leo and Girish combine their cultures and talents with North Indian classical tablas player, Girish and Leo playing alto and soprano saxes and alto flute, their infectious groove and extra sensory communication is drawing audiences near. Their music runs the full dynamic spectrum that takes you through the tempest into the eye of the storm and out the other side again. These two musicians are great believers in: warmth of tone, the importance of melody, music as conversation and the importance of building rapport with the audience through story telling.
"Prince Ravi Raja" a monarch whose kingdom has fallen on hard times, is on his way to Bollywood to find himself a wife, a career and enough money to save his family and followers. He is a fun character who incorporates magic, circus skills and comedy to create an exotic atmosphere at any event.
Ron is an accomplished didgeridoo musician. His career highlights include the following performances: In May 2001, Ron performed in the world premiere of American composer Philip Glass’ Voices for Didgeridoo, Organ and Narrator, with Mark Atkin, Calvin Bowman and Joy Murphy-Wandin and at its US premiere at the Lincoln Center Festival, New York.
This 7 piece combo play sultry Cuban grooves and original tunes with a shot of Nu YoTican Latin soul. Driven by piano, guitar, acoustic bass, sparkling horns and a full percussion, Sally Ford and The Pachuco Playboys play the roots of Salsa. From WOMAD to Broome, Alice Springs to the Spiegeltent, music festivals to Melbourne clubs, Sally Ford and The Pachuco Playboys have performed at festivals, events and venues around Australia. This band is perfect for private functions and huge events.
Savore (Latin instrumental trio) performing exhilarating instrumental music (on 2 guitars and congas) from Brazil, Cuba and Spain. The strong point of this elegant sounding trio is its flexibility and broad appeal. It is not uncommon to see a couple dance a Bossa or attempt a Tango, while others may tap their foot to a Bolero whilst talking to a friend or new acquaintance.
Driven by Alana's wild violin, chased by accordion and double bass, Vardos enchant with their theatrical and lively interpretations of traditional Hungarian and Romanian music. Formed in Perth in 1993, Vardos is now Melbourne based, regularly making trips to Eastern Europe to study with folk and Roma (gypsy) musicians.
Be prepared for a uniquely vibrant and energetic performance that is the essence of Vatos Locos! The combination of cool, modern sounds and the unique blend of both original and modern Latin rhythms are guaranteed to create the lively party atmosphere you seek. The genuine versatility in sound and performance allows Vatos Locos to cater to the needs of a variety of events – from private gatherings to elite corporate functions and large community festivals. Let the pulsating percussion and passionate rhythms of Vatos Locos become part of your next event.
African Jazz that Rocks! West African percussion, European jazz sax and flute and the sound of beautiful Sth African vocals, guitar and kalimba. Zebra Crossing concerts can be intimate acoustic sessions where people quietly absorb and are engrossed in the music washing over them or they can be riotous dance parties with the irresistible grooves seducing the audience to their feet. Many Zebra Crossing concerts combine both these elements.
Multicultural Performers
