SamaSama Project: AAPI Heritage Month Celebration (with special guests Philippine American Cultural Foundation Performing Arts youth dancers)

SamaSama Project was launched as Chicago's premiere Filipino Folk Fusion band in 2008. SamaSama—translated as “united, together”—truly lives up to their name, creating a blend of Filipino folk, rock, ska, and Latin music, inspired by a 1970s musical movement called Manila Sound. Over the years, the talented group—led by singer and musical actress Lou Ella Rose and husband Baron Lloyd Cabalona, a versatile musician and arranger—have made their mark showcasing a fusion of Filipino traditional folk and contemporary music at many notable venues and events. SamaSama Project regularly performs around Illinois and other Midwest States.

Inspired by the drive to promote diversity through music, SamaSama Project continues to captivate audiences with their unique sound that transcends all boundaries.

Lou Ella Rose – Lead Vocals and Agung (ethnic)

Baron Cabalona – Drums, Bass Guitar, Kulintang (ethnic), and Musical Director

Ran Sevilla – Rhythm Guitar and Dabakan (ethnic)

John Kniker – Lead Guitar

EJ Luna – Bass Guitar

Giga Yanong - Saxophone and Bongos

The SamaSama Project will be joined by special guest youth dancers from the Philippine American Cultural Foundation (PACF) Performing Arts who will be performing Filipino cultural folk dances.

PACF Performing Arts is a youth group that was formed to teach our children the positive aspects of Filipino culture, heritage, and history through dance, music, and arts; to learn to appreciate, respect and work with each other; to learn to give back to the community; and to help promote our rich Philippine culture by performing at many cultural events, churches, private functions and community programs.

PACF Performing Arts have performed for many years at events such as Museum of Science and Industry - Christmas Around the World, Navy Pier World Dumpling Fest, Piyesta Pinoy, Destination Asia at Morton Arboretum, Inherit Chicago and more. 

Michelle Delson - Cultural Coordinator, PACF Performing Arts