The group Athenas is a contemporary jazz ensemble from the South Florida area. The musical styles of our group are as varied as its members themselves. Jazz, Funk, Latin, Swing - we play it all! They are musicians who have sharpened their 'chops' by playing throughout the South Florida area with different groups until they discovered each other seven years ago. The chemistry that existed at that time is what keeps this group bonded as a solid unit.

Guitarist Jorge Garcia brings all the richness of Latin rhythms from his birthplace of Cuba into the folds of this ensemble. Garcia's intense passion for his instrument is immediately visible and equally audible through his soulful original compositions. Complex chord structures and a knack for creating equally complex compositions are two things that Kansas-born native Paul Banman is known for among his fellow musicians. Paul is a favorite with vocalists because of his unusual ability to merge his musical ideas and inspiration with those of the vocalist who he happens to be accompanying.

Bassist Tony Smith was born on the tropical island of St.Thomas in the Virgin Islands. Growing up in an environment bursting with rhythmic music and a colorful culture is an experience that has given Tony a solid foundation on which to develop a tremendously diverse vocabulary of rhythmic styles.

Athenas as a group exemplifies a very simple formula that time after time results in outstanding accomplishments: excellent musicianship & tasteful music. This simple combination is what Athenas uses to ensure that their brand of music will continue to satisfy audiences well into the future.