MAKRÚ'S HISTORY

Landing in San Francisco from different parts of the world, various characters got together for different motives and goals at the end of 2008 and became Makrú, a musical tool to express their points of view, ideals and support the causes they believe in, chasing equality and unifying people along the way while doing what they love.

With an acoustic flavor that fusion Rumba Flamenca, Ska, Reggae, Cumbia, and other global beats, lyrics in Spanish and English that bring reality, fiction, hope and joy Makrú sounds like smashing the earth and playing it on a record player.

Makrú has played:
The Great American Music Hall, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, The Rickshaw Stop, The Chapel, The New Parish, among many other venues in the Bay Area, as well as Los Angeles, San Diego, Oregon, Mexico, Spain, and Perú.

Makrú has been part of benefits for affected workers of Chevron, Workers Rights, Cesar Chavez Day, Elimination of Violence towards Women and Girls, Interamerican Association for Environmental Defense (AIDA), Moms Against Poverty, Prospera and other events fighting sexual and racial discrimination.

Discography:
2011 EP “Respeta”
2013 LP “Conexión”
2018 LP "Tu Mission"

WHO IS "MY CREW"?

 Jenny Rodríguez - Vocals, Vihuela and percussion

From Bogota, Colombia. Jenny began her career as a musician in 2002 educating her voice as a main instrument. Although her influences were always focused on jazz, folk and pop music; at the beginning of her music studies, she approached to the classical lyric technic. 
In 2010 she moves to London (United Kingdom) pursuing a development in her career as a singer. During her career in the UK, Jenny was part of different musical projects with various genres, such as salsa, latin tropical and folk music. In 2016 she moves to San Francisco, CA.

Raúl Vargas – Composer, Cajón and Vocals

From Madrid, he was nourished with Spanish artforms until age 20 when he left Spain to gather musical influences from around the world for six years, learning guitar, cajón, different percussion techniques, didjeridoo and other instruments. After playing with groups such as “Venus in Spurs” and “Fulanos,” in 2006 he created “La Malamaña,” a musical/circus/theater group that was a totally innovative concept in San Francisco. The musical component of “La Malamaña” would evolve into “Makrú.” 
 He also plays cajón and vocals for balkan-latin band Istanbul Connection. 

Vinicio Peñate – Electric and Upright Bass

Raised both in El Salvador and the United States, was the bassist of "La Sexta Virgada” and “La Malamaña,” and now brings his latin-american flavor to Makrú.

Bob Sanders – Electric and Acoustic Lead Guitar

From California, he was invited to Spain through the captivating world of flamenco guitar. He is the guitarist for Istanbul Connection, composer and guitarist for LoCura and drum set player for Alma Melodiosa. 

​ Haluk Kecelioglu - Violin and Oud

​ Jesse Weber - Percussion                    

Born in Turkey and raised in the U.S. he started playing music at the age of seven.  In2001 he started the band Radio Istanbul and has focused on playing middle eastern music on Violin, Oud, and the Turkish Saz. He also plays with the Balkan group Mano Cherga as well as Istanbul Connection.

From Wyoming, after receiving a music degree from the University of Montana, Jesse traveled to La Havana, Cuba to study Afro-Cuban percussion. He moved to San Francisco in 2000 and has performed with many bands throughout the Bay Area. His diverse background and multi percussion drum kit exude the sounds of Afro-Cuban, Cumbia, Slasa, Regaaeton, Ska and Hiip Hop.