The Legend of Mambo Combo

Mambo Combo was named best Latin music group by WAMA (the Washington Area Music Association) and “Best Party Band” by Baltimore Magazine. For more than twenty-five years, the band has been entertaining in the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond, from the Caribbean to New England.

Few people can resist dancing to the infectious soca and samba, and those who tango will be motivated to do this dramatic and passionate dance. An issue of Baltimore Magazine reported, “… crowds moving to the seductive rhythms of Island sound are a pretty good tip-off that the group is nearby.”

The Mambo Combo Experience

El Manicero (The Peanut Vendor)

(video courtesy of MPT)

Socalypso

The Smother Your Mother Tango

Bilongo (La Negra Tomasa)

The Mr. Happy Soca

El Manicero (The Peanut Vendor)

(video courtesy of MPT)

Socalypso

The Smother Your Mother Tango

Bilongo (La Negra Tomasa)

The Mr. Happy Soca
Creating a tropical appearance, the band provides palm trees on stage and typically dress in island wear. They can also dress in “black tie” or whatever is appropriate for the event.
 
Recently they’ve played an “everything in white” corporate party at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, several shows for the Bluemont Concert Series in Northern Virginia, a wedding at the Airlie compound in Virginia and one at Great Oak Manor in Chestertown, MD.  From the Maidstone Club in East Hampton, Long Island to the Merion Tribute House in Bryn Mawr, PA, to the White House Easter Egg Hunt, Mambo Combo has brought its blend of Latin and Caribbean dance music to thousands of fans in the Mid-Atlantic region.

 

Meet The Mambo Combo

The band members have taken on nicknames which they use to refer to each other during the show:

Hoppy Hopkins (“Rudy”) is the percussionist and front-man. Rudy’s frenetic energy and stylish outfits have drawn the crowds as much as his unique drumming style.

Other founding member Robert Friedman (“Shamwow”) prefers to stay in the background playing keyboard and guitar. His compositions featuring guitar have added a depth to the Mambo sound.

Rob White (“Pucho”) brings his passionate Cuban and African rhythms to the band.

Samuel Munguia (“Sammy”) hails from El Salvador and brings an impassioned virtuosity and deep understanding of Latin grooves.

Completing this five-piece ensemble is Larry Melton (“Akimbo”). Years of playing in many bands on both coasts have honed his unique fretless- and Jazz-bass style.