MEET THE BAND
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.
Michael Tamayo
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.
Kelsey Sharp
Kevin Fitz
Drummer, percussionist and local legend, Kevin is a Gainesville native. Growing up in a musical family, his early musical influences include Earth, Wind & Fire, Stevie Wonder, B.B. King, and James Brown. While in high school, Kevin performed in marching band, concert band and vocal ensemble. After graduating, Kevin decided to do some traveling and then eventually moved back to Gainesville. Upon returning, he happily fall back into the music scene, working with artist like Tasha Zoe and recording with his father, Bill Rogers. Kevin then obtained his real estate license and enjoys working with his clients to find homes. He also enjoys providing education on ways to build generational wealth through property ownership. When Kevin isn’t working, you can find him exploring nature by mountain bike or traveling to different places for landscape photography.
Kelsey Sharp is the dynamic keyboardist and vocalist for Tamayo Band, bringing a unique blend of soulful melodies and rich harmonies to the group's signature sound. With a background in diverse musical styles, Kelsey’s expressive playing and powerful vocals add depth to the band's fusion of rock, folk, electronica, and psychedelic jam. Whether leading a soaring chorus or delivering intricate keyboard solos, she plays a key role in shaping the energy and emotion of Tamayo Band’s live performances.
Karina Tamayo
Synthesizer/keyboard. 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.
Trevor Zwaan
Guitarist/ 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.
MISSION
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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.