San Simón is an NYC-based world music group that draws inspiration from the Spanish-speaking Caribbean, soul, rock, modern pop arrangements, and psychedelia. San Simón’s original songs feature hypnotic grooves that incorporate elements from a range of musical traditions, including boogaloo, Dominican rhythms like gagá, hiphop, afrobeat, soul, and reggae.
Founded in 2015 by guitarist Evan Ubiera, San Simón’s current lineup includes local keys ace, Alexis Marcelo, seasoned percussionists Joel Guzmán and Iván Torres Jr., Latin soul groover Mario Padrón on bass, and the musical duo of Uriel Monroig on drums and singer Raquel Joan. The band has also collaborated with renowned güira player Roberto “Rokita” Santos.
San Simón has performed at a number of festivals and events, including Music at Hudson Lights Park, Fort Lee, NJ; Music in The Park, Lincoln Park, Jersey City, NJ; Reddit’s Hispanic Heritage Month, Manhattan, NY; Amplify Latinx’ Hispanic Heritage Month, Boston, MA; Live at The Ferry Slip, Perth Amboy, NJ; Bodega Jams, East Brooklyn, NY; Afro-Taíno Winter Bash, Brooklyn, NY. They have also played at venues such as Groove Bar, Camaradas, The Shrine, Silvana, C’mon Everybody, Fox and Crow, Union City’s Cultural Center, among others.
San Simón has released an EP titled “Talk To Me” in 2017, followed by their 2019 single release of “Golden Lady,” which is a merengue cover of the classic Stevie Wonder song. Their music has been featured on NPR’s Morning Becomes Electric in Southern California and on Discolai’s Dominican music blog for the release of their 2021 comment on police brutality, “Hey!”. They have also been included in numerous online playlists around the world.
Currently, San Simón is working on their second release, which features the addition of percussionist Joel Guzmán on tambú, congas, and tambora. The band is excited to continue working with Marcelo, Padrón, Torres Jr., Monroig, and Joan to create new and innovative music that draws on a range of influences and traditions.