Aki Kumar Band featuring Oscar LaDell

Aki Kumar left his native home in Mumbai, India for the United States with the intention of working as a software engineer. Then he discovered the sounds of the blues, and his life changed dramatically.

A masterful harmonica player, soulful vocalist, band-leader, drummer and producer, Kumar is a man of many talents and one of the most prolific artists in the SF Bay Area today. He has successfully blended retro Indian music into his presentation, making for a unique, electrifying, multi-cultural mash-up that sounds like no one else, yet never loses touch with the inspiration it draws from the blues. A veteran of the San Jose music scene for two decades, Kumar was hailed as "...King of ‘Bollywood blues’ music" by SJ Mercury News (2022) and received the Metro Silicon Valley Gold Award for Best Band (2024).

Kumar's Little Village releases "Aki Goes To Bollywood" (2016) and "Hindi Man Blues" (2018) are considered ground-breaking albums that have garnered international critical acclaim. In 2020, Kumar made major news with the worldwide launch of his album "Dilruba" on Sony Music. In 2021, Little Village released Kumar's uplifting reggae-inspired single, "Zindagi" (Life). 2025 marked a milestone year for Kumar with the release of his self-produced Little Village album, “God Bless The USA.” 

Kumar has made multiple appearances at the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, San Jose Jazz & SFJAZZ Festivals, and has been featured on PRI “The World,” KQED Arts, and CBS Bay Area. He has toured extensively over the years, including in Europe, Scandinavia, Russia, Australia, India and South America.

Born in the US, raised in New Zealand, and now based in Melbourne, Oscar LaDell is a rising force in blues & soul music. With a globally influenced perspective, LaDell draws on a depth of craft that honors tradition while bringing his own spark to every performance. 

LaDell spent his upbringing in Colorado and New Zealand prior to establishing himself in Melbourne, Australia as a captivating performer and heartfelt songwriter. No stranger to touring, Oscar has performed at numerous festivals and venues, including opening for blues legends like Charlie Musselwhite and Robben Ford. His music is a testament to his deep connection with the craft, solidifying him as one of today’s most compelling new voices. Aficionados will pick up on nods to BB King, Bobby Bland, Al Green and Sam Cooke, while newcomers to Blues & Soul will remain moved by LaDell's beautiful voice and emotional musicianship.

Tickets are $25 general admission. Children under 12 are free. Advance tickets are available here, or if the show is not sold out, you may purchase your tickets at the door before the show.

Doors open 30 minutes before show time. We accept cash or Venmo only at the door.

The Back Room is an all-ages, BYOB (for those 21+) space, dedicated to (mostly) acoustic music of all kinds. You are welcome to bring your own food and beverages. The venue is ADA accessible. If you need more information or have any questions, please call us: #510-381-1997.

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Please refrain from using your phone during performances, and if you use your camera or video, please disable the flash.

Although masks are no longer required, we strongly encourage their use to keep everyone safe in our intimate space.