Two close-knit brothers, keyboardist Aaron Wade and bassist Nick Wade, create an amazing stage presence, as does percussionist Candito Mendoza. But band founders, John Mederios on guitar and Ajay Coletta on drums, bring their extensive performing experience and knowledge to guide this electrifying group. Coletta grew up listening to rock 'n' roll, jazz and fusion music, all being played on college radio stations. While still in his teens, he played gigs with the rock bands around New England.

From his home in Providence, R.I., Coletta says, "The band was formed 10 years ago. I was just out of college, and John and I had been playing with various bands for many years. We were looking for some new musicians to play with and, as a result, formed our own band, which was called 'Planet Groove.'

"We started out with a world beat, then progressed more into various jazz styles. We found that the Latin music we were playing became a good blend with jazz, so we wrote more music, and our fans responded to our new style. It wasn't long before we added rock and funk to the mix, and found the combination was very successful when we played for live audiences. This year we changed the name, which we felt better fit the music we are now playing."

Santa Mamba entertains fans throughout the East Coast with a live show that often includes audience participation. The band has five CDs under its belt. The latest, "Saints and Sinners," was released at a Cinco de Mayo celebration in Hartford, Conn. Santa Mamba performs 8:30-11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 4, at Musikfest's Plaza Tropical Stage, Bethlehem. Information: musikfest.org.