top of page

THE BAND

JIM DOOLEY

// Trumpet & Keyboards

performs all over Mendocino County and beyond with groups including PURA VIDA, ROOTSTOCK, LOS PIRATAS, SAMBA JAMBA and PONCHE, Jim wows audiences with his incredible range, liquid tone and crisp rhythms. He started playing at age 12, has since traveled all over Latin America to Cuba, Guatemala and Mexico with trumpet in hand, and has been lead trumpet player in several bands over the years from Jazz to rock, Latin to Hip Hop. You name it, he can play it!

PHIL MONTALVO

// Percussion

 

is a sought after Latin percussionist who has performed with numerous Bay Area bands, and local group Samba Jamba with Cherie and Jim, which is how he became a part of Funkacillin. His ability to play a multitude of percussive instruments including congas, bongos, timbales, guiro, maracas, tambourine and yes even cowbell... with the right emphasis and technique, have made him an integral part of Funkacillin's rhythm section!

CHERIE SHERAQUE

// Vocals

 

grew up in San Francisco where she first discovered her love for funk. With a musical family as well, her father is a classical-flamenco guitarist and performer and her mother loved to sing, albeit not on stage. Cherie has been educated in several genres of music both through experience and academically. She was the lead vocalist for the now defunct Motown/Blues band Groove Approved, sang back-ups and leads for Avant garde Rock group 3B Infinity opening up for Gregg Allman, and is currently also the lead vocalist for Latin Dance band SAMBA JAMBA, singing in Portuguese, Spanish and English.
Her love of Latin music started early in life, being influenced by her father who would bring home castanets and various other instruments as a child and moving to Spain while he served in the Air Force. Later in life, she gained a new appreciation from the late Master Percussionist for Pura Vida, Amunka Davila, who encouraged her to sing Brazilian music for the first time during a performance with his capoeira group. She has also performed with Latin Classical Pianist Elena Casanova, along with Will Seigel, Steve Baird and other well known local musicians in the group Tangojazzmania. Singing everything from Opera, Jazz, Rock, Blues, Latin and Funk, Cherie has a love for music that consumes most of her waking moments, including while at work at Kwine 94.5 FM and booking local venues such as The Shanachie Pub in Willits and Garcia River Casino in Point Arena.

JAKE KELLER

// Bass

 

born and raised in San Diego, Jake is a multi
instrumentalist who began on saxophone and  now spends most
of his time playing bass. He has toured with Eek a  Mouse (playing saxophone and percussion) and performed/recorded
with the original drummer for Slightly Stoopid. He currently also plays bass with Clay Hawkins  and enjoys casual musical encounters, as well. "Customize EVERYTHING!"

LEX KRAUSS

// Guitar

 

was born in Santa Rosa California and has been performing musically in one form or another since he was 4 years old, owing his musical talents to not only his wonderful and musical parents, but also to several gifted teachers who touched his life. Lex has been recording his own multi-track music since 1983, and is also a founding member of the Nor-Cal World Reggae Fusion Band called ROOTSTOCK, and the trio project known as RISING SIGNS

STEVEN SERBINS

// Drums

 

has been playing drums in the music scene
since the late 70's. He has always had an interest in
Funk,Jazz-Funk/Soul music. The high point that generated his
influence was David Garibaldi (who he took lessons from)
from Tower of Power band. From that point he has played in
mostly Top-40 funk oriented bands and of course has played
jazz, blues, rock throughout his career. Old School Funk,
Jazz-Funk, Soul and Contemporary Jazz is what really moves
his heart and soul though. You will be intrigued by his
solid and clean playing style,with intensity to match.

 

bottom of page