Testimonials and Praise for Masanga
We love partnering with Ric and Masanga Marimba on our community performances and workshops. They bring unparalleled artistry, vibrance, and pure joy that resonates with all. ~ Victoria Lanier, Executive Director, Education Through Music-Los Angeles
Masanga Marimba is always a delight to have at NHMLA. You can't help but clap or dance along to the music and they are loved by audiences of all ages. ~ Rocio Santoyo, Manager, Public Programs, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Masanga is magical! The Painted Turtle is a camp for children with serious medical conditions with a goal of providing an environment where children are safe, empowered, and experience joy. Masanga has always been a perfect match for our program. Their musical performances engage participants of all ages with very diverse backgrounds and experiences. Through their music and interaction throughout the performance, they provide educational context and cultural enrichment and acknowledgement that deepens the experience for all. We are so grateful for Masanga. They provide our campers and families and experience that is joyful, hopeful, and so much fun! ~ April Tan, Director of Camp Programs and Initiatives, The Painted Turtle
Ric and Masanga Marimba were a pleasure to work with at our kid’s elementary school. I really liked that the assembly was educational and entertaining for both children and adults. Ric brought in the history of the instruments, the languages of the countries they come from and tied them to Latino culture. They presented during Hispanic Latino Heritage Month at our school. It was definitely great to present a different side of Latinidad. We celebrated so many cultures! This assembly was the first of our cultural assemblies and as a language immersion school was so important. In addition, we really appreciated that members of the group spoke Spanish and Japanese as those languages are taught in our school. They brought our community together and this assembly continues to be one that everyone enjoyed. ~ Maria Cobain Alvarado, President, El Marino Language School PTA
Masanga Marimba brought the vibrant and infectious rhythms of Africa to life at our Music Unites the World Festival. Their dynamic performances, blending traditional and contemporary sounds, created an unforgettable musical experience. They captivated our students, parents and teachers with authentic and energetic renditions of traditional African marimba music, showcasing Africa's rich cultural heritage and diverse musical traditions. ~ Franklin Gomez, Director of Programs, Education Through Music- Los Angeles
Masanga Marimba provides highly engaging, interactive, and energetic performances that captivate the attention of diverse audiences. Their passion for music is contagious- every participant will be singing and dancing! People of all backgrounds and ages will leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation of African and Latin American music. ~ Amy Wolfberg, Kindergarten Teacher, Ingenium Barack Obama Charter School
What a joy it was to have Masanga Marimba provide an assembly for students at Loma Vista Immersion Academy. Loma Vista strongly supports visual and performing arts as a core component of instruction. As the school is a Spanish/English immersion program, Masanga Marimba not only shared the connection between African and Latin roots of marimba but alsp provided an entertaining, joyful assembly. Masanga Marimba is a unique and exemplary talent to be shared with as many students as possible. Please accept this testimony as support for this oustanding ensemble. ~ Jorge Arvizu, Principal, Loma Vista Immersion, Academy
Masanga Marimba Band brings such happiness and joy to our students as you cannot help but get up and move! Bringing Masanga Marimba Band to our school is a yearly event that we look forward to all year! ~ Corky O'Rourke, Teacher Specialist, College View School, Glendale, CA.
References:
Cristina Lucio, Holiday Celebration Team, Los Angeles Music Center
Rocio Santoyo, Manager, Public Programs, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Victoria Lanier, Executive Director, Education Through Music-Los Angeles
Michael Fritzen, Public Programs Manager, Kidspace Children’s Museum
Our Music
Masanga Marimba specializes in upbeat, family friendly music that is appreciated by all generations. Whether audiences are young or old, there will be something familiar to everyone- including hits like La Bamba (1958), The Lion Sleeps Tonight (1961), Grazing in the Grass (1969), Knock on Wood (1967, 1979), Waka Waka (1986, 2010), Kids (2007), and Safe and Sound (2011)- all done with our trademark, entertaining marimba arrangements and high energy performance. Masanga has opened for Neil Young, Stephen Stills, John Mayer, Nora Jones, Father John Misty, Los Lobos, Ziggy Marley, Pink Martini, and many others. There is nothing around quite like us!
Performances at Hollywood Bowl, Grand Performances, Getty Center, Skirball Cultural Center, Ford Amphitheatre, Music Center Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, California Worldfest, Millpond Music Festival, Strawberry Festival, Huntington Library, and numerous city and community festivals.
Press
“"The day’s live music commenced with Masanga taking the stage and introducing themselves as “the Painted Turtle de facto house band,” having now played major events for the non-profit for 15-20 years. The Northridge-based marimba ensemble jumped back and forth between African and Latin music, matching their enthusiasm with a deep intra-band chemistry (six of the eight members have been with the band for 20 years or more). A deft rap by the group’s leader, Ric Alviso, morphed into band introductions for all of them as Masanga played a medley of cumbias from Latin America. The crowd sang along with gusto to well-known covers like “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” and “La Bamba”, but the clear highlight of the 45-minute set was a surging version of the Hugh Masekela classic “Grazing In The Grass”.” - Andrew Carter
“...their set featured joyous renditions of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” “La Bamba,” and, surpsiringly, “Kids” by MGMT.” - Andy Greene
Waka Waka, from our newest Record, "Shakanaka"
Upcoming Shows!
This is our 3rd year playing for the summer program at Kidspace!
Bring your family for an evening of live music, dance, and artmaking at the Sunset Music Series. Enjoy extended museum hours and live interactive multicultural performances on select Fridays throughout the summer
Each Sunset Music Series event features themed live performances and art activities. Dance and sing along, get a little silly, and make unforgettable summer memories together at an outdoor concert series designed just for kids and families.