Tamayo Band was formed in 2018 and began performing and recording music shortly after. The band is based out of Gainesville, Florida and has been exposed to the vast array of artists that have come from the area. Inspired by a diverse community of artists from multiple genres, Tamayo Band lives in the world between Rock, Folk, electronica and psychedelic jam. Tamayo Band’s mission is clear: create the kind of music they want to hear. “We are here to speak for a generation fed up with the injustices and disparities of our society, to dance to the rhythm and soul of the universe, and to listen to the voice that is inside all of us.” With all the love in the universe, Tamayo Band
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Michael Tamayo is a bassist, vocalist and founding member of Tamayo Band. Raised in Naples, Florida, but based out of Gainesville since 2013, Michael has been writing and performing music for bands since middle school. After high school, Michael obtained his bachelor's degree from the University of Florida and then his Juris Doctor degree from the Levin College of Law. On any given day, you can find Michael in his hammock or around the campfire jamming along to his inspirations like Grateful Dead, Santana, Eagles, Bob Marley, Nirvana, John Mayer, Tom Petty, Pink Floyd, Lettuce, Phish, Papadosio, Disco Biscuits, The Meters, and The Cure. An advocate for the disenfranchised, Michael prides himself on a message of peace, love, forgiveness and redemption. He hopes to inspire and instill hope in his friends, family, and fans through his music.
Sebastian “Tati” Sayavedra was born in Chile and grew up in South Florida before coming to Gainesville to study at the University of Florida. Throughout his life he has been influenced by a variety of music genres through his parents. He started playing guitar at the age of 10 because he wanted to learn all of the Beatles songs. 16 years later, Tati’s favorite thing to do is play electric guitar and get funky & groovy with it any chance he gets.
Karina Tamayo is one of the two synthesizers/keyboard players in Tamayo. She also assists with background vocals and trombone. She studied Music Performance at the University of Florida, along with English. She hopes to work in the music business industry as an entertainment lawyer. Playing in Tamayo has been a part of Karina's life long before the band was created. Growing up with her brother, Michael, both Tamayo siblings have been playing guitar and singing together with their family since childhood. Having the opportunity to create another musical family alongside fellow musicians in Tamayo has been one of the best experiences, and she cannot wait to see where the band goes from here.
Hannah Toombs is the lead vocalist and plays rhythm strings on the ukulele, guitar, and violin for Tamayo. Her musical style draws on 70s rock from artists and bands like Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin, Janis Joplin, and Jimi Hendrix. Her songwriting is inspired by her life experiences and personal emotions and stories that are often hard to share in everyday conversation but can be communicated and universally understood through music. Hannah is also a Ph.D. student in Cultural Anthropology and Latin American Studies at the University of Florida. When she's not jamming with the band, Hannah works with indigenous Lenca artisans in rural Honduras, studying how social and economic change affect their traditions.
Trevor Zwaan is our guitarist and fellow songwriter from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Born into a philosophical approach to the world around him, he resonates deeply with big musical thinkers such as Jack Johnson, Bob Marley and other greats that use their voice to soothe the souls of their worldly listeners. Trevor began his musical career while learning guitar from a friend at the University of Pittsburgh where he studied the mind by way of Psychology and Philosophy. He fell deeply into the depths of jam after moving to Gainesville, FL where he found artists like the Grateful Dead, STS9, Sunsquabi and Spafford who have helped to cultivate his current approach to musical technique. Being part of Tamayo is his passion and Trevor provides a well rounded business approach to the group; helping with graphic design, promotion, practical and ethical direction.
