Claire Orpeza
“One of the most unique and ubiquitous bands in the local music scene”
— Staten Island Advance
The Bandulos are a funky, tight-knit group of versatile young musicians from Staten Island’s South Shore. Described by the Staten Island Advance as “one of the hardest, most diverse working bands in local show biz,” the Bandulos have established themselves as an in-demand band, playing numerous community events, weddings, private functions, and regular bar and club gigs all over the Island as well as in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Upstate New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and New Hampshire.
Our sets are made up of the best classic funk, soul, and rock’n’roll, along with hits from the ’80s, reggae jams, and even some hip-hop gems.
Not content to be pigeon-holed as a cover band, however, the Bandulos are NYC’s only breakbeat band, playing heavy funk breaks and riffs for b-boy competitions and showcases, including a memorial event for the late b-boy legend Frosty Freeze, a member of the famous Rock Steady Crew, and several local events featuring members of the Fresh Style Rockers.
The group also serves as a backing band for Milton Henry, the Jamaican-born veteran reggae and R&B singer who has recorded and performed with some of reggae’s biggest names, including Lee “Scratch” Perry and the Meditations. In the past, the band has also backed the Trinidadian pop duo 2NTRIGUE and local rappers Dan Bangz and Mike Krisp.
Planning a wedding or other event?
The Bandulos can provide music for every aspect of your event. We tailor our sets to fit each event, and we will work with you to accommodate your tastes, preferences and special requests. If you want a band that’s memorable and different from the rest, we’re a great choice.
Our trumpet trio provides a distinctly majestic air to your wedding ceremony, with beautiful brass arrangements of Wagner’s “Bridal Chorus” (“Here Comes the Bride”), Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March,” Pachelbel’s Canon and other processional and recessional music.
For cocktail hour music, we offer a jazz combo that plays instrumental and vocal versions of jazz standards, and a vocals-and-acoustic guitar duo that puts a light and mellow spin on popular songs.
How we differ from other bands
Why choose the Bandulos for your event? Because the music matters. For those who want that same old night of music delivered by 50-year-olds in ill-fitting tuxedos, there are hundreds of entertainment companies ready to supply you with one of their many bands. But if you want the music at your event to be memorable and exciting, we’re a great option.
Claire Orpeza
The Bandulos is ONE band. Most event bands aren’t bands at all — they’re part of a large entertainment company. These companies employ a pool of freelance musicians who often come together for the first time at your event. They are comprised of interchangeable musicians, and that is why they can be “customized” from two to twelve pieces, but most of them lack personality and almost all of them lack originality. We provide a personal touch that large entertainment companies cannot.
We formed the Bandulos from an existing group of friends and family, some of whom have been playing together for almost 15 years. We deliver a high-energy set of songs that you and your guests will actually like. As our song list indicates, we’re versatile and will make sure that guest of all ages enjoy and remember the music at your event.
Please feel free to call or e-mail to discuss your musical needs. We are happy to provide references, discuss special requirements, and answer any questions you may have.
