A lively, energetic, upbeat, and swinging 6-piece dance band with smooth male vocals and a bopping horn section. When Ben Marcato & his Mondo Combo play, everyone hits the dance floor! Whether it's rock and soul hits, swinging jazz, or funky rhythm and blues the group is guaranteed to bring fun and energy to any event! Ben Marcato was born and raised in Cincinnati Ohio. Before relocating to the Bay Area in 1993 to embark on his recording and performing career, Ben earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Guitar from The College Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. Describing himself as a “natural” singer, the self-taught vocalist draws inspiration from personal favorites like Louis Armstrong, Nat “King” Cole, Ray Charles, James Brown as well as Sinatra and Chet Baker.    Ben’s touring and recording band, known as “Ben Marcato and his Mondo Combo” have performed at virtually every noteworthy live venue in the Bay Area, including The Fillmore, The Plush Room, Slim’s, Bimbo’s, Rancho Nicasio, The Top of the Mark, Red Devil Lounge, Café du Nord, L.J's in the Metreon, and Bruno's to name a few. The late, great leader of The Grateful Dead, Jerry Garcia, hand-picked “Ben Marcato and his Mondo Combo” exclusively, to perform at his 1994 Valentine’s Day wedding reception at the Corinthian Yacht Club in Tiburon. The band was featured live at the 2005 annual Redwood City Summer Concert Series.