Show Description

The name, "The Rumba Kings" can be deceiving.  While the band plays several rumba-style songs (think Gipsy Kings), this is by no means solely a rumba band.  Quite the contrary.  The Rumba Kings have a wide variety of influences in their music.

The show focuses on romantic, passionate, and beautiful music delivered with an exciting performance, centered around Spanish guitar as the centerpiece, accompanied by a string quartet. Special appearances by guest vocalists make up about 20% of the show, whereas the majority of the show is instrumental music. 

The music, instrumentation, and guest vocalists are selected to appeal to all-ages and to all demographics.  It’s truly an International show on steroids.  Dancers are also introduced in certain musical segments pertaining to the region the music is native to.  

The Rumba Kings’ style of nylon-guitar driven music is romantic, soulful, and passionate, delivered with an energetic and emotionally-impacting live performance. The band puts a big emphasis on their showmanship. Guitarist, George Stevens says, “I like to integrate a visual aspect to the show when I perform by dancing while I play, and reacting with the crowd. I want to give the audience a heightened experience not only musically, but also visually.”

The shows feature mostly instrumental music, influenced by such artists as Yanni and The Gipsy Kings, and include a string quartet, top-level musicians, dance segments, vocal performances (including duets), and the most beautiful and romantic music imaginable!  One moment you'll be mesmerized, taking in the beauty of the music and the band's showmanship, the next you'll be dancing.  Whether you’ve seen The Rumba Kings several times, or never before, the newly designed show for 2022-23 is a must see, and is on a much different level than before!

The band is thrilled to have one of the most talented and respected string quartets in the Pacific Northwest accompanying them (Arcobaleno Strings) performing on several of their songs for their upcoming shows in 2022-23.  One of the Northwest's top violinists, Rachel Nesvig, also performs solo with the band on several of the songs, which is always a favorite by the audience. Several guest vocalists from different parts of the world, and dancers also make special appearances throughout the evening.   Musical Director, Johnny Bacolas, says of the new show, “It more closely resembles a Vegas production more than anything else, with a variety of music, show segments, and guest musicians and vocalists entering the stage at different times.  This is how George and I always envisioned our shows when we were planning early-on.  It's pure class.  It's a night out at The Copacabana in the 40's, like you see in movies.  While watching this show, you'll be mesmerized by the beauty of music with the string quartet accompaniment; Minutes later you'll be up dancing.  This is the ultimate get dressed-up and have a classy night out show, whether watching with dinner or with drinks.”

Lead guitarist and co-founder, George Stevens says when referring to the music in the band’s live shows, 

“If it isn’t beautiful, it doesn’t make the cut.”
 

You can see videos from the band's live shows on the video page.