Marcos & Sabor

Headed by the guitar sensation, Marcos, and lead vocals by Tori Huerta, this extraordinarily, talented group has been branded as the ‘new age Santana’. With blistering lead guitar and gritty, soulful vocals, the band has influences of Carlos Santana, Aerosmith, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Los Lonely Boys, Mana and Alicia Keys. The band plays a number of originals as well as a variety of music and styles that include Santana, Classic Rock, Latin Jazz, Latin Favorites, Blues, American Oldies y mucho más.

Marcos E. Mora, a third generation Mexican American, was born in Los Angeles, CA and raised in South Omaha, NE. He comes from one of the largest Mexican American families in Omaha—La familia Barrientos, whom have contributed to the Omaha music scene for 90 years! His grandfather Vidal Barrientos and his brothers, Juan and Pan?lo, migrated to the U.S. from Aguascalientes, Mexico in the 1920’s. From the 1920’s to the1970’s they were well-known musicians in the South Omaha Mexican community.

Marcos Mora’s entire life has been spent in an environment of music and dance. From his parents, aunts, uncles, and neighborhood childhood friends in South Omaha the sounds of music have always been a constant. Music studies began at an early age while in elementary school at St. Bridget’s, then at South High School. Experiments with trumpet, bass, keyboard and other musical instruments led Marcos to adopt the guitar as his signature sound. An early band, Conspiracy, was formed with relatives and friends as music conspirators.

In the late 90s Sabor was formed while Marcos was attending the University of Nebraska at Omaha. After several years as a businessman, Marcos returned to his love of making music, re-energizing Sabor with many of his own compositions.

Currently, Sabor, in addition to Marcos, is comprised of lead singer Tori Huerta, Alex Rivas on drums, and Jose Franco on bass. Together, the band has been featured in many venues throughout the area, including Jazz on the Green, Omaha Entertainment Awards, Red Sky Festival, and the Cinco de Mayo Festival.

Interestingly, Tori and Marcos are third generation cousins. Marcos says that Tori provides the band with the inspiration and unique sound through her interpretation of both traditional standards and new works. As in Marcos’ musical education, Tori’s family support and grandfather’s influence made possible her growing love of music and performance style.

In 2012, Marcos & Sabor released its CD, Mi Amor, recorded in their studio in South Omaha. The CD features the band and other local artists performing original Latin American and Blues compositions, including a new rendition of Black Magic Woman. The group continues to perform publicly in area entertainment venues throughout the Midwest. Their participation in the Nebraska Arts Council Touring Program takes them to communities large and small in the state.