The Band
Catherine Mandella
(Sax, Mandola, Various Flutes and Whistles, Various Bagpipes, Accordian, Balalaika, Percussion, Setar, Ukelele, Fiddle, Didjeridoo)
Catherine started her musical career with piano lessons at the age of 7. Soon after, she played saxophone all through her youth with various jazz groups.
Having traveled extensively, she picked up other instruments along the way. While living in Italy she played in a Raggae band and performed with Middle Eastern musicians at various festivals and in various countries. After returning to California, she played tenor sax for the Star Duster’s Orchestra swing band and sax/flute/percussion for the Orchestra Variedad Salsa-Merengue band in the Bay Area. Emersing herself in her love for world music, she still manages to teach music and ecomusicology and works for the State of California as an Environmental Scientist as long as there is a budget.
Clark Smith
(Guitar, Bouzuki,)
Clark has been playing guitar since he was 12. He found that guitar playing helped him through those awkward adolescent years. After playing and singing in clubs and bars while going through college, he vowed to never let it go. During graduate school he played routinely for a group of developmentally challenged children who were his greatest fan club. He sang for 3 years with the Sacramento Men's choir and played for Out of Kelter, a world music/Celtic band. He got involved in the world music ensemble at Sacramento City College taught by Bob Wren. This is where he and Catherine met and formed Sambandha. He also plays a little accordion until his dog gets up in disgust and leaves, and supports his musical habits by instructing nursing at Yuba College.
Yadi Kavakebi
Originally from Iran and of Kurdish descent, Yadi established himself as a prominent architect, though he secretly lives the life of a musician. His knowledge of the Daf and the Zarb has brought these sounds far beyond the Silk Road and right into the likes of Sambandha.
Guillermo Villagomez
Guillermo Villagomez, born in Quito, Ecuador, taught himself the art of playing the Guitar, the Quena, the Sikus and a small 10 stringed instrument called the Charango. He founded two popular Andean groups in his hometown Ecuador, Inti Pacari (the morning sun) and Alborada (Dawn), that traveled throughout Ecuador and Peru. In 1992 he got invited to play with a group based in California called Kashwa, and later formed the renowned group Quitus. After 15 years of touring the US, Guillermo settled in Sacramento and created Latinflutes, an organization dedicated in spreading the great music of the Andes (http://www.latinflutes.com). He has been hooked up with Sambandha since 2006.
Patricio Morales
Patricio Morales started touring with bands at an early age in his native Ecuador. He brings with him rich sounds of the Andes on his Charango and Tiple. However, having a great grandfather from China, he has been inspired to add the Chinese Erhu to his array of instruments, allowing Sambandha to enhance their sounds of the Far East.
Our Friends
Ann Sabra Roach
“THE LADY CAN SING!” George Esposito KXJZ Jazz Host Sacramento
California Recoding artist and dynamic performer, Ann Roach is an extraordinary, versatile vocalist, singing all styles ranging from Musical Theater to pop and what lies in between. Available for weddings, memorials, special events, concerts, recordings, and theater, Ann is sure to leave you touched and inspired. She sings regularly at Spiritual Life Center, located on 2700 L. Street.
Notable artists and Organizations
Ann has appeared with:
British Star Billie Myers, Kentucky Head Hunters, Night Ranger, Jim Widner Big Band, Jazz Trombonist Wycliffe Gordan, Jazz Saxophonist Houston Persons. Healing Journeys; Cancer As A Turning Point, OWL Awards vocalist (Outstanding Women in Leadership), Juveniles At Risk, Feast For the Streets, St. John’s Shelter.
Paula Mandella
Paula Mandella is a world class musician who has been playing piano and synthesizer professionally for over 30 years. Paula has toured throughout Europe, Scandinavia, Africa and the Caribbean, playing with musicians from each of those countries. Blending her classical and jazz roots with world music instruments, Paula brings an exciting versatility to her performances. She is currently serving as Director of Music Ministry at the Spiritual Life Center in Sacramento, California.
Steve Bash
Steve enjoys playing many instruments including piano, guitar and a variety of hand percussion from around the world. For many years he participated in weekly drum and music jams with a group of talented and creative friends where he deepened his appreciation for listening, expressing and connecting with others harmoniously through the power of rhythm and circle. He can often be seen making music about town in samba parades, drum circles, various world music and dance ensembles and a variety of community oriented events where interactive rhythm and music formats serve to bring people together in joy and celebration.
Daleela Eye Of The Cobra
In the spirit of ancient times, Daleela and her troupe belly dance to honor the divine feminine and to celebrate all of life. Artistic Belly Dance Director, Daleela, has been belly dancing for 19 years and is in strong demand throughout California. Daleela also offers belly dance lectures and workshops.
Kennelly Irish Dancers
Kennelly School of Irish Dance website
The Kennelly Irish Dance Company is a talented and dynamic troupe that offers outstanding performances in both traditional and modern styles of step dancing and figure arrangements.
This group truly livens up our celtic performances.
