Mark Lamson presents Sol e Mar, an experience of percussive alchemy unlike any drum band on the planet. The group draws together Brazilian rhythms of Rio and Bahia with the syncopated fire of Afro-Cuban music. On top of that, Sol e Mar infuses West African, Middle Eastern and American rhythms with vocalists and instrumentalists to create magnetic renditions of styles and tunes. Experiencing the band takes you on a sonic expedition around the world that transforms traditional rhythms and contemporary energy into a joyful, spine-tingling celebration!

Enrique Platas is an independent singer, guitar player, drummer and percussionist originally from Mexico City who now resides in San Diego. Enrique has become an accomplished session and touring musician in both the United States and Mexico.  Platas has worked with top producers such as Javier Calderon (Yuridia, Alek Synthek), and Grammy award-winning Alan Sanderson (Rolling Stones, Switchfoot). You can hear the talents of Enrique on many of the recordings for musical artists under the Sony Mexico label such as "Latin-American Idol" winner Mayre Martinez, and Grammy award-winning Juan Manuel.  He has toured with music stars in the Latin music genre such as Grammy-nominated Yuridia, and Manolito of the Gypsy Kings.  Enrique has also had the privilege of being the opening act for trumpet sensation Chris Botti, and the B-52's.

Music is a unifying experience that the world shares. It is what unites us and makes us live in the moment together. We believe our mission is to share this experience with our community by providing access to the schooling, culture, creation, and performance of this art form.

Kainga Music established its non-profit corporation 501(c)(3) in 2014 with a mission statement Creating Music, Uniting People, Building Communities. Music is uplifting, healing, and gives the opportunity for starting and strengthening the bond between people of different backgrounds, genders, and ages. The featured instrument in the school, the steel pan, is played throughout the country of origin, Trinidad & Tobago, in community centers called “Panyards” that welcome the variety of members in the surrounding neighborhoods to find a common place and common voice. 

Kainga Music’s Founder, Keli Ross-Ma’u, has a vision for the school to be modeled more like a Panyard. Keli chose the word “Kainga” from his Tongan heritage, which means “extended family,” to help embody the intention of community-building as the core goal of Kainga Music. Our music school has a focus on learning and performance of music as an extension and expression of that shared bonding experience between the students and audience members alike.