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Mr. B | The Men of Big Bamboo | Barrence Baytos
Mr. B is an enigmatic channeler of world sounds. His mysterious origins and nomadic existence reveal a musical diversity, which unites cultures through eclectic, universal rhythms he calls "World Bop."
This "Mad Monk of Music" has devoted his life to the religion of "Musical Muli-Culturalism," diverging from the manufactured sounds of today's formulaic genres and soul-less beats. Listeners participate in an interactive, nonlinear journey to diverse lands including Africa, the Caribbean, South America, India, Europe and the United States.
As a gifted dancer, Mr. B also invokes the spirit of movement. By teaching his devotees the "moves to the groove" (the Tango, the Mambo, and his own integrated boogies to name just a few) he allows a greater immersion into the world's sonic landscape than just sound alone.
His live performances transcend traditional boundaries by transforming the stage into an engaging world tour. So come and learn "The Second Line Boogie" and "Sugar Blue Stomp" at the "Church of a Feel Good Time!"
While his origins are shrouded in mystery, we are glad to experience his universal blend of music he affectionately calls World Bop.
These respected men have played with the world's greatest entertainers in some of the world's most famous venues. With combined experience of jazz, blues, funk, classical, and ethnic rhythms, these "Pirates of Pizzazz" have demonstrated their talent with the likes of: Rod Stewart, the Tonight Show Band, Etta James, and Mr. Mister.
Highlighted members include piano- wizard/arranger/composer, Mark Justin and famous New Orleans Writer/Musician/Producer, Kenneth Sara. Junior Wells and Benny Maupin are just a few of luminaries in the worlds of Blues and Jazz that have utilized Mark's talents. He's written with Brian Potter and composed film scores for: the History Channel special, "The Mighty Mississippi","Voodoo", "Running Late", and "Essential Bond". Kenneth Sara has played with Crescent City's finest since the age of fourteen. His drum styles conjure a crawfish fiesta of styles which range from Ragtime to Funk and beyond. His credits include: Herbie Hancock, Woody Allen, Taj Mahal, Pharaoh Sanders, Della Reese and Broadway's "One Mo' Time" which allowed Kenneth to showcase his talents as musician and performer.
The Man Behind Second Line Boogie
Barrence Baytos is a musician, composer, dancer, choreographer and theatrical performer and, the man behind Second Line Boogie as well as MR. B AND THE MEN OF THE BIG BAMBOO. Barrence has encompassed these aspects of the arts into a theatrical event that is unique, spectacular and entertaining.
As a musician Barrence plays guitar and percussion and has had the opportunity to share the stage with African guitar legend Franco, Bruce Springsteen, and John Fogerty as well as band members from, Bonnie Raitt, Rod Stewart, The Meters, The Nervis Brothers, Dr. John, and L.A.'s own Phil Alvin. His passion and intensity for music have led Barrence to compose and produce his own unique words and rhythms, resulting in Second Line Boogie and other works. As a composer, Barrence devotes himself to what he calls "multi-culturalism," taking a left turn away from today's formulaic genres and manipulative beats.
Dance and theatre were a natural part of Barrence's childhood. He was tap dancing by the age of three and by age four, was introduced to ballroom and ethnic dance forms. A childhood veteran of summer stock and other Equity Theatre productions, he performed with legends such as Gene Kelly, The Nicholas Brothers and Cab Calloway. By age sixteen, Barrence became a professional classical ballet dancer, performing with many reputable ballet companies such as: the Los Angeles Classical Ballet, The San Francisco Ballet, Washington Ballet, Ballet West, Ballet of the 20th Century and Chamber Ballet U.S.A. Barrence's dance career continued to expand into other forms of dance: modern, jazz, vaudeville, adagio and eccentric dance. A well-seasoned professional, Barrence took the next natural step with dance and moved into choreography. He has worked with Walt Disney on multiple promotions and the Seoul International Dance Festival.
Multi-talented, energetic and passionate, Barrence Baytos has used his life experience and creative artistic talent to create the engaging world excursion of Second Line Boogie. Come and travel a new road one that transcends the traditional boundaries of entertainment. Experience Mr.B and the Men of the Big Bamboo in Second Line Boogie.
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