The Amalgamated are a traditional ska/jazz band with early 60's rocksteady and reggae influences.

Formed in 2007 in San Diego, CA, The Amalgamated are an incredible live band that makes everyone dance to up-tempo beats and also get the audience into a groove with light reggae textures.

The creativity flowing during their performances can often remind the audience of great jazz standards. A 10-member ensemble that includes a full horn section, keys and percussion, The Amalgamated deliver a high energy performance that leaves the audience wanting more

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Raphael “Rip” Pena

Vocals

Lead Singer for The Amalgamated since May 2009. Former lead singer of The Scotch Bonnets (San Diego). Handles booking, promotions and other administrative functions.

Charles Parkman

Trombone

Charles Parkman, a talented musician with a deep passion for playing low brass instruments, has been delighting audiences for over a decade with his soulful tunes.
Parallel to continuously honing his musical skills, Parkman became a dedicated special education teacher in the San Diego community, nurturing the growth and development of students with unique needs.
For Charles, the ability to touch hearts through the magic of music and make a difference in the lives of his students is not simply a choice but a calling.

Reggie Costa

Guitar

Reggie has played guitar for the better part of 20 years. He has always been associated with ska music and has dabbled in jazz styles such as dixieland, straight ahead, and big band. Reggie is an original member of The Amalgamated Ska.

Reggie’s album of original compositions is available here

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Michelle Mayhem

Baritone Sax

Michelle Mayhem is the epitome of strength and soul. She effortlessly combines her passions for music and bodybuilding. As she plays those deep, resonant notes on her sax, her powerful muscles ripple, a testament to her dedication and hard work. Michelle's talent on the baritone sax is unmatched, capturing the hearts of her audience with every soulful melody she creates. Offstage, she transforms into an absolute powerhouse, sculpting her physique through intense workouts and discipline. Michelle's commitment to both her craft and her body is awe-inspiring, proving that she can command attention and dominate any arena she steps into. With her booming sound and chiseled physique, Michelle Mayhem is a force to be reckoned with, leaving audiences and competitors mesmerized by her unparalleled talent and strength.

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Elliot Ramsey

Bass

Born and raised in San Diego, Bassist Elliot Ramsey has studied and preformed music all over the city. Elliot has played in many different groups and his style has spanned a large swath of musical genres. From Ska/Rocksteady to EDM, Classical Music, funk, and Hard Rock. Through his career he has opened and backed world renowned artists in various venues statewide (California) and has accumulated more than 1900 hours of stage time. Elliot helped in the creation and the bringing together the members of many of his groups. He lends his diversity to help glue together the group's sound and style.

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Malcolm Jones

Alto Sax and Tenor Sax
An amazing alto sax player and a true professional in the world of music. From the moment he picks up his instrument, his soul intertwines with the melodic vibrations that emanate from the keys of his saxophone, captivating audiences wherever he performs.
Malcolm's mesmerizing ability to effortlessly bring saxophone solos to life, oscillating between soft notes and vibrant crescendos, mesmerizes his listeners.
As a professional musician, Malcolm's accomplishments are as impressive as his skills. He has graced stages across the globe.

An Le

Trumpet

Among the various instrumentalists who have left an indelible mark on this vibrant scene, one name stands out in golden letters: An Le, the legendary trumpeter. With his unparalleled skills and soulful melodies, An Le has become a true staple of the North County music scene.
An’s repertoire spans various genres, encompassing everything from traditional jazz to funk, soul, and ska. Regardless of the style, An Le's trumpet becomes an extension of their very being, effortlessly expressing their musical vision with every breath.

Sugar Brown

Guitar and Vocals

Sugar Brown is a name that has been making waves not only in San Diego but also across the border in Mexico. His captivating blend of guitars and soulful vocals has created a unique and intoxicating sound.
Sugar Brown is an accomplished solo artist with a library of ska, reggae, rocksteady and soul. His voice, carrying echoes of both resilience and vulnerability, has the power to transport listeners to faraway realms. It is a voice that connects with the depths of the soul, leaving an indelible impression. Whether it's a dusky bar or a lively festival, Sugar Brown knows how to ignite the crowd and keep them engaged till the very last note.

Tyler Buu

Drums
In the ever-evolving world of music, artists emerge with prodigious talent, leaving a lasting impact on their chosen instrument. One such emerging talent is Tyler Buu, a young drummer whose rhythmic prowess is already making waves in the music industry.
Tyler's love for various music genres allows him to experiment with diverse styles, showing versatility and adaptability in any situation. Tyler remains grounded and humble. He credits his supportive family, mentors, and fellow musicians for his growth and success. To give back to the community that fostered his talents, he also serves as a drumline instructor.

Dave Hughes

Tenor Sax

With each note he plays, Hughes effortlessly weaves a narrative, evoking emotions and painting vivid imagery in the minds of those fortunate enough to hear him perform.
When he takes the stage, his saxophone becomes an extension of himself, effortlessly channeling his raw emotions into music that resonates with listeners.
In every performance, Hughes imbues his music with a sense of urgency, effortlessly transitioning between delicate solos and thunderous crescendos.

He is a man who lets his music speak for itself, never seeking the limelight but always willing to share his gifts with others.

Jake Sherreitt

Keys

With his immense talent, passion for teaching, and unwavering love for his hometown, Jake has become a distinguished multi-instrumentalist, teacher, and an integral part of the SoCal music community.
A lover of various styles, Jake eagerly delved into mastering multiple instruments. He soon developed a remarkable skill set that included proficiency in guitar, bass, piano, and drums.
But Jake's love for music doesn't end with his performances alone. Recognizing the importance of passing down his knowledge and encouraging the next generation, he has also become a dedicated teacher. Working tirelessly to inspire, he imparts his wisdom, expertise, and invaluable experiences onto his students.