With the Music's Help

Because of a mistake he made when he was a teenager, Victor Vega never completed his music studies. Today he regrets that. However, it was his deep love of music that kept him from not giving up completely. Currently Victor is doing what he has always wanted: he has his own band in Santa Barbara called “La Bomba.”

Vega recalls, “When I was a kid, I used to listen to the music that my parents listened to at home. I listened to mariachis but also to the classic American music. Later, as an adolescent, I was convinced about what I wanted to be. I wanted to dedicate my life to music.”

“La Bomba” is an interpretation of Latin music, funk and Blues, and is composed of a “reserve of talents,” in Vega’s words. “Musicians come and go but they keep their interest for playing with us,” says Victor. “If I had to tell you how many members I’ve had, the list would be endless. La Bomba would be then a band of 100 musicians,” he says with a smile.

Among the more regular in the group are Jimmy Shane, guitarist and Vega’s right hand; Cougar Estrada, drums and percussion; Isidro Yanez, saxophonist; and Ruben Palazuelos, keyboards and vocals. Victor is the director, vocalist, percussionist and promoter of the band.

“La Bomba” frequently plays at “Rocks” as well as “Calypso” and “634,” all on State Street. Vega announced that he has plans to start a program to help young kids get involved with music in the community. Knowing firsthand its saving power, Victor says, “The music can help to keep them out of problems.” It could also produce a new generation of “La Bomba” band members.

Con la Ayuda de la Música

La sencillez de quien siempre ha soñado con la música es el principal componente de esta entrevista con Victor Vegas, director y vocalista del grupo “La Bomba”.

Todo buen don y todo regalo perfecto viene del cielo,” parafrasea este músico del patio las sagradas escrituras para mostrar su filosofia. “De niño, escuchaba la música que mis padres ponían en la radio, música de mariachis y de clásicos norteamericanos. De joven me convencí que lo que yo quería hacer con mi vida era dedicarla a la música,” dice Victor.

“La Bomba” interpreta música latina, Funk y Blues. Este es un grupo de composición muy variable que funciona como “banco de talentos” al decir de su director. Victor hace flexible los programas de “La Bomba” para dar oportunidad a músicos que también tocan con otras bandas a que mantengan su puesto en las presentaciones del grupo.

De los más regulares en “La Bomba” son Jimmy Shane, guitarrista y mano derecha de Victor; Cougar Estrada, tambores y percusión; Isidro Yanez, saxofonista; y Rubén Palazuelos, vocalista y teclado.

Victor es director, vocalista, percusionista y promotor del grupo. Lo piensa un poco antes de decirme cuáles músicos le han influenciado. “Stevie Wonder, porque interpreta sus canciones con mucha pasión; y Carlos Santana, de quien tenemos arreglos hechos,” concluye Victor.

“La Bomba” se presentará todos los Domingo de Junio en el 634, en State St.