Little Brown Brother was formed in the summer of 2006 by Ben Luis and Carlos Zialcita. It takes what both of them have been doing individually and collectively and creates a new package designed specifically for the Filipino audience. The nucleus of this ensemble is a quartet, with the addition of Chris Planas or guitar and Mike Fernando on drums. While the rich African-American traditions of jazz and blues remains at the core of what this group represents musically, there are many other influences that add flavor to the mix. There is a definite worldbeat texture and attitude to the music – borrowing from the indigenous Filipino music and instruments and the heavily Spanish influenced traditional Filipino music of the Philippines.

In addition, the band incorporates different elements of Latin music including latin jazz, salsa, boleros, and of course, a variety of Brazilian rhythms. In addition to regular performances throughout the Bay Area, Little Brown Brother has performed at a number of events in the Filipino community – including the Manilatown Heritage Foundation 1st Annual Banquet in 2007, the 87th Annual Dinner of Gran Oriente Filipino, the 2007 Pista Sa Nayon in Vallejo, the 2007 Bindlestiff Theatre Black and White BindleBall, and a benefit concert for Sugar Pie DeSanto held at The Manilatown Center in San Francisco. Little Brown Brother plans to release their first CD in the summer of 2008.

Community Organizations and Performance Venues:

• Manilatown Heritage Foundation
• Bayanihan Community Center
• Bindlestiff Theater
• San Francisco Filipino Cultural Center
• Filipino-American National Historical Society