SamaSama Project is the Midwest’s premiere Filipino Folk Fusion band launched in 2008. Translated as “united” or “together”, “SamaSama” truly lives up to their name creating a blend of Filipino folk, jazz, reggae, ska, blues, disco and Latin music, inspired by a 1970s musical movement called Manila Sound. Over the years, the talented group led by singer and musical actress Lou Ella Rose and husband Baron Lloyd Cabalona, a versatile musician and arranger has made their mark showcasing a fusion of Filipino traditional folk and contemporary music at many notable venues and events.

SamaSama Project regularly performs around Illinois and has toured cities in Indiana, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Iowa and Hawaii to crowds of hundreds up to a record 14,000 in Madrid, Spain for World Youth Day.

Notable performances include: Chicago Navy Pier, Downtown Oak Park, Chicago White Sox, Windy City Ribfest, HCSC Corporate HQ, Miller Coors HQ, St Jude Dream Chicago at Millenium Park, Copernicus Center, Cubby Bear Wrigleyville, Harold Washington Library, Pioneer Court on Michigan Ave, Chicago Cultural Center, Illinois State University, Old Town School of Folk Music, Governor State University, Palacio de Deportes (Madrid), House of Blues, The Hideout, Drew’s on Halstead, Davenport’s Piano Bar and Cabaret, Nepal Fest, Morton Grove Township, Maine Township International Day, Le Piano, Epiphany Center for the Arts, Patio Theater, Baranggay Club of Indiana

SamaSama Project won 1st runner up in Best World Music Act by Chicago Reader’s Best of Chicago 2023 and was selected as one of only 20 semi-finalists for Chicago DCASE’s Chicago Made Music Showcase besting close to 200 artists.

Inspired by the drive to promote diversity and, honor the shared history of two countries they call home through music, SamaSama Project launched “The Great Filipino Songbook, a collection of songs and stories that shaped the trajectory of Philippine Music during America’s Golden Age of music. TGFS the Album is scheduled for release this year.

Lou Ella Rose – Lead Vocals and Agung (ethnic)

Baron Cabalona – Drums, Bass Guitar, Kulintang (ethnic), and Musical Director

Ran Sevilla – Rhythm Guitar and Dabakan (ethnic)

John Kniker – Lead Guitar

EJ Luna – Bass Guitar

Giga Yanong - Saxophone and Bongos