If the name 'Cabo Frio' means more to you than a Brazilian city, you're probably remembering a local band that went on to make a name for itself nationally.

'Cabo Frio' released its first recording 28 years ago.

"We said we were going to be a recording act from Day 1," says drummer, Curtis Kendrick. "We started off playing original music, and we had a vision--we had a plan."

MCA released the band's next three albums during the 80's.

"We toured with the Yellow Jackets, Spyro Gyra," Kendrick remembers. "We played The Blue Note in New York several times."

When MCA dropped them in '87, they went their separate ways. Kendrick moved to Maryland, bought the band's name, and released two more CD's with different players on his own label.

"But it wasn't the original--wasn't the same," he says. "That's why we decided to record a live CD.

That live recording takes place at this weekend's reunion at the Clarissa Room.

"We've remained friends for all these years," says keyboardist, Joe Santora. "For me, I'd play the gig for nothing! It's just good seeing these guys and hearing them again."

"These guys" are Kendrick, Santora, saxophonist Terrance Bruce (all original members) plus the band's newest member, bassist Mark Russell from Maryland. They all agree that the chemistry is still there--even after 28 years.

"That's a long time for one group to stay together," says Kendrick. "But we're determined to get it back to where it was before."

See 'Cabo' Friday and Saturday, Nov. 19 & 20, at the Clarissa Room (formerly 'Shep's Paradise' at 293 Clarissa St.) Tickets are $8 in advance (available a at the Clarissa Room, House of Guitars, and Record Archive), and $10 at the door. Shows are at 8 & 10pm each night. Cabo Frio's 1979 self-released album will be available on CD in limited quantities (features original guitarist, Tod Vullo, who has since passed away).

For more info, click on the link below.

Cabo Frio