BIOGRAPHY

Mama Grows Funk is an eight-piece band based in Mendocino County, California, devoted to groove, connection, and the joy of live music.
The group formed in late 2017, when bassist Rob Marcello set out to start a high-energy funk band. He reached out to former guitarist Pilar Duran, who encouraged him to call drummer Gabriel Yañez, “the best drummer in the area.” Soon after, Rob’s partner overheard U‘i Wesley singing on a dance floor at a local party — and knew she needed to be part of the project. “I’m grateful we started,” U‘i recalls. “It’s an honor that she connected me with Rob.” With U‘i’s soulful voice front and center, the group quickly found its sound. Percussionist Paul Schulman joined shortly after, deepening the groove and solidifying the core rhythm section.
Over the years, Mama Grows Funk has grown into the high-energy funk band Rob had envisioned. After cycling through several horn players, Carlos Hernández joined the lineup, bringing trumpet and percussion to the mix and solidifying the group’s brass and rhythm section. Jess Ryan joined on keyboards in early 2024, bringing rich harmony and jazz-infused textures. The following year, the dynamic and musical Jay Costa joined on guitar. Later on in 2025, Branch Wesley—U’i’s husband—joined on vocals, adding a fresh layer of soul.
Mama Grows Funk’s philosophy is simple: groove connects people. The band creates a space where musicians and audiences move as one — “a communion between dancers and musicians,” as drummer Gabe Yañez describes it. Every performance becomes a shared celebration of rhythm, joy, and togetherness.
Looking ahead, Mama Grows Funk is eager to expand into larger festivals and new venues, while developing original music to produce studio recordings for streaming platforms. The band continues to evolve — turning rhythm into connection and every show into a joyful, soulful celebration.

MUSICAL INFLUENCES

Each member brings a unique musical voice and set of influences. Exploring the music of R&B greats like Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, The New Mastersounds, The Meters, Anderson .Paak, The Bamboos, the band blends vintage funk with a modern, improvisational edge. 

U‘i’s vocals are rooted in the spirit of her Hawaiian lineage and shaped by greats such as Auntie Genoa Keawe, Fontella Bass, Mary Kaye, Chaka Khan, Etta James, and Nina Simone — voices that, as she says, “speak to my heart and make me feel good in my soul.” 

Gabe’s drumming reflects the lineage of Clyde Stubblefield and Nate Smith. At the same time, Rob’s bass lines echo the deep-pocket sensibility of Paul Jackson and George Porter Jr. Jess infuses harmonic sophistication inspired by Vulfpeck, Herbie Hancock, and Soulive. Jay colors the grooves with a mix of Prince, Funkadelic, and Talking Heads. 

Together, they create music that’s deeply rhythmic, danceable, and alive.

NOTABLE VENUES

The band has brought their infectious sound to stages across Northern California, including the Southern Humboldt Summer Arts and Music Festival in 2024, as well as the historic Arena Theater in Point Arena, CA in 2025, earning a reputation for high-energy performances that uplift and energize. Equally at home on festival stages, in wedding celebrations, or community gatherings, Mama Grows Funk transforms every event into a dance-filled experience of connection.

Meet the Band

  • U'i Wesley

    LEAD VOCALS

    “I see Mama Grows Funk growing into a big funky, fabulous tree, traveling to festivals and creating our own unique, delicious rhythms and songs.”

  • GABE YAÑEZ

    DRUMS

  • JAY COSTA

    GUITAR

  • JESS RYAN

    KEYBOARDS

  • ROB MARCELLO

    BASS

    "It’s about unity and constant growth - we want to keep growing together musically, as one voice.”

  • PAUL SCHULMAN

    CONGAS

  • CARLOS HERNÁNDEZ

    TRUMPET, PERCUSSION

  • BRANCH WESLEY

    VOCALS, PERCUSSION