Manny's Mix'd Key Music Fest

This unique hybrid of cultures and styles was originally founded by Samir El Yesfi (TITO), born in Tetouan, Morocco. From the very first time he played the Arabic lute at the age of 16, he's aspired to master the musical styles from Latin America that derive from Native American, Spanish, African, Islamic and Arabic cultures and hybridize them with traditional Moroccan folk music (G'nawa) that is often combined with tastes of the Andalusian region of Southern Spain. This succulent blend is reflected in the rich cultural and musical diversities which are brought by the other members in TDBM which, collectively, share more than half a century of experience . Pianist/ Keyboardist Djorje Vasovic (Tito) of Serbia. Guitarist M'hammed Elmendra (Tito "El Gran Pichon") of Casablanca, Morocco. Bassist Kenny Villanueva (Tito) American born Mexicano. Drummer/ Percussionist and Vocalist "ZAY" Alejandro Rios (Tito-"ZAH")) American born Taino (Puerto Rican Indigenous Tribal Council Member). Conguero/ Multi-Percussionist Ryan Mullin (Tito) of Des Moines, Iowa and the California Music Collective. Local Teacher, Multi-Percussionist/ Conguero Steve Contreras (Tito) of Peru, and occasional guests...

BAND MEMBERS 

Ibrahim Romo - guitar rythm

Matt Pitts - alto sax

Mike Smith - piano and melodica

Jered Jhonson - soprano sax and flute

Tim Friesen - bass

Kaivon Tolooee - cajon, congas, bongos, daf, derbuka

Alejandro Cubano - timbales, bongos and congas

Music is your own experience, your own thoughts, your wisdom. If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn. They teach you there's a boundary line to music. But, man, there's no boundary line to art.             -Charlie "YardBird" Parker

The fourteen members of the Alpha Schoolmarm Orchestra have only one thing in common: We are all wards of the state. All of us have been sentenced for removing mattress tags. But because of a new experimental program through the Colorado Corrective Rehabilitation for Artists Program, each of the members of our orchestra have been given the chance to reduce or in some cases, eliminate his or her prison sentences through service in the Orchestra. To be eligible for C-C.R.A.P. prisoners must demonstrate some degree of musical literacy and a strong desire to modify their past behaviors and pay their debt to society through service through music. In turn, the orchestra is required to play at state prison functions and the state mental hospital in Pueblo when ever the need arises. Competition to the program is very, very high. And so, therefore, is the pressure to perform well and to avoid returning to incarceration. Although we are required to wear ankle bracelets, we are free to return to our homes after practice or performances, for house arrest.  

Steve Werges Lead Vocals, Rythm Guitar Steve “Doc” Wilson Backup Vocals, Bass Guitar and PA Guru John Friedman Backup Vocals, and a Smokin Lead Guitar George McMahan Backup and Lead Vocals, Laying down the groove, Drums Jeff Ingram, killer Saxophone and flute