June 6 Vallejo/Vacaville Arts and Entertainment Source: Kalimba pays tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire: “It’s about feel-good music”

Kalimba, The Spirit of Earth, Wind & Fire might sound the part, but the internationally known tribute band is not focused on looking like Earth, Wind and Fire.

Far from it.

Reluctant to even label themselves as a tribute band, band manager and saxophone player Chris Siegmund says it’s not about gimmicks or dressing up like the hit band. Instead, the group has clung to the vision put forth by founding member of Earth, Wind & Fire Maurice White.

“He wanted people to come together as one and enjoy life, to appreciate everyone, to love one another,” said Siegmund. “It’s about feel-good music. And we are just facilitators of that joy and happiness.”

Kalimba will be harnessing that energy as they make a return to Vino Godfather for a two-day Father’s day concert. This third annual concert comes after two years of drawing out overwhelming crowds to the Vallejo winery.

Responding to the audience enthusiasm, Kevin Trager of Frazier Trager events worked with the band to turn the concert into a two-day event with two afternoons dedicated to different albums, or “album nights.”

While it isn’t marketed as a Father’s Day show, the overlapping themes between the holiday and the songs are hard to miss.

“All the songs have to do with loving each other, and we love our children,” said Siegmund. “There’s even lyrics in “Devotion” that talk about children.”

The music is also high-energy and family positive, said Siegmund, adding that it’s not just one age group singing along.

“This music transcends generations. It touches everyone, and when we see kids getting up in the front and singing every lyric, you know you’re doing something special.”

Now well over a decade into their career, the group’s humble approach has proven successful in garnering overwhelming responses from all over the world. Not quite a tribute band, these musicians want their legacy to be their dedication to the music and the experience it cultivates.

“We transport folks to when they first heard these songs,” said Siegmund. “As long as everybody is happy at the end of the show. We might think we didn’t do great, but it’s not about us. If they’re happy, we’re happy.”

However, their humility hasn’t stopped them from trying to improve over the years. Whether it’s stepping up their game on choreography and arrangements or bringing on new members, the group aims for excellence.

“I foresee we are going to continue to grow because of how we approach the music and how we personify the vision,” said Siegmund. “We’re just trying to help one another, we’re not trying to get a one-up.”

Despite challenges during the pandemic when the band lost members to COVID-19, Siegmund credits their resilience and passion with getting them through. In their 13 years, the band has even achieved the unique situation of having former Earth, Wind & Fire band members guest star for their performances.

“Because of how we approach things and how humble we are with the opportunities we’re given, we were introduced to members like Sheldon Reynolds who helped us out before his passing,” said Siegmund, citing the guitarist and singer’s willingness to make connections.

Close friendships have continued to spring up between Siegmund’s group and individuals like the Earth, Wind & Fire’s original manager. Relationships like this have even lead to a dialogue where current and former members have made themselves available to answer Kalimba’s questions.

“We don’t want to be unappreciative, we don’t want to take any of it for granted. So we continue to be thankful. I think that’s what sets us apart.”

IF YOU GO:

• WHAT: Kalimba, The Spirit of Earth, Wind & Fire
• WHEN: June 15-16, 1-4 p.m.
• WHERE: Vino Godfather Winery, 1005 Walnut Ave.,Vallejo.
• TICKETS: $40 online, $45 at the door. Visit: ftpresents.com/events/kalimba-dance-party/