Buena Buya

Embodying the sound the West Coast, Buena Buya (pronounced, /boo-yah/, and Spanish for “Good Noise”) has been gaining momentum since their creation in the fall of 2006 and are poised to take their music further by continually reinventing and redefining their sound. Unbounded by any particular musical genre and bringing diverse influences from the six members of the band, Buena Buya's tone draws on several elements to keep the crowd on its feet and moving. With a three-piece percussion section pumping out Latin rhythms mixed with the lively sounds of Ska, Funk, Jazz, Reggae, R&B, and Surf it is very rare that the audience can stay put.

Each member of Buena Buya ushers a distinctive ingredient in the creation of the band's sound. Dana Tower, now in his fourth year as a professional drum instructor, establishes the group's dynamic pulse encompassing world rhythms in his unique style. The ensemble's djembe player, Paul Wolda, provides earth-shaking undulations finely tuned on the djembe. On the congas, bongos, and clave Colin Daly asserts the groove with Latin flavour. Lead guitarist and vocalist, Kurt Loewen, aficionado of funk and blues guitar, weaves effortlessly between driving rhythm riffs and tasty solos. Bass player, Juan Poirez, switches between driving funk bass lines to simple, yet precise, reggae groove. Cam Wallace, formerly of the Victoria based ska group, the Hoochy Girls, implores his experience and talent vocally, on the keys and on the rhythm guitar to round out the group's roster.

2007 proved to be a formative year for this up and coming band. The summer began with sold out performances on Pender Island, Cortes Island, and Lasqueti Island. Their reputation for high energy music, crowd captivating chants, and charismatic theatrics found the band playing in excess of three and a half hours of music on many occasions. The band was stoked when it discovered it would share the bill at Texada Island's Diversity Festival with such well known acts as Vancouver's Five Alarm Funk and the revered Adam Shaikh. Shortly thereafter, the group hit the road on a two week tour spanning the distance of Victoria through Calgary, playing 14 shows in as many days, and culminating at Sundre's Mukwah Jamboree. The group was well received along the way and is already planning their summer 2008 tour.

Buena Buya has been fortunate enough to play music that suits both their personal tastes, and the attitudes of those who frequent their shows. The Buya’s comprehensive sound entices audiences from all musical niches, and is a true pleasure to the senses. When these six friends join in musical sodality, the experience hits you like a wave and the profusion of rhythm and melody lifts you from your seat.