Hi! We are LA BAMBA – the Los Angeles Brigade of Activist Musicians, Bands, and Artists. Protests, rallies, marches, and actions need music and dancing and singing to really bring the message to the people and get the crowd pumped up. We are a collective of progressive activists who are bringing the HONK vibe and spectacle to the Los Angeles streets. Check out our Points of Unity for more about how we are organized.
What is HONK!?
HONK! is an international movement of activist street bands united by the belief in music for social change. The HONK! Festival started in Somerville, MA in 2006 with 12 brass-and-percussion bands from around North America converging for 3 days of free festivities. Since then, HONK! Festivals have spread around the world! HONK! festivals have happened in New York City, Providence RI, Seattle and Spokane, Austin TX, Eugene OR, Wollongong Australia, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo Brazil, Vancouver BC, Detroit, Madison, Montpelier, Montreal, Vancouver, Paris, Rome, Pittsburgh, Costa Rica, and elsewhere!
Since 2006, the HONK! Festival in Somerville, MA has brought street bands together every October for three days of free, raucous brass, reed, and percussion music with a progressive beat. Since then, festivals have happened in more than 20 cities worldwide. There’s even a book!
In 2020, with all the usual festivals cancelled, HONK musicians and artists — about 80 bands from all 7 continents! — came together virtually to produce HONK United! LA BAMBA was honored to participate. Check out our submission below!