About La Banda Skalavera
La Banda Skalavera is a Southern California Latin ska band
formed of 11 musicians with a variety of musical
backgrounds. Each member’s distinct style can be credited to
their diverse musical upbringings ranging from Mariachi,
Norteno, Banda, Salsa, and Cumbias.
LBS (La Banda Skalavera) was formed in South Central Los
Angeles in the Summer of 1998 by George (lead Singer) and Alex
(bass). However, band members have come from as far away as
San Diego, Riverside, and Palm Springs. Since the summer of 98,
LBS has performed everywhere and anywhere the
opportunity has been presented. As one of the first Latin ska
bands in LA, initially LBS was not well received in the ska
scene. Booking was difficult due to the incorporation of
rhythms other than ska. Nonetheless, as exposure increased,
this combination of music was easy for the youth of Los
Angeles to relate to. Many of the youth, then and today,
living in the blighted neighborhoods of Southern California
find expression for individual frustrations through the
lyrics and sounds of LBS.
Personal life experiences have enabled the band to write
these messages and express the injustices of class divisions
within society. George has grown up poor in Los Angeles
California and Monterrey Nuevo Leon Mexico; two very
different countries, both with very similar social issues. All
other band members have in one way or another experienced
oppression by dominant social groups, simply because of the
socially constructed realities of “race” and “wealth”.
LBS’s lyrics are primarily driven by different issues within
the working-poor and underclass. However, their passion for
bringing life to music can only be felt through their live
performance.
La Banda Skalavera is Music and music is Life.
La Banda Skalavera is:
George Mercado – Guitar and Vocals
Alex Bendana – Bass
Jaime Cisneros – Drums and Percussion
Gilbert Rodriguez – Trumpet
Fernando Hernandes – Trumpet
Abel Hernandez – Tenor Sax
Matt Pilar – Alto Sax
Jesus “Buddha” Barron – Valve Trombone
Jeff Girard – Slide Trombone
Ricky Peralta – Bass Trombone
ChiChi Zamora – Percussion.
La Banda Skalavera's Songs
La Banda Skalavera's Favorite Tracks
