The Band

Wilson Low (songwriter, repinique, conga, caixa, lead percussionist capoeirista)
Wilson Low’s unique style of Brazilian music has been influencing San Francisco’s music scene since 1991. Before “Low” was able to read, he was dancing, singing, serving and playing music for the Orixa (gods). He furthered his knowledge of tradition and folklore by becoming a master of Capoeira. Touring throughout Europe and the United States with Oba Oba, Low became exposed to all music styles of the world. He was the lead percussionist for Vivendo de Pão and was responsible for creating their hypnotic and compelling sound. His true passion has been realized in creating MaraReggae, a style of music and dance where everyone can be in harmony.

Rhonda Stagnaro Low (songwriter, lead vocal, percussionist, choreographer, dancer)
Inspired by the S.F. Brazilian music scene in 1986, Rhonda has made her passion for music and dance her life’s work. She has performed with Escola Nova de Samba, Batucaje, Aluadomar and Vivendo de Pão Her life began again with husband and partner Wilson Low in creating MaraReggae. Her mission in life is to “Make the World Dance!”

Walter “Waltinho” Mackins (surdo, cuica, agôgô)
Waltinho has represented the “Velha guarda” (Old Guard) of San Francisco’s home-grown sambistas since 1984. The power of Walter’s surdo has been felt at the S.F., San Jose & Monterey Jazz Festivals, Davies Symphony Hall, The Fillmore, The Great American Music Hall, Slims and many more events too numerous to name. He was a part of the avant-garde Brazilian music group Vivendo de Pão for 8 years and comes with a new enthusiasm to take Brazilian rhythms to a new height.

Jose Saucedo (electric bass)
Fulfilling his life long dream of playing music, Jose’s vast influences of music include: Miles Davis, Coltrane, Blues, Doowop and Latin jazz. He became involved with the S.F. Brazilian music scene in 1974, playing with such groups as Batucaje, Viva Brazil & Escola Nova de Samba. He now adds his smooth sophisticated sound to MaraReggae.

Daniel Mabalatan (bongo, congas, timbales, percussionist)
Captivated by the sounds of Afro Latin and Brazilian music and influenced by the sounds of the 70s and Motown, Daniel has created an improvisational style of playing that communicates to the soul. “Let the rhythms heal you!”

Charlie Thompson (doumbek, tan-tan, percussionist)
Charlie has been “banging out” rhythms ever since he can remember. As a musician, he has developed an expressive style that encompasses both Eastern and Latin Rhythms. He has played with Blue Bossa and performed with Asia and Arabesque bellydance.