Linette Tobin's Pangaea

Linette Tobin -- Founder/Percussionist/Vocalist/Composer (U.S.): Linette is a percussionist, vocalist, and songwriter based in the Washington, DC area. Her primary instrument is the congas, which she has played for more than 15 years. Most recently, she formed the group Pangaea which features World Music, relying on the individual backgrounds and influences of musicians from various countries (Brazil, Senegal, Kenya, Ghana, Cuba, the U.S.). During 2014-15, she organized the Afro-Cuban group Sin Frontera, which played on the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage, amongst other venues. She has traveled extensively in Cuba and Africa to study a variety of styles. Her approach applies traditional or folkloric themes to more contemporary styles, including jazz and world fusion. She combines diverse influences to create a unique sound. Elin Melgarejo -- Featured Artist/Lead Singer/Composer: Born and raised in Sweden by Peruvian and Irish parents, and fluent in five languages, Elin is the embodiment of multiculturalism. Her debut album, Lazy Afternoon, released in the U.S. to rave reviews by jazz radio and critics alike, is a genre-bending mix of American & Brazilian standards combined with fresh new originals. It spent 22 weeks on the US JazzWeek charts, debuting as the #1 most added album on the World Music Chart. Performing in seven languages, she’s a polished jazz vocalist with a pop sensibility who showcases an ardent vocal style and an uncanny ear for melody. Elin has headlined at premier festivals and venues in the Canary Islands, Peru, El Salvador, Brazil, Guam, Japan, Miami, Boston, California, Washington, DC, and New York City. Ibrahima Etu Dieng -- Bassist & Composer (Senegal): Etu (Ibrahima) originates from Senegal, West Africa. He is known for his strong melodic bass lines & incredible chops! He has performed with world music artists such as Kine Lam, Youssou N’Dour, Ismael Lo, Omar Pene, Baba Maal, Coumba Gawlo Seck, Yaya Leley. Since 1989 he has been featured on more than 50 albums. A composer in his own right, Etu is now working on his solo debut album Antonio Orta -- Saxophonist & Flautist (Puerto Rico): Antonio, a native of Puerto Rico, has been a freelance saxophonist in San Juan (Puerto Rico), Dallas, Miami, and Washington, D.C. He has performed with Jimmy Heath, Poncho Sanchez, Ignacio Berroa, David Liebman, Bob Mintzer, Paquito d’ Rivera, Michele Camilo, Giovanni Hidalgo, Joe Lovano and Kurt Elling. As lead alto player of The U.S. Army Blues he has accompanied dozens of jazz greats. Jon Guo -- Bassist: Jon’s modern approach to the bass is inspired by the many styles he’s played, including jazz, classical, world music, musical theater, and popular styles. He performs regularly with a variety of ensembles in the DMV area. Jon studied at the Peabody Conservatory (degrees in Jazz Studies, as well as Performance) under saxophonist Gary Thomas and bassist Michael Formanek. Jon leads Mobtown Jazz, a group which specializes in performances for corporate and private events; notable clients include: The Archdiocese of Baltimore, Maryland Public Television, International Finance Corporation, and Johns Hopkins University. Nathan Okite -- Guitarist: Nathan is a Kenyan guitarist based in the Washington D.C. Area. He blends jazz with traditional African rhythms and sounds. Ayanna Gallant -- Auxiliary Percussion, Background Vocals: Ayanna is a Puerto Rican musician and poet with a passion for creativity. She has been a music and poetry artistic leader for non-profit groups such as Arts in Reach, Jazzmouth: e Portsmouth Poetry and Jazz Festival, With Open Minds and The Young Women’s Drumming Empowerment Project. Ayanna shares her love for the arts as a music teacher at Capital City Public Charter School in Washington D.C. She earned a Bachelor of Music Degree from the University of New Hampshire in Music Education (2005) and a Master of Education Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus in Arts Integration (2010). She was formerly a trombonist with the Portsmouth Symphony (2009-2012). Ayanna currently performs with Marsha Goodman-Wood & the Positrons, and The Bele Bele Rhythm Collective.

Mount Rainier, MD