Santa Pachita is a Tucson band that has been playing together since 2012. Guitarist, Miguel Reyes, and bass player, Victor Cruz, started the band after working together on other musical projects. They brought in talented musicians that have a variety of different musical backgrounds. The result is a danceable fusion of ska, cumbia, and rumba-salsa. The congas, flute, and trumpet add depth to the energetic music that is influenced by bands like Manu Chao. Bass Guitar, Vocals, and composer – VICTOR CRUZ : Victor grew up in Mexico City and Guadalajara where he formed his first bands influenced by urban music, rock in Spanish, reggae, etc. Influences -cafe tacuba, caifanes, maldita vecindad, the cure, sublime, Manu chao, fabulosos cadillacs, smashing pumpkins, nirvana, la barranca, etc Guitar, Vocals, and composer –MIGUEL REYES: From Veracruz, Mexico, Miguel has performed all over Mexico and plays with Tucson’s A Son Y Sol. His varied musical styles include salsa, classical, bossa novas, ska, and metal. Sax- Thomas Kennedy Trumpet- Andrew Davidson Timbales/bongoes-Ray Cintron Drumkit- Raymond Peralta Trumpet/Flute - Mike Ankomeous- An excellent addition to SP. An experienced musician and composer that brings the groove and great energy to the dance floor. He also performs with k -bass and Baba Marimba in Tucson AZ. Congas-Joe Whitley. Born in Hermosillo, México, Joe “Profe” Whitley grew up in the cultural crossroads between Sonora and Arizona. His musical journey started in a spiritual setting: Nyabinghi drumming in Rastafarian meditations. Due to being fluent in French, he had the cosmic fortune to meet and eventually start playing the djembe with brothers Adama and Mamadou Dembele from the Ivory Coast-- master players who for their family represent the 33rd generation carrying on the rich traditions of West African drumming. Profe then incorporated playing the congas making his percussion set-up a somewhat unique African and Latin hybrid which is how his style can be described.