Steve Ono is a guitarist with extensive Jazz, Folk, Rock, Blues and World music influences and experience. After meeting Frank Hicks, a swing era guitarist, he was inspired to study the musical artform more deeply, and graduated from the Guitar Institute of Technology in Hollywood
Steve Ono has also been composing and playing rhythm guitar lately with local rock violin virtuoso Patrick Contreras, including a New Year’s eve show with B.B. King. His song “Serious Man” was featured on a compilation titled “The Maximus Sessions,” received airplay and was noted as a standout by newspaper critic Don Mayhew. Ono has also been featured on four separate musical broadcasts which have aired on PBS affiliate, KVPT-18.
Abdullatif Bell Touncara was trained by several master drummers in the African tradition. He uses his talents to “edutain” students of all cultures and ages about true African culture. As art is a natural part of life in Africa, Abdullatif shows people how art is an everyday part of their lives.
With an overall background in the visual arts, music, dance, and theater, he has performed internationally: from a national theater in Lagos, Nigeria to a concerts and festivals throughout the United States. He is also the vice president of TORODO, a West African ballet and performs with Diamano Coura West African Dance Company.
