(RAS) Riders Against the Storm is a musical movement in Austin, TX that can only be described as 'historic.' As recent recipients of 'Band of the Year' honors at the 2014, 2015 and 2016 Austin Music Awards, Chaka and Qi Dada (husband and wife) represent a significant first in the 'Live Music Capital.' Over the past 32 years, hip hop has never received the top honor at the annual awards show. Winning the title twice in a row is an accomplishment shared by only a handful of bands, including: Spoon, and Los Lonely Boys. They now plan to continue their trendsetting ways with the release of their new album, "Flowers for the Living".

A formidable friendship formed in 2010 as Jake Lloyd and Deezie Brown emerged onto the music scene in Austin. The Geto Gala is a creation of their own table for their sound and their community, yet all are welcome. Black community, even though they feel like they should have a spot at the table. The Gala is for the community, a celebration of black excellence conveyed through the modern nostalgic Texas and Southern sounds they were inspired by.

Marcus Rezak is joined by Kris Myers of Umphrey's McGee on Drums, Shaun Martin of Snarky Puppy, and Ola Timothy who has performed with Steve Rhodes Orchestra and many others on bass. Night one will be a night of Shred Is Dead (High Octane Grateful Dead) with originals and other covers sprinkled in and night two will be Gateway to the Galaxy (Marcus' progressive fusion originals with other covers mixed in)

As a lead guitarist, Marcus Rezak carves out a distinguished style in the world of Guitar with several cutting-edge groups such as Shred is Dead, Digital Tape Machine, Stratosphere All-Stars, Katharsis, Supernatural Beings as well as an artist at large. He has performed at some of the most elite music festivals across the globe in various genres alongside of world-renown musicians. Known as a master of jazz improvisation and the art of the sit-in, Marcus is a frequent call among bands and musicians carving out his unique niche in the performance world. Having a commanding stage presence, Marcus takes the euphoric freedom of live music and directs its path into a unique approach, as if every jam is a live recording session. By keeping exceptionally comprehensive mental notes on what works, what doesn't, and how to improve is what has led Marcus to respect in the music world and to such integral heights.

What happens when alumni of Austin Latin music scene institutions Grupo Fantasma, El Tule and Del Toro crank it up with a veteran bass player from the Big Easy? You get the completely original yet somehow familiar sounds of Austin’s latest Latin Musical Force – El Combo Oscuro.  Our lyrics bring listeners through 1000 years of the history of the Americas. The appeal, however, is universal.  This music is 100% ready for the dance floor and creates an urge to dance that transcends language and culture.  If this rhythm doesn’t get you moving, your nalgas are busted! 

The El Combo Oscuro magic brings something for everyone.  We serve up retro 70’s Colombian dance hall music and a touch of 60’s psychedelia with a modern approach.  Any self-respecting Sonidero can spin it all night and keep folks on the dancefloor. With all of its Latin flair, the music speaks for itself in all of its originality. 

There’s no question this music is Austin, Texas. 

Luis Montilla was born in Maracaibo, Venezuela. At 11 years old, he picked up the violin and never looked back. At age 16, Montilla made his first record with Orquestra Chekere. 

Luis Montilla is an unassuming and dignified figure when he takes the stage in his faded jeans and suit jacket. It’s his violin that cries for your attention—a slash of white that might have been pulled from a Picasso painting. When he puts bow to strings, listeners fall under the spell of a master—Montilla layers the eerie voice of the violin over the jazz-inspired Latin rhythm into a spell-binding fusion. Luis Montilla is a classically trained violinist, fluent in jazz and Latin music with a unique—for a violinist—ability to improvise. Montilla was born in San Felipe, Venezuela and shortly thereafter moved to Maracaibo, Venezuela where his was raised. He was eleven years old when he found his calling as a musician. At sixteen, he made his first record with Orquestra Chekere. He graduated from Cecilio Acosta Catholic University in Venezuela with a bachelor’s degree in music and a master’s degree in education, then trained at the Jose Luis Paz Conservatory in classical music. It was at the Conservatory that he was introduced to jazz and Latin music and developed his unique style.  Continuing his journey, Montilla moved to Los Angeles, California, where his career blossomed. Luis’ captivating soul, playing style, and virtuosity creates the perfect fit for Reason to Rhyme Music’s vision. 

  

Montilla currently (2021) has been working on his new debut record, under the Reason to Rhyme Music label, featuring some of the most influential and prodigious artists from across the globe including: Jeff Sipe (Aquarium Rescue Unit), Luisito Quintero (Chic Corea), Ali Romero, Zack Page, Jasmiri Romaldini, Marcus Rezak, The Brothers of Brass, and others.   

Montilla has performed and recorded with some of the world’s best Artists including: 

• Israel Lopez “Cachao” (Latin jazz legend creator of mambo) 
• Federico Britos (Montilla’s Mentor) 
• Javier Santos (Julio Iglesias’ son) 
• Charlie Zaa 

• Orlando Lopez (masacote) 
• Luis Conte (legendary percussionist) 
• Christian Castro 
• Sergio Arau 
• El Chicano Group 

• Alfredo de la Fe 
• Otmaro Ruiz 
• Oreste Vilato 
• Los Galos 
• Raul Pineda (of Sintesis and Irakere) 

• Jimmy Brandley (of NG La Banda) 
• Chist Trujillo (of Toto) 
• Martin Balín (inductee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame) of Jefferson Airplane 
• Andy Garcia (actor/musician) 
• La Charanga Cubana 

• Juan Pablo Dominguez and Michelle Amhed of Habana Ensemble 
• Larry Dunn Orquestra 
• John Seda 
• Jon Barnes 
• Jazzy Harris Band 

• Maria Conchita Alonso 
• Luisito Quintero (Percussionist for Chick Corea) 
• Jeff Sipe (Aquarium Rescue Unit) 
• Zack Page 
• Ali Romero 

• Jasmiri Romaldini 
• The Brothers of Brass 
• Marcus Rezak 

Luis has produced music for many short films and TV shows: Gordon Glass with Hollywood actor Omar Miller, CSI Miami, 8 Mile, Miracle at St. Anna, and The Express. In 1999, Montilla became the band leader and arranger for Telemundo’s (NBC) Cuanto Cuesta El Show in Los Angeles. Additionally, Luis composed music for Corazon de Campeon, which was nominated in 2014 for a Fox Sports Emmy. Montilla’s 2011 record Come to Me and his 2012 record Horizonte are available on all digital channels.