Eme & Union Street Band

Eme &
Union Street Band:
Is a lively blend of Urban World Music and Funky Rhythm and Blues.
Union Street Band's (USB) musical and cultural diversity is that quality which gives birth to its breath of creativity, innovation and mass appeal.

Afro-beat, soul, funk & jazz influences.
USB brings together accomplished musicians of different backgrounds and experiences, each contributing unique expressions, talents and perspectives. The result of this rich collaboration has been described as "a celebration of the essential spirit of music-making; distinctive enough to challenge convention, with a universal vital energy and upbeat attitude”.

Expect a mix of original tunes along-side popular covers. The Band performs afro-beat numbers in the tradition of Fela Kuti and is known to transition into grooves peppered with funky interludes and tasty Caribbean dance tunes. Among the list of artists covered are Santana, Damien Marley, Bob Marley, Fela Kuti, Prince and Snow Boy. Other Band members are Steve Smith, versatile experienced drummer. Respected session man with a flare for the live show. Samantha Hylton, vocalist with tenure in the Reggae music circuits and Tanash, versatile guitar player and song writer.

Eme Awa: Singer/Song Writer Eme Awa has been part of the Washington D.C live music scene for the over 10 years. As a member of Pure Light Seed, Eme played guitar, wrote lyrics and provided back ground vocals for lead singer David Blackwell. After a short stint working with a variety of Dance Club DJs and blowing up the Afro-House Club scene, Eme became so inspired by the diversity of musicianship in the area, that he formed Union Street Band to showcase the harmony between different musical experiences.

He then went on to help develop Chopteeth Afro-Funk Band after being approached by Michael Sherikis and Robert Fox. After three years, several live concerts and recordings, Eme decided to move on from Chopteeth to continue seeking diversity in the music and art of the Washington DC area. Several Wammie nominations later, Eme is again with Union Street Band performing their signature infectious groove guaranteed to get you moving.

Freedom, improvisation ... USB makes things happen.
Union Street’s live performance ability has made them worthy of sharing the stage with many national artists such as Jeffrey Osborne, Nester Torres, Angela Bofill, and Najee. Open and versatile, the project often features independent artists in combined acts of poetry, rap, instrumental and vocal performances.

Since the release of their first single, Ecstasy, in 2006 with Singer Ife Thomas, USB has demonstrated wonderful, magical chemistry on stage and in studio recordings. Their unpretentious musical style, groovy beats and melodies, remain characteristic USB trade marks and will elevate your spirits as well as your feet!

'Round Town and Festivals & Events-
- USB performance locations:
Cada Vez
Andalu’s
The Saloon
Bohemian Caverns

Takoma Station
Club 5
Joe's Movement Emporium
D.C.9
Café Taliano’s
Candy Apple Red

The 2nd Annual Jazz & Blues Festival - Miami
Singer Island, Fla. Spring Break Music Festival
The Kunta Kinte Festival - Annapolis, MD
American University Jazz & Blues Festival - D.C.
The Harlem Renaissance Festival - Columbia
Adams Morgan Day Festival - D.C.
Black Love Festival, Malcolm X Park - D.C.
Dept of Transportation/Housing Urban Dev.
Concert Series, D.C.
Anti-Violence Against Women Street Festival,
Adams Morgan, D.C.
With Chopteeth:
• Several shows at Strathmore Hall in Rockville MD.
• Several shows at Kennedy Center in downtown Washington DC.
• States Theartre, Virginia.
• 9:30 Club