Founded by members Johnny Shabandar and Wesam Isho, the BANDOLEROS have brought their unique music to the Chicagoland area since 1997. At first inspired by artists such as the Gipsy Kings and the late Tito Puente, the group has evolved to create a distinct repertoire combining rhythmical styling and sounds of the Caribbean and Mediterranean nations. The members of the seven-piece band are Assyrian, Venezuelan, Cuban, Ecuadorian and Russian. Original songwriting by the group features poetic lyrics sung in six languages – Spanish, English, Arabic, Italian, Greek and Turkish.

The result—a distinctive international flair and charisma that no stage had ever seen until the BANDOLEROS came along. Since its creation, the band has released two CD’s, Habibi in 2000, and most recently, Bandolero in 2002 with sales approaching 15,000. 2002 proved to be a very active year for the band as it appeared on two television shows. In November 2002 the group was praised as "Chicago’s most eclectic band" by ABC 7’s Janet Davies while performing on 190 North, Chicago’s premiere televised magazine show. In July 2002, the BANDOLEROS performed live on the plaza on Michigan Avenue for Fox News in the Morning, who claimed that attending a performance by the BANDOLEROS "is a guaranteed good time!" Recognition of the group has continued to skyrocket in 2003 with performances on ABC 7’s Chicagoing with Bill Campbell, Assyrians Around the World cable television show; Serbian TV and others.

The BANDOLEROS—who were up against long-standing institutions Columbia College, WBEZ-FM and The Old Town School of Folk Music--won the coveted Award of Honor for Contribution to World Beat Music at the 2003 Chicago Music Awards. This achievement further testifies to the impact the group has had on the international music scene in Chicago, and beyond.

Members of the band include Assyrians, Johnny Shabandar (lead vocalist, guitarist, songwriter); Wesam Isho (lead vocalist, songwriter, percussionist) and Ashur Isho (lead guitarist, songwriter, background vocalist). From Venezuela, Javier Gonzalez (percussionist, background vocalist). From Havana Cuba; Eduardo Corzo (keyboardist, pianist); Ecudorian; and from the Ukraine; Igor Vinokur (bass guitarist).

  Demo Videos

Audio Samples