“I had heard through the grapevine that they rock. That said, there was little that could have prepared me for their set. Without exaggeration they pretty much wowed everyone. As I sat next to my bro, Johnny Sugarbritches during the first couple of songs we bantered that they were so radio-friendly (in the best way possible), that it’s ridiculous that they aren’t already famous. As their set continued and became more surprisingly eclectic, Sugarbritches keenly noted, “That set was so sexy.”

-Coachella Valley Weekly”

— http://coachellavalleyweekly.com/cv-music-showcase-2018-winner-willdabeast-dj-odc/

““This was a solid live presentation by a tight unit of musicians. The vivid imagery of the brass section gyrating their bodies in tandem was just as intriguing as Grajeda’s sporadic headbanging. When Manuel The Band performed seven songs at Hotel Café, their live set took their dedicated fan base on an expressive multi-layered journey.”

-Music Connection”

— https://www.musicconnection.com/live-review-manuel-band-ahotel-cafe-hollywood/

““I have never been to Concerts in the Plaza and this is so amazing, what a lovely get-together....i can feel the Spirit in the air.”
-KSBY Central Coast News”

— https://www.ksby.com/san-luis-obispo/lovely-get-together-yes-san-luis-obispos-concerts-in-the-plaza-is-back

““I had the honor of experiencing their New Year’s performance at the Shoreline Village in Long Beach.
They were amazing. What a talented group. The instrumentation, the voice of Manuel, the charisma they have as a group. I hope they stay the way they are now after they become rich and famous. I hope they stay this real artistically, no gimmicks and electronic enhancements; they do not need any!”

-Shoreline Village Association ”

“From the mountain of curly hair on top of drummer Brandon “Fro Bro” Charlesworth’s head to the fire behind the glasses of veteran jazz saxophonist Matt Kalin, each member of the sextet looks like they belong in an entirely different genre of music. Independently, they all sound just as different as they appear, but somehow the diverse hurricane of music swirls around frontman (and namesake) Manuel Grajeda’s indie rock sensibilities for a very danceable and soulful blend unlike anyone else who ever shares a bill with them.

- OC Weekly”

— https://ocweekly.com/manuel-the-bands-bring-eclectic-jams-to-music-tastes-good/

““They’re awesome! I got to hear them at Shoreline Village on NYE. I love their version of Maroon 5 songs from “Songs About Jane”. I truly enjoyed them”
- Janice Foster ”

Manuel The Band

Hailing from Long Beach, California, Manuel the Band blurs the lines between rock, pop, and jam music, creating a warm, wide-ranging sound that’s every bit as diverse as the group’s Southern California stomping grounds.

Rooted in the savvy songwriting of frontman Manuel Grajeda, it’s a sound that makes room for electric guitar, pedal steel, a two-piece horn section, and deep-set rhythms. A sound that aims not only for the head and the heart, but also for the dancing shoes. The Band’s sounds extends from an eclectic array of influences, stemming from the soulful voice of John Mayer, the punchy beats of the Foo Fighters and the groovy feels of classic R&B. That wide range of inspiration has helped distinguish Manuel the Band from other contemporary rock acts. All six members bring their own influences to the table, resulting in a multi-layered sonic stomp that’s made the group one of SoCal’s go-to live acts.

Manuel the Band’s shows have already become the stuff of local legend, earning rave reviews from Music Connection Magazine (“the band is able to successfully transition from alternative rock and blues rock and funk and jazz so smoothly”), OC Weekly (“a very danceable and soulful blend unlike anyone else who ever shares a bill with them”), and Coachella Valley Weekly (“Manuel the Band’s shows are something you could take your parents to, or your kids to, and everyone would love it”). The band is a standard for summer concert series from Napa to San Diego and is the “go-to” for any Long Beach city event. The band, while focusing on their originals, has made a huge name for themselves as creating new takes on cover classics such as “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac, “Somebody Else” by the 1975 and Taylor Swift’s “ Wildest Dreams. The Band was even the go to for the the 2022 Christmas Parade in Belmont Shore, California, demonstrating their adaptability and admiration.