ABOUT US: Banooba (formerly known as The Project) is a groove rock band based out of New York. Banooba’s musical style is somewhere between rock, funk, jazz, jam-band, and reggae. People’s description of the music varies depending on who you ask. Banooba has been compared to bands such as: Blind Melon; The Allman Brothers Band; Galactic; Pearl Jam; Umphrey’s Mcgee; Men at Work; The Average White Band; Sublime; Incubus; Steely Dan. Like I said, it depends on who you ask!!!
Banooba was formed in the winter of 2002, when founding members Kevin Kershko’s (guitar) band shared the bill with Peter Cunningham (drums) and Kevin Torres’ (guitar) band on Long Island. After the show Peter and Kevin Kershko struck up a conversation and not long after wound up jamming until the cops entered the club at 5 a.m. Their jamming relationship continued and Kevin Torres came out to the next jam session with other local musicians in the Long Island scene. Their chemistry was evident from the first notes played. Kevin Kershko then asked Peter and Kevin Torres if they would like to start a band. Soon there after Ryan O’Connor (vocals) and Kevin Sloan (bass) jumped on board. The original version of Banooba was born.
Banooba was hit with some devastating news when founding member, Kevin Kershko passed away in April of 2005. The impact that his passing had on everyone who has ever heard him play, prompted a memorial show in his honor. The remaining members of Banooba played the show with many local musicians sitting in. One of those musicians was Dave Mackie on guitar. Mackie has always had an active role with Banooba, providing them with all of their artwork and sometimes providing support on guitar. Mackie was invited by Banooba to accompany them to St. Croix, where they have an incredibly loyal following, to play another memorial show in Kershko’s honor. After playing a series of shows Mackie was asked to become the newest member of Banooba.
Since forming in the spring of 2002, Banooba has recorded “Banooba’s Travels,” their debut album released by Vu Du Records, to an amazing response. Syl Nathan of Good Times Magazine says, “…there isn’t a throwaway cut on the entire disc.” Banooba had the pleasure to have recorded with Rob Somerville and Bryan Smith of Deep Banana Blackout. Both have horn arrangement credits on our their studio album "Banooba's Travels." You can hear Rob playing Tenor sax on the track "No Anesthesia."
In addition to releasing a great album, Banooba has managed to blow away audiences with their highly energetic live performances. The band is known for playing impressive live sets guaranteed to get you in the partying groove. Dan Brown of Good Times Magazine says this about our live shows, “These guys groove like it's their last day on earth, with irresistible songs and wicked musicianship.”
Banooba has shared the stage with some nationally renowned acts such as:
- Soulive
- The Bomb Squad
- Big Fuzz
- Deep Banana Blackout
- The Zen Tricksters
- Sam Kininger (Soulive)
- Oteil Burbridge and the Peacemakers (Bassist for the Allman Brothers)
- Yohimbe Brothers (featuring DJ Logic and Vernon Reid of Living Colour)
Banooba has played in many popular New York venues, such as, The Bitter End; Tribeca Rock Club, The Elbow Room; The Lion's Den; Kenny’s Castaways; Tobacco Road; The Mercury Lounge; The Downtown; Suite 16; The Cutting, etc... Banooba has also booked 6 very successful tours to the Carribean, and is working on their 7th, scheduled for November 2005.
*****BUY A CD*****
Our studio album, "Banooba's Travels" has been officially released. You can purchase a copy of "Banooba's Travels" at one of our show's or http://cdbaby.com/banooba
SHOW DATES:
For the most accurate listing of show dates go to our website's http://banooba.net We try to keep the schedule here up-to-date, but things happen. Our website gets updated first.
