What they’re saying about SAMBA BAMBA! “The world’s first high energy, wacky, Latin rhythm-based, television sitcom soundtrack, dance band” The Chicago Reader “This band oozes sex and love from every pore. They rock my world! I love them!” Ted Allen, Queer Eye for The Straight Guy “Whatever it is . . . it’s contagious!” Kathy O’Malley, Chicago Tribune “Their spice is nice, so, now . . . I’m a Bamba, wouldn’t ya like to be a Bamba too!” Dave Hoekstra, Chicago Sun-Times "Wild and Wacky!" 'Scene in Chicago', Chicago Social Magazine |
Lindo McCartney, Lupe Lowenstein, Monty "Sugar Loaf" Mattachine, Samba Bamba's front line |
Run for the maracas, get out the cocktail shaker and prepare to be “samba-sized.” Samba Bamba! is the wacky, “Sergio Mendes meets the B-52’s” 8-piece Latin-flavored, martini swilling, retro crazy band. Samba Bamba! was formed in 1994 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” as his Dick O’Day persona, envisioned a character-driven band supported by top musicians. Monty “Sugarloaf” Mattachine (portrayed by Knight), Lupe Lowenstein (portrayed by Jen Zias) and Lindo McCartney (portrayed by Victor Salvo) front the five supporting musicians, Scott Stevenson (keyboards), Steve Dollinger (guitar), Randy Henry (bass), Alejo Poveda (percussion), and Gerald Dowd (drums). Onstage, Monty, Lupe and Lindo lead the band in their colorful, unique interpretations of whatever happens to strike their fancy – or whatever their audiences are clamoring for. “Lust for Samba,” their critically acclaimed CD, was released in 1997. Click HERE to read a review of a recent club appearance and see photos of the band in action. Booking information |
Samba Bamba Magical Memories (More to Come!) |
Lupe and Monty onstage at Ave in 1997 -- part of a Chicago Social magazine spread on the band. |
Lindo and Monty at Vinyl in 1995. Monty in one of his typical fabulous outfits. The original Rhumba invite - our last weekly gig which we dubbed "Super-Salsa- Fabulistic-Samba- Bamba- Rhumba!" It was all that and more! |
Samba Bamba! on Jenny Jones |
Samba Bamba! at Taste of Chicago |
CLICK the thumbnails below to watch Samba Bamba! perform two separate numbers: |
Samba Bamba Lite |
CLICK the thumbnail at right to see Samba Bamba Lite perform. Do it NOW!!! |
"Samba Bamba Lite" features Monty, Lupe and Lindo performing to prerecorded tracks - the perfect entertainment for smaller budgets and fewer technical logistics. |
The perfect musical appetizer or spicy, wacky highlight for your next event!!!! |