Description:Mento Buru is an explosive 8-piece band that cleverly combines Jamaican SKA, rock, latin jazz, funk and reggae. This eclectic mixture creates a refreshing new musical experience not soon to be forgotten. Since it's inception in 1991, Mento Buru's sound has excited audiences of all ages. The charisma, stage exhibition and diverse musical skills of the band have built their loyal following. What started out as just a bunch of friends jamming for backyard parties, has evolved into a cross-cultural phenomenon in the streets of Bakersfield. Born during the year when grunge and depression were the fashion, Mento Buru didn't care. It wasn't about trends and trying to be cool, it was about having fun playing the music we love, not the latest fad. You may have heard about the "Bakersfield Sound", but let us introduce you to the NEW Bakersfield Sound. Whether you're into Punk, Country, Rockabilly, Cumbia, Salsa, Reggae, Ska, Oi!, Emo, Goth, Metal or whatever weird names they come up with next, you'll find yourself welcome at the Mento Buru show. As always, musicians are always welcome to join in. Music for the people, by the people. Try it, you'll like it! So, in the immortal words of P-Funk master George Clinton, "You gon' dance sucka!"
History:
Mento has been gigging non-stop since '91 and shows no sign of stopping. They've stolen the show at numerous festivals, concerts, and showcases of every kind. This band lives to play live and always gives the audience everything it has boiling in it's stew of rhythm!! Mento Buru has opened and performed with Ozomatli, The Specials, WAR, Black Uhuru, Long Beach Dub All Stars, Keiko Matsui, The Yellowjackets, Poncho Sanchez, Fishbone, Pete Escovedo, Malo, Pato Banton, Los Abandoned, Desmond Dekker, The Skatalites, and a slew of other Reggae, Salsa, and Ska legends... <brk> Performance venues include Johnny Depp's Viper Room (Hollywood), B.B. King's Blues Club (Universal City), LATV Live! (Los Angeles), Temple Bar (Santa Monica), The Lounge (West Hollywood), SOhO (Santa Barbara), The Roxy (Hollywood), The Whiskey (Hollywood), Buck Owens Crystal Palace (Bakersfield), CSUB Jazz Festival (Bakersfield), SLO Brewery (San Luis Obispo), La Luz De Jesus Gallery (Hollywood),Wilson Theatre (Fresno), Las Palmas Theatre (Hollywood), Fox Theater (Bakersfield), The Centennial Garden (Bakersfield), Buffalo Club (Los Angeles), Luna Park (Hollywood), and Linda's Dollhut in Anaheim, Ca.--- <brk> One of the most conspicuous musical success stories of the decade, Mento Buru have proven that total creative commitment, hard work and determination really can take a band all the way to the top and keep them there. Now a local staple on the Central Valley music scene, their great songwriting and seamless ensemble playing has brought the Bakersfield-based octet to the peak of their profession, as well as creating enough momentum to catapult them into the New Year with some of the best music of their career. The self-titled release "Mento Buru" has brought the band back full circle with their eclectic mixture and unrelenting influences. Self sponsored touring has earned them a fervent following across Central, Coastal, and Southern California. The group regularly performs every musical function and their intense, high-energy concerts have made them one of the most popular live draws in the city.
Additional Information:
Compilations: Cultivation '92 (A Kick Produkt), Cultivation No. 3 (BPAC Records), Experiments in Sonic Reaction (Maniclab Media), Skauthentic, Blackpool's Ska Comp. Vol. 3&4 (Steadybeat Recordings), The Big Skang Theory (Le Silence De La Rue, French Comp.), Puro Eskanol Vol. 2 (Aztlan Records), Meanstreet Compilation 1999 (Meanstreet / Guitar Center)
