History The Vangoes

In a time when negative rap dominates our radios, The Vangoes offer a breath of fresh air! Acoustic Hip Hop & Soul blending rock, folk, blues, reggae, and funk into a unique sound that has a purpose: to inspire & raise awareness that positive music can change a community. With the versatility of playing everything from a 3 piece acoustic coffee house set to a 9 piece band performance, The Vangoes know how bring their original flavor to any show and carry a message that's meant to last and motivate.

Supporting the community through activism, The Vangoes serve as the public face of F.R.E.S.H., an after school program run by band members Shawn Elliot and Lamar Jones, that teaches at-risk youth how to stay off the streets using the creative arts. Currently, they are fund raising to film a documentary about their message. For more info, check out www.thevangoesproject.org

Their influences include everything from Bach to Pac. We draw inspiration from Jack Johnson, G. Love, Lupe Fiasco, Arrested Development, Ray Charles, Nas, Jason Mraz, the Beatles, Mos Def, Common, 60's Motown, 70's groove, and the sounds of Doo-Wop to name a few.

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