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Rocambu Jazz

Named one of “11 Bands Not to Miss During Chicago’s World Music Festival” 

by choosechicago.com

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“An unexpected delight. Yves combines the energy and exuberance of American Jazz

with the effervescent dance music of French Africa”

First Night Evanston 2012

Yves Francois’ ROCAMBU JAZZ is a dance band that was formed in 2002.  The band performs Retro African, Latin and Caribbean grooves.

They explore the rhythms of the African Diaspora  such as:

  • biguine
  • calypso
  • conga
  • rumba
  • highlife
  • samba
  • son
  • New Orleans
  • West African

MYSTIFIED- NEW VERSION 2022 © 2014 Yves Francois

TAXI DRIVER- NEW VERSION 2022 Traditional West African Song

AH SENOR EXCERPT-  by Franco

UN DEUX TROIS YEP Conga by Filiberto Rico

DIARABY Guinean Jazz Song written by Kélétigui Traoré

NEW CD VIVA ROCAMBU! Will be released during summer 2022. Check Here for further updates! Thank you to the City of Chicago DCASE for their sponsorship of this upcoming album!

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PAST PERFORMANCES:                                   

Chicago Night Out in The Parks 2016, 2018, 2021

Governors State University

World Music Festival, Chicago 2014 Opened for Banda Magda

Chicago Cultural Center, Noontime Series

Clark Street Festival, Rogers Park Chicago

Howard Street Festival, Rogers Park, Chicago

Black History Month Celebration, Crystal Park

Art Institute, Chicago

 Bastille Days, Milwaukee

First Night, Evanston

Pike River Benefit Concert Series at Hawthorn Hollow, Kenosha

Performed regularly at The Hot House Chicago, Quenchers Saloon. and Le Relaias

CURRENT MEMBERS:

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              Yves Francois      Trumpet

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Marc Smierciak      Clarinet. Keyboards, Percussion

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                                                           Frank Youngwerth     Trumpet

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Jim Christopher   Saxophone, Clarinet

DavidSmith

Dave Smith  Saxophone, Clarinet, Bass

Ronnie Malley  Oud, Guitar, Keyboards, Percussion

George Lawler Drums

Greg Nergaard

PAST MEMBERS INCLUDE: 

Bruce Mak    Guitar

Ben Lansing   Guitar, Octave Mandolin, Banjo

Gregory Redfeairn       Bass

Bonbonfera Tim Keenan    Percussion

Michael Tooles                       Percussion

Dan Nicky                               Bass, Percussion, Keys

Steven White                          Bass

Eduardo Corzo                      Clarinet

Jesus Camargo                      Vocals

Joey Spielberg                        Bass

John Knecht                           Percussion

Simon Kashama                    Guitar, Vocals

Learn More about Yves Francois and his music, Return to Ritmo Home

FOR BOOKING INFORMATION CONTACT:

BOOKING MANAGER Kimber Claveau
E-MAIL [email protected]