Cuba. Puerto Rico. Nicaragua. Venezuela. México. The Dominican Republic. Perú. Colombia. And, of course, the United States. These are among the rainbow of nationalities that harmoniously blend together into the mighty ocean of talent that is ORQUESTA MAR DE ASHÉ.

Led by vocalist, composer and arranger, La Sirena, and directed by trombone virtuoso, composer and arranger, Mike Daigeau, Orquesta Mar de Ashé presents a delicious eclectic variety of danceable SALSA, Latin Jazz, Son, Cumbia, Cha Cha, Bachata, Merengue, and Bolero.

Mar de Ashé boasts three vocalists, including not only the seductive siren songs of La Sirena, but also co-lead vocalist Oscar Daniel; creating a balance between male and female lead vocals, as well as sizzling harmonies and romantic duets. The orchestra includes three percussionists, covering timbales, conga, bongó, campana, guiro, guira, and tambora; piano; bass; and a smokin' horn section consisting of two trumpets, trombone, and baritone sax doubling on the alto.

With its unique vocal sound, big brass, and traditional Latin percussion, Mar de Ashé plays both covers and originals, giving you something at once traditional, and yet completely fresh and new -- with its bilingual approach appealing to the full-spectrum audience.

The talented members of this 12-piece orchestra have played all over the globe for such diverse artists as Stevie Wonder, Dizzy Gillespie, Linda Ronstadt, Diana Ross, Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Luis Miguel, Eddie Santiago, Luis Enrique, Poncho Sanchez, Bobby Caldwell, Luther Vandross, Doc Severinsen, Mel Tormé, Aretha Franklin, and James Brown, to name only a few.

People have asked us about our name, MAR DE ASHÉ (say it, Ah-SHAY.) Well, Mar is ocean. And Ashé (spelled Aché in Cuba, or Axé in Brazil) is a word that came to us through the African Diaspora, that, roughly translated, means power, or life force, or blessings. It can even be used as an exclamation -- Ashé ! -- the way we might exclaim Amen! -- or, So Be It! -- or even, Hallelujah! And a Sirena -- that's a Mermaid! So where else would a mermaid want to be but in a sea of blessings, power, and life force? And that's what this band is -- a powerful, vibrant blend of many nationalities and races, powerfully conveying messages of love, passion, and unity.

What really makes us different from all the rest? We call it "VOCES EN ARMONÍA" – voices in harmony. La Sirena and Oscar Daniel create a completely unique vocal blend, with rich, amazing harmonies, and sizzling duets. Add to that our bilingual approach, bantering with the audience and each other in Spansh and English; and top it off with our extraordinarily large repertoire, (we play a lot of songs which no one else does or can) which makes it possible for us to fill a night with nothing but pura Salsa; or an evening of Latin Jazz; or mostly Merengues and Cumbias for a Central American event; or even a large selection of Salsa in English, to appeal to the full-spectrum audience -- we can please any crowd, no matter how diverse!

So watch out -- once the waves of MAR DE ASHÉ wash over you, you'll be having so much fun, you won't know what hit you!

• Corporate events for clients such as Microsoft, Lawson Software, and Univision -- often in large venues such as Knotts Berry Farm or Staples Center.
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• Many, many parks, festivals, and city concerts, from Santa Monica to Palm Springs, such as... Redondo Beach Lobsterfest; Irvine Global Village Festival; Camarillo Fiesta and Street Fair; National Orange Show; Laguna Beach Sawdust Festival; Fullerton 5 de Mayo Celebration; Bell Gardens Summer Concerts; Watts Third World Arts Festival; Feria de Centro America; L.A. International Marketplace (sponsored by 94.7 the Wave); Taste and Sounds of Marina del Rey; Pico Rivera Sizzlin' Salsa Festival; etc. etc.
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• Business events such as mall openings (Santa Margarita Town Center), or the Black Business Expo.
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• Philanthropical events such as Stand Up 4 Education, Puerto Rican Hurricane Relief, or for organizations such as the National Multiple Sclerosis Socity, Boys and Girls Club of San Fernando Valley, or Cedar Sinai Medical Center.
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• Educational institutions like Campbell Hall – where we were fortunate enough to perform with “Dancing With the Stars” pro Louis Van Amstel!
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• Weddings... -- we love Romance!
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• And of course, numerous club/restaurant venues and private parties across Southern California.