El Ka Bong

El Ka Bong is a Psychedelic Latin/ Reggae Jam Band (with jazz and rock influences) hailing from Geneva, New York and Boston, Massachusetts.

Its members include:
Laura Black -Lead Vocals
Pablo Falbru Jr - Guest Vocals, percussion
James Eddington - Guitar, Harmonica, Backing Vocals
Aaron Holland - Rhythm Guitar, Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Zach Schoonover - Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals
James Ralls - Drumset, Percussion
Matt Hurd - Percussion

The band formed following the breakup of popular local metal act, Arbitrary Cause in 2006. With their drummer in college, and In need of a gig, remaining members James Eddington, Aaron Holland, and Zach Schoonover auditioned for a weekly Saturday night show at local Mexcian Restaurant, "Garcias," with a few songs crafted specifically for the environment. These two songs were the original "Fuego…en mi Casa" (still a crowd favorite) and a cover of Santana's "Evil Ways."

The trio quickly recruited fellow FLCC alumni Matt Hurd to play the djembe, in an attempt to fill out the bare bones sound. While attending FLCC, Laura Black also auditioned for the band and surprised everyone with her sultry voice and impressive classically trained vocal chops.

James Ralls returned from Suny Fredonia in 2008 and joined Matt Hurd on drumset and percussion. Pablo Falbru Jr lives in Boston, but is an honorary vocalist whenever EKB heads to Boston , or vice versa.

To date, El Ka Bong has broken free of playing for small restaurants like "Garcias." They have performed at many music festivals including, Musefest and Sterling Stage Last Daze of Summer. They have also opened for many national acts including John Brown's Body, Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, The Mambo Kings, Donna the Buffalo, Umphrey's McGee, Jim Brickman, Rubble Bucket Orchestra, and Ra Ra Riot.

El Ka Bong's sound is evolving, and they cannot be lumped into one category of music. Their future is on the road - playing music for all to hear.