Who we are
All the Rivers brings together a rich collaboration of 20+ immigrant musicians who now call vermont home:
congolese choir
The Congolese Choir is led by Dr. Jules Wetchi and includes singers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The participants sing in four languages and lift spirits with their powerful harmony singing and polyrhythmic percussion.
Steeve Valcourt
Steeve is the son of Haitian musical legend Boulo Valcourt, a blues, jazz, and roots musician. Thanks to his father, Valcourt grew up surrounded by the top stars of Haitian music and absorbed it all. He is the lead singer and guitarist of the world-touring Haitian band, Lakou Mizik, and has recently relocated to Woodstock, VT.
cintia lovo arias
Cintia is a Colombian vocalist, songwriter, and the creative force behind the band La Lovo. Trained in Bel Canto, she pairs a powerful, expressive vocal delivery with intricate songwriting, intrinsic melodies, and rhythms influenced by Afro-Caribbean music, jazz, soul, and grunge. Her sound balances refinement and rawness with ease, shaping a distinctive musical voice that is both refreshing and timeless.
Ousmane Camara
Master balafonist Ousmane leads Sabouyouma, guiding listeners on a vibrant cultural journey to West Africa and the roots of jazz, funk, and blues. Originally from Guinea and now based in Burlington, Vermont, Camara brings deep traditional knowledge to his work, blending West African dance music with contemporary funk and reggae. Through Sabouyouma (pronounced sah-boo-yoo-MAH), he creates an energetic, celebratory sound that bridges tradition and modern expression.
Samuel maama marquaye
Samuel is a Ghanaian percussionist, dancer, choreographer, and comic actor from Bukom, a neighborhood in Accra. He began performing at 13 with the Shidaa Cultural Troupe, eventually becoming its Artistic Director and leading the award-winning group on tours across Africa and Europe. Now based in Vermont, Samuel brings his deep knowledge of Ghanaian drumming and dance to performances, workshops, and collaborations throughout New England. He has performed with Shidaa Projects and Akwaaba Ensemble and continues to share the rhythms and movement of his culture with new audiences through All the Rivers.
ERNESTO VILLALOBOS
Ernesto was born in Veracruz, Mexico and grew up listening to his grandmother Cristina play the captivating rhythms of traditional Son Jarocho music. He is a Grammy Award winning violinist, composer, and singer-songwriter. He co-leads the world-touring band Villalobos Brothers and has received numerous commissions to write and perform his own music as a soloist with renowned symphony orchestras, including the San Francisco Symphony, Santa Rosa Symphony, and Sun Valley Symphony, among others. Villalobos now makes his home in Bethel, VT.
Maiz Vargas Sandoval
Maiz is a Costa Rican–born musician, singer, songwriter, and bassist based in Burlington, Vermont. He is the founder and bandleader of the Latin world fusion ensemble Mal Maiz, where he blends traditional cumbia, reggae, and Afro-Caribbean rhythms into a dynamic, cross-cultural sound. His music explores themes of heritage, identity, and the immigrant experience. As an artist and poet, Maiz uses his creativity to uplift underrepresented voices and proudly share his culture and roots through music.
Daiki HIRANO
Daiki is a proud first-generation Japanese American percussionist who has spent over two decades exploring the rich possibilities of polyrhythm. His work lives at the intersection of Haitian, Latin American, rock, and Japanese taiko traditions, blending percussive cultures in a way that honors his parents’ journey beyond Japan in search of opportunity, inclusivity, and belonging. Daiki has performed and collaborated with artists including Grace Potter, Kat Wright, Generationals, Burlington Taiko Group, and Tribu Baharú.
Nadine remy
Nadine is a Haitian roots singer and member of the internationally acclaimed band Lakou Mizik. Raised in Port-au-Prince, Nadine discovered her powerful voice singing in her church choir before studying with legendary Haitian musician Boulo Valcourt, who invited her to perform alongside him. She later joined Boulo’s son, Steeve Valcourt, as a founding member of Lakou Mizik, becoming one of Haiti’s celebrated roots singers. Known for her commanding voice and dynamic stage presence, Nadine carries Haiti’s rich musical traditions to audiences around the world.
assane coly
Assane is a master Senegalese percussionist based in Burlington, known for his work on djembe, sabar, and other West African drums. He is a founding member of the band Sabouyouma and performs with Jeh Kulu Dance & Drum Ensemble and Africa Jamono. In addition to concerts, Coly offers drum and dance classes, sharing the depth and vitality of West African musical traditions with local communities.