Leo Lobo

was born in Brasília, Brazil, where music became part of his life from an early age. His first instrument was the Brazilian pandeiro, and he quickly expanded his musical vocabulary by learning bongos, surdo, timbal, congas, and a wide variety of Brazilian percussion instruments. Immersed in the rich traditions of Brazilian music, he developed a deep love for genres including Samba, Bossa Nova, Forró, Frevo, Axé, MPB (Música Popular Brasileira), and Brazilian folkloric music.

Later, Leo spent three years living in Dakar, Senegal, where he explored the powerful musical traditions of West Africa. During this time, he blended Brazilian rhythms with influences from Senegal, Mali, Tanzania, Nigeria, Madagascar, and other African musical cultures, greatly expanding his rhythmic and artistic perspective.

After returning to Brazil to complete his studies, Leo collaborated with respected musicians at the renowned Clube do Choro in Brasília, where he further refined his musicianship through Brazil’s celebrated Choro tradition, known for its sophisticated blend of samba, jazz, and classical influences.

After moving to the United States, Leo embraced new musical styles including Salsa, Calypso, Jazz, and American popular music. He added guitar, songwriting, and vocals to his repertoire, creating original compositions while developing unique arrangements of classic songs. Fluent in multiple musical traditions and languages, Leo has cultivated a vibrant performance style that seamlessly blends Brazilian, African, Caribbean, and American influences.

Today, Leo Lobo performs throughout Santa Cruz, the San Francisco Bay Area, and beyond, captivating audiences with energetic performances that celebrate rhythm, culture, and the universal language of music.

Derek Negron

Marcel Menard

is a percussionist, artist, educator, and creative producer who has spent more than two decades immersed in Brazilian and Afro-diasporic music and culture. A founding member and longtime percussionist of the internationally acclaimed Santa Cruz-based band SambaDá, Marcel has toured extensively throughout California and beyond, performing at festivals, theaters, schools, and cultural events while helping introduce generations of audiences to the rich traditions of Brazilian music.

With a background in fine arts and years of study in Afro-Brazilian and Afro-Cuban percussion, Marcel has trained under renowned musicians and cultural educators, developing a deep appreciation for the rhythms, history, and traditions that inspire his performances. His musical journey also includes years of Capoeira training, Portuguese language studies, and extensive exploration of Brazilian culture, strengthening an authentic connection to the music he performs.

Throughout his career, Marcel has shared the stage or collaborated with artists including Ozomatli, Brett Dennen, Green Day, and numerous acclaimed Brazilian musicians through organizations such as California Brazil Camp. He has also performed with Papiba & Friends, accompanied dance programs for Samba Soul Dance Company, played for Capoeira rodas and dance classes, and participated in the vibrant tradition of San Francisco Carnaval.

Nolan Fink

is a trumpeter, pianist, and multi-instrumentalist born and raised in Santa Cruz, California. A lifelong musician, Nolan developed a passion for jazz, Latin music, and world rhythms at an early age. He graduated from Harbor High School as the recipient of the prestigious Louis Armstrong Jazz Award, recognizing his outstanding musicianship, leadership, and dedication to jazz performance.

During his school years, Nolan was a two-time member of the Kuumbwa Jazz Honor Band, a four-year member of the Central Coast Section (CCS) Honor Band, and regularly performed for official City of Santa Cruz ceremonies and civic events. His strong foundation in jazz improvisation and ensemble performance has made him a versatile and sought-after musician throughout the Central Coast.

Today, Nolan performs extensively with Leo Lobo and other regional artists, exploring the rich traditions of Brazilian, Latin, Afro-Cuban, and world music. Equally comfortable on trumpet and piano, he brings expressive melodies, sophisticated harmonies, and dynamic improvisation to every performance. His musical style blends technical precision with infectious energy, making him an integral part of the Tropical Pocket sound.